12 of the Most Popular Desserts by State
Given America’s vast size and rich diversity, each state has its own favorite sweet treats. Local desserts reflect regional ingredients, historical events, and unique cultural influences. You might be amazed by the incredible stories and flavors behind these popular desserts. Local or tourist, don’t miss out on tasting these state-pride desserts.
My favorite dessert is an American classic: chocolate chip cookies. Something about the sweet cookie dough and warm, melty chocolate chips dipped in a glass of milk brings me back to my childhood. We all have that special sugary confection that we place above all others, but your choice might have more to do with where you live than you ever realized!
People on a recent online message board shared the most popular desserts in their respective states. Find out if you can relate or if you can add more to the list!
Arizona: Sopapillas With Honey
If you’re in Arizona and craving some bold Southwestern flavors, you can’t miss out on the Sonoran hot dog, chimichanga, or green chili stew. But when it’s time for dessert, sopapillas with honey steal the show. These crispy, flaky fritters are a must-try, and you’ll find them at just about any Mexican restaurant in the state.
Sopapillas, fried to golden perfection, are usually topped with powdered sugar and drizzled honey. Fresh from the fryer, they’re a sweet, crunchy treat that will satisfy your dessert cravings every time.
Ohio: Buckeye
Ever wondered why Ohio is called the Buckeye State? It’s named after the Ohio buckeye trees, and yes, locals are proudly known as “Buckeyes,” too! But there’s another kind of buckeye you’ll want to try—Ohio’s favorite dessert.
The state’s famous buckeye treat is a peanut butter fudge ball, partially dipped in chocolate with a bit of peanut butter peeking out. Why the odd name? It looks just like the poisonous nut from the Ohio Buckeye tree. But don’t worry; this version is sweet, delicious, and totally safe to snack on!
Florida: Key Lime Pie
I know pecan pie had its fans, but Florida’s state pie? It’s the iconic key lime pie, hands down! This traditional dessert is made with a graham cracker or pastry crust, a creamy yellow custard (thanks to egg yolks, condensed milk, and key lime juice), and topped with fluffy whipped cream or meringue. You can find this tangy, sweet treat all over the Florida Keys, and trust me, it’s worth a taste.
Wisconsin: Frozen Custard
If you’re craving the best frozen custard, there’s no better place than Milwaukee, Wisconsin—the “unofficial frozen custard capital of the world!” Frozen custard is a creamy, egg-yolk-rich twist on ice cream, and it’s a must-try.
For the ultimate experience, head to Gilles Frozen Custard, Wisconsin’s first custard stand, or swing by Leon’s Frozen Custard, a classic drive-in that claims to serve the world’s finest, including their mouthwatering butter pecan!
Missouri: Gooey Butter Cake
Missouri is full of mysteries, and one of the sweetest is the question of who really invented the famous Gooey Butter Cake. There are plenty of stories and claims, but no one can say for sure.
This St. Louis classic dessert is a dense, flat cake made with wheat flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, usually dusted with powdered sugar. It’s rich, sweet, and firm enough to cut into squares like a brownie. Every bakery in St. Louis has its own spin on the recipe, and locals are fiercely loyal to their favorites!
Pennsylvania: Shoofly Pie
I’ll be honest. The name “shoofly pie” definitely sparks some curiosity. This quintessential Pennsylvania Dutch treat associated with Amish tradition dates back to the 1880s, inspired by a cake created in Philadelphia for America’s 100th birthday.
Shoofly pie has a flaky pastry crust and a rich, bittersweet filling made from molasses, brown sugar, butter, and eggs, with a touch of warm spices. You’ll find plenty of variations in Lancaster County cookbooks, but why not put your own spin on this old-fashioned treat?
Kentucky: Bourbon Balls
If there’s one thing Kentucky is known for, it’s bourbon whiskey, so it should come as no surprise that Bourbon Balls are the state’s favorite dessert. Even if you’re just passing through, you’ll find them in gift shops everywhere. These bite-sized treats typically come in different shapes and flavors, but they always feature two essentials—bourbon and dark chocolate.
Legend has it that they were created after the Kentucky governor claimed there was no better combo than chocolate and bourbon. So, Ruth Booe decided to mix them into one delicious treat!
New York: Cheesecake
The story of cheesecake, from ancient Greece to New York, is pretty fascinating. The classic New York-style cheesecake, which was actually a happy accident in 1872, was served plain—no fruit or toppings allowed, as they might overshadow its perfect flavor.
Today’s New York-style cheesecake gets its rich, creamy texture from heavy cream or sour cream mixed in with silky, smooth cream cheese. It’s all about that dense, smooth consistency that makes each bite irresistible.
Hawaii: Shaved Ice
You might remember when President Obama and his family made headlines for visiting their favorite shave ice shop in Kailua, Hawaii. It’s a perfect example of how simple and delicious shaved ice on the islands can be.
Shave ice, brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants in the early 1900s, is a local favorite. It’s made with finely shaved ice and sweet syrups, and it’s served year-round. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s a must-try treat that captures the island’s sunny spirit!
Louisiana: Bananas Foster
Back in the 1950s, New Orleans became the main port of entry for bananas imported from Central and South America. Naturally, local restaurants got creative and came up with a new dessert: Bananas Foster.
This fiery treat features bananas and vanilla ice cream topped with a rich sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum, and banana liqueur. The booze is the secret ingredient that ignites this treat into flames, which burns off the alcohol and leaves a smokey rum flavor. It’s no surprise that chefs across Louisiana are eager to share this showstopping dish with patrons.
Massachusetts: Boston Cream Pie
There seems to be a debate: is Boston cream pie a cake or a pie? This creamy treat was originally baked in pie tins, and the name stuck.
This pie (or cake?) features a fluffy sponge cake with pastry cream, topped with chocolate and white icing, and often surrounded by toasted nuts. If you’re craving a Boston cream pie, head to Lyndell’s Bakery in Somerville or Bova’s Bakery to get a slice you’ll want to write home about.
California: Flan
California has a special advantage as one of the few states bordering Mexico, which means the best fish tacos, birria, and flan! If you haven’t heard of it, flan is a classic Mexican dessert with a firm yet smooth custard-like texture, topped with rich caramel sauce.
Flan was originally brought to Central America by Spaniards, but Mexican influence created it into the creamy, toasted-sugar flavor treat that it is today. If you’re in Los Angeles, stop by Porto’s Bakery and Cafe for Southern California’s best-loved flan!
Source: Reddit
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