20 Pies That Belong At Every Potluck And Picnic Table
A good pie brings people together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a church potluck, hosting a backyard cookout, or showing up to a summer picnic, these pies are the kind that disappear fast. Some are fruity, some are creamy, all are picnic-perfect.
1. Classic Apple Pie
Apple pie never goes out of style and remains a quintessential part of any potluck. Its flaky crust cradles a warm, cinnamon-infused filling of sweet apple slices.
Whether freshly baked or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this pie’s aroma promises comfort and nostalgia. Families have passed down recipes for generations, each adding their own twist.
The allure isn’t just in taste; it’s in the memories it evokes. Remember autumn afternoons, the crunch of leaves, and the warmth of a kitchen filled with love. Truly timeless, apple pie is always a hit.
2. Cherry Lattice Pie
There’s something so enticing about the woven crust of a cherry lattice pie. The tart cherries, vibrant and juicy, lie beneath a golden lattice that promises a perfect balance of flavors.
Paired with a dollop of whipped cream, this pie is a visual and culinary delight. Its appeal isn’t just in its taste but also in its presentation, where every slice reveals a burst of color.
Whether it’s the first or last pie on the table, it never fails to draw attention. A staple for summer gatherings, it embodies the zest and joy of the season.
3. Blueberry Crumble Pie
Bursting with flavor, blueberry crumble pie is a delightful mess of sweetness and texture. Its buttery oat topping adds a crunch that perfectly complements the juicy berries.
This pie captures the essence of summer, its deep blue hues reminiscent of sunny days and berry-picking adventures. Each bite offers a comforting blend of tartness and sweetness, making it irresistible.
It’s a pie that’s meant to be enjoyed outdoors, surrounded by laughter and sunshine. Often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it truly is a beloved favorite at gatherings.
4. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
The marriage of strawberries and rhubarb in a pie is a beautiful blend of tart and sweet. The vibrant reds and greens under a golden crust capture the essence of spring-summer transitions.
With each forkful, you experience a delightful contrast, the tartness of rhubarb meeting the sweetness of strawberries. It’s a dynamic duo that keeps taste buds tingling.
Perfect for picnics, this pie brings a touch of rustic charm to any table. Rich in flavor yet refreshingly light, it’s a go-to choice for those seeking something different.
5. Peach Pie
Nothing says summer quite like a peach pie. Juicy, ripe peaches encased in a flaky crust create a dessert that’s both classic and spectacular.
Warm from the oven, it’s a slice of sunshine on the table. This pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, enhancing its natural sweetness.
Perfect for a picnic, the sweet aroma alone is enough to draw a crowd. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing the natural flavor of peaches to shine. Fresh, juicy, and universally loved, it’s a summer staple.
6. Banana Cream Pie
A creamy delight, banana cream pie is a nostalgic nod to simpler times. Layers of smooth pudding and sliced bananas rest in a buttery crust, topped with clouds of whipped cream.
Every forkful is a silky, sweet experience that seems to melt in your mouth. It’s a pie that evokes childhood memories and family gatherings.
Cool and creamy, it’s particularly refreshing on a hot day. This pie’s charm lies in its simplicity, making it a beloved choice for those seeking comfort in familiar flavors.
7. Chocolate Cream Pie
For chocolate lovers, chocolate cream pie is pure indulgence. Its rich, silky chocolate filling nestled in a crisp crust, topped with whipped cream, is a dream come true.
Every bite is smooth and decadent, offering an explosion of chocolatey goodness. It’s a pie that satisfies even the most intense chocolate cravings.
Perfect for any occasion, its allure lies in its luxurious taste and texture. Whether at a potluck or picnic, this pie is sure to be a standout, pleasing both young and old alike.
8. Coconut Cream Pie
Coconut cream pie brings a touch of the tropics to any gathering. Its cool, creamy custard filling, enriched with shredded coconut, offers a refreshing escape.
Topped with more coconut, it presents a delightful texture that transports you to sandy beaches and swaying palms. It’s a pie that promises a taste of paradise.
Ideal for hot summer days, its refreshing nature makes it a crowd favorite. The balance of creaminess and coconut flavor is simply irresistible, ensuring its place at any potluck table.
9. Lemon Icebox Pie
Lemon icebox pie is a zesty delight served cold. Its creamy filling, nestled in a graham cracker crust, offers a refreshing tartness that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for summer, this pie is as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Each bite is a burst of citrusy goodness, balanced by the sweetness of the crust.
Its bright, lively flavors make it a standout choice for picnics and potlucks. This pie captures the essence of sunshine in every slice, leaving a refreshing finish.
10. Key Lime Pie
A true Florida classic, key lime pie is a citrusy masterpiece. Its smooth, tangy filling rests in a graham cracker crust, offering the perfect zing.
