Introduction: The Sweetness of Baking Together
There’s something magical about baking with loved ones. The act of measuring flour, kneading dough, or rolling out a pie crust becomes more than a culinary task—it transforms into a shared experience, a chance to bond, and an opportunity to create lasting memories. Baking together is a reminder that life’s sweetest moments often happen in the kitchen, surrounded by family, laughter, and the aroma of something delicious in the oven.
As National Pie Day approaches on January 23, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the joy of baking with family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, pie-making is a timeless tradition that brings people together, blending simple ingredients into something extraordinary. In this post, we’ll explore the magic of family baking, share tips for creating togetherness in the kitchen, and provide a classic pie recipe to inspire your next baking session.
Why Baking Brings Families Together
Baking is more than just making dessert—it’s about connection. Here’s why baking is a uniquely powerful way to bring families closer:
- It Slows Us Down
In our fast-paced lives, baking requires us to pause and be present. Unlike quick dinners or takeout, baking takes time and patience. From mixing the dough to waiting for a pie to cool, every step creates space for conversation, storytelling, and laughter. - It’s Hands-On and Interactive
Baking is an inherently collaborative activity. One person can mix the filling while another rolls the dough. Kids can sprinkle sugar on top or cut decorative shapes from pastry. These small tasks foster teamwork and give everyone a sense of contribution. - It Connects Generations
For many families, baking is a way to pass down traditions. Grandparents can teach their secret pie crust techniques to their grandchildren, parents can share stories of baking with their own parents, and children can add their creative touches to family favorites. These moments build bridges between generations, ensuring that recipes and relationships endure.
The Pie: A Symbol of Togetherness
Pies hold a special place in family baking traditions. They’re versatile, comforting, and deeply nostalgic. Apple pies remind us of holidays, pecan pies of Southern roots, and berry pies of summer picnics.
Making a pie as a family is more than just baking—it’s a ritual. The process of creating a pie mirrors the act of building a family: it starts with a sturdy foundation (the crust), layers in sweetness and complexity (the filling), and requires care, patience, and love to bring it all together.
Tips for Baking as a Family
If you’re ready to make baking a family affair, here are some tips to make the experience fun, inclusive, and memorable:
- Choose a Recipe Together
Let everyone have a say in what you’ll bake. If it’s for National Pie Day, consider classic options like apple, cherry, or pumpkin, or get adventurous with unique flavor combinations. - Divide Tasks by Skill Level
Baking is an excellent opportunity to teach kids and involve everyone. Assign simple tasks like measuring ingredients or decorating to younger family members while adults handle more challenging steps like rolling dough or working with the oven. - Embrace the Mess
Baking with family can be messy, and that’s okay. Flour on the counter and sticky fingers are signs of creativity and fun. The memories you create will be far more meaningful than a spotless kitchen. - Capture the Moment
Take photos of your baking session, from the flour-dusted table to the finished pie. These snapshots become part of your family’s story, reminding everyone of the joy shared in the kitchen. - Don’t Stress About Perfection
The beauty of family baking lies in its imperfections. Crooked crusts or uneven fillings don’t matter as much as the laughter and connection created along the way.
A Classic Recipe for National Pie Day: Grandma’s Apple Pie
This recipe for a classic apple pie is the perfect choice for a family baking session. It’s simple enough for all skill levels to participate and rich with timeless flavors.
Ingredients for the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the crust)
- 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions:
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the apples to release their juices.
Assemble the Pie:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface and place it in a 9-inch pie pan. Trim the edges, leaving about 1 inch overhang.
Pour the apple filling into the crust, dot with butter, and roll out the second dough disc for the top crust.
Cover the pie with the top crust, seal the edges, and crimp decoratively. Cut slits in the top for steam to escape.
Bake the Pie:
Brush the crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the pie to cool for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Preserving the Magic with a Family Cookbook
Baking together creates memories that last a lifetime. By compiling your family’s favorite recipes into a family cookbook, you can preserve these moments and pass them down to future generations.
Using a platform like RootsInRecipes.com makes creating a family cookbook easy and meaningful. You can upload recipes, add photos from your baking sessions, and include stories about the traditions tied to each dish. The platform also allows you to collaborate with family members, ensuring that everyone’s contributions are included.
Conclusion: A Slice of Togetherness
As National Pie Day approaches, take the opportunity to gather your family in the kitchen and bake something special. Whether it’s a classic apple pie, a cherished family dessert, or a creative new recipe, the act of baking together is a celebration of love, connection, and tradition.
The secret ingredients of togetherness—laughter, patience, and shared stories—are what make family baking so magical. So roll up your sleeves, dust the counter with flour, and create something sweet with the people you love. Because in the end, the best part of baking isn’t the dessert itself—it’s the memories you create along the way.
Happy National Pie Day!
Add a Sweet Bonus: Our Favorite Shortbread Recipe
Earlier this month, on January 6th, we celebrated National Shortbread Day with a featured recipe on Instagram that quickly became a fan favorite. Shortbread is another timeless dessert that embodies the simplicity and elegance of baking traditions. It’s buttery, crumbly, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. If you missed it, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered here!
This recipe, inspired by the classic Scotch Shortbread from AllRecipes.com, is a must-try for anyone who loves the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of shortbread.
Scotch Shortbread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare Your Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually blend in the flour mixture until fully incorporated.
Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead until smooth. Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter. Alternatively, press the dough into an ungreased 9-inch square pan and prick the surface with a fork for traditional shortbread bars.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the cookies or pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the shortbread to cool completely before serving. If baked as a single sheet in a pan, cut into bars or squares after cooling.
A Perfect Companion for Baking Together
Shortbread is a fantastic addition to any family baking session. Its simplicity makes it a great recipe for kids to help with, and its buttery richness pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee for a cozy family gathering.
Be sure to add this shortbread recipe to your family cookbook, using RootsInRecipes.com to document the story of how it became a favorite in your home. Whether enjoyed on National Shortbread Day or any day of the year, it’s a dessert that’s sure to bring everyone together.
So now you have two delicious reasons to gather in the kitchen this month: baking a classic pie for National Pie Day and whipping up some shortbread to share with your loved ones. The magic of baking is always best enjoyed with family, and these recipes are perfect for creating moments of joy and connection.