National Cherry Dessert Day

National Cherry Dessert Day is an American holiday dedicated to cherry-based desserts. Cherries are one of the most popular berries used in sweet dishes, often paired with strawberries and raspberries. It is observed annually on May 26.

History

The history of National Cherry Dessert Day is not well known. There are a huge variety of cherry desserts: pies, cakes, cheesecakes, puddings, and more. If you were to list them all, the list would be quite long.

Cherries have been known for thousands of years. Historians note that evidence of cherry trees dates back to the 8th century BC. Cherry orchards were maintained at the court of King Sargon II, and Herodotus mentioned these berries in his works. Cherries were used to make sauces for liver dishes. It is also known that the trees were protected in winter, indicating that even in ancient Greece, cherries were cultivated as fruit trees.

The use of cherries in desserts is due to their flavor qualities. The perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, along with a long aftertaste, allows cherries to enhance any dessert.

Interesting Facts

• Chocolate-covered cherries are a popular dessert. It is recommended to use cherry liqueur inside the chocolate shell for added flavor. This dessert was originally created in Germany.
• There are about 150 varieties of cherries worldwide.
• The U.S. is a major producer of cherries, second only to Turkey in terms of cultivation.
• Cherry fruits are rich in antioxidants. Consuming cherries improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, and strengthens the immune system. They also contain vitamins C, PP, B vitamins, and many essential minerals.

How to Celebrate

Visit restaurants or bakeries to enjoy the best cherry desserts. Improve your culinary skills by making cherry-based sweets at home. Many interesting recipes can be easily found online.

Share the holiday on social media. Ask your followers if they enjoy cherry desserts. If so, what’s their favorite?

When is National Cherry Dessert Day in 2025?

National Cherry Dessert Day is observed on May 26 each year.

Observations