Cherry Popover Day 2025 (Monday, September 1st)

Cherry Popover Day is celebrated every year on September 1 to honor the sweet, airy, fruit-filled treat known as the cherry popover. These light rolls, baked from egg batter and topped with cherries, are a flavorful twist on the classic popover, a dish rooted in American adaptations of English Yorkshire pudding.

Cherry popovers can be enjoyed as a dessert, breakfast, or brunch item and have become a seasonal favorite. 

Cherry Popover Day highlights both the unique history and the growing popularity of this dish across the United States. In this article, I will share the date, origin, ways to celebrate, fun facts, and everything else you need to know about Cherry Popover Day.

When is Cherry Popover Day 2025?

Cherry Popover Day is celebrated every year on September 1. In 2025, it falls on a Monday. This day honors the airy, fruit-filled pastry known as the cherry popover. It’s part of a trio of fruit-based popover celebrations in the U.S., alongside Blueberry Popover Day (March 10) and Raspberry Popover Day (May 3).

History of Cherry Popover Day

The history of Cherry Popover Day is tied to the evolution of the popover, an American twist on Yorkshire pudding, a traditional British baked dish. While Yorkshire puddings were savory and served with meat and gravy, early American settlers adapted the concept into a sweet, egg-based batter that rose dramatically in hot pans.

The first known written mention of “popover” was in the 1850s, in a letter by E.E. Stuart, a Catholic political advocate from Michigan. In 1876, M.N. Henderson included a popover recipe in her cookbook Practical Cooking, helping the dish spread in popularity.

During the late 1800s, popovers became well-known in New England, particularly at the Jones Pond House near Acadia National Park, where they were served with tea. While plain popovers were the original standard, the cherry variety likely became popular due to the fruit’s seasonal availability, vibrant color, and ability to complement the slightly eggy, neutral flavor of the popover.

Cherry Popover Day was created to give special recognition to this variation, which balances the texture of a classic popover with the sweet-tart burst of cherries.

Related: National Acadian Day 

How Did Cherry Popovers Become Popular in America?

Cherry popovers gained popularity through a mix of regional baking traditions, American brunch culture, and the rise of seasonal desserts. In the northeastern U.S., especially Maine and New Hampshire, popovers became a staple in tea houses and family brunches.

Several factors contributed to their rise:

• Ease of preparation: With a few pantry ingredients, they can be made quickly at home.
• Visual appeal: The puffed top and bright cherry filling make them attractive desserts.
• Pairing flexibility: They fit both sweet and savory settings, allowing for fruit, whipped cream, or even a cream cheese filling.
• Bakery adaptations: Places like Popover Bistro & Bakery (Connecticut) and The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus (California) added fruit-filled popovers to their menus, helping spread awareness.

While blueberry and raspberry versions also gained attention, cherry popovers remain a favorite due to their balance of sweet and tart, especially when made with tart or Bing cherries.

How to Celebrate Cherry Popover Day in 2025?

Here are several meaningful ways to celebrate Cherry Popover Day this year:

• Bake cherry popovers at home using a classic or custom recipe.
• Visit local bakeries or brunch cafés that serve fruit popovers.
• Host a popover brunch with friends or family.
• Try new topping variations, such as powdered sugar, cherry compote, or vanilla cream.
• Discover the history of popovers, particularly their evolution from an English savory dish to an American sweet pastry.
• Share popovers with neighbors or coworkers as a fun, homemade surprise.
• Document your creations or purchases on food blogs or social media to join the broader celebration online.

This day is a chance to connect with others through a shared love of nostalgic, fruit-filled baking.

