Which of these is a popular treat traditionally cooked over a campfire?
Beyond American Pie: these local desserts are worth trying!
Americans have a sweet tooth that has led to the creation of some of the most delicious desserts in the world. And yes, while the American pie reigns supreme when it comes to pointing a national favorite, there are many other contenders that are nearly as popular as this classic apple treat. The following ten desserts offer just a small taste of the rich American cookbook, yet they manage to represent quite well the sweet cravings preferred in this country. If you haven’t tried some of these, we encourage you to give them a taste—they’re all delicious!
Image: Kenrick Mills
Cobbler
What’s not to love about a cobbler? It’s the perfect mix between tart and sweet. The popular choices include peach, apple, and blueberry, but other fruits like pears, and rhubarb, also make great options.
This popular dessert can range from tart to sweet depending on how much sugar is added to the fruit. Cobblers vary from more cake-like to crunchy, especially with the addition of oats for texture instead of flour.
Image: Enrique Briseno
Cheesecake
All hail the cheesecake! This amazing dessert comes in many varieties and flavors, from rich double chocolate decadence to fluffier and fruitier options. The cheesecake base also pairs wonderfully with other sweet treats, like brownies and pies, for extra richness.
While it may seem like a very contemporary dessert, the first cheesecakes were created as early as the 5th century B.C. on the Greek island of Samos, where a dessert was created from cheese, honey, and nuts.
Image: Kelsey Todd
Banana Pudding
Few fruits are better companions to creamy desserts than bananas. Their texture and sweetness blend perfectly with many other ingredients. The Banana Pudding is a layered mix of creamy banana custard, fresh bananas, wafer cookies, and whipped cream—a fluffy, chilled delight straight from the icebox.
The recipe for banana pudding first appeared in Good Housekeeping in 1888 and has been a beloved classic ever since, with good reason.
Image: Nicole Winchel Brayton
S’mores
This quintessential camping dessert is a truly American creation. The simple concept of graham crackers, toasted marshmallows, and chocolate has become home to a variety of innovations, including the addition of peanut butter, caramel, and other ingredients.
The recipe for s’mores first appeared in a cookbook in the 1920s, when it was already gaining popularity among campers in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. And if you’re nowhere near a campfire, you can make this classic treat in your own oven at home.
Image: Jessica Ruscello
Lemon Squares
This yellow cousin of the brownie (more on that later) is perfect for anyone who loves tart and flaky treats. The most successful recipes include a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of deliciously tangy lemon curd, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Chilled in the fridge, lemon squares make an ideal summertime dessert to savor when the heat is overwhelming.
Image: Elena Kloppenburg
Frozen custard
Everybody knows custard, right? And, as tasty as it is, frozen custard is—even better for many people. This gourmet ice cream treat, made with eggs, cream, and sugar is specially celebrated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin—the so-called "Custard Capital of the World"—where it's sold more than anywhere else around the globe.
Because it contains much less air than other similar treats, frozen custard is thick, dense, and packed with flavor.
Image: Tim Mossholder
Key lime pie
Who doesn’t love key lime pie? This sweet and sour dessert originates from the Florida Keys. It consists of Key lime juice, condensed milk, and eggs, mixed into a creamy custard. The custard is poured into a buttery crust made from graham crackers and topped with sweet whipped cream. The acidic flavors of the limes provide a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and cream.
Image: Nathan Lemon
Gooey Butter Cake
Gooey butter cake is an accurately descriptive name for this treat, a hallmark of the city of St. Louis. It’s a flat, dense cake made from wheat flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. The cake is traditionally garnished with powdered sugar and sometimes a few raspberries.
Sweet, rich, and firm, gooey butter cake was created in the 1930s by a baker who, while attempting to make a standard yellow cake, accidentally added too much sugar, butter, or shortening. Rather than discard the gooey, sticky batter, he decided to sell it—and customers couldn’t get enough.
Image: Olga Petnyunene
Beignets
While this dish originated in France, America has made it its own. Beignets are squares of deep-fried pastry dough sprinkled with powdered sugar and traditionally served hot. These days, beignets are most commonly associated with the French Quarter of New Orleans, where they were declared the official state donut in 1986. These treats are often enjoyed alongside chocolate milk or café au lait.
Image: Keesha's Kitchen
Brownies
Last but not least, another American favorite makes its entrance. These small chocolate cakes come in various forms, from thicker, fudge-like brownies to lighter, fluffier versions. Brownies are also perfect for pairing with other popular desserts, like ice cream and caramel sauce, and can include nuts or frosting. There’s even a "blonde" variation!
Brownies hold a special place in American culture, often associated with home-baked goods, school bake sales, and family gatherings. Everyone has a favorite type of brownie. What’s yours?
Image: NordWood Themes