Last updated: June 9, 2026
Quick Answer: June 9 Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day is an annual unofficial food holiday celebrated every June 9 in the United States. It honors the classic American dessert that pairs tart rhubarb with sweet strawberries in a buttery pie crust. The day has no federal or legal status but is widely recognized across food media, bakeries, and home kitchens each year. [1][2]
Key Takeaways
- June 9 is recognized annually as National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day in the United States, though it carries no official government designation. [2]
- The holiday aligns perfectly with peak rhubarb and early strawberry season in many parts of North America.
- Strawberry and rhubarb are a classic pairing because rhubarb’s tartness balances the natural sweetness of strawberries.
- A homemade strawberry rhubarb pie typically costs $8 to $15 in ingredients; bakery versions range from $20 to $45.
- The pie keeps well at room temperature for up to two days and in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Gluten-free and vegan versions are fully achievable with simple ingredient swaps.
- Common baking mistakes include using too little thickener and not venting the top crust properly.
- Rhubarb leaves are toxic and should never be used; only the stalks are edible.
What Exactly Is June 9 Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day
June 9 Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day is an unofficial American food holiday that celebrates one of the most beloved summer pies. It falls on June 9 every year and encourages people to bake, buy, or share a strawberry rhubarb pie. [1][4]
The day is not a federal holiday and has no legal standing, but it appears consistently on food holiday calendars, recipe websites, and social media each year. [2][8] Its informal nature is part of its charm: there are no rules, no official ceremonies, and no governing body. Anyone can participate simply by making or eating the pie.
The holiday fits naturally into early June because both strawberries and rhubarb are at or near peak season across much of the United States at that time, making fresh ingredients easy to find. [5]
How Did This Food Holiday Start
The precise origin of June 9 Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day is not documented in any single authoritative source, which is common for unofficial food holidays of this type. [2][5] Most food holiday researchers trace these observances to grassroots promotion by food bloggers, culinary organizations, or regional tourism boards rather than a single founding moment.
What is clear is that the holiday has been listed on food calendars for many years and continues to gain recognition through social media sharing and media coverage each June. [8] Some food holiday trackers note that many “national day” observances like this one grew popular in the early 2000s alongside the rise of food blogging culture.
The town of Lanesboro, Minnesota, has historically promoted itself as a rhubarb destination and hosts rhubarb-themed events in early summer, which reflects the kind of local enthusiasm that helps sustain days like this one. [4]
Why Do Strawberries and Rhubarb Go So Well Together
Strawberries and rhubarb complement each other because they sit at opposite ends of the flavor spectrum. Rhubarb is intensely sour and astringent on its own, while strawberries bring natural sweetness and a soft, juicy texture. [3]
When combined in a pie filling, the two ingredients create a balanced flavor that is neither too sweet nor too sharp. The sugar added during baking softens rhubarb’s acidity further, while rhubarb’s firm texture holds up better during cooking than strawberries alone, giving the filling body and structure.
From a seasonal standpoint, both ingredients peak at roughly the same time in late spring and early summer, which is why they have been paired together in American home cooking for well over a century. [5]
Best Recipe for Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
A reliable strawberry rhubarb pie recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and about 90 minutes from start to finish, including bake time.
Core ingredients for one 9-inch pie:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 cups rhubarb, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch or tapioca starch (thickener)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 prepared pie crusts (top and bottom)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for topping
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, starch, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Let sit 15 minutes.
- Pour filling into the bottom crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Add the top crust, crimp edges, and cut at least 5 vents or create a lattice.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar on top.
- Bake 45 to 55 minutes until the crust is deep golden and the filling bubbles through the vents.
- Cool at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Choose this recipe if you want a classic, no-fuss result. For a deeper flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the strawberries with frozen ones, which release more juice during cooking.
Common Mistakes People Make When Baking Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
The most frequent problem is a runny filling, which almost always comes from using too little thickener or cutting the pie before it has fully cooled. [3]
Other common mistakes include:
- Skipping the resting period. The filling needs at least two hours to set after baking. Cutting too early releases liquid and makes a soupy slice.
- Not venting the top crust. Without vents, steam builds up and can make the crust soggy or cause the filling to bubble over the sides.
