National Moon Pie Day

A group of diverse children enjoying a sunny picnic while eating Moon Pies, wearing vintage style clothing and surrounded by retro toys.. — National moon pie day illustration

Get ready to blast off to a world of sweetness and nostalgia because it's National Moon Pie Day! This delightful holiday is all about celebrating the iconic marshmallow-filled sandwich cookie that has become a beloved treat for generations. So grab your astronaut helmet and prepare for a sugar-filled adventure as we dive into the fascinating history of Moon Pies!

When is Moon Pie Day?

It's national moon pie day on the 28th July.

A Bite-Sized History of Moon Pies

It all began in 1917 when a Kentucky coal miner asked the Chattanooga Bakery in Tennessee for a snack that could fit snugly in his lunchbox. Inspired by the moon landing, the bakery's sales manager came up with the idea of a moon-themed treat that would satisfy hunger pangs in a single bite. And thus, the Moon Pie was born!

Initially, these delightful confections were made with graham crackers, marshmallow filling, and a thin layer of chocolate coating. They quickly became a hit among Southerners and gained a loyal following for their irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

During the Great Depression, Moon Pies became a popular alternative to full meals due to their affordability. They were often traded for goods and services, solidifying their position as a symbol of simpler times and resourcefulness.

In the 1950s and '60s, Moon Pies gained even more popularity when they became a favorite among coal miners, who would enjoy them as part of their lunch break. The cookies and marshmallow combination provided a quick burst of energy that miners needed to fuel their hard work deep underground.

Today, Moon Pies are cherished as a beloved Southern treat and have even made their way into pop culture. They have been mentioned in songs, featured in movies, and have become a staple at county fairs and festivals. In fact, during the total solar eclipse of 2017, the city of Charleston, South Carolina set a Guinness World Record for the largest Moon Pie ever made, weighing in at a whopping 55 pounds!

Celebrating National Moon Pie Day

On this special day, people from all over the country indulge in the sweet, crunchy, and gooey goodness of Moon Pies. Whether you prefer the classic flavor or one of the newer variations like banana or salted caramel, National Moon Pie Day is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to this timeless delight.

Here are a few fun ways to celebrate:

Host a Moon Pie tasting party with friends and family. Set up a table with different flavors of Moon Pies and have everyone vote for their favorite.
Get creative in the kitchen and make your own homemade Moon Pies. Experiment with different flavors of fillings and coatings, and let your imagination run wild.
Organize a Moon Pie eating contest. See who can devour the most Moon Pies in a set amount of time. Just make sure to have plenty of milk on hand!

No matter how you choose to celebrate, National Moon Pie Day is all about embracing the joy and nostalgia of this iconic treat that has been satisfying cravings for over a century.

History behind the term 'Moon Pie'

1917

The Invention of the Moon Pie

In 1917, the term 'moon pie' was first coined when the Chattanooga Bakery in Tennessee created this beloved snack. Morris and Rose Lansden, the founders of the bakery, wanted to create a snack that would be both delicious and filling for coal miners. Inspired by the moon landing, they named it 'moon pie' to symbolize the idea of reaching for the moon and achieving big things.

1917

Creation of the Moon Pie

The Moon Pie, a classic American confection, was first created in 1917. It was made by the Chattanooga Bakery in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The concept behind the Moon Pie was to create a simple, inexpensive, and filling snack for the coal miners and factory workers of the time. The original Moon Pie consisted of two round graham cracker cookies with a marshmallow filling in-between. It was coated with a flavored coating, usually chocolate, and had a distinct moon-like shape, which gave it its name.

1917

The Birth of Moon Pie

In 1917, a bakery in Chattanooga, Tennessee called the Chattanooga Bakery introduced a new snack called the Moon Pie. The Moon Pie was a combination of two graham cookies sandwiching a layer of marshmallow filling. It quickly became popular and gained a loyal following among workers in the Southeastern United States.

