Even though there are plenty of iconic desserts that represent America, you don’t have to wait until Independence Day to enjoy them. Whether you’re trying to think of a sweet treat to bring to a picnic or you’re just curious about sweets that originated in America, we’ve created a list of desserts that feel like home. (Looking for more American desserts? Check out the most iconic dessert from every state.)
To create this list of iconic American desserts, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous publications including Food & Wine. Here are 15 of the top American desserts that perfectly represent our country.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic dessert, perfect for any day of the year. You won’t often meet a child or adult who will turn down a freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie. There’s a nostalgia factor to this dessert as well—a warm plate of chocolate chip cookies with milk is the ultimate picture of comfort in American culture.
Cheesecake
There aren’t many desserts more delicious or creamy than a traditional New York Cheesecake. Now the official dessert of New York, this American dessert has become a staple across the country. While the standard New York Cheesecake is still popular, the well-known restaurant chain The Cheesecake Factory has nearly 40 different varieties of cheesecake on the menu.
Boston Cream Pie
As you can probably guess, Boston cream pie originally came from Boston. This American dessert combines vanilla cake and custard with a rich chocolate ganache. Although the first Boston Cream Pie was created at the Parker House Hotel in 1856, it became so popular that Betty Crocker added a recipe for this dessert to their cake mixes in the 1950s. It was this recipe that also inspired the creation of the Boston cream donut.
Banana Pudding
Fantastic. Really. After I spooned some onto a plate for my father I dove into the plastic container face first.
Banana pudding is another treat that’s most popular in the South, but it has become popular in other parts of the country as well. If you’re wondering what to do with your overripe bananas, you always have two options: banana bread or banana pudding. Banana pudding is the perfect American dessert to bring to a potluck, barbecue, or any other event.
S’mores
Smores. Marshmallow with Chocolate and Graham Crackers in Rustic Kitchen
No summer is complete without at least one night of making s’mores around a campfire. This iconic treat is the perfect summer dessert that represents America. Whether you’re camping in the woods or inviting friends over for an outdoor party, grab some graham crackers, marshmallows, and Hershey bars for the perfect summer dessert.
Funnel Cake
You can’t have a list of iconic American desserts without mentioning at least one dessert from the fair. The original version of this dessert may not have originated in America, but the current version topped with powdered sugar, Nutella, or fruit, has become synonymous with state fairs and American living.
Peach Cobbler
Thanks to southern States like Georgia that grow delicious peaches, we can enjoy iconic American desserts like peach cobbler. Even though this dessert is traditionally cooked in a cast iron skillet, there are many ways to bake this tasty treat. With some sugar, peaches, and spices, you can easily recreate this classic summer dessert.
Rice Krispies Treats
Rice krispies treats with pastel colored candy for Easter
What’s not to love about Rice Krispies treats? These treats are made with Rice Krispies cereal, marshmallows, and butter. Although they’ve become a popular processed snack you can buy in the store, there’s also a recipe on the box of Rice Krispies cereal so you can easily make your own at home. Not only are they delicious, but they’re a popular choice for picnics, holidays, or kid’s birthday parties.
Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving celebration is complete without one of America’s most famous desserts, the pumpkin pie. It’s one of the simplest pies to make and is a staple especially around the holidays. Sweet potato pie has started to grow in popularity as a substitute, but nothing quite beats the classic pumpkin pie we’re all used to seeing on the Thanksgiving table.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is another staple in America, especially in the South. Considering the abundance of pecans grown in Georgia, this pie became a popular Southern dessert that is now well-known all over. Like pumpkin pie, pecan pie is popular during Thanksgiving. If you’re looking for a unique twist on the original pecan pie recipe, you can also try a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.
Blondies
Homemade Chocolate Chip Blondies Cut Into Squares
Brownies are one of the most popular desserts in America, but blondies have become one of the top American desserts as well. A blondie is kind of like a brownie, but with brown sugar instead of chocolate. You can even make different kinds of blondies whether you choose to add M&Ms or make a s’mores version. Add ice cream on top for a blondie sundae and you have the perfect American dessert.
Cherry Pie
Delicious Homemade Cherry Pie with a Flaky Crust
Americans love pie, and dessert in general, but cherry pie is one of the most patriotic desserts. Michigan produces more cherries than any other state, which makes it a great place to find the perfect slice of fresh cherry pie. Like many other varieties, you can enjoy cherry pie topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the perfect American dessert.
Jell-O
Assorted Jell-O flavors.
If you’re wondering what dessert best represents being a kid in America, it’s Jell-O. Jell-O wasn’t invented until the late 1800s, but it grew in popularity throughout the early 20th century. This iconic dessert is still the perfect way to celebrate any holiday, especially when you have molds to make Jell-O Jigglers.
Apple Pie
It doesn’t get more American than apple pie. Actually, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and you can practically hear the National Anthem. Apple pie was one of the first desserts to be made in the United States, which makes it as American as the Fourth of July. Homemade apple pie is essentially the National Dessert of the United States, and while there are many tasty desserts out there, no other dessert is coming for that title.
Ice Cream
Nothing says small-town America like a fresh scoop of ice cream from a local ice cream shop. Ice cream is one of the most popular desserts in the country. There are now over 1,000 ice cream flavors, so even though classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla are still the most popular–there’s always something new to try. (Click here to read about the best ice cream shops in America.)