1. Apple Pie
Sure, the phrase “as American as apple pie” might ignore the dessert’s European origins, but the version we know today is distinctly American. By the 18th and 19th centuries, apples were abundant in the U.S., and early American settlers put their own spin on the dish, according to Kat Eschner from Smithsonian Magazine. Unlike British versions, American apple pie embraced a flaky, buttery crust and often skipped extra spices, letting the apples shine. It became a symbol of home, nostalgia, and patriotism—solidifying its place in American culture.
During World War II, soldiers would say they were fighting for “mom and apple pie,” further tying the dessert to national identity. McDonald’s even gave it a fast-food twist in the 1960s with deep-fried hand pies. Today, apple pie is a staple at Fourth of July celebrations, Thanksgiving dinners, and county fairs. Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of cheddar cheese (yes, that’s a thing), it remains an American classic.
2. Banana Split
Nothing about a banana split is subtle—three scoops of ice cream, a split banana, hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on top. This extravagance is what makes it so quintessentially American. It was invented in 1904 by a 23-year-old pharmacist in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, who wanted to create an over-the-top sundae. The idea spread quickly, fueled by the rise of soda fountains and ice cream parlors across the country.
Unlike European desserts that focus on finesse, the banana split is pure fun and excess. It’s meant to be shared, making it a social experience as much as a dessert. The sheer number of toppings allows for endless customization, another hallmark of American food culture. Even today, ordering a banana split feels like an event—one that never goes out of style.
3. Brownies
Unlike cakes or cookies, brownies sit in a category of their own—dense, fudgy, and impossible to resist. The first known recipe appeared in the early 20th century, with stories linking its invention to either Chicago’s Palmer House Hotel or a forgetful baker who left out baking powder. Unlike European pastries that often rely on delicate techniques, brownies are refreshingly simple: just mix, bake, and enjoy. This no-fuss attitude is part of what makes them such an American favorite, according to Carla Martin from Harsh Chocolates.
Over time, brownies have evolved with endless variations—chewy, cakey, nutty, or loaded with swirls of caramel and peanut butter. They’re a bake sale staple, a go-to comfort food, and the backbone of decadent sundaes. Packaged versions like Little Debbie’s and Cosmic Brownies make them even more accessible for sweet tooths everywhere. No matter how you like them, brownies prove that sometimes, the simplest ideas are the best.
4. S’mores
Gooey, chocolatey, and undeniably messy, s’mores are the ultimate campfire dessert. The earliest published recipe appeared in a 1927 Girl Scouts handbook, calling them “Some Mores” because, well, you always want more, Matt Blitz from Food & Wine explains. The combination of toasted marshmallow, melty chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers is pure magic. It’s also a reflection of America’s love for outdoor adventures and communal experiences.
Unlike sophisticated French pastries or delicate Italian desserts, s’mores embrace a hands-on, rustic charm. They’re meant to be eaten outside, preferably with sticky fingers and a roaring fire nearby. Even without a campfire, Americans have found ways to recreate them—microwaved, baked into cookies, or even blended into milkshakes. Few desserts capture the carefree spirit of childhood quite like s’mores.
5. New York Cheesecake
While cheesecake has ancient roots, the ultra-dense, creamy version we know today is pure New York, according to Eric Kim from The New York Times. Thanks to the invention of cream cheese in the 1870s, American bakers swapped out ricotta or cottage cheese for a smoother, richer filling. The iconic version took shape in the early 20th century, with Jewish delis like Lindy’s and Junior’s perfecting the recipe. Unlike lighter European cheesecakes, New York-style is unapologetically indulgent, often towering with a thick graham cracker crust.
This dessert became a symbol of New York’s larger-than-life attitude—big, bold, and luxurious. Variations exist, but purists insist on a simple topping: nothing but a glossy layer of sour cream or fruit compote. Cheesecake factories (yes, like The Cheesecake Factory) took it national, cementing its place in American dessert culture. Love it or find it too rich, there’s no denying its legendary status.
6. Boston Cream Pie
Boston Cream Pie isn’t even a pie—it’s a cake, which is exactly the kind of playful misnaming you’d expect from America. Created in 1856 at Boston’s Parker House Hotel, it combined two European influences: French pastry cream and American butter cake. The real genius was the addition of a glossy chocolate ganache topping, which took the cake to the next level. It was so beloved that Massachusetts made it the official state dessert.