Light and refreshing, each slice brings the taste of the tropics to the table. The pie’s bright flavor is balanced by the subtle sweetness of the crust.
Garnished with lime slices, it looks as inviting as it tastes. Ideal for warm weather gatherings, its crisp, clean taste is a surefire hit with guests craving a touch of citrus.
11. Shoofly Pie
From Amish country comes the intriguing shoofly pie. Named for its ability to attract flies, this molasses-based delight is sticky, sweet, and utterly unique.
Its rich flavor profile, reminiscent of gingerbread cookies, offers a comforting taste that’s both simple and satisfying. The pie’s texture is both crumbly and gooey, making it a sensory delight.
A staple in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, it’s a pie that intrigues and pleases. A slice invites curiosity and delight, making it a fun addition to any dessert spread.
12. Chess Pie
A Southern classic, chess pie is simplicity at its finest. Made with basic ingredients, its rich buttery custard offers a delightful flavor.
The pie’s texture is smooth and velvety, making each bite an indulgent experience. It’s the embodiment of Southern hospitality and comfort.
With its golden hue and inviting aroma, chess pie stands out on any dessert table. It’s a beloved staple that continues to charm potluck guests with its pure and wholesome taste.
13. Buttermilk Pie
Buttermilk pie, a cousin to chess pie, offers a tangy twist on a classic. Its creamy filling, with a hint of lemon, sits in a delicate crust.
The pie’s subtle sweetness and tang make it an intriguing choice for those seeking a unique flavor profile. It’s a slice of Southern tradition at its finest.
Often overlooked, this pie surprises and delights with its understated elegance. Its creamy texture and gentle tang ensure its rightful place on any dessert table, appealing to both traditionalists and adventurers.
14. Blackberry Pie
Blackberry pie, with its juicy filling and hint of lemon, captures the essence of a summer day. The plump, tart berries under a golden crust offer a delightful taste.
Each bite combines the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a favorite at gatherings. Its rich color and vibrant flavor are sure to impress.
Whether served warm or cold, blackberry pie’s appeal is undeniable. It’s a pie that celebrates the bounty of summer, offering a taste of nature’s finest.
15. Raspberry Crumble Pie
Raspberry crumble pie is a treat for the senses. With its sweet and tart berries crowned by a golden streusel topping, it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
The pie’s contrasting textures offer a delightful eating experience, with each bite being a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s a pie that excites and satisfies.
Ideal for outdoor gatherings, its vibrant color and fresh taste capture the essence of summer. A slice of this pie promises a joyful culinary adventure, leaving guests craving more.
16. Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan pie bars bring all the flavor of traditional pecan pie in a portable form. Each square is a gooey, nutty delight that’s easy to serve and enjoy.
The bars’ rich taste, with hints of caramel and toasted pecans, makes them a standout choice for any gathering. They’re a perfect blend of convenience and decadence.
Ideal for picnics, these bars travel well and require no utensils. They’re a sweet reminder that good things often come in small packages, offering indulgence in every bite.
17. Slab Apple Pie
For feeding a crowd, slab apple pie is the go-to choice. Baked on a sheet pan, it offers all the flavors of a classic apple pie but in a larger, sharable form.
Its flaky crust and cinnamon-spiced filling make it a comforting favorite. Each square slice is a taste of nostalgia, perfect for any large gathering.
Easy to serve and enjoy, slab apple pie is a testament to the power of simplicity. It embodies the warmth and joy of shared meals, making it a must-have at potlucks.
18. Hand Pies
Hand pies offer a convenient, no-fork-needed dessert option. These portable pockets of goodness are perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.
With various flavors from sweet to savory, they cater to all tastes. Each bite-size pie promises a burst of flavor and a touch of home-baked goodness.
Ideal for festivals or picnics, hand pies are a fun and versatile choice. Their charm lies in their simplicity and the joy of discovering what’s inside each flaky crust.
19. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie isn’t just for Thanksgiving. Its custardy filling and warm spices make it a year-round favorite.
With a flaky crust and a touch of whipped cream, each slice is a celebration of fall flavors. It’s a comforting dessert that evokes the coziness of autumn.
Perfect for any gathering, pumpkin pie’s rich taste and inviting aroma make it a staple. Its timeless appeal ensures it’s always welcomed at the table, bringing warmth to every occasion.
20. Peanut Butter Pie
Peanut butter pie is a delightful surprise at any potluck. With its creamy filling and chocolate cookie crust, it offers a rich yet refreshing taste.
Each slice is a decadent treat, satisfying even the most discerning sweet tooth. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven.
Perfect for those seeking something different, this pie is a crowd-pleaser. Its unique flavor profile ensures it stands out, leaving guests pleasantly surprised and craving more.