National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day – October 21, 2022, history, significance
National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day is celebrated every year on October 21 and it honestly might be our favorite fall holiday. Fall screams pumpkin in every way — pumpkin pie, Halloween, pumpkin spiced latte, pumpkin-patch dates — and pumpkin cheesecake is yet another way to win any American’s heart.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY
Cheesecakes can be dated as far back as the 5th century B.C. when the ancient Greeks made the earliest form of cheesecake. This essentially consisted of cheese pounded with honey and flour, and cooked on an old-timey griddle. It was known as the ‘plakous’ meaning ‘flat mass’.
The cheesecake was then elevated in late medieval England, where it emerged with a tart-like pastry base. It spread rapidly across the region. Given its popularity in England, cheesecake soon made an appearance in American colonies.
Cheesecake bakers here began to experiment with several different currants and spices as infusions, however, American cheesecake truly took a new form when cream cheese was introduced. Cream cheese made the base creamier and sturdier than it had ever been before. This new and improved cheesecake became all the rage in the 1930s when Arnold Reuben (the creator of the Reuben sandwich) introduced the ‘New York cheesecake’ to the city.
Bakers went on to experiment with an endless array of different flavorings and toppings — blueberry, strawberry, chocolate — and along the way, the pumpkin cheesecake was born. The pumpkin cheesecake went on to win hearts and gain popularity, so much so that cheesecake lovers declared October 21 to be National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day in 2011, and it has since been celebrated every year nationwide.
NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY TIMELINE
5th Century B.C.
Greece, Meet Plakous
The Greeks create the earliest form of cheesecake and even serve it at the Olympics.
1300s
Cheesecake Goes to England
Starting in 1309, cheesecake starts to make a feature in every cookbook at least once.
1930s
The Big Apple of Cheesecakes
Arnold Reuben introduces the oh-so-famous New York cheesecake.
2011
Happy Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
Cheesecake lovers recognize and dedicate a day to celebrate pumpkin cheesecake.
NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY ACTIVITIES
Eat pumpkin cheesecake
This one is a no-brainer. Consider National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day as an excuse to indulge in a delicious slice (or two) of pumpkin cheesecake!
Bake pumpkin cheesecake
Tap into your inner baker and bake your own pumpkin cheesecake. From the base and filling to the toppings, get creative with your infusion of pumpkin into a classic cheesecake recipe.
Make a fun day out of it
Plan a day of fall activities, like visiting a pumpkin patch and smelling fall-scented candles while sipping on a pumpkin spice latte. Top it off with a slice of pumpkin cheesecake at your favorite local bakery!
5 FACTS ABOUT CHEESECAKES THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Get boozy with it
A cheesecake shot can be made with vanilla schnapps and cranberry juice.
It can get pricey
The world’s most expensive cheesecake is sold for $5,000!
Have your own taste test
For $400, you can order the entire Cheesecake Factory cheesecake line-up.
You’ve got (yummy) mail
Back in the day, people could buy cheesecake-flavored postage stamps
No oven? No problem
Baking is not the only way to make cheesecake, you can even chill and set it in the fridge.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY
It’s the celebration of an incredible hybrid
This day is dedicated to the celebration of two great things coming together. America’s love for pumpkins in the fall is undeniable, and combining that with one of the most popular desserts is nothing less than a cause for celebration.
It’s one of many delicious days
National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day is one of the many days allotted to this incredible dessert. From a general National Cheesecake Day to individual days for different flavors, cheesecakes are celebrated widely throughout the year.
It’s an excuse to indulge
Not that there is ever a bad time to devour some yummy seasonal treats. However, National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day can be your excuse to call it a cheat day and feed your mind, body, and soul.