- Using rhubarb that is too thick. Stalks wider than one inch should be split lengthwise before chopping so they cook evenly with the strawberries.
- Under-sugaring. Rhubarb is very tart. Tasting the raw filling before baking and adjusting sugar prevents an unpleasantly sour pie.
- Forgetting to line the oven rack. Strawberry rhubarb pie almost always bubbles over. Place a foil-lined baking sheet on the rack below.
How Much Does a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Cost at Bakeries
At most U.S. bakeries and grocery store bakery counters, a whole strawberry rhubarb pie ranges from $20 to $45, depending on location, bakery tier, and whether the ingredients are organic or locally sourced. Specialty or artisan bakeries in urban areas tend to charge at the higher end of that range.
Making a pie at home is significantly cheaper. A homemade version using store-bought pie crusts typically costs $8 to $15 in total ingredients. Making the crust from scratch adds minimal cost but more time.
Cost comparison at a glance:
| Option | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Homemade (store-bought crust) | $8 – $15 |
| Homemade (scratch crust) | $10 – $18 |
| Grocery store bakery | $18 – $28 |
| Artisan/specialty bakery | $28 – $45 |
Can I Make Strawberry Rhubarb Pie If I’m Gluten-Free
Yes, a gluten-free strawberry rhubarb pie is straightforward to make. The filling itself contains no gluten; only the crust requires substitution.
Several reliable options exist for the crust:
- Pre-made gluten-free pie crusts are available at most major grocery chains and work well with no modification.
- Almond flour crust produces a rich, slightly nutty base that pairs well with the tart filling.
- Oat flour crust (using certified gluten-free oats) offers a more neutral flavor closer to a traditional crust.
The key tip for gluten-free crusts is to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and handle it gently, as gluten-free doughs tend to crack more easily than wheat-based ones.
Vegan Alternatives for Traditional Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
A traditional strawberry rhubarb pie is almost vegan by default: the filling contains only fruit, sugar, starch, and lemon juice. The only animal-derived components are butter in the crust and the egg wash on top.
Simple swaps:
- Replace butter in the crust with cold vegan butter or refined coconut oil in equal amounts.
- Use plant-based milk (oat or almond) instead of egg wash for browning the crust.
- Coarse sugar sprinkled on top adds shine and crunch without any animal products.
The result is a pie that is indistinguishable from the original in flavor and texture for most people.
Is Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Good for Kids
Strawberry rhubarb pie is generally safe and enjoyable for children, with one important caveat: only the stalks of the rhubarb plant are edible. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid at levels that are toxic to humans and should never be used or consumed. [4] This is a concern for home growers, not for store-bought rhubarb, which is always sold stalk-only.
For younger children who are sensitive to tart flavors, adding a bit more sugar or serving the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream helps balance the sourness. The pie contains no nuts, making it suitable for most school-age children without nut allergies.
Difference Between Strawberry Rhubarb Pie and Strawberry Pie
The key difference is flavor complexity and texture. A plain strawberry pie uses only strawberries and tends to be sweeter, softer, and more one-dimensional in flavor. Strawberry rhubarb pie adds rhubarb, which introduces tartness, a firmer texture in the filling, and a more complex flavor profile that many bakers and food writers consider superior. [3][5]
Strawberry pie is often made with a pre-cooked or no-bake filling using gelatin, while strawberry rhubarb pie is almost always baked, which concentrates the flavors and produces a thicker, jammy filling.
How Long Does Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Last
A homemade strawberry rhubarb pie lasts up to two days at room temperature when loosely covered. In the refrigerator, it keeps well for four to five days. For longer storage, the pie can be frozen (whole or in slices) for up to three months; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
The high sugar and acid content of the filling acts as a natural preservative, but the crust will soften over time in the refrigerator. Reheating slices in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes restores some of the crust’s crispness.
Where Can I Find Fresh Rhubarb Near Me
Fresh rhubarb is most available from late April through June at farmers markets, grocery stores, and farm stands across the United States. [8] After June, supply drops sharply in most regions because rhubarb goes dormant in summer heat.
The best places to look:
- Farmers markets in late spring almost always carry fresh local rhubarb.
- Grocery store produce sections (look near celery, as rhubarb is often stocked nearby).
