Chocolate MoonPie A Timeless Southern Snack

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about this iconic Southern snack. We will explore its history, break down its nutritional information, discuss its excellent value, and suggest the best ways to enjoy it.

What Makes the Chocolate MoonPie Special?

In a world of complex and exotic snacks, the Chocolate MoonPie’s appeal lies in its straightforward, unchanging perfection. It’s a classic for a reason, combining textures and flavors in a way that has delighted generations.

A Trio of Perfect Textures

The genius of the MoonPie is in its three-layer construction, which delivers a complete sensory experience in every bite.

• The Graham Cracker Cookies: Two soft, slightly crumbly graham cracker cookies form the foundation. They provide structure and a wholesome, wheaty flavor that isn’t overly sweet.
• The Marshmallow Filling: Sandwiched between the cookies is a generous layer of fluffy, gooey marshmallow. This adds a soft, chewy texture and a light sweetness that complements the other components.
• The Chocolate Coating: The entire sandwich is enrobed in a thin, crisp layer of rich chocolate. This coating provides the initial snap and a decadent flavor that ties everything together.

This combination of soft, chewy, and crisp is what makes the MoonPie so satisfying. It’s a substantial snack that feels both like a cookie and a candy bar.

An Enduring Southern Legacy

The MoonPie was born in 1917 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The story goes that a coal miner asked a traveling salesman for a snack “as big as the moon.” The result was the MoonPie, an affordable and filling treat that quickly became a favorite across the South. It was so substantial that it became known as the “workingman’s lunch” when paired with an RC Cola.

This rich history makes the MoonPie a cornerstone of southern comfort food. Finding a 12-count pack in the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store feels fitting. It connects guests to this long-standing tradition, offering a taste of nostalgia that pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s homestyle meals and welcoming atmosphere.

Nutrition and Portion Guide

The 12-count pack of individually wrapped MoonPies makes portion control easy. While it’s a sweet treat, understanding the nutritional information for a single MoonPie can help you enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

Chocolate MoonPie Nutrition Facts

Each 2.75-ounce Chocolate MoonPie is a single serving, providing a satisfying and energy-dense snack.

Calories and Serving Size

A single 2.75-ounce Chocolate MoonPie contains approximately 300 calories. Because each MoonPie is individually wrapped, it is easy to manage portions. One pie is a substantial snack on its own, perfect for a lunchbox, a road trip, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

The 12-count pack is ideal for families or for stocking the pantry, ensuring you always have a perfectly portioned treat ready to go.

Ingredients Overview

The MoonPie’s classic taste comes from a simple list of familiar ingredients:

• Graham Cracker Cookies: Made with enriched flour, sugar, and graham flour.
• Marshmallow Filling: A whipped mixture of corn syrup, sugar, and gelatin.
• Chocolate Coating: A confectionary coating typically made with sugar, cocoa, and vegetable oils.

Allergen Information

The Chocolate MoonPie contains several common allergens. It is important for guests with food sensitivities to be aware of the following:

• Wheat: The graham cracker cookies are made with wheat flour.
• Soy: Soy products are often used in the chocolate coating and as emulsifiers.
• Eggs and Milk: The recipe may contain traces of eggs and milk.

While the classic MoonPie does not contain nuts, it is manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts, so cross-contamination is a possibility. Always read the packaging for the most current allergen information.

Is This a Healthy Choice?

The Chocolate MoonPie is a sweet, indulgent snack. It is high in sugar and carbohydrates, making it a great source of quick energy but best enjoyed in moderation. It’s a classic comfort food, meant for enjoyment rather than for its nutritional benefits.

To enjoy MoonPies responsibly:

• Stick to One: The individual wrapping helps with portion control. One pie is a full serving.
• Enjoy After a Meal: Having a MoonPie as a dessert after a balanced meal is better than eating it on an empty stomach.
• Get Active: A MoonPie is a great snack to fuel an active afternoon at the park or on a hike.

Pricing and Availability

The 12-count pack of Chocolate MoonPies available at Cracker Barrel offers fantastic value, providing a bulk supply of a beloved snack at an affordable price.

