11 Great American Pies

Who can resist the appeal of a homemade chocolate cream pie? Smooth, rich chocolate custard in a dark chocolate crust and topped with snowy mounds of whipped cream—it's irresistible.

The recipe calls for a chocolate pastry crust, which is simple to make and tastes delicious. But if time is short, you can always use a refrigerated ready-made pastry crust in its place.

This easy lemon meringue pie is a perennial American favorite. Take one bite, and you'll know why tangy lemon filling and billowing puffs of meringue are a heavenly combination. What's more, it's relatively quick to make, since it calls for a premade pie crust. This pie is best served on the day it is made.

This Key lime pie is an ideal dessert for warm weather. It's tart, creamy, not too sweet, and very refreshing. Tiny Key limes ("key" as in the Florida Keys) are sometimes available in supermarkets and specialty stores, but you will have to squeeze an awful lot of the little devils to yield enough juice. You can also use freshly squeezed lime juice here instead.

The sweetness of strawberries and the tartness of rhubarb are perfectly balanced in this delicious pie. It's best made in spring or early summer when rhubarb is abundant and strawberries are at their peak. Strawberry rhubarb pie is great served warm, but it is also very refreshing when served ice cold from the refrigerator.

Don't let the name vinegar pie throw you off—this old-fashioned pie recipe might surprise you. While apple cider vinegar is an unusual ingredient, it works out very well. It's a Depression-era recipe that's cheap to make. The custardlike filling includes walnuts and raisins, and the crust is deliciously buttery.

Nothing says summer more than a fresh blueberry pie. The brown sugar and pecan topping in this recipe adds a light crunch that contrasts well with the silken blueberry filling. It comes together in under an hour.

One taste of this rich, dense chocolate walnut pie will send you back for more. It's traditionally served at the Kentucky Derby, but don't let that stop you from enjoying this decadent dessert all year long. If time is short, you can use a purchased pie crust for the pie.

Apple pie doesn't get more classic than this. With detailed step-by-step instructions and photos to go along with, it's perfect for anyone baking a pie from scratch—especially if it's your first time. The recipe also provides options for including a lattice or standard top crust.

This banana cream pie is amazing. The filling has a creamy, sweet flavor, and the whipped cream topping adds a sweet, fluffy counterpoint. Top with coconut to take this treat to the next level. 

This rich and delicious chocolate pie is a true Southern classic. It's made with a little flour, unsweetened chocolate, and eggs. Save time by using a frozen pie crust or premade pie dough. 

Can't wait for the cherry season? Enjoy the rich flavor of cherry pie all year long with this recipe that uses frozen, tart cherries. The cherries in this pie recipe are packed with antioxidants, and their rich hue is perfect for brightening the winter table.