1917

The Birth of the Moon Pie

In 1917, the Chattanooga Bakery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, created a delicious treat that would soon become known as the Moon Pie. This classic American confection consisted of two graham cracker cookies sandwiching a layer of marshmallow, all dipped in chocolate. The Moon Pie was originally created as a filling and inexpensive snack for coal miners and workers.

1917

Creation of the Moon Pie

The term 'moon pie' first originated in 1917 when a bakery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, called the Chattanooga Bakery, created this iconic treat. It was designed to be a convenient snack for coal miners. The company created a soft cookie sandwich made of graham crackers with marshmallow filling and coated it in a thin layer of chocolate. This unique combination of ingredients and flavors quickly became popular among workers in various industries.

1929

Advertising the Moon Pie

In 1929, the Chattanooga Bakery launched an advertising campaign to promote the moon pie. They started placing advertisements on billboards with the slogan 'Made with the big, big taste.' The company strategically targeted rural areas and small towns, where moon pies gained immense popularity. This marketing strategy helped solidify the term 'moon pie' in the public consciousness as the name of this tasty treat.

1929

A Delicious Treat During the Great Depression

During the Great Depression in 1929, Moon Pies gained even more popularity due to their affordability and delicious taste. The snack became a staple for workers who needed a filling treat during their long and tiring shifts. Moon Pies were often enjoyed with a cold bottle of RC Cola and became a popular combination known as the "working man's lunch."

1929

The Introduction of the Marshmallow Filling

In 1929, the Chattanooga Bakery introduced the marshmallow filling to the moon pie. This addition enhanced the flavor and texture of this already popular treat. The combination of the soft marshmallow center and the crisp graham cracker-like cookie shell became an instant hit, securing the moon pie's place as a beloved sweet treat.

1929

Moon Pie Associated with RC Cola

In 1929, the Chattanooga Bakery started a marketing campaign associating Moon Pies with RC Cola. This combination became extremely popular in the southern United States, especially among school children. The campaign emphasized the affordability and deliciousness of the Moon Pie-RC Cola combination, which quickly became known as the 'working man's lunch' or 'working man's dessert.' The pairing of Moon Pies and RC Cola became deeply ingrained in Southern culture and still holds nostalgic value for many to this day.

1929

The Moon Pie and RC Cola Combo

The popularity of Moon Pies skyrocketed in 1929 with the introduction of a classic pairing: Moon Pies and RC Cola. The combination of the chocolatey, marshmallow-filled treat with a bottle of Royal Crown Cola became a favorite among Southerners, particularly as a satisfying midday snack. This traditional pairing became deeply ingrained in Southern food culture and remains a beloved tradition to this day.

1955

The Moon Pie and RC Cola

In 1955, the tradition of pairing moon pies with RC Cola began. This sweet combination quickly became a Southern phenomenon. The moon pie's portability and affordability made it a popular snack for school lunches and picnics, while RC Cola, a regional soft drink, complemented the marshmallow-filled cookie perfectly. The 'Moon Pie and RC Cola' duo became an iconic Southern delicacy.

1950s

Moon Pies and Mardi Gras

In the 1950s, Moon Pies gained popularity during the Mardi Gras celebrations in Mobile, Alabama. In place of traditional throws, krewes started throwing individually wrapped Moon Pies to parade-goers. The Moon Pie quickly became a sought-after treat during Mardi Gras, with people scrambling to catch one. Today, Moon Pies are still commonly thrown from floats during Mardi Gras parades, and they have become an iconic part of the Mardi Gras experience in the Southern United States.

1950s

Moon Pie and RC Cola Combo

During the 1950s, the combination of a moon pie and a Royal Crown Cola (RC Cola) became a cultural phenomenon in the southern United States. People would often enjoy this combination as a simple but satisfying snack or dessert. The pairing of the moon pie with RC Cola was even celebrated in a popular song called 'Gimmie an RC Cola and a Moon Pie' by Big Bill Lister. It further solidified the term 'moon pie' in the regional vernacular.

