Although people can enjoy fruit cobblers any day of the year, some might want to consider having some cherry cobbler on May 17th. Why? Because that’s the day National Cherry Cobbler Day is observed.

That’s a good excuse for everyone to grab a slice of this dessert, perhaps with some whipped cream or ice cream placed strategically on top. It sounds like a great way to spend the day with friends and family.

The History of the Cherry Cobbler

Since we were unable to uncover the history of National Cherry Cobbler Day, we decided to turn our attention to the history of the cherry cobbler itself. To understand the cherry cobbler and when it was first made, we first have to uncover the history of both cherries and cobblers.

Cherries are a stone fruit, otherwise known as a fleshy drupe, of plants in the Prunus genus. The indigenous range of this fruit extends through most of Europe, as well as parts of northern Africa and western Asia.

This fruit has been consumed since prehistoric times. In North America, it was the Dutch who introduced cherries. During the 18th century, people began making cobblers. Although the English had made sweet confections, the ones common at the time were suet puddings.

Suet puddings were made with wheat flour, suet, and dried fruits, then steamed, boiled, or baked. When these English settlers were unable to make these puddings, they made simple stewed fruit fillings covered with dumplings, scone batter, or biscuits, and then baked.

The first instance of the word “cobbler” wouldn’t occur until the mid-19th century. Cobblers were a popular dish for settlers during the 18th and 19th centuries because they were simple to make, and the ingredients could withstand the arduous trips westward.

So, when did cherries start being used in cobblers? No one really knows, but it was most likely around the same time that the cobbler was invented. During this time, many fruits were used for cobblers, including peaches, blackberries, blueberries, and, of course, cherries and apples. Although the reason they’re called cobblers is currently unknown, some theorize it evolved from the word “cobeler,” a term for a wooden bowl.

Observing National Cherry Cobbler Day

National Cherry Cobbler Day can be easily observed by cutting yourself a slice of pie and enjoying it by itself or topped with whipped cream or ice cream. You can make this cobbler yourself, or it can be one that you buy from your local grocery store.

And while you’re enjoying this sweet holiday with friends and family, don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalCherryCobblerDay to let the world know just how sweet cherry cobblers are.