National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day

On August 20, we will celebrate National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day by putting on our aprons and entering the kitchen. There is evidence that Native Americans used pecans in North America 10,000 years ago, indicating that we have a long history to explore. Today, chocolate pecan pie is a worldwide staple in cookbooks and restaurant menus.

The background of National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day

Pecans, the only nuts indigenous to North America, have earned a special spot in many kitchens. Evidence indicates that Native Americans consumed hazelnuts as early as 10,000 years ago. It is believed that the word ‘pecan’ derives from an Algonquin term meaning ‘hard nut to break.’ Due to their limited access to protein sources, Native Americans frequently consumed almonds as a staple food.

In mediaeval Europe, sugar pies were extremely popular, and as Europeans began to immigrate to the United States, many sugar pie recipes were reimagined using local ingredients. It is believed that pecan pie is a variation of chess pie, which also has a butter and sugar custard filling.

Pecan pies were likely consumed before the 1800s, but the first official recipe was published in 1886 in an issue of “Harper’s Bazaar” magazine.

In the 1920s, the manufacturers of Karo syrup began writing a recipe for pecan pie on the outside of their packaging, which was the turning point for pecan pie. This resulted in widespread recognition of the pie and a dramatic increase in its popularity.

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5 mind-boggling facts about National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day

While not all pecan pie recipes include alcohol, a number of popular ones do; whether it’s a dash of whisky or bourbon, many recipes call for that extra kick.

Chess pie is a simple confection consisting of a single crust filled with flour, butter, sugar, and eggs; it was popular in Europe and spread to North America as Europeans crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

A defining characteristic of chocolate pecan pie is the gooey centre just beneath the surface of the pecans; during baking, the pecans will rise to the top, resting just above the beloved custard centre.

Both pumpkin and chocolate pecan pies sometimes vie for the coveted dessert position at Thanksgiving.

If you believed that chocolate pecan pie was limited to a single pastry, you were mistaken; chocolate pecan tarts have become a popular dessert.

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	August 20	Sunday
2024	August 20	Tuesday
2025	August 20	Wednesday
2026	August 20	Thursday
2027	August 20	Friday