Types of Pie that Make Every Slice More Exciting

Pie has a way of making any day feel a little warmer. Give us a flaky crust, a generous filling, and a slice shared with good company, and suddenly things feel right.

Of course, not every pie plays by the same rules. So, this guide walks through the many types of pie, classic dessert favorites, and savory comfort food. So the next time you see a pie on the table and wonder what kind it is, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at.

Quick Navigation:

• What is Pie?
• Types of Pies by Crust Style
• Types of Pies by Filling
• Types of Pies by Serving Temperature
• A Brief History of Pie
• How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Pie
• Final Slice: Bring Pie to Your Next Picnic
• FAQs

What is Pie?

Pie is a dish made with a crust and a filling, which is the simple version. It can be sweet or savory, served hot or cold, filled with fruit, meat, or custard.

When you’re biting into a buttery slice of apple pie or a flaky chicken pot pie, it’s all about comfort and flavor wrapped in dough.

Types of Pies by Crust Style

What holds it all together and makes each pie unique?

Open-Face Pies

Just a bottom crust and plenty of exposed filling. These pies are fresh, bright, and beautiful on display.

• Lemon tart
• Mixed berry tart
• Rustic galette
• Chocolate ganache tart

Best for: fruit-forward pies and silky textures.

Double-Crust Pies

The top and bottom crusts come together to seal in the filling. Classic, cozy, and totally satisfying.

• Apple pie
• Cherry pie
• Chicken pot pie
• Peach pie

Think of grandma’s kitchen and holidays.

Lattice-Top Pies

Woven strips of dough across the top create that charming, homespun look. The filling peeks through for extra appeal.

• Strawberry rhubarb pie
• Blueberry pie
• Raspberry peach pie

They’re a bit of a showstopper at any gathering.

⚪ Crumb-Topped Pies

Instead of a full crust, these get a sweet, buttery crumble made with flour, sugar, and butter. Sometimes there’s oats or nuts for extra crunch.

• Dutch apple pie
• Blueberry crumb pie
• Peach crumble pie

Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Types of Pies by Filling

The heart of any pie is what’s inside: sweet, savory, smooth, or fruity. Here are the most common filling types.

Fruit Pies

Classic and loved for a reason. These pies are packed with fresh or cooked fruit, and often served warm with a flaky crust.

• Apple pie
• Cherry pie
• Peach pie
• Blueberry pie
• Strawberry rhubarb pie

Perfect for holidays and everyday cravings.

Nut Pies

Rich, sweet, and a little crunchy. Nut pies are often made with a sugar-based syrup and roasted nuts.

• Pecan pie
• Walnut pie
• Chocolate pecan pie

A favorite for fall and festive dinners.

Cream Pies

Cool and silky, cream pies are usually chilled and topped with whipped cream or meringue.

• Chocolate cream pie
• Coconut cream pie
• Banana cream pie
• Peanut butter pie

Sweet and smooth with no baking required.

Savory Pies

Not all pies are sweet. These are hearty, filling, and often served as a meal.

• Chicken pot pie
• Shepherd’s pie
• Beef and mushroom pie
• Vegetable pie

Comfort food at its finest.

Cheese & Custard Pies

These pies are soft, creamy, and often served cold. They can be sweet or savory depending on the recipe.

• Classic cheesecake (yes, it’s technically a pie!)
• Ricotta pie
• Sweet cheese pie
• Quiche

A smooth slice of something special.

Types of Pies by Serving Temperature

Hot from the oven or cool and creamy, how a pie is served makes all the difference.

Served Warm or Hot

These pies are best enjoyed straight from the oven or gently warmed. The filling is usually cooked, gooey, and deeply flavorful.

• Apple pie
• Chicken pot pie
• Pecan pie
• Shepherd’s pie

Serve with a scoop of ice cream or creamy mashed potatoes, depending on the pie.

❄️ Served Chilled or Cold

These pies are all about smooth textures and refreshing flavors. No baking required, and they’re often made ahead of time.

• Key lime pie
• Banana cream pie
• No-bake cheesecake
• Coconut cream pie

Ideal for summer days, backyard gatherings, or anytime you want something light and cool.

Still thinking about dessert? If you’re into sweet pie flavors, you’ll probably enjoy learning about the most popular types of donuts. It’s a fun mix of classic and creative options worth exploring.

A Brief History of Pie

Pie has a history as rich as its fillings. The earliest versions appeared in ancient Egypt, where honey and oats were wrapped in crude dough. Later, the Greeks and Romans developed more refined crusts, often using meat or seafood inside.

In medieval Europe, pies became popular as a way to preserve food. These early pies weren’t always meant to be eaten; the crusts were thick and used mainly as containers.

Over time, techniques evolved, and pies became softer, tastier, and more diverse. When European settlers brought pie-making traditions to the Americas, it quickly became a symbol of home cooking.

Classic American favorites like apple, pumpkin, and pecan pies took root and grew into cultural icons. Today, pie is more than a dish; it’s a connection to history, tradition, and comfort across generations.

After reading about all these types of pies, you might need something light and funny. Check out the best food puns to add a little humor to your next dessert talk.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Pie

Proper storage helps the pie stay fresh, safe, and enjoyable after the first slice. The best method depends on the filling, since fruit pies, cream pies, custard pies, and savory pies do not all keep the same way.

Fruit pies like apple, cherry, peach, and blueberry can usually stay covered at room temperature for a short time. Cream, custard, cheesecake-style, and meat-filled pies should go in the fridge because they often contain dairy, eggs, or cooked protein.

Here are a few simple storage tips:

• Cover the pie with foil, plastic wrap, or a pie keeper to protect the crust.
• Refrigerate cream, custard, meringue, and savory pies after serving.
• Freeze fruit pies, nut pies, and some savory pies once they are fully cooled.
• Wrap the pie tightly before freezing to help prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat warm pies in the oven instead of the microwave for a better crust.

For the best texture, let the frozen pie thaw in the fridge before reheating. Warm it gently until the filling is heated through and the crust feels crisp again.

Final Slice: Bring Pie to Your Next Picnic

Pie comes in many forms, from warm fruit pies and rich nut pies to chilled cream pies and hearty savory pies. Some are best served fresh from the oven, while others taste better cold and creamy. With so many crusts, fillings, and serving styles to choose from, there is always a pie that fits the mood, season, or occasion.

The best part is that pie is made for sharing. It works well for family meals, outdoor gatherings, holiday tables, and laid-back afternoons with people you enjoy.

For your next picnic, bring a pie that matches the moment.

Planning a beautiful outdoor spread should feel simple. Picnic Times helps turn everyday gatherings into memorable picnic experiences with style, comfort, and thoughtful details. Make your next picnic sweeter, easier, and more special with Picnic Times.

FAQs

What are the different types of pie?

The main types of pie include fruit, cream, nut, custard, savory, and cheese pies. Pies can also be grouped by crust style, such as open-face, double-crust, lattice-top, and crumb-topped pies.

What is the difference between a pie and a tart?

Pie usually has a softer, flakier crust and can have a top crust, a bottom crust, or both. Tart has a firmer crust and is often served open-faced with the filling showing on top.

Should pie be refrigerated?

Cream, custard, meringue, cheesecake-style, and savory pies should be refrigerated because they often contain dairy, eggs, or meat. Fruit pies can usually stay covered at room temperature for a short time, then go in the fridge for longer storage.

What pies are best for a picnic?

Fruit pies, hand pies, mini pies, and nut pies work well for picnics because they hold their shape and are easier to serve outdoors. Cream pies can also work, but they need to stay chilled until serving.