National Indian Pudding Day
Celebrate the Comfort of National Indian Pudding Day
November 13 is National Indian Pudding Day, a chance to enjoy a classic New England dessert. Made with cornmeal, milk, and sweeteners such as molasses, this warm pudding is a comforting treat for chilly days. Its history connects it to an older British dish, hasty pudding, adapted with cornmeal.
What is Indian Pudding?
Indian pudding is a traditional American dessert made with cornmeal, milk, and sweeteners such as molasses or cane syrup. Recipes may also include spices, and the dish is often served with cream or ice cream. Its name comes from “Indian meal,” an old term for cornmeal—not from a Native American origin for the pudding.
A Taste of History
According to the USDA National Agricultural Library, Indian pudding is a Western Hemisphere descendant of British wheat flour-based hasty pudding. The dish adapted that earlier pudding by using “Indian meal,” or cornmeal, in place of wheat flour. Its exact beginnings and the person who first made it aren’t well documented.
Why Indian Pudding Matters
National Indian Pudding Day celebrates a traditional dessert and its place in American food history. The dish shows how an older British recipe was adapted with cornmeal, an ingredient associated with the Americas. It also offers a chance to enjoy a familiar New England comfort food and learn about the history behind its name.
Fun Facts About Indian Pudding
- Indian pudding is related to hasty pudding, a British dish traditionally made with wheat flour.
- “Indian meal” refers to cornmeal, which took the place of wheat flour in Indian pudding.
- The USDA National Agricultural Library notes that Eliza Leslie shared baked, boiled, and egg-free versions of Indian pudding.
- The USDA National Agricultural Library marks National Indian Pudding Day on November 13.
Ways to Celebrate National Indian Pudding Day
Ready to celebrate? Here are some fun ways to mark National Indian Pudding Day:
- Cook Up a Batch: Make Indian pudding at home with your family. You can choose a recipe that suits your tastes and enjoy preparing this traditional dessert together.
- Ice Cream Pairing: Serve the pudding warm with ice cream or cream, if you like, for a cool and creamy contrast.
- Share Your Experience: Take pictures of your pudding and share them on social media with the hashtag #NationalIndianPuddingDay. You might inspire others to join in the celebration!
- Visit a Local Restaurant: Check whether local diners or restaurants have Indian pudding on the menu. Supporting local businesses while enjoying a classic dessert is a delicious way to celebrate.
- Learn More about Culinary History: Explore the history of hasty pudding and how Indian pudding adapted the dish using cornmeal. You might discover more about the stories behind traditional foods.
When is National Indian Pudding Day?
National Indian Pudding Day: Every year on November 13.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 13 | Friday |
| 2027 | November 13 | Saturday |
| 2028 | November 13 | Monday |
| 2029 | November 13 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | November 13 | Wednesday |
Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on October 21, 2026 · Last updated October 21, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Indian Pudding Day in 2026?
National Indian Pudding Day is on Friday, November 13, 2026. After that, it falls on Saturday, November 13, 2027. Every year on November 13.
Is National Indian Pudding Day a public holiday?
No. National Indian Pudding Day is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
What is Indian pudding?
Indian pudding is a traditional American dessert made with cornmeal, milk, and sweeteners such as molasses or cane syrup. It may include spices and is often served with cream or ice cream.
How did Indian pudding originate?
Indian pudding is a Western Hemisphere descendant of British wheat flour-based hasty pudding, adapted by using cornmeal instead of wheat flour. Its exact beginnings and the person who first made it aren't well documented.
How can you celebrate National Indian Pudding Day?
Make Indian pudding at home, enjoy it warm with cream or ice cream, or see whether a local restaurant serves it. You can also learn about its connection to hasty pudding and the history of cornmeal.
Sources
✓ Date matches USDA National Agricultural Library: November (checked automatically on October 20, 2026).
