January Trivia: National Pie Day Pie had its early beginnings with the ancient Egyptians, and possibly the Greeks, with the first recorded recipe calling for a rye crust, goat cheese, and honey. Traveling to England as early as the 12th century, the dish usually featured meat, and the thick crust was often disregarded. Fruit pies were probably introduced in the 16th century with pears and quinces being used as often as apples. Queen Elizabeth I is credited with making the first cherry pie, although it is doubtful she did the cooking. Sailing across the Atlantic with the colonists (along with the apple seeds they introduced), pies landed in America and began their transformation to what we know today. During the American Revolution, the Pennsylvania Dutch had a hand in perfecting the modern day pie. Created by the American Pie Council, January 23rd has been named national pie day. Need more than a tasty treat to celebrate? Kids can practice following directions and measuring by baking a pie. Foster empathy by sharing with a neighbor or community member. Practice fractions with pie charts. Follow pie's path through history with a timeline.