United States, by way of England and continental Europe. Apple pies were made in England and the Netherlands long before American independence — the fruit was brought to North America by European colonists. The dish became symbolically American in the 20th century, particularly in the context of wartime patriotism.
American apple pie — flaky, lard-and-butter double crust, spiced apple filling, deep golden, baked until the juices bubble through the steam vents — is the country's defining dessert. The crust must shatter at the first touch of a fork; the filling must be set but not gluey; the apples must be present as pieces, not mush. Served warm with vanilla ice cream (the only correct accompaniment). The expression 'as American as apple pie' exists for a reason.
- French tarte tatin (upside-down caramelised apple tart — the French apple pie cousin); British apple crumble (baked spiced apple with crumble topping — the deconstructed British version); Dutch appeltaart (lattice-crust apple tart with cinnamon — the Dutch ancestor of American apple pie).
Vanilla ice cream (Häagen-Dazs or a quality local brand) — the warm pie and cold ice cream is the defining American dessert pairing. Or sharp cheddar cheese on the side — the New England tradition of serving apple pie with cheddar.