National Kouign Amann Day
A kouign amann is a delectable French pastry from Brittany that combines layers of buttery, flaky dough with caramelized sugar. The name literally translates to “butter cake” in the Breton language, and it’s often described as a more indulgent, sweeter cousin of the croissant.
Quick Facts
When is it?: June 20th annually
Tagged as: Food & Drink, Snacks & Desserts
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalKouignAmannDay
When was it founded?: 2015
Who founded it?: b.patisserie in San Francisco
History
The pastry itself was invented in 1860 by Yves-René Scordia in Douarnenez, France. During a busy day when he ran out of cakes, he improvised with bread dough, butter, and sugar, creating what would become the kouign amann. The traditional recipe calls for exactly 40% dough, 30% butter, and 30% sugar, earning it the New York Times’ designation as “the fattiest pastry in all of the world.”
Timeline
- 1860: First kouign amann created by Yves Scordia in Finistère, France
- 2015: National Kouign Amann Day established by b.patisserie
- 2002: Regional contest for Best Kouign-amann of Brittany established
Dates for Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 20 | Friday |
| 2026 | June 20 | Saturday |
| 2027 | June 20 | Sunday |
Observed
The day is celebrated worldwide, with bakeries offering special kouign amann promotions and pastry enthusiasts trying their hand at making this complex treat at home.
Fun Facts About Kouign Amann
- The pastry was created by accident when a baker ran low on ingredients
- It’s traditionally baked as one large cake and then sliced
- The recipe requires multiple folding techniques similar to puff pastry
- It can be made in various flavors including coffee, cocoa, and almond
Quiz
- What does “kouign amann” mean in Breton?
- In what year was the pastry invented?
- What are the three main ingredients?
(Answers: butter cake, 1860, flour-butter-sugar)
FAQs
- Can kouign amann be stored overnight? Yes, in an airtight container
- Is it similar to a croissant? Yes, but with more butter and sugar
- What’s the best way to serve it? Warm, often with coffee or tea
Related
- National Pastry Day
- National Croissant Day
- French Cuisine Day
- World Baking Day
