Food holidays on September 16

United States·September 16 2026

National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day

National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day, observed on September 16th, celebrates the beloved treat that has secured its place in households across the United States. The day's origin is linked to an unexpected culinary creation by Henry David Thoreau, now widely embraced. The roots of cinnamon raisin bread can be traced back to England in the 1960s, evolving from fruit breads like Stollen, Kulich, and Panettone. Raisins, a key ingredient, are celebrated on National Raisin Day every April 30th. Often referred to as ”The Bread of Iron“ due to the raisins' high iron content, the bread offers essential health benefits. Celebrating National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day involves toasting slices and pairing them with delightful toppings like homemade apple butter, cream cheese, or sliced pears. For a breakfast or snack extravaganza, one can try making French toast or an egg bake using cinnamon raisin bread. Participation in the celebration includes baking homemade cinnamon-flavored raisin bread, incorporating unique twists like soaking raisins in hot water or fruit juice for added plumpness, or enjoying freshly baked loaves from a favorite pastry shop. The historical journey of raisins, dating back to 1490 B.C. with their sun-drying process and commercial potential discovered in California in 1873, is intertwined with National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day. The iconic Sun-Maid logo, introduced in 1915, has adorned raisin boxes for over a century, while the evolution of cinnamon raisin bread mirrors the rich history of various fruit breads worldwide.