National Indian Pudding Day

National Indian Pudding Day is observed annually on November 13. This day celebrates the traditional New England dessert known as Indian pudding—a warm, slow-baked treat made with cornmeal, milk, molasses or maple syrup, and spices. It’s a simple, hearty dish that reflects the resourcefulness and history of early American cooking.

History of National Indian Pudding Day

The origins of Indian pudding go back to the 17th century, when English colonists brought their recipe for “hasty pudding,” a wheat-based dish. In New England, where wheat was less available, they adapted it by using cornmeal—often called “Indian meal” due to its Indigenous roots. That substitution gave the dish its name.
Over time, molasses and spices were added, giving Indian pudding its signature flavor. It became a cherished regional dessert, especially during the fall and winter months. National Indian Pudding Day was created to preserve and promote this comforting piece of culinary history.

Why is National Indian Pudding Day important?

When I think about this day, I see more than a serving of dessert—it’s a moment to recognize how food anchors place and memory. Indian pudding is rooted in adaptation, tradition, and regional identity. Celebrating it reminds us that what we eat carries stories of migration, culture-sharing, and resourcefulness.
It’s also a chance to slow down and celebrate warmth, coziness, and community—qualities embodied by the dessert’s slow-cooked, heart-warming nature. In a fast world, taking time for a baked pudding feels like a statement of comfort, continuity, and care.

It honors a dessert recipe that has been part of New England’s culinary heritage for centuries
It invites us to explore food history—how Indigenous knowledge, colonial adaptation and local ingredients combined
It celebrates the simple act of sharing warmth through food in colder months
It encourages regional food traditions to remain alive and appreciated
It gives us a way to connect past and present through what’s on the table

How to Celebrate National Indian Pudding Day

You don’t need to travel to New England to celebrate—just gather the ingredients or find a local version of Indian pudding. You can follow a traditional recipe (cornmeal, milk, molasses or maple syrup, spices) and bake it slowly. After it’s ready, serve it warm, perhaps with whipped cream or ice cream.
Invite someone to share the evening dessert, talk about how regional dishes evolve, and listen to stories of food in your family or culture. If you’re short on time, buy it from a bakery that offers heritage-dessert items. Share your experience and maybe encourage someone today to try a dish of history.

Make a homemade Indian pudding, share it with friends or family and talk about its origins
Try a variation: using maple syrup instead of molasses, adding raisins, or serving with vanilla ice cream
Visit a restaurant or bakery that offers traditional New England desserts and request Indian pudding if available
Post a photo or short discussion of the pudding you made or tried and mention what you noticed about its flavor, texture or story
Use the day as an opportunity to explore another regional dessert from your area—and reflect on how food tells place-stories