What makes pies the ultimate comfort food dessert

Have you ever seen a pie straight out of a fairy tale?

Set upon a windowsill, it basks in the soft glow of the sunlight serenaded sweetly by chirping birds & the distant murmur of a gentle stream. You can imagine. And even though we’re exaggerating about the bluebirds & squirrels, we’re not lying about the fairy tale pie dessert.

Apple pies: A brief history

The history of apple pie goes way back, possibly even to ancient Greece. But it was ultimately European settlers who introduced pie-making to America. They found LOTS & LOTS of apples there, so apple pie quickly became a big thing. In America, apple pie became a symbol of home and national pride. As more people settled and grew apple trees in the 1600s and 1700s, apple pie recipes spread to nearby countries.

As the popularity of apple pie grew in America, it also began to make its mark in neighboring Canada. With a similar climate conducive to apple cultivation, Canadian settlers embraced the tradition of pie-making brought over by European immigrants. Just as in the United States, the abundance of apples in Canada facilitated the widespread adoption of apple pie as a beloved dessert.

Over time, apple pie in Canada came to symbolize not only the delicious flavors of home-cooked comfort but also the shared experiences and traditions passed down through generations.

How The Big Apple came to be

If you're driving along Highway 401's eastern side, you can't miss a huge red apple sitting in a field near Colborne village. That's Mr. Applehead, the world's largest apple-shaped structure. You can venture inside Mr. Applehead and climb up to the observation deck for a breathtaking view of Cramahe township.

So, what exactly is The Big Apple? The Big Apple’s idea stemmed from George Boycott’s imagination, an Australian immigrant inspired by his homeland's Big Pineapple and Walt Disney World Resort. After sharing his dream with locals for years, a builder named Henry Mensen decided to help make it a reality.

After years & years of hard work, The Big Apple finally opened its doors in 1987, and quickly captivated visitors as a quirky roadside attraction. The visitors also enjoyed the delicious apple pies made in-house right before their eyes.

How is that possible? Northumberland County, where Colborne is, is known for one thing: its big, juicy apples. It's the fourth largest apple-producing area in Ontario.

Colborne, nestled in Cramahe township, pays homage to this heritage with its vast apple orchards spanning approximately three thousand acres, a testament to the prosperity and continuity that agriculture brings to the area.

You'll see reminders of this all around Colborne, with big cardboard apples dangling from street lamps, quietly fluttering in the streets.

Pie varieties at The Big Apple

We’ve got some delicious pie varieties at The Big Apple.

• Classic Apple Pie:

  The epitome of comfort food, the classic apple pie features a flaky crust filled with tender slices of apples, cinnamon, sugar, and a hint of lemon juice.

• Pumpkin Pie:

  Pumpkin pie holds a cherished place particularly during the autumn months. Made from pureed pumpkin, spices, eggs, and condensed milk, this creamy pie is a staple at Thanksgiving feasts across the United States & Canada.

• Blueberry Pie:

  Bursting with a vibrant, electric-blue blueberry puree, packed in a buttery crust, blueberry pie offers a refreshing twist on the classic apple pie. The tartness of the blueberries perfectly complements the sweetness of the filling – absolutely divine.

• Apple Crumble Pie:

  Another popular choice among customers is the mumble crumble. It's made with a classic pie crust and topped with a homemade crumble. The crumble is a mix of oats, brown sugar, and margarine, giving it a crunchy texture. Inside, you'll find a deliciously saucy apple filling. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

• Gluten-Free Pie:

  We also offer a gluten-free option of our classic apple pie. It features a buttery crust filled with freshly sliced apples and topped with a gluten-free streusel. Enjoy this delightful dessert without any concerns about gluten, sugar, or carbs.

• Dutch Apple Pie:

  Extra special with a layer of creamy custard and raisins tucked between the traditional pie crust. Topped with a scrumptious streusel made from brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, it has quickly become a beloved choice for families.

• Apple Maple Pie:

  Truly Canadian apple pie, made with 100% pure and natural maple syrup and adorned with a classic pastry top. Taking it up a notch from the traditional version, our apple maple pie features maple-roasted apples coated in maple sugar.

A final word

The Big Apple bakery is famous for its mouthwatering pies that taste just like homemade treats. We use top-notch ingredients and traditional recipes, which has earned us a loyal fan base.

Our skilled bakers put a lot of care into making each pie perfect. Whether it's the flaky crusts or the flavorful fillings, every detail matters. You can find all kinds of pies there, from classic apple to rich pumpkin, and more.

But what's even better is that we don't leave anyone out. We also make gluten-free pies for those with dietary restrictions.

These pies are just as tasty since everyone deserves a slice of happiness!