Which of these pies is a traditional dessert served on the 4th of July?
The great American pie road trip: 10 must-try flavors
Americans love pies and with good reason! They come in all kinds of shapes and forms. From basic ingredients like chocolate to riskier ones like a cheddar crust (yes, that is very much a thing!). Each state in our country has found a way to take a classic pie and come up with its own unique version of it, and even create new pies altogether. Now, in an attempt to take a culinary road trip, we’ve gathered 10 pies that are big in 10 different states. Will your state make the list? Are you willing to try any of these? Keep reading and see for yourself! Enjoy the ride!
Image: Maksim Goncharenok
Massachusetts - Apple pie with a twist
Apple pie is the nation’s pie—it’s the classic dessert served on the 4th of July, so it doesn’t belong to any particular state. However, Massachusetts thought the classic recipe could do with a twist and they went all the way: Apple pie with a cheddar crust.
This may sound unusual, but it’s actually quite a popular recipe in the Bay State. Some choose to fill the pie with the cheese, while others prefer to lay some slices on top and bake it until a crust forms. In any case, this one is only for those who keep their minds and palates open to new experiences. Are you one of them?
Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦
Kentucky - Bourbon Chocolate Pecan pie
In Kentucky, bourbon flows as freely as hospitality, and it’s no surprise that the state’s beloved Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie is a crowd favorite—especially on Derby Day. This dessert combines crunchy pecans, smooth chocolate, and a splash of Kentucky bourbon for a sweet, boozy finish.
Now, here’s the thing with this one: You can’t call it a Derby Pie unless you are Kern’s Kitchen. Why not? Because they own the trademark. But that didn’t stop the locals—they came up with creative alternatives like "Not Derby Pie" or "Derby Dessert."
To make it yourself, try mixing a bit of melted butter with your chocolate for an extra velvety texture. Just don’t forget to sip a little bourbon on the side while you’re baking—it’s only fitting!
Image: nikohoshi
New Jersey - Green tomato pie
New Jersey’s Green Tomato Pie might sound odd to some, but locals know it’s a delicious treat. Made from either ripe green tomatoes (which often have lovely stripes) or unripe red ones, this pie has a flavor that is surprisingly similar to apples. The tomatoes soften as they cook, and they blend beautifully with the cinnamon and the sugar. The result? A refreshing, unique filling.
If you’re giving it a go at home, make sure to use the ripest green tomatoes you can find—they add a more vibrant flavor to each bite.
Image: Sophie Dale
Pennsylvania - Shoofly pie
Pennsylvania’s Shoofly Pie is one of those old-time desserts that never goes out of style. Based on molasses, the pie comes in two styles: a dry-bottom version that’s more like a cake, or a wet-bottom version with a gooey custard layer.
But what about the name? Traditionally, it’s believed that the name came from the flies that bakers had to "shoo" away while the pie cooled. However, some say it's named after Shoofly the Boxing Mule, a celebrity from the 19th century.
Either way, this pie is a taste of Pennsylvania's Dutch heritage. If you’re up for a baking challenge, aim for the wet-bottom style—its sticky, rich filling is worth the extra effort. Just be ready to shoo some flies away!
Image: Kenneth Schipper
Georgia - Peanut pie
Were you expecting to see a peach-based pie in this section? Not today, sir! Though Georgia is often called the Peach State, its real star crop is peanuts. Thousands of peanut farmers call Georgia home, including one very famous name. Do you know it? Jimmy Carter, the peanut-farming president!
Peanut Pie might not be as well-known as peanut butter, but it’s just as flavorful and rich. This Southern staple blends sweet, salty, and nutty goodness in every bite. Serve it with whipped cream, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and even easier to enjoy.
Now, in case you were wondering, Carter wasn’t the only one: Thomas Jefferson was also a fan of peanuts! With a history like that, you know this pie is something worth trying.
Image: Isaac Quesada
Vermont - Maple pie
This one lives up to our expectations: Vermont’s connection with maple syrup is legendary, and Maple Pie is the sweet—and logical—result. As the nation’s leader in maple syrup production, Vermont has turned this delicious treat into a delicious pie.
In the 1860s, maple sugar was cheaper than cane sugar, making it the go-to sweetener, and today, it still holds that place of honor. Maple Pie is rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet… So, Vermont in a nutshell.
Are you giving this pie a go? Use a deep-flavored maple for an intense result!
Image: Mary West
Alaska - Blueberry Rhubarb pie
We may all know Alaska for its rugged wilderness, but it’s also home to some fantastic pie ingredients, like blueberries and rhubarb. These two grow in abundance, especially thanks to Alaska’s long summer days. And did you know? Back in the early 1900s, Henry Clark, who was nicknamed "The Rhubarb King," helped feed Gold Rush workers with fresh rhubarb.
You can use any kind of berry in this pie, but wild Alaskan blueberries are especially tasty! Add a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top, and you’ve got a true Alaskan treat. It’s tart, sweet, and perfect for any adventure. Just be sure to gather your berries before the bears do!
Image: Erol Ahmed
Colorado - Rocky road pie
When you think of Colorado, the mighty Rocky Mountains are the first thing to come to mind, right? What better way to honor them than with a Rocky Road Pie? Done and done, thanks to the locals.
This pie brings together chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts, just like the famous ice cream flavor. Now, here is a fun fact: legend says the original Rocky Road ice cream was made by cutting marshmallows with sewing scissors!
We can’t really confirm whether that’s true or not, but you can’t deny the charm of the story. The pie version is just as rich and satisfying, with layers of melted chocolate and fluffy marshmallows. If you’re a fan of sweet and crunchy, this one’s for you.
Image: Dagmara Dombrovska
Maryland - White potato pie
Most people think of sweet potatoes when they hear "potato pie," and that makes sense, but in Maryland, it’s all about the white potato.
This pie has been a local favorite for over 150 years, and early recipes date back to nothing less than the 1850s! Baked in a buttery crust, this pie is sweet and custard-like, with just a hint of cinnamon. It’s a bit like pumpkin pie’s lighter cousin.
Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new holiday go-to! Marylanders have been enjoying it for generations, and it’s easy to see why. Serve warm or cold—it’s the perfect ending to any meal.
Image: Josephine Amalie Paysen
Ohio - Buckeye pie
And we come to the end with Ohio’s signature pie: Buckeye pie take center stage, please! This delicious pie, along with its name, is inspired by the famous buckeye candy that mimics the state tree’s nut.
Though the real buckeye nut is toxic, you can eat this version without any worries. The pie is pure indulgence, layered with chocolate and peanut butter. The combination of creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate is hard to resist, and it looks just as good as it tastes. Simply mouthwatering!
Image: Tanya Semenchuk