National Cherry Popover Day
There’s a special kind of comfort in a baked treat that’s crisp on the outside, hollow and cloud-like inside, and perfectly ready to cradle a spoonful of tart-sweet cherries. That’s the popover — and when cherries enter the picture, the result is nothing short of celebratory. National Cherry Popover Day is a joyous excuse to bake, share, and savour one of the simplest yet most dramatic pastries in the home-baker’s repertoire.What is a Popover?
Popovers are light, hollow rolls made from a simple egg-based batter similar to Yorkshire pudding. They rise dramatically in a hot oven, turning into golden, airy puffs that split open and create a pocket perfect for sweet or savoury fillings. Unlike muffins or quick breads, popovers rely on high oven heat and steam from eggs and water in the batter to create their signature rise.
When Is National Cherry Popover Day?
National Cherry Popover Day is celebrated on September 1st each year — an ideal time as it follows the peak of late-summer cherry season in many parts of the northern hemisphere. Whether you have fresh cherries, jars of preserved cherries, or frozen fruit, September offers a lovely moment to showcase cherries atop freshly baked popovers.
Origins & History
The exact origin of National Cherry Popover Day is hard to trace; like many modern “national day” observances, it likely emerged from food enthusiasts and social media celebrations rather than an official proclamation. However, the story of popovers themselves stretches back centuries, closely related to British Yorkshire pudding. Early American cooks adapted those batter traditions, and over time, the popover became a breakfast and brunch favourite in the United States, often served with butter, jam, or fruit compote.
Why Cherries?
Cherries bring bright acidity and energetic flavour that balance the buttery, eggy richness of the popover. Their jewel-like colour and texture also transform the popover from a simple bread into a pretty dessert or brunch centrepiece. Whether using sour Morello cherries for robust tartness or sweet Bing cherries for a softer profile, cherries complement rather than overpower the delicate popover.
Essential Popover Science: How They Rise
Understanding why popovers puff up helps you make them reliably. The batter is thin and high in eggs and liquids. When exposed to high oven heat, the water in the batter quickly turns to steam, which expands and lifts the batter. Protein from eggs coagulates, setting the structure quickly so the steam holds the puffed form. That’s why a very hot oven and preheated pans are key.
Classic Cherry Popover Recipe (Makes 6–8 popovers)
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for tang)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional — use less for savoury)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for greasing
- 1½ to 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted) — or cherry compote
- Optional: powdered sugar, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream for serving
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a standard popover pan or a 6–8 well muffin tin in the oven to heat.
- In a bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until smooth. Gradually whisk the wet ingredients into the dry until smooth. Stir in the melted butter. The batter should be thin, similar to heavy cream.
- Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and grease each cup with butter. Fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake another 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed. Avoid opening the oven while they’re rising.
- Remove the pan; let the popovers cool for a few minutes. Split them gently and fill with cherries or spoon cherry compote inside. Dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream/ice cream if desired.
Cherry Compote Quick Recipe
A cherry compote is a fast way to get an intensely flavoured topping. Simmer pitted cherries with a splash of lemon juice, 2–3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste), and a teaspoon of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon for 8–10 minutes until the cherries soften and the juices thicken. For frozen cherries, add a little water to help loosen the compote.
Variations to Try
- Cherry-Almond Popovers: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter and toast sliced almonds atop the cherries.
- Savory Popovers with Cherry Chutney: Make mini popovers, fill with herbed cream cheese and top with a savoury cherry chutney (onions, vinegar, cherries).
- Chocolate-Cherry: Add chocolate chips into the bottom of each cup before pouring batter; top with warm cherry sauce for a Black Forest twist.
- Mini Popovers: Use mini muffin pans for bite-sized popover appetizers — great for brunch spreads.
Pairings & Serving Ideas
Cherry popovers work well for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even an elegant tea service. Try serving with:
- Vanilla bean ice cream and a cherry compote for dessert.
- Mascarpone or ricotta sweetened with honey and lemon zest for brunch.
- Smoked ham and mustard with a tart cherry relish for a creative savoury-sweet plate.
Troubleshooting Common Popover Problems
- They didn’t puff: Make sure the oven and pan were thoroughly preheated and the batter was thin enough. Don’t open the oven while baking.
- Popovers collapsed quickly: Remove them carefully from the pan and serve soon; extremely high humidity can cause faster deflation.
- Too dense: Don’t overmix the batter — whisk until smooth but not aerated. Resting batter for a short time (10–20 minutes) can help some recipes but is optional.
Ways to Celebrate National Cherry Popover Day
- Bake for friends: Share warm popovers with neighbours or coworkers and include a jar of cherry compote as a gift.
- Pop-up brunch: Host a popover-focused brunch: offer several fillings (savoury and sweet) and let guests build their own.
- Recipe swap: Invite friends to swap vintage family popover recipes and variations.
- Instagram moment: Stage a bright, cherry-filled photo shoot—these pastries are photogenic and ideal for social sharing.
Fun Facts & Trivia
Popovers are sometimes called “English muffins” (not to be confused with the split-and-toast variety), and their dramatic rise is often a source of delight and surprise in bakeries and homes. Cherries are an ancient fruit, cherished across cultures for both fresh eating and preserving.
Conclusion
National Cherry Popover Day is a small but joyful observance that combines classic baking techniques with the bright flavour of cherries. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or attempting popovers for the first time, this day is an opportunity to gather, bake, and celebrate simple culinary pleasures. Warm popovers filled with cherry compote make for a comforting treat any time of day — and a delicious way to mark a delightful food holiday.