- Community-supported agriculture (CSA) boxes frequently include rhubarb in May and June.
- Home gardens and neighbors: rhubarb is a perennial that grows abundantly and many gardeners give it away freely in season.
Frozen rhubarb is available year-round at most large grocery stores and works well in pie filling with no significant quality loss.
What Wine Pairs Best With Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
The best wine pairings for strawberry rhubarb pie are off-dry or slightly sweet wines that match the pie’s fruity, tart profile without competing with it.
Top choices:
- Moscato d’Asti (Italy): lightly sparkling, low alcohol, peach and floral notes that echo the strawberry.
- Dry rosé: a Provence-style rosé with strawberry and citrus notes complements the filling without adding sweetness.
- Riesling (off-dry): its natural acidity mirrors rhubarb’s tartness while the residual sugar balances it.
- Sparkling rosé: the bubbles cut through the richness of the buttery crust.
Avoid heavy red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, which tend to overpower the delicate fruit flavors of the pie.
Conclusion
June 9 Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day is a simple, joyful occasion that needs no official recognition to be worth celebrating. The holiday falls at the exact moment when fresh rhubarb and early strawberries are at their best, making it a natural prompt to bake one of America’s most satisfying summer pies.
Actionable next steps for June 9, 2026:
- Source fresh rhubarb and strawberries at a local farmers market or grocery store before June 9.
- Use the recipe and tips in this guide to avoid the most common baking mistakes, particularly the runny-filling problem.
- If baking is not an option, check local artisan bakeries early in the week, as strawberry rhubarb pies often sell out on the holiday itself.
- Share the finished pie on social media using the hashtag #StrawberryRhubarbPieDay to join the broader community celebration.
- If dietary restrictions apply, refer to the gluten-free and vegan sections above for tested substitutions.
The pie itself is the whole point: tart, sweet, golden-crusted, and best shared with others.
FAQ
What day is National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day? National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day is observed on June 9 every year in the United States. [1][2]
Is June 9 Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day a federal holiday? No. It is an unofficial, informal food holiday with no government or legal recognition. Anyone can observe it, but there are no mandated closures or ceremonies. [2][4]
Are rhubarb leaves safe to eat? No. Rhubarb leaves are toxic due to high concentrations of oxalic acid and should never be consumed. Only the stalks are edible. [4]
Can I use frozen rhubarb for the pie? Yes. Frozen rhubarb works well in pie filling. Thaw it first and drain excess liquid before mixing with the other filling ingredients to prevent a watery result.
How do I know when the pie is done baking? The pie is done when the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is actively bubbling through the vents. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
What is the best thickener for strawberry rhubarb pie? Cornstarch and tapioca starch are both reliable choices. Tapioca starch produces a slightly clearer, glossier filling; cornstarch is more widely available and equally effective.
Can I make strawberry rhubarb pie ahead of time? Yes. The pie can be baked one day ahead and stored at room temperature, loosely covered. It can also be assembled unbaked and frozen for up to one month before baking.
Is there a National Rhubarb Pie Day separate from June 9? Yes. National Rhubarb Pie Day is observed on January 23 each year, celebrating rhubarb pie on its own without strawberries. [9]
How much sugar should I use in the filling? Most recipes call for 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar for a standard 9-inch pie. The right amount depends on how sweet the strawberries are and personal taste preference. Taste the raw filling and adjust before baking.
What is the best way to reheat a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie? Place the slice on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This warms the filling and restores some crispness to the crust, which a microwave cannot do.
References
[1] National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day – https://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-strawberry-rhubarb-pie-day [2] National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day – https://www.checkiday.com/b1116061ca1c6e48ef9f21e560af3494/national-strawberry-rhubarb-pie-day [3] Strawberry Rhubarb Pie – https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/strawberry-rhubarb-pie [4] National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day – https://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/june/national-strawberry-rhubarb-pie-day.htm [5] Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day – https://www.cooksinfo.com/strawberry-rhubarb-pie-day [8] National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day – https://nationaltoday.com/national-strawberry-rhubarb-pie-day/ [9] National Rhubarb Pie Day – https://nationaltoday.com/national-rhubarb-pie-day/