1950s

Moon Pies at County Fairs and Festivals

During the 1950s, Moon Pies became a staple at county fairs and festivals across the United States. Vendors would often sell Moon Pies alongside other fair favorites like cotton candy and corn dogs. The indulgent combination of marshmallow, graham cracker, and chocolate resonated with people looking for a nostalgic treat and became synonymous with the lively, celebratory atmosphere of fairs and festivals.

1950s

Moon Pie and the Space Age

In the 1950s, the Space Age captured public imagination, and Moon Pie capitalized on this trend. The snack's name, Moon Pie, evoked thoughts of astronauts and space travel. Moon Pies were heavily marketed with space-themed advertisements and slogans, adding to their appeal and iconic status.

1985

Moon Pie Festival

In 1985, the town of Bell Buckle, Tennessee started a Moon Pie-themed festival. The Bell Buckle Moon Pie Festival, held annually, celebrates the unique history and cultural significance of the Moon Pie. The festival features various activities like live music, parade, clog dance performances, and, of course, plenty of Moon Pies to enjoy. It has become a beloved event, attracting visitors from all over the country, and further solidifying the Moon Pie's place in American culture.

1999

Moon Pie's Iconic Status

In 1999, the city of Mobile, Alabama, celebrated the New Year's Eve with its traditional Moon Pie drop. Inspired by the famous Times Square ball drop, a giant electric moon pie is dropped when the clock strikes midnight. This annual event further solidified the moon pie's iconic status and its association with Southern culture. Today, moon pies remain a beloved and nostalgic snack, often enjoyed during festivals, fairs, and celebrations throughout the southern United States.

1970s

Moon Pie and Southern Culture

Moon Pie became deeply ingrained in Southern culture during the 1970s and beyond. The snack was often associated with country music and was even mentioned in various songs. Moon Pies became a symbol of nostalgia and a comfort food for many Southerners, creating a lasting cultural impact.

1973

Moon Pie at the Moon Landing

In 1973, during the last Apollo mission to the moon, the Chattanooga Bakery received a radio message from the astronauts thanking them for sending moon pies to enjoy in space. The astronauts found the moon pie to be a nostalgic reminder of home while they explored the lunar surface. This unexpected connection between the moon pie and the moon landing further cemented its place in American culture.

2003

The World's Largest Moon Pie

In 2003, the Chattanooga Bakery celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Moon Pie by creating the world's largest Moon Pie. This gigantic confection weighed a staggering 55 pounds and measured 4 feet in diameter. The event drew attention from all over the country and showcased the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Moon Pies.

2000s

Moon Pie Flavors and Variations

In the 2000s, the Chattanooga Bakery expanded the range of Moon Pie flavors and variations. While the original chocolate flavor remains popular, they introduced new flavors like vanilla, banana, strawberry, and even seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice. They also started offering mini Moon Pies and double-decker Moon Pies. The diversification of flavors and formats has allowed the Moon Pie to appeal to a wider audience while still retaining its nostalgic charm.

2000s

Moon Pie Festivals and Records

In the 2000s, Moon Pie Festivals started popping up in different locations, serving as a celebration of this beloved snack. These festivals include activities such as Moon Pie eating contests and games, attracting locals and tourists alike. In 2017, a record-breaking Moon Pie was created, weighing a whopping 55 pounds as part of the Chattanooga MoonPie Festival, further cementing Moon Pie's place in popular culture.

Present Day

Moon Pies in Pop Culture

Moon Pies have continued to capture the hearts and taste buds of people across the United States. They have become icons of Southern cuisine and have made appearances in various forms of pop culture, including movies, songs, and literature. The Moon Pie's reputation as a delectable treat with nostalgic charm remains strong, ensuring its place in the cultural fabric of America.

1999

World's Largest Moon Pie

In 1999, the Chattanooga Bakery celebrated the 80th anniversary of the moon pie by creating the world's largest moon pie. Weighing a staggering 55 pounds and measuring 6 feet in diameter, this colossal snack secured the moon pie's status as a cultural icon. The event drew thousands of spectators and showcased the enduring popularity of this timeless treat.