About National I Love Reese’s Day
National I Love Reese’s Day
There are few flavor combinations as universally adored as chocolate and peanut butter. It is a match made in confectionery heaven, and it is celebrated in style every year on May 18th during National I Love Reese’s Day.
This special day is dedicated to honoring the iconic treat that has captured the hearts and taste buds of millions of people all over the globe.
Whether you prefer the classic cups, the crunchy pieces, or any of the innovative spin-offs that have hit the shelves over the years, this observance is the perfect excuse to indulge your sweet tooth. It is a day for fans to come together, share their favorite ways to eat a Reese's, and appreciate the rich history behind America's favorite candy combination.
The History Behind National I Love Reese’s Day
The story of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups began in the 1920s with a man named Harry Burnett "H.B." Reese. Originally an employee of The Hershey Company, Reese decided to venture out on his own and began creating candy in his basement to help support his large family. In 1928, he struck gold when he invented the peanut butter cup. The treat was an instant success, eventually leading Hershey to acquire the H.B. Reese Candy Company in 1963.
National I Love Reese’s Day was established in 2010 through a massive online petition sponsored by Hershey, where over 40,000 candy lovers made their voices heard to give the legendary treat its very own official day on the calendar.
The specific date of May 18th was chosen with a clever culinary nod in mind: it is perfectly sandwiched between National Peanut Butter Lover's Day in March and National Chocolate Day in July, mimicking the construction of the famous cup itself.
Did you know? Reese's makes enough Peanut Butter Cups in one year to feed one cup to every single person in the USA, Africa, Europe, Japan, Australia, India, and China combined.
Did you know? During World War II, severe sugar rationing forced H.B. Reese to discontinue his other candy lines and focus entirely on peanut butter cups, which used less sugar than traditional hard candies.
Did you know? When first invented in 1928, they were sold for just one cent each and were popularly known as "penny cups."
How to Celebrate National I Love Reese’s Day
Getting involved in National I Love Reese’s Day is incredibly simple and, best of all, delicious. There are plenty of fun ways to join the celebration and share the love with friends and family:
Enjoy the Classics: Grab a standard two-pack of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and enjoy the perfect ratio of milk chocolate to salty-sweet peanut butter.
Bake with Reese's: Take your baking to the next level by chopping up Reese's cups and folding them into cookie dough, brownie batter, or using them as a decadent cheesecake topping.
Explore the Varieties: Try some of the brand's other creations, such as Reese's Pieces, Fast Break bars, or the seasonal shapes like eggs and pumpkins, which fans swear have the best peanut-butter-to-chocolate ratio.
Share on Social Media: Join the online conversation by sharing pictures of your sweet treats using the hashtag #NationalILoveReesesDay.
Did you know? There is a long-standing debate among fans about the best way to eat a Reese's Cup—some prefer to bite straight through, while others meticulously nibble the chocolate ridges off the edge first.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Own Giant Peanut Butter Cup
If you want to go big for the holiday, you can create a giant homemade version of the classic treat right in your kitchen. Here is how to do it:
Melt two cups of high-quality milk chocolate chips in the microwave or using a double boiler.
Pour half of the melted chocolate into a tart pan or a silicone mold, spreading it evenly up the sides, and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
In a bowl, mix one cup of creamy peanut butter with one cup of powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the hardened chocolate base, leaving a small border around the edges.
Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the top, smoothing it out to seal the peanut butter center completely.
Refrigerate or freeze for at least 30 minutes until completely firm, then slice and share.
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