Every year on February 20, kitchens across the United States fill with the warm, sweet aroma of cherries and buttery pastry. February 20 Cherry Pie Day — also widely known as National Cherry Pie Day — is one of America’s most beloved food holidays, bringing together bakers, dessert lovers, and history enthusiasts in a shared celebration of one of the country’s most iconic pies. Whether someone is a seasoned pastry chef or a curious first-time baker, this annual observance offers the perfect excuse to roll up sleeves and bake something truly special.
Key Takeaways 🍒
- February 20 Cherry Pie Day is an annual U.S. food holiday celebrated every February 20.
- Cherry pie has deep roots in American history, culture, and folklore — most famously tied to George Washington.
- The day encourages baking, sharing, and discovering the rich variety of cherry pie recipes available.
- Both fresh and canned cherries can be used to make a delicious pie, making this holiday accessible to all skill levels.
- Celebrating is easy: bake a pie, visit a local bakery, or share a slice with neighbors and friends.
The History Behind February 20 Cherry Pie Day
Where Did Cherry Pie Day Come From?
The exact origin of February 20 Cherry Pie Day as a formal observance is not officially documented by a single governing body. Like many American food holidays, it grew organically through popular culture, food blogs, and culinary communities that wanted to dedicate a day to celebrating a classic dessert.
What makes February 20 a fitting date? It falls in the heart of winter — a time when a warm, homemade pie offers genuine comfort — and it sits close to Presidents’ Day, which is celebrated in February and is traditionally associated with George Washington.
The George Washington Cherry Tree Legend 🌳
No discussion of cherry pie in America is complete without mentioning the famous — though largely mythological — story of George Washington and the cherry tree. According to the tale, a young George Washington chopped down his father’s prized cherry tree and, when confronted, famously said he could not tell a lie.
“The cherry tree story, though fictional, planted a lasting cultural connection between cherries and American values of honesty and integrity.”
This legend, popularized by biographer Mason Locke Weems in the early 1800s, helped cement cherries as a patriotic symbol in American culture. Cherry pie naturally followed as a symbol of American home cooking and tradition.
Cherry Pie in American Culinary History
Cherry pie has been baked in American homes for centuries. Early colonists brought cherry tree saplings from Europe, and cherries quickly became a staple fruit crop. By the 19th century, cherry pie had earned its place alongside apple pie as a quintessential American dessert.
| Era | Cherry Pie Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1600s | European colonists introduce cherry cultivation to North America |
| Early 1800s | Washington cherry tree legend popularized by Mason Weems |
| Late 1800s | Cherry pie recipes appear in major American cookbooks |
| 20th Century | Canned cherries make cherry pie accessible year-round |
| 2026 | National Cherry Pie Day celebrated widely across the U.S. |
How to Celebrate February 20 Cherry Pie Day
Celebrating February 20 Cherry Pie Day does not require professional baking skills. There are plenty of ways to participate, from baking from scratch to simply enjoying a slice at a local diner.
🥧 Bake a Classic Cherry Pie at Home
The most popular way to celebrate is to bake one! Here is a simple breakdown of what goes into a traditional cherry pie:
Essential Ingredients:
- 🍒 4 cups of fresh, frozen, or canned tart cherries (pitted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
- 2 pre-made or homemade pie crusts (top and bottom)
- 1 tablespoon butter (dotted on filling)
- 1 egg wash for the crust
Basic Steps:
- Prepare or unroll pie crusts and fit one into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract in a bowl.
- Pour filling into the crust and dot with butter.
- Add the top crust (lattice style looks stunning 🌟).
- Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–55 minutes until golden.
- Cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.
🏪 Visit a Local Bakery
Not everyone has time to bake. Supporting a local bakery on Cherry Pie Day is a wonderful alternative. Many bakeries offer special deals or themed menus around this date.
🤝 Share the Joy
Bring a cherry pie to work, gift one to a neighbor, or organize a pie-tasting party. Food holidays are most meaningful when shared with others.
