America 250 Apple Pie Baking Contest

Official Contest Requirements

We're looking for the best homemade apple pie in DeLand! Whether your recipe has been passed down for generations or you've put your own spin on a classic, all entries must meet the following requirements:

• Homemade from Start to Finish: All pies must be made by the registered contestant, including a crust prepared entirely from scratch and homemade apple filling. Store-bought crusts and commercially prepared fillings are not permitted.

• Classic or Creative: Traditional double-crust, lattice, Dutch apple, crumble-style, and other homemade apple pie variations are welcome. Apples must be the primary filling ingredient.

• One Pie Per Contestant: Each contestant may submit one fully baked apple pie, prepared in a standard 9-inch pie dish.

• Properly Covered: All pies must arrive with a lid or in a fully enclosed, food-safe container.

• Ingredients & Allergens: A complete ingredient and allergen list is required with every entry.

• Ready for Judging: Pies must arrive fully baked and ready for judging. No on-site baking or preparation will be available.

All entries must comply with the official contest rules and applicable food-safety requirements.

Pie Drop-Off: Saturday, November 14, between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM at Chess Park in Downtown DeLand.

How Will the Pies Be Judged?

Three judges will independently evaluate each entry using a 100-point scoring system based on five categories:

Taste & Flavor — 40 Points
Balance of sweetness, tartness, spices, and overall apple flavor.

Crust Quality — 20 Points
Flavor, texture, tenderness, and proper baking of the homemade crust.

Filling Texture & Consistency — 20 Points
Apple tenderness, moisture balance, and overall filling consistency.

Appearance & Presentation — 10 Points
Visual appeal, crust design, color, and presentation.

Overall Execution — 10 Points
Overall quality, creativity, balance, and execution.

Each pie may earn up to 300 combined points from the three judges. The highest-scoring pies will receive the Blue, Red, and White Ribbons. All judging decisions are final.

Ready to Enter Your Apple Pie?

Think your apple pie has what it takes to earn the blue ribbon?

Registration is limited to just 25 contestants and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance registration and payment are required, and each contestant may enter only one homemade apple pie.

Entry Fee: $10 per contestant

All participants must review the official contest rules and complete the required registration information before submitting payment. No day-of registration will be accepted.

VIEW OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES