Different Desserts From Each State

Americans love their sugar. We want it in all our meals and then some more. So, of course it would only be natural for each state to have a dessert unique to it, just as another excuse to keep the serotonin coming. From Alabama to Arkansas, Maine to Massachusetts and Nevada to New York, every state has a dessert that is special to it and enjoyed by the residents, a little more than other confections. So if you have ever felt that no amount of dessert is enough, then America is here to prove you right.

Here is a list of iconic desserts of each state:

Alabama: Lane Cake
Alaska: Baked Alaska
Arizona: Sopaipilla
Arkansas: Watermelon Pops
California: Avocado Parfait
Colorado: Palisade peach pa#ncakes
Connecticut: Pumpkin Cookies With Nutmeg
Delaware: Peach Custard Pie
Florida: Key Lime Pie
Georgia: Peach Cobbler
Hawaii: Shave Ice
Idaho: Ice Cream Potato
Illinois- Pumpkin Pie
Indiana: Sugar Cream Pie
Iowa: White Chocolate Popcorn
Kansas: Pfeffernusse
Kentucky: Bourbon Balls
Louisiana: Banana Foster
Maine: Whoopie Pie
Maryland: Ice Cream
Massachusetts: Bost#on Cream Pie
Michigan: Fudge
Minnesota: Blueberry Muffin
Mississippi: Bread Pudding
Missouri: Ice Cream Cone
Montana: S’mores
Nebraska: Milkshakes
Nevada: Gâteau Basque
New Hampshire: Apple Cider Doughnut
New Jersey: Blueberry Pie
New Mexico: Biscochitos
New York: Cheesecake
North Carolina: Sweet Potato Pie
North Dakota: Chippers
Ohio: Buckeyes
Oklahoma: Strawberry Shortcake
Oregon: Marionberry Pops
Pennsylvania: Funnel Cake
Rhode Island: Coffee Milk
South Carolina: Coconut Cake
South Dakota: Kuchen
Tennessee: Banana Pudding
Texas: Pecan Pie
Utah: Jell-O
Vermont: Apple Pie
Virginia: Chess Pie
Washington: Apple Crisp
Washington, DC: Cherry Pie
West Virginia: Molasses Cookies
Wisconsin: Kringle
Wyoming: Truffles

Let’s take a look at the iconic desserts of each state, because America is great and the options are aplenty.

1. Alabama: Lane Cake

The Alabama Lane Cake, also known as the prize cake was invented by Emma Rylander Lane. It is made of layers of white sponge cake separated by stuffing of bourbon soaked pecans, raisins and coconut with frosting on the top and/or sides. It says something about the dessert that it became a favorite of an entire state even when making it meant enormous exhaustion.

2. Alaska: Baked Alaska

This dish is ice cream and cake topped with browned meringue, you know, all the tasty things. An impressive dessert for an impressive state, the Baked Alaska was created right around when America bought land from Russia in the land deal and formed Alaska. You are celebrating history every time you eat a piece of this delicious hot and cold baked bread pudding.

3.Arizona: Sopaipilla

You would be forgiven for thinking that a sopaipilla is a fried pastry or a sweet bread, because it kind of is, and at the same time, it is not quite. Sopaipilla is made by adding a shortening or butter to leavening wheat dough. The bread is allowed to rise, rolled into sheets and then cut into the desired shapes and fried in oil. Heard about multitasking desserts, this can be topped with cream and honey or as a savory and even as a taco. But we know what we are eating.

4. Arkansas: Watermelon Pops

Of course, the state with the world’s sweetest watermelons would make an iconic dessert out of it. A perfect treat for fitness enthusiasts, vegans and regular dessert lovers alike. Plus, it certainly doesn’t stop people with absolutely no cooking skills from making it at home, considering it is just frozen watermelon juice. Something for you to consume copious amounts of while still validly making the smug claim that you are eating healthy.

5. California: Avocado Parfait

This fruit is everywhere and California being its largest producer in the US did not hesitate from making the avocado parfait as the unofficial state dessert. Avocado parfait is a base of granola with mashed avocado topped with parfait and a fruit of choice. This multi textured fruit is as tasty as it sounds and if you are not going to California for LA, you should go there for this dessert.

6.Colorado: Palisade peach pancakes

Some of the best peaches in North America are grown here and Colorado has made it into a delectable compote that is spread over pancakes, waffles and literally anything you could think of. Put in on your cereal if you like, there will be no regrets.

Also Read: Must-have Equipment For Your Waffle And Pancake Business

7. Connecticut: Pumpkin Cookies With Nutmeg

The dessert is exactly what it sounds like, and is very fitting to Connecticut considering it is known as the Nutmeg state. We can imagine that you might be a little underwhelmed, but remember that while baking nutmeg into things is not exactly brand new information, it is transformational. So of course, you bake something old school like pumpkin cookies, you need to keep nutmeg handy for that something extra.

8. Delaware: Peach Custard Pie

Going forward, let’s just assume that unless given descriptions, the desserts are going to be exactly what they sound like. The Peach Custard Pie is the official state dessert of Delaware and that might have something to do with the fact that Delaware was the leading producer of peaches in the 19^th century.

9. Florida: Key Lime Pie

God bless Florida for this confection of egg yolks, key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk over a pie or a graham cracker crust. Floridians are certainly possessive of this dessert considering they once tried to pass a legislation that would have levied a fine on anybody advertising a key lime pie made without actual key limes. The legislation failed but this dessert is definitely legendary and is the official pie of the state.

10. Georgia: Peach Cobbler

Georgia’s official fruit is poured into a baking dish and covered with batter or biscuit before baking, which results in this iconic dessert. It is a southern classic and there are multiple variations with other fillings, but Georgia owns this and we know what we are asking for when we go visiting.

11. Hawaii: Shave Ice

Yes, it is called ‘shave’ ice and it is just that – a block of ice shaved and then topped with syrups like strawberry, orange etc. This dessert is Hawaii’s version of snowfall next to the ocean, which does carry a certain temptation. Definitely something to look forward to other than the pristine beaches and the sea.

12. Idaho: Ice Cream Potato

While there’s no actual potato in the dessert, the way it looks is a testament to how much the state loves potatoes. It is basically vanilla ice cream covered with cocoa and topped with whipped cream. While available in most places, we would recommend that you pull in Boise’s Westside drive in for this treat, which also happens to be its place of origin.

13. Illinois- Pumpkin Pie

Illinois turned this classic thanksgiving dessert into the official state pie in 2015. Surprisingly easy to make and it stays for weeks once it has been baked, two extremely desirable qualities when it comes to food. No wonder Illinois claimed it for their own before anyone else could.

14. Indiana: Sugar Cream Pie

Extremely popular in Indiana, it is also known as Hoosier Pie. The ingredients to make it are sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon which are available in pretty much every pantry.

15. Iowa: White Chocolate Popcorn

Iowa is the leading producer of corn and sweet popcorn is a particular favorite there. The options range from white chocolate to cookies and cream and vanilla popcorn. It is certainly an integral part of their iconic state fair.

16. Kansas: Pfeffernusse

Pfeffernusse are tiny spicy cookies. If you are not sure how to pronounce them, we recommend calling them peppernuts. They are easily available in most gift shops around Kansas, so pick up a box if you are passing through the state or ask someone who is to get some for you as a holiday treat.

17. Kentucky: Bourbon Balls

Kentucky loves its bourbon, as it has for more than 200 years. Bourbon balls are nuts soaked in bourbon and dipped in chocolate. This no bake dessert is symbolic of the state’s history and makes for a beautiful treat for the holidays.

18. Louisiana: Banana Foster

New Orleans in the 1950’s was where bananas were bought from and that is where this dessert was invented. Bananas are cooked with a sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, alcohol and banana liqueur and then served over vanilla ice cream. The preparation of this dish is often a tableside performance, and is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for your culinary senses. Do try this dish when you have a chance and then you can thank us and Louisiana for it.

19. Maine: Whoopie Pie

Many states claim Whoopie Pie as their own but Maine beat them at their game by making it the official state treat in 2010. It’s available in pretty much every dessert shop across the state.

20. Maryland: Ice Cream

There is a good reason for why a dessert as universal and popular as ice cream is Maryland’s entry for the state’s iconic desserts. It is because Maryland served the continent’s first ice cream and this was also where ice cream was first sold commercially. You are tasting history when you are eating ice cream in Maryland. Got goosebumps yet?

21. Massachusetts: Boston Cream Pie

So many variations of this exist in the form of donuts, cupcakes and even ice cream for the matter, which just goes to establish how iconic this dessert is. We wonder if this is what makes people living in Massachusetts be so happy all the time?

22. Michigan: Fudge

Michigan probably has not named fudge as the state’s official dessert because it probably doesn’t need to anymore, due to Mackinac island, the state’s weekend getaway spot being named as the fudge capital of the country. We see what you did there Michigan, and we honestly don’t mind.

23. Minnesota: Blueberry Muffin

It is the state muffin and is perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also as a snack during mid-morning or mid-afternoon breaks. You wouldn’t mind eating this all day. After all, there are so many anti-oxidants in the blueberries and the surrounding cake is tasty enough to lick the butter paper. You won’t be sharing this dessert with anyone, that we know for sure.

24. Mississippi: Bread Pudding

Mississippi came up with this pudding as a way to use up leftovers. This dish was especially popular during the Civil war. Mississippi is arguably home to a lot of desserts and savories but this bread pudding is what takes the cake, pun not intended.

25. Missouri: Ice Cream Cone

There are few states that have an official state dessert and Missouri declared it back in 2008. The inside of an ice cream cone is lined with peanut butter and then topped with whipped cream. Despite the absence of actual ice-cream, our mouths start watering when thinking about it.

26. Montana: S’mores

A popular campfire treat, S’mores enjoy the most popularity in Montana that has amazing state and national parks. There is no better dessert than a s’more for when you are sitting with a group of people exchanging stories or just going through a park. A s’more in hand just makes it all better.

27. Nebraska: Milkshakes

Nebraska is extremely important to the dairy industry and making the milkshake the state beverage was an excellent way of acknowledging that. Dairy lover or not, there is no way you can refuse a Nebraska milkshake.

28. Nevada: Gâteau Basque

This tart like cake is filled with jam or pastry cream with a flaky pastry crust. While the state has quite a number of desserts that are worth trying, we know Nevada’s favorite, as none of the others get their own festival. Nevada holds a basque festival, as it has been for 57 years, and you might want to plan your trip there according to this yearly event.

29. New Hampshire: Apple Cider Doughnut

So, apple picking is an essential weekend trip around here and apple cider vinegar is the state beverage. Put two and two together and you get a beautiful apple cider vinegar doughnut that you can gorge on as much as you like.

30. New Jersey: Blueberry Pie

Hammonton in New Jersey is the blueberry capital of the world and New Jersey itself is a leading producer in America. Making blueberry pies for dessert was definitely the most obvious choice for the residents.

31. New Mexico: Biscochitos

This state cookie can be made right from scratch, and many would say that that is the actual fun of it. Your great grandmother and this recipe have one thing in common- they both don’t hesitate to use lard and anise. Your grandma would be proud of you if you brought these home.

32. New York: Cheesecake

Cheesecake in New York and the New York Cheesecake are both pretty iconic. This deliciously dense dessert has very justifiably obsessed America with it and New York is lucky to be the home of it.

33. North Carolina: Sweet Potato Pie

North Carolina is the leading producer of sweet potatoes in America and therefore, it has baked it into a delicious pie, which we will never ever complain about.

34. North Dakota: Chippers

Chocolate covered potato chips, or chippers as they are called, are an interesting blend of sweet and salty and pretty iconic because of their simplicity. They are available at Widman’s Candy Co, a favourite shop for chocolate lovers across America.

35. Ohio: Buckeyes

Were you really surprised by this one? Frozen peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate, it’s very easy to fall in love with this treat. While easy to make at home, this dessert is very typical to the Midwest.

36. Oklahoma: Strawberry Shortcake

The state’s fruit is one that nonchalantly walks into every picnic and cookouts. Oklahoma also has an annual strawberry festival in Stilwell. Guess what you will find there? Do we really need to give you more reasons as to why you should gorge on the Strawberry Shortcake here in Oklahoma?

