National Coconut Cream Pie Day celebrates a beloved dessert that combines a flaky crust with creamy coconut custard filling, topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut shavings. This delightful holiday honors one of America’s most cherished tropical-flavored pies.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: May 8th annually
- Tagged as: Food Holiday, Dessert Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #CoconutCreamPieDay
- When was it founded?: Early 1900s
- Who founded it?: Unknown origin, popularized through internet communities
History
The coconut cream pie emerged in American cuisine during the 19th century when tropical fruits became more accessible. The breakthrough came when French exporters developed methods to shred and dry coconut meat, making it easier to ship and use in recipes. The pie gained significant popularity in American cookbooks by the early 1900s.
Timeline
- 1879: First recorded coconut cream pie recipe appears in Maria Parloa’s cookbook
- 1920s: Pie gains widespread popularity in the United States
- 1948: Featured in the film “Romance on the High Seas”
- 2005: World’s largest coconut cream pie created in Moab, Utah (3,102 pounds)
Dates by Next Year
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | May 8 | Thursday |
2026 | May 8 | Friday |
2027 | May 8 | Saturday |
2028 | May 8 | Monday |
2029 | May 8 | Tuesday |
Observed
The day is celebrated by enjoying slices of coconut cream pie, sharing recipes, baking at home, and visiting local bakeries.
Fun Facts About Coconut Cream Pie
- All coconut trees are palm trees, but not all palm trees are coconut trees
- The basic filling consists of coconut milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and butter
- The pie became especially popular during the Great Depression as a symbol of tropical escape
Quiz
- When is National Coconut Cream Pie Day?
- What year was the world’s largest coconut cream pie made?
- What are the basic ingredients of coconut cream pie filling?
(Answers: 1. May 8th, 2. 2005, 3. Coconut milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and butter)
FAQs
Q: Is coconut cream pie an American invention?
A: Yes, it’s believed to be an American creation from the 1800s.
Q: Can I make it without fresh coconuts?
A: Yes, dried shredded coconut works perfectly.
Importance of National Coconut Cream Pie Day
This day celebrates culinary artistry, preserves traditional recipes, and brings people together through their shared love of this classic dessert.
Related
- National Pie Day
- National Dessert Day
- National Baking Day
- National Coconut Day
- National Cream Pie Day