National Cherry Dessert Day (May 26)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

Cherries are summer’s candy, and National Cherry Dessert Day on May 26th is the perfect excuse to indulge in their sweet, tangy flavor.

Whether baked into pies, folded into tarts, or whipped into sorbet, cherries shine in countless desserts across cultures.

This holiday celebrates the beloved fruit in its most delicious form.

So preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowls, and let cherry season inspire your next sweet creation. It’s one of the tastiest weird holidays in May.

When is the Holiday?

National Cherry Dessert Day is celebrated annually on May 26th, right at the start of cherry season in much of the U.S. It’s the ideal time to enjoy fresh cherries at their peak.

Who Invented It?

Like many food-themed days, no single origin is documented. It was likely started by cherry growers or dessert enthusiasts to spotlight the fruit and inspire creativity in the kitchen.

The History of the Holiday

Cherries have been cherished since ancient times—from Asia Minor to Europe and eventually North America.

While this specific holiday is relatively new, the tradition of baking with cherries has deep roots, especially in American and European cuisine.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

The U.S. produces over 300 million pounds of tart cherries annually—most go into desserts.

The world record for the largest cherry pie weighed nearly 40,000 pounds.

George Washington’s cherry tree myth, though apocryphal, keeps cherries linked to American lore.

Montmorency is the most common tart cherry variety used in desserts.

Michigan is the cherry capital of the U.S., producing 75% of tart cherries annually.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Host a Bake-Off: Invite friends or family to bake their best cherry dessert and vote on your favorites.
  • Cherry Dessert Buffet: Create a spread featuring cobblers, cheesecake, clafoutis, and sorbet.
  • Decorate with Cherry Themes: Add cherry-themed tableware or party printables to your setup.
  • Visit a Farmers’ Market: Buy local cherries and support nearby growers.
  • DIY Dessert Kits: Package ingredients for cherry cookies or tarts and give them as gifts.
  • Cherry-Picking Outing: If in season, visit a U-pick farm and bake with freshly picked cherries.
  • Create a Cherry Tasting Station: Set up bowls of different cherry varieties for a flavor comparison.
  • Craft and Bake Combo: Pair a cherry dessert with cherry-themed kids’ crafts like stamps or collages.
  • Try a New Recipe: Explore a global cherry dessert you’ve never made—like French clafoutis or Japanese cherry mochi.
  • Share on Social Media: Post your creations using a cherry dessert hashtag and inspire others to celebrate.

Related Recipes

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes – Bite-sized cheesecakes baked in muffin tins with a graham cracker crust and cherry topping.

Cherry Cheesecake Dip – A crowd-pleasing, no-bake dessert made with cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, and cherry topping.

Fresh Cherry Cobbler – Drop biscuit topping over bubbling sweet cherries—easy and perfect warm with ice cream.

Cherry Clafoutis – A French baked custard that’s rustic, quick to make, and lets cherries shine with minimal ingredients.

Cherry Rhubarb Crisp – A balance of sweet and tart with an oat crumble topping, perfect for spring fruit lovers.

Chocolate Cherry Bundt Cake – Rich chocolate cake bursting with chopped cherries—moist and great for celebrations.

Cherry Puff Pastry Turnovers – Store-bought puff pastry filled with cherry pie filling and drizzled with vanilla glaze.

Cherry Garcia Cookies – Inspired by the ice cream flavor, these cookies include cherries, chocolate chips, and vanilla.

Keto Cherry Pie Bars – Low-carb and gluten-free bars that don’t sacrifice flavor. Almond flour crust + cherry filling.

Cherry Almond Cake – Moist and tender with almond extract and fresh or canned cherries. A brunch favorite.

Links to Resources

Related Holidays

  • National Pie Day (January 23) – A perfect day to showcase your best cherry pie recipe. Whether you prefer a classic double-crust, a crumble topping, or mini hand pies, cherry pie is one of the most iconic and loved desserts celebrated on this day.
  • Chocolate Covered Cherries Day (January 3) – This holiday highlights the decadent side of cherries. Think maraschino cherries dipped in dark chocolate or gourmet cherry cordials. It’s a luxurious treat that’s often associated with winter holidays, but worth enjoying anytime.
  • National Ice Cream Sundae Day (July 8) – A great opportunity to spoon cherry compote, fresh cherries, or cherry sauce over a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Add whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a cherry on top to make it a true classic.

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