I'm about to take you on a journey through the world of Table Talk pies, a true American classic. These pies have been a part of our culinary landscape for nearly a century, and their charm lies in their simplicity and affordability. But which flavors truly stand out? Let's dive in and rank these seven popular snack pies, from the ones that need a little more love to the absolute winners.
The Quest for the Perfect Pie:
Table Talk pies have a special place in my heart, and I'm sure many of you can relate. The idea of a whole pie in a tiny box is simply enchanting, and the taste never fails to satisfy. Founded by Greek immigrants in 1924, this family-owned business has been a staple in American households for generations. With an impressive production of 240 million pies annually, sold across all 50 states, Table Talk has mastered the art of the 8-inch dessert pie and the convenient 4-inch snack pie.
But here's where it gets controversial... Choosing a favorite flavor is no easy feat. With a range of traditional fruit pies and creative dessert recreations, it's a tough decision. So, I took on the challenge and ranked seven of their most popular snack pie flavors, from worst to best.
- Old Fashioned Cherry Pie: A Disappointing Fruit Experience
This so-called old-fashioned cherry pie falls short of its name. It lacks the vibrant cherry flavor we crave. While it ranked higher in our store-bought cherry pie taste test, it's not Table Talk's finest moment. The filling resembles sticky jam, and the cherry chunks are more like dehydrated bits, offering little more than texture. Even if the filling were improved, the thin top layer with air bubbles and the dry, crust-heavy bottom would still leave much to be desired. It's not terrible, but it's certainly not exciting.
- Pineapple Pie: A Surprising Letdown
My first encounter with a pineapple pie left me underwhelmed. While I adore pineapple in various forms, from drinks to pizza, this pie didn't quite hit the mark. The actual pineapple chunks were a nice touch, but they lacked the fruity flavor I was hoping for. It had a subtle citrusy note, but it didn't capture the juicy, tangy essence of fresh pineapple. The filling resembled marmalade, with a jelly-like consistency and surprise pineapple bits. It lacked the acidity and tang of a truly satisfying pineapple experience.
- Old Fashioned Peach Pie: A Pleasant Surprise
As someone who's not a huge peach fan, I wasn't expecting much from this pie. But Table Talk surprised me! It was a significant improvement over the previous fruit pies, but the sweetness was a bit overwhelming. Unlike the cherry pie, this peach pie boasts a thicker center, a soft, crumbly crust, and an impressive amount of real peach slices. The fruit flavor was prominent, a welcome change from the bland cherries and pineapples. While the peaches weren't the freshest or juiciest, it's hard to beat the value for the price.
The crust was noticeably thicker and more buttery than the cherry pie, offering a good balance of soft and crumbly textures. This mini pie is the perfect size for a sweet treat without being overly indulgent.
- Chocolate Eclair Pie: Originality Meets Flavor
Deciding between the peach and chocolate eclair pies was a tough call, as they're quite different. But the chocolate eclair pie takes the lead due to its unique flavor profile and depth. Chocolate eclairs are a challenging pastry to master, so I'm glad Table Talk took on the challenge. This flavor is a recent discovery, and it's become my go-to late-night treat.
The chocolate garnish hardens, creating a magical shell-like texture. Be sure to shake the box to capture all the bonus crispy chocolate morsels! Without the garnish, the pie might be too one-dimensional. The chocolate bits add texture and crunch, enhancing the experience. While the crust is a bit dry, it's manageable if you get the right filling-to-crust ratio. The perfect bite combines eclair-like custard, crumbly pie crust, and contrasting chocolate bits. This Table Talk pie truly stands out with its unique flavor and fun spiral garnish.
- Lemon Pie: A Classic with Potential
This lemon pie is a classic, simple delight. It has the signature lemon pudding flavor with a gooey, inviting texture. The crust is soft and crumbly, with crispy edges. While you can make a lemon pie from scratch with just three ingredients, this Table Talk snack version is an easy and affordable option. It's similar to a classic lemon tart but with a thinner crust and more custard.
The filling melts in your mouth, almost gelatinous, while the crust provides a satisfying chew. A dollop of meringue or a similar topping could have elevated this pie, adding texture diversity. These mini pies are crust-heavy, so a bit more variety in each bite would be welcome. That's why the lemon pie falls behind the apple pie in this ranking.
- Apple Pie: A Nostalgic Comfort
Table Talk's classic apple pie is a thick, gooey delight with a strong cinnamon presence. It tastes like a standard bake sale or grocery store apple pie, and that's a good thing! It's nostalgic, comforting, and well-balanced. The thinner crust on this pie is a bonus, especially at the edges, where it crisps up beautifully, providing a crumbly, cookie-like bite.
When it comes to store-bought apple pies, Table Talk is a top choice for a quick, satisfying bite. This little apple pie is nearly perfect, and the price is very reasonable.
- Pecan Pie: The Clear Winner
Table Talk's old-fashioned pecan pie is the undisputed champion of this taste test. With each bite, I had a dramatic reaction. Unlike the fruit-based pies, this one is open on top, showcasing a thin, crispy crust edge. The crust is like a plain biscuit, not overly sweet, which pairs perfectly with the sticky, toffee-like pecan center. The balance is chef's kiss-worthy.
Instead of a top crust, this pie has a thin layer of crushed pecans, forming a nutty candy-like texture. Table Talk has mastered the art of pecan pie, and this version is flawless. It surpasses some high-end bakery pies with its ideal balance of nuttiness and sugar. Pecan pie needs no frills, and Table Talk delivers a perfect, no-frills version.
Methodology:
To rank these pies, I kept it simple and true to how most people enjoy them. Each snack pie was tasted straight from the carton at room temperature, and I compared the flavor profiles side by side. I focused on overall flavor, balance, and texture. The top-ranked pies had prominent but not overpowering sweetness, flavorful fillings, and moist centers that complemented the soft, crumbly crust. Balance was key, especially with sugary flavors. Fruit pies needed brightness, and richer pies required depth. The lower-ranked pies lacked these elements, falling short in flavor, texture, or cohesion.
So, there you have it! A journey through the world of Table Talk pies. Which flavor would you rank as your favorite? Let's discuss in the comments and share our pie preferences!
