by Hannah Brelsford
This crafted treat has the perfect balance of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham cookie. Just as popular as they have ever been, Moon Pies are a tradition passed down from generation to generation at the Chattanooga Bakery. This delicious cookie pie has an incredible origin story and an even better success story.
A salesman by the name of Earl Mitchell was employed by the Chattanooga Bakery, asked coal miners in Kentucky if they would like a snack while taking a break from the tiring demands of their job. Little did Mr. Mitchell know that a simple question would lead to creating America's most beloved snack cakes?
One of the coal miners, whose name is still unknown to this day, requested a graham cracker with marshmallows, but he didn't just want a regular one. Instead, he wanted one "as big as the moon." This was the spark that launched the idea for the Moon Pie.
At the time, Chattanooga Bakery, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, produced over 100 delicious items. Still, they knew that the Moon Pie was their memorable hit and that this would be the product that would make their company famous!
It sold for just 5 cents, so it flew off shelves. Eventually, the ladies in the Chattanooga Bakery factory were boxing hundreds of Moon Pies a day. Then, in the 1970s, they expanded the Moon Pie line to include new sizes and flavors.
The Moon Pie could fit in a lunch box and was a delicious pick-me-up for halfway through the day. During World War II, the treat became a comfort food for servicemen and women working during that time. The Moon Pie saw unprecedented growth throughout and after World War II as it served as a comfort to many people during that time.
The Moon Pie may be considered a Southern treat. Still, it is enjoyed all around America and celebrated with a festival every year.
Held in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, The RC-Moon Pie Festival celebrates the mysterious but delicious combination of RC Cola, a popular soda, and the Moon Pie. Dating back to 1994, a festival is held in honor of these Southern contributions to American snack culture.
Not only do they pay homage, but there are also activities, such as a 10 mile run, designed to shed the calories that come with eating too many Moon Pies and washing it down with too many sodas!
The single-decker Moon Pie comes in Banana, Chocolate, Salted Caramel, and Vanilla. The double-decker Moon Pie comes in all the same flavors as the single-decker but also fruity flavors such as Lemon, Orange, and Strawberry.
The mini Moon Pies come in the same flavors as the single-decker but in Strawberry. They even have another product called the Fancy Southern Pie, which comes in Coconut and Pecan Pecan flavors.
A testament to its beloved fanbase is that about a million - yes, 1,000,000 - Moon Pies are produced daily!
Who knew that two graham-flavored cookies with marshmallows filling in between and covered with chocolate could be considered a "comfort food." At Candyfavorites, we had long believed that candy and snacks could transport people back to a time when life was easier!
Suppose you want to taste a delicious piece of our history and present. In that case, we have the Chocolate Double Decker, Banana Double Decker, and Pumpkin Spice Double Decker Moon Pie for the Fall season.
May these delicious flavors take you to the moon!
