What is Wine Pie? Is It Real or Just a TikTok Overnight Invention?

TikTok has an uncanny knack for resurrecting bizarre culinary trends that leave us questioning our taste buds and our sanity. From cloud bread to butter boards, the platform’s endless stream of foodie experiments often blurs the line between genius and "what were they thinking?" Enter wine pie, a concoction that first went viral around this time last year and has resurfaced, sparking both intrigue and skepticism. If you love wine and pie, this might sound like the holy grail of desserts—but is it really?

What Exactly Is Wine Pie?

Wine pie, as the name suggests, is a dessert that incorporates wine into its filling, creating what some TikTok creators have touted as the ultimate adult treat. The trend started with a few viral videos showcasing pies with fillings made of red or white wine, thickened with sugar and cornstarch to create a jam-like consistency. Last year, creators like @PieFanatic and @VinoBites gained attention for their inventive takes on the dish, with garnishes ranging from edible flowers to gold flakes. This year, the trend has been reignited by influencers like @DessertDaze, who gave it a modern twist by infusing the pie with rosé and pairing it with a mascarpone topping. Despite the hype, though, wine pie remains a niche curiosity rather than a culinary staple.

Is Wine Pie a Real Recipe or Just a Gimmick?

While wine pie feels like a TikTok novelty, the idea of using wine in desserts isn’t entirely new. Historically, fortified wines like port and sherry have appeared in traditional recipes, particularly in fruit pies and tarts. The Victorian era, for instance, was famous for "wine jelly pies," which combined gelatin, wine, and fruit for a semi-solid filling. These desserts, though elegant in their time, largely faded from popularity as tastes and techniques evolved. Now, with the revival of vintage cooking trends, wine pie seems to be making a comeback, albeit in a less traditional, more TikTok-friendly form.

Can Wine Actually Work as a Main Ingredient in Pie?

Here’s where things get tricky. While wine adds depth and complexity to dishes, its high water content and acidity make it a challenging main ingredient for pie fillings. Most wine pie recipes attempt to thicken the wine with sugar, cornstarch, or gelatin, but this can result in a filling that’s either overly sweet or texturally off-putting. That said, wine can shine as a supporting player in pies, enhancing flavors when paired with fruits like berries, pears, or apples. For those tempted to give wine pie a go, it might be best to think of it as a sophisticated glaze or reduction rather than the star of the show.