National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day celebrates a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate with the nutty goodness of pecans in a sweet, gooey filling nestled in a flaky pie crust.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: August 20th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Dessert Holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #ChocolatePecanPieDay
- When was it founded?: 2014
- Who founded it?: Unknown
History
The dessert emerged from the traditional pecan pie, which originated in the American South. French settlers in New Orleans created the first pecan pies after Native Americans introduced them to pecans. The chocolate variation gained popularity in the early 1900s, adding a rich new dimension to this classic dessert.
Timeline
- 1886: First published pecan pie recipe appears in Harper’s Bazaar
- 1920s: Karo syrup introduces their famous pecan pie recipe
- 1930s: Chocolate pecan pie gains popularity during Great Depression
- 1975: Texas trademarks pecan pie
- 2014: First National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day celebration
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August | 20 |
| 2026 | August | 20 |
| 2027 | August | 20 |
Observed
Celebrated nationwide through baking, sharing, and enjoying chocolate pecan pie. Many bakeries and restaurants offer special deals and variations of this beloved dessert.
Fun Facts About Chocolate Pecan Pie
- A typical pie contains 75-80 pecans
- Pecans are the only tree nut native to North America
- The filling becomes gooey while the pecans naturally float to the top
- Bourbon or whiskey is often added for extra flavor
- The word ‘pecan’ comes from an Algonquin word meaning ‘hard nut to crack’
Quiz
- What is the only nut native to North America?
- In which city did pecan pie originate?
- When was the first pecan pie recipe published?
(Answers: 1. Pecan, 2. New Orleans, 3. 1886)
FAQs
Q: What makes the filling gooey?
A: The combination of corn syrup, eggs, and sugar creates the signature gooey texture.
Q: Can I make it without corn syrup?
A: Yes, alternatives include maple syrup, honey, or molasses.
Importance of Chocolate Pecan Pie Day
This celebration honors a uniquely American dessert that combines indigenous ingredients with European baking traditions, representing the cultural melting pot of American cuisine.
Related Holidays
- National Pecan Day (April 14)
- National Pie Day (January 23)
- National Dessert Day (October 14)
- National Baking Day (May 17)