National Cherry Pie Day

National Cherry Pie Day is observed each year on February 20. The date falls during National Cherry Month and was chosen because it aligns with George Washington’s birthday (February 22) and the famous (though fictional) story of him chopping down a cherry tree.

Legend says that when he was a little boy, he accidentally cut down a cherry tree and told his father, “I cannot tell a lie,” when asked about it. Because of that story, cherries became a symbol of America’s first president, and today, in addition to celebrating the benefits and taste of cherries, we also honor his honesty by enjoying a big slice of cherry pie.

Although fresh cherries are not in season in February, the holiday celebrates them in other forms—preserved, frozen, or canned cherries that are just as tasty.

🍒 Cherry Pie Trivia

Behind every slice of cherry pie lies a story worth knowing. Here are just a few of them.

The world’s largest cherry pie was baked in Oliver, British Columbia, weighing nearly 40,000 pounds. It required thousands of pounds of cherries and a full baking team to complete.

Cherry pie consistently ranks among the top three favorite pies in the United States, alongside apple and pumpkin.

The iconic lattice crust was originally designed to release steam from the juicy filling, helping prevent a soggy crust while keeping the pie evenly baked.

In the late 19th century, a Kansas blue law—a law restricting certain Sunday activities—reportedly banned cherry pie à la mode (served with ice cream) on Sundays. The restriction aimed to prevent what was considered excessive indulgence on the Sabbath.

Before mechanical pitters were invented in the 1920s, cherry pies were often baked with the pits still inside. Bakers believed the pits added an almond-like flavor, but dessert came with a real risk of cracking a tooth.

Queen Elizabeth I was known to enjoy cherry tarts and pies. In the 1500s, sugar was extremely expensive, making sweet desserts a luxury for the wealthy. Heavy sugar consumption even led to blackened teeth which became a bizarre status symbol of the era.

How to Observe National Cherry Pie Day

Bake a Pie: Use tart Montmorency cherries for a traditional cherry flavor. Their natural balance of sweet and tart gives the filling depth without becoming overly sugary.

Visit a Bakery: Stop by a local bakery to see if they’re featuring cherry pie for the occasion. Some shops prepare seasonal specials or creative variations around this date.

Pair with Ice Cream: Serve your slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—or try strawberry for a fruit-forward pairing. The contrast between warm filling and cold ice cream makes the experience even better.