📱 Join the Online Celebration
Social media communities light up on February 20 with cherry pie photos, recipes, and baking tips. Sharing a photo with hashtags like #CherryPieDay or #February20CherryPieDay connects bakers across the country.
Types of Cherry Pie Worth Exploring
Cherry pie is not a one-size-fits-all dessert. The variety of styles and recipes makes this food holiday endlessly interesting.
| Cherry Pie Style | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Tart Cherry | Uses sour Morello or Montmorency cherries | Traditional flavor lovers |
| Sweet Cherry Pie | Uses Bing or Rainier cherries | Those who prefer milder sweetness |
| Crumble Top Cherry Pie | Streusel topping instead of pastry crust | Easy, rustic presentation |
| Cherry Cream Cheese Pie | Cream cheese layer beneath cherry filling | Rich, indulgent dessert |
| Gluten-Free Cherry Pie | Almond flour or gluten-free crust | Dietary-conscious bakers |
| Mini Cherry Hand Pies | Individual-sized pastries | Parties and sharing |
Tart vs. Sweet Cherries: Which Is Better for Pie?
Tart cherries (like Montmorency) are the traditional choice for cherry pie. Their natural acidity balances beautifully with sugar and creates that classic, bold cherry flavor. Sweet cherries (like Bing) work well too but may need less sugar and benefit from a splash of lemon juice to add brightness.
“Tart cherries are to cherry pie what Granny Smith apples are to apple pie — the gold standard for a reason.”
Fun Facts About Cherry Pie and National Cherry Pie Day 🎉
- 🍒 The United States produces about 650 million pounds of tart cherries annually, with Michigan being the top producer.
- 🥧 Cherry pie consistently ranks among the top 5 most popular pies in America.
- 📅 February 20 is also close to Presidents’ Day, reinforcing the Washington-cherry connection.
- 🌍 Cherry cultivation spans over 2,000 years, originating in ancient Persia and Turkey.
- 🏆 The world’s largest cherry pie was baked in Oliver, British Columbia, Canada, weighing over 39,683 pounds.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Pie Every Time
Baking a great cherry pie comes down to a few key techniques:
- Thicken the filling properly: Use cornstarch or tapioca starch to avoid a runny pie. Allow the pie to cool fully before cutting.
- Blind bake the bottom crust if using a very juicy filling to prevent a soggy base.
- Vent the top crust with slits or a lattice design to allow steam to escape.
- Chill the dough before rolling for a flakier, more tender crust.
- Use almond extract sparingly — just ½ teaspoon enhances cherry flavor without overpowering it.
Conclusion: Make February 20 Cherry Pie Day Count 🍒
February 20 Cherry Pie Day is more than just an excuse to eat pie (though that alone is reason enough). It is a celebration of American culinary tradition, a nod to history and folklore, and an invitation to slow down and create something delicious from scratch. In 2026, this sweet holiday falls on a Friday — making it the perfect start to a weekend of baking and sharing.
Actionable Next Steps:
- ✅ Mark February 20 on the calendar right now.
- ✅ Choose a cherry pie recipe — classic, crumble top, or mini hand pies.
- ✅ Stock up on cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned all work great).
- ✅ Invite friends or family to share the pie.
- ✅ Post a photo online and tag it #CherryPieDay to join the national celebration.
Whether baking a from-scratch masterpiece or picking up a slice at a favorite local spot, February 20 is the perfect day to honor one of America’s most beloved desserts. 🥧
References
- Weems, M. L. (1809). A History of the Life and Death, Virtues and Exploits of General George Washington. Philadelphia: Matthew Carey.
- Michigan State University Extension. (2021). Michigan Cherry Industry Facts. Michigan State University.
- Smith, A. F. (2007). The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink. Oxford University Press.
- National Cherry Growers & Industries Foundation. (2020). Cherry Production Statistics. Cherry Marketing Institute.