37. Oregon: Marionberry Pops

For the uninformed, Marionberries are a type of blackberry that were originally made in Oregon state university, which is now responsible for 90% of the world’s production of this fruit. It is now the state’s most iconic food. You can make marionberry pops at home, and you should certainly have lots of them if and when you visit Oregon.

38. Pennsylvania: Funnel Cake

Batter is poured through a funnel into hot oil in circular motions and deep fried until golden brown. Hence the name, funnel cake. It can be served with pretty much anything like powdered sugar, jam, jelly, chocolate, cinnamon, fruits etc. The funnel cake is a popular food at carnivals and fairs. We bet it is a visual delight to watch it being made as well.

39. Rhode Island: Coffee Milk

It is the official state drink and is made by mixing coffee extract and milk together. The hype around this drink is pretty justified and you shouldn’t miss the chance, should you get that, to order several cups of it.

40. South Carolina: Coconut Cake

The entire state of South Carolina will yell out a resounding yes to this. This cake came into the world a little late, in 1997, in a restaurant in Charleston, and has been a favorite since.

Also read: Different Uses and Health Benefits of Coconut

41. South Dakota: Kuchen

‘Kuchen’ is German for cake and while there are multiple variations of it, the basic and most common one would be the version with eggs, flour, sugar and probably some fat. The kuchen is representative of a lot of important history that is embossed in the sheer number of versions of it, should you ever get to taste them all

42. Tennessee: Banana Pudding

It’s one thing to have a dessert at a festival and another to have a festival for a dessert. That’s how much Tennessee loves banana pudding. Requires very few ingredients and is easily made at home. But it does make you wonder exactly what is in that pudding in that particular part of the world that makes it a worthy trip for the purpose of this festival.

43. Texas: Pecan Pie

The Lone Star State’s official nut – pecans. The Lone Star state’s most iconic dessert – Pecan pie. Such an obvious but delicious result, considering how the nut is the one that’s native to the state and is often found in most of the river valleys of Texas.

44. Utah: Jell-O

So what makes one of the most common treat across America iconic to Utah? The fact that the people of Utah consume more of this per capita than any other state. So, it was the sheer love for this dessert that made Jell-O be claimed as the official snack of Utah. Love really does trump all.

45. Vermont: Apple Pie

Apple pie is the state pie of Vermont which is the natural result of apples being the state fruit and the pies being so incredibly delicious.

46. Virginia: Chess Pie

Chess pie became iconic to Virginia way back in 1824 when it first appeared in a cookbook. There are a few variations of it and it is one of those desserts that can be easily recreated at home and is the epitome of comfort food.

47. Washington: Apple Crisp

Because the apple is Washington’s state symbol and its leading producer, and Vermont has laid claim to apple pie, Washington has declared the apple crisp for itself. It’s a crystal clear chain of events, isn’t it? We love history with a side of dessert.

48. Washington, DC: Cherry Pie

Isn’t Washington DC the best place in the world to see cherry blossoms? Cherries are also the official state fruit. There are a few things better than having a delicious cherry pie while attending the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

49. West Virginia: Molasses Cookies

You can be forgiven for not knowing what this is. Molasses were used as a substitute for sugar in the late 19^th century, before World War II. Eating these cookies is essentially you experiencing a piece of time travel.

50. Wisconsin: Kringle

The state’s official pastry is flaky with a fruit or nut filling. The fruit can be of choice, though cranberries are preferred. We personally don’t mind and just want lots of everything.

51. Wyoming: Truffles

Tim Kellogg started making chocolates as a way to pay for rodeo. And that’s where truffles started to become iconic to Wyoming.

Conclusion

It is interesting to note how desserts, such a loved and iconic part of our palate are so intrinsically linked to our history and economy. As a matter of fact, that is what has provided us with such a diversity and that is something we will forever be grateful for. Next time you go to a bakery to pick up something, you are going to be doubly impressed by the donuts and bundt cake that you will see on display. After all, life is what you bake of it.

Iconic Desserts From Each State