Whether you’re a number cruncher (or number-lover) or just love pie, National Pi Day has become one of the world’s most popular holidays-that’s-not-a-holiday to celebrate at work. And for good reason.
Who doesn’t like an excuse to eat pie while waxing poetic about the world’s longest number? You can look smart and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time.
Is it a coincidence that pi is an infinite equation and that the pi shape is a perfect circle, just like pie? We think not.
Initially founded on March 14, 1988 to simultaneously honor the math ratio pi and Albert Einstein’s birthday, Pi Day has grown rapidly in popularity over the years. The holiday became official in 2009.
Getting hungry? Here’s a list of 10 mouth-watering pies you should order today if you want to celebrate Pi Day the right way.
1. Apple pie
They say there’s nothing as American as apple pie, which is probably why many pie lovers consider it one of the best pie flavors in America. Nothing says comfort like a piece of apple pie. Whether topped with whipped cream, cold vanilla ice cream, or a slice of melted American cheese, this classic can’t go wrong. To celebrate Pi Day, you can ask your caterer to bake the iconic pi symbol onto the top crust.
2. Blueberry pie
The first blueberry pie recipe dates back to 1872, and this beloved flavor has been a hit ever since. In fact, blueberry pie is so popular, it even has its own national holiday on April 28.
Blueberry pie makes a sweet and delicious addition to any event. Top your blueberry pie with fresh whipped cream, or get a little creative and serve it with chocolate ice cream or warm vanilla custard.
3. Coconut cream pie
Smooth and creamy with a hint of the tropics, coconut cream pie has been a dessert favorite since the early 1900s, when dried coconut became easier to ship around the world. A delicious blend of coconut flakes, half-n-half, sugar, and flour make up the coconut cream filling, while a traditional baked crust serves as the base. Coconut cream pie is best served chilled, so you’ll want to keep it refrigerated before your Pi Day party.
4. Key lime pie
Who can resist the sweet, citrusy, melt-in-your mouth custard filling and crumbly graham cracker crust of key lime pie? This refreshing pie is said to have originated in Key West, Florida, but some pie experts argue that it actually stems from a 1931 recipe called Magic Lemon Cream, created by the Borden condensed milk company. Whatever the case may be, there’s no denying key lime pie is an absolutely delicious way to honor Pi Day.
5. Lemon meringue pie
Lightly sweet, tart, and ever-so-elegant, lemon meringue is a classic pie flavor that goes perfectly with coffee or tea. While lemon meringue is known as a Southern dessert, the recipe was actually created in Philadelphia by a pastry shop owner and cooking school manager named Elizabeth Goodfellow. The recipe for Ms. Goodfellow’s lemon custard pies topped with fluffy meringue graced the pages of many cookbooks, and it was also one of Abraham Lincoln’s favorite pie flavors. When slicing this delicious pie, it’s best to dip your knife in hot water before cutting into the top layer to prevent damage to the lovely meringue.
6. Pecan pie
Known for its comforting flavor and crunchy sweetness, pecan pie is a traditional dessert, most often enjoyed during the holiday season. The earliest recipes for pecan pie started showing up in church cookbooks sometime in the late 1800s, and the rest is delicious history. If you’re thinking of including pecan pie as an option at your Pi Day celebration, consider warming it up before serving and topping each slice with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
7. Pumpkin pie
Sure, pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving favorite, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it any time of the year. Pumpkin pie actually began as a crustless version when British colonists filled pumpkins with milk, honey, and spices and baked them over a fire. Today’s pumpkin pie includes a flaky, buttery crust, and you can enjoy it warmed or chilled and topped with whipped cream or ice cream.
8. Cherry pie
Cherry pie made its mark on the world in England in the late 1500s. According to legend, the very first version of this tasty masterpiece was specifically made for Queen Elizabeth I. After that, a star was born. Cherry is one of the most popular pie flavors, offering a delicious combination of sweet and tart cherry filling and traditional piecrust. Whether served heated with a side of ice cream or enjoyed at room temperature, cherry pie makes a great addition to any office party.
9. Strawberry rhubarb pie
While the idea of fruit and vegetables paired together in a pie may sound a little weird, strawberry rhubarb pie just works. Baked in a traditional flaky piecrust, tangy rhubarb complements the sweetness of the strawberries, and the results are culinary magic. To get the most out of every bite, serve this baked pie heated and paired with cold vanilla ice cream.
10. Boston cream pie
Is it a pie or a cake? While this question is pretty common when discussing Boston cream pie, the best answer is that this official Massachusetts state dessert is a “pie in cake’s clothing.” Whether it’s officially a pie or a cake, there’s no denying Boston cream pie is a true crowd pleaser. Creamy custard sits between two layers of butter cake drizzled in chocolate, making each bite a dream come true. For optimal taste and food safety, keep this pie cold until you’re ready to serve.
Tips for a successful Pi Day party
Set the Pi Day mood by decorating the office, kitchen or break area with pi (or pie) themed decor. Can’t find a “Happy Pi Day” banner? You could get clever and use paper chains to represent infinity. You can also play Pi Day trivia with questions centered around fun facts about the holiday, about Pi — or of course pie.
How much pie should you order for a catered office party? The rule of thumb is that you’ll want to order enough pie to provide around two slices per person. Two 9-inch pies should be enough to feed between 12 and 16 people.
If you’re planning on serving your pie a la mode or with toppings such as whipped cream, be sure to order those in advance as well. You’ll also want to let your catering manager know if you need extra napkins or utensils.
Order National Pi Day Pie from ezCater
Pie and Pi Day go hand in hand, and ezCater can help ensure your Pi Day party is a big hit. With over 100,000 restaurants on our platform and an easy-as-pie ordering system, you’ll find the perfect pie to celebrate with ezCater.