Read More: National Sisters Day

Cherry Popover Day Activities

Celebrating Cherry Popover Day can be as fun or as relaxed as you want. Here are some activity ideas that suit families, foodies, and solo bakers:

• Bake Your Cherry Popovers
  Use fresh or frozen cherries and follow a simple batter recipe. You can even add lemon zest or cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Experiment with Toppings
  Try adding cherry jam, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or even a cream cheese glaze after baking.
• Try Different Cherry Varieties
  Use tart cherries for a sharp flavor, Bing cherries for sweetness, or Rainier cherries for a lighter touch.
• Visit a Popover Café
  Try bakeries known for their popovers, especially in New England. Many now serve cherry versions in honor of this food holiday.
• Host a Popover Party
  Make a batch and invite others to taste-test different fillings and toppings. Serve with tea or coffee for a full experience.
• Join Online Food Challenges
  Post your cherry popover creations using relevant hashtags to join others celebrating the same day.

These activities help keep the tradition alive while encouraging creativity in the kitchen.

How to Make Classic Cherry Popovers at Home?

Making cherry popovers at home is a simple, cost-effective, and ideal way to celebrate the holiday. Here’s a step-by-step recipe that works in a regular muffin tin.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
• Warm the milk slightly in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
• In a bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
• Gradually add the warm milk, then slowly mix in the flour, salt, and optional lemon zest.
• Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes.
• Warm your muffin or popover tin in the oven, then brush each cup with melted butter.
• Fill each cup halfway with batter and top with a few cherry pieces.
• Bake for 15 minutes at 450°F, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30–35 minutes.
• Do not open the oven while baking.
• Once golden brown, remove and slit each popover with a knife to release steam.

Tips:

• Always rest the batter before baking.
• Serve immediately for best texture.
• Avoid overfilling with cherries to prevent sogginess.
• Cherry jam or compote can be added after baking for extra flavor.

Read More: Kadooment Day 2025

Best Places in the U.S. to Try Cherry Popovers

While cherry popovers aren’t available everywhere, some cafés and bakeries in the U.S. are known for serving variations of this treat. Here are notable locations where you can find popovers or request a cherry version:

Popular U.S. Locations:

Delivery Tip:

Order plain popovers and add cherry filling or compote at home. This prevents sogginess during shipping.

5 Fun Facts About Cherry Popovers

• The name “popover” comes from how the batter puffs up and “pops over” the edge of the pan during baking.
• Popovers were inspired by Yorkshire pudding, a savory British dish traditionally served with meat.
• Cherry popovers don’t have a national food holiday status, but they are still celebrated with their own designated day.
• Steam and egg structure create the rise, not baking powder. The interior is hollow, and the exterior is crispy.
• They are part of a trio of fruit-based popover days, including Blueberry Popover Day and Raspberry Popover Day.

Read: Festival Monday 2025

Cherry Popover Day Dates: 2025–2030

Here is a quick reference table showing upcoming dates for Cherry Popover Day:

This fixed-date holiday makes it easy to plan events or baking sessions each year.

Read Also: International Lammas Day 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cherry Popover Day 2025

Cherry Popover Day 2025 invites food lovers to savor this delightful pastry while celebrating its sweet history. In this FAQ guide, we answer popular questions about the day, its origins, traditions, and how to enjoy cherry popovers to the fullest.

Where did cherry popovers come from?

Cherry popovers evolved from the traditional American popover, which itself was inspired by Yorkshire pudding from England. Cherries were added later as a seasonal, flavorful filling.

What do cherry popovers taste like?

They have a crisp exterior, soft and airy interior, and a sweet-tart cherry flavor. They’re not overly sweet, which makes them suitable for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Are popovers sweet or savory?

Popovers can be both. The original version was savory, but cherry popovers are a sweet variation.

What is the difference between a popover and a muffin?

Popovers are made from an egg-based batter with no leavening agent. They are lighter, hollow inside, and puff up during baking, unlike the dense texture of muffins.

Can you freeze cherry popovers?

Yes, once cooled completely. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Conclusion: Why Cherry Popover Day Matters

Cherry Popover Day celebrates a unique American pastry with deep roots in history and regional food culture. From its English inspiration to its cherry-filled evolution, the popover has become a favorite for families, bakeries, and food lovers across the country. This day is more than just about eating a dessert; it’s about connecting with tradition, enjoying a seasonal treat, and trying something special in your kitchen.

Cherry Popover Day reminds us how food can carry stories, bring people together, and inspire creativity year after year.