How Much Does the 12 Count Pack Cost?

The 12-count pack of 2.75-ounce Chocolate MoonPies is priced at $7.99. This breaks down to just about 67 cents per MoonPie, which is an incredible value for a snack of this size and quality. This bulk pricing makes it a budget-friendly choice for families, parties, or anyone who loves MoonPies.

This price point is consistent with Cracker Barrel’s commitment to offering great value, whether you are looking at family breakfast deals or browsing the unique items in the Old Country Store.

Where to Find It

The 12-count pack of Chocolate MoonPies is a retail item found exclusively in the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. You will not find it on the restaurant’s dining menu.

• In the Snack Aisle: Look for the distinctive blue box in the section of the store dedicated to snacks, crackers, and classic treats.
• As a Bulk Item: It is usually located with other multi-pack items, perfect for stocking up.

Cracker Barrel Catering and Events

The 12-count pack is perfect for events. While not a standard item on the official Cracker Barrel catering menu, MoonPies are an easy and popular addition to any gathering. Their individual wrapping makes them a hygienic and convenient snack for office meetings, school parties, or as a fun dessert option at a casual wedding or family reunion.

Chocolate MoonPie Pairings

The classic Chocolate MoonPie has a traditional pairing that is as famous as the snack itself. However, it also goes well with a variety of other beverages.

Beverage Pairings

The right drink can enhance the flavors of the graham, marshmallow, and chocolate.

• RC Cola: The classic pairing. For decades, a MoonPie and an RC Cola were known as the “workingman’s lunch” in the South. The crisp, sweet flavor of the cola cuts through the richness of the pie.
• Cold Milk: A tall glass of cold milk is the perfect companion to the soft, cakey texture of the MoonPie, creating a classic cookies-and-milk experience.
• Hot Coffee: A cup of black coffee can balance the sweetness of the MoonPie, making it a great afternoon snack.

Fun Ways to Eat a MoonPie

While delicious straight out of the wrapper, there are other fun ways to enjoy a MoonPie.

• Warmed Up: Microwave a MoonPie for about 10-15 seconds. The marshmallow gets gooey, the chocolate melts slightly, and it becomes an even more decadent treat.
• With Ice Cream: Crumble a MoonPie over a bowl of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delicious sundae topping.

FAQs About the Chocolate MoonPie

What is a Chocolate MoonPie?
It is a classic American snack made of two graham cracker cookies with a marshmallow filling, all dipped in a chocolate coating.

How much does the 12-count pack cost at Cracker Barrel?
The pack of 12 individually wrapped MoonPies is priced at $7.99.

How many calories are in one MoonPie?
A single 2.75-ounce MoonPie contains approximately 300 calories.

Is it available on the restaurant menu?
No, the 12-count pack is a retail item sold in the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

Is the MoonPie a Southern snack?
Yes, it was invented in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1917 and is a beloved Southern icon.

Does it contain allergens?
Yes, it contains wheat and soy, and may contain traces of milk and eggs. It is also made in a facility that processes nuts.

Is the MoonPie gluten-free?
No, the graham cracker cookies are made with wheat flour, so it is not gluten-free.

Can I buy a single MoonPie at Cracker Barrel?
Cracker Barrel typically sells them in the 12-count pack, which offers the best value. Single pies may be available at the register.

Are there other flavors of MoonPies?
Yes, MoonPie comes in other flavors like vanilla and banana, though the chocolate version is the original and most famous.

Is this a good snack for kids’ lunchboxes?
Absolutely. They are individually wrapped, portion-controlled, and a treat most kids love.

How should I store the MoonPies?
Store the box in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh.

Can I warm up a MoonPie?
Yes, microwaving a MoonPie for a few seconds makes it warm and gooey, which is a popular way to eat it.

Is this part of a family breakfast deal?
No, as a retail item, it is purchased separately from the restaurant’s meal bundles.

What is the shelf life of a MoonPie?
They are shelf-stable and typically have a long expiration date, which you can find printed on the box.