National Cherry Popover Day

National Cherry Popover Day is observed on September 1. The day celebrates cherry popovers, light and airy baked treats made from a simple egg batter and sweet cherries. They can be served for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or afternoon tea, and they are a cheerful way to enjoy a classic American pastry with a fruity twist.

History of National Cherry Popover Day

The exact origin of National Cherry Popover Day is not clearly documented, but the holiday is dedicated to a well-loved variation of the popover. A popover is an American pastry made from a thin egg batter that rises dramatically in the oven, creating a crisp outside and a hollow, tender center.

Popovers are closely related to British Yorkshire pudding, but in the United States they became popular as a separate dish. The oldest known reference to popovers dates to 1850, and one of the earliest cookbook recipes appeared in M. N. Henderson’s Practical Cooking in 1876.

Cherry popovers add a sweet fruit element to the traditional batter. They may be made with fresh, frozen, or preserved cherries and served plain or with butter, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a light sauce.

Interesting Facts About National Cherry Popover Day

• Popovers get their name because the batter rises and “pops over” the top of the pan while baking.
• They are usually made with simple ingredients such as eggs, milk, flour, and salt.
• A popover pan helps create tall, airy popovers, but a regular muffin pan can also be used.
• Popovers can be sweet or savory, depending on the toppings, fillings, and seasonings.
• Cherry popovers pair well with tea, coffee, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
• Unlike sweet cherry popovers, Yorkshire pudding is traditionally served as a savory dish with roast meat and gravy.

How to Take Part in National Cherry Popover Day

The easiest way to take part in National Cherry Popover Day is to bake a batch of cherry popovers at home. You can use fresh cherries when they are in season or try frozen, canned, or preserved cherries for convenience.

You can also visit a bakery, host a small brunch, or try making both sweet and savory popovers to compare the difference. If you enjoy baking, experiment with toppings such as whipped cream, cherry sauce, honey, or a little powdered sugar.

When Is National Cherry Popover Day in 2026?

National Cherry Popover Day is observed on September 1 each year.

Observations