Unlike fancier European pastries, Boston Cream Pie keeps things approachable. It doesn’t require intricate piping or delicate layers—just good flavors in a satisfying combination. Over time, it inspired spin-offs like Boston Cream donuts and even pudding cups. It’s proof that sometimes, a simple idea with a fun twist is all you need.
7. Key Lime Pie
Tart, creamy, and impossible to mistake for anything else, Key lime pie is a true Florida original. It dates back to the late 1800s when sponge fishermen in the Florida Keys used local Key limes and canned sweetened condensed milk. Without refrigeration or fresh dairy, the pie’s no-bake filling was a practical (and delicious) solution. The graham cracker crust was a later addition, but it made the pie even more iconic.
Unlike overly sweet desserts, Key lime pie balances tangy citrus with rich creaminess. It’s become a signature of Florida, where debates over whether it should have a meringue or whipped cream topping still rage. Even outside the Sunshine State, it remains a beloved slice of tropical Americana. No other country has a pie quite like it, which is why it belongs on this list.
8. Red Velvet Cake
Red velvet cake is a showstopper, with its deep crimson hue and rich, tangy flavor. While some claim it dates back to the 1800s, it truly took off in America, thanks to a mix of Southern baking traditions and clever marketing. During the Great Depression, the Adams Extract company pushed red food coloring to boost sales, and their recipe helped make the cake famous. Unlike European sponge cakes, red velvet has a uniquely soft texture, thanks to buttermilk and a touch of vinegar.
What really sets it apart is the cream cheese frosting, which perfectly complements the subtle cocoa flavor. The cake became a Southern classic, appearing at weddings, holidays, and Sunday dinners. It exploded in popularity nationwide after the 1989 film Steel Magnolias featured an armadillo-shaped red velvet groom’s cake. Today, red velvet is everywhere—cupcakes, cookies, even lattes—but it will always be an American original.
9. Chocolate Chip Cookies
No dessert embodies American ingenuity quite like the chocolate chip cookie. In 1938, Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, accidentally created them while trying to make chocolate cookies. Instead of melting completely, the chopped chocolate pieces held their shape, creating gooey pockets of sweetness. The cookies were an instant hit, and Nestlé struck a deal with Wakefield to put her recipe on their chocolate chip packages.
Unlike European biscuits, which are often crisp and delicate, American chocolate chip cookies are big, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate. They became a household staple, baked fresh in kitchens across the country. Whether you like them soft and warm or crunchy and dunked in milk, they’re a comfort food like no other. Few things feel more American than the smell of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.
10. Whoopie Pies
Whoopie pies are basically dessert sandwiches—soft, cakey cookies stuffed with a creamy filling. Though their exact origin is debated, they’re most closely associated with Pennsylvania Amish country and New England. The legend goes that Amish wives packed them in farmers’ lunches, and when the men found them, they’d exclaim, “Whoopie!” Whether or not that’s true, the dessert quickly became a regional favorite.
Unlike European pastries that require precision, whoopie pies are delightfully casual and homemade. Traditional versions use a marshmallow-fluff filling, but modern twists include peanut butter, pumpkin spice, and even red velvet. They’re often the size of your palm, making them a fun, handheld indulgence. Whoopie pies might not be fancy, but they capture America’s love for simple, satisfying treats.
11. Peanut Butter Pie
Peanut butter pie is a creamy, nutty masterpiece that could only exist in a country obsessed with peanut butter. While peanut butter itself has African and Native American roots, the pie version took off in the Southern U.S. It usually consists of a graham cracker or Oreo crust, a rich peanut butter filling, and plenty of whipped cream or chocolate drizzle. It’s indulgent, over-the-top, and pure comfort food.
Unlike the dainty fruit tarts of Europe, peanut butter pie is unapologetically rich and satisfying. It’s a staple of diners, church potlucks, and family gatherings, often made with whatever ingredients are on hand. The salty-sweet combination makes it addictive, and its no-bake versions are especially popular in the sweltering Southern summers. If you love peanut butter, this pie is a must-try.
12. Mississippi Mud Pie
Mississippi Mud Pie is a chocolate lover’s dream, layering rich, gooey goodness in every bite. Its origins trace back to the South, where it was named after the dark, muddy banks of the Mississippi River. The pie typically features a dense chocolate filling, a cookie crust, and sometimes a layer of pudding or marshmallow fluff. Topped with whipped cream or even more chocolate, it’s an all-out dessert experience.
Unlike the refined chocolate tarts of Europe, Mississippi Mud Pie embraces excess. It’s messy, indulgent, and meant to be eaten with enthusiasm. Whether served warm with ice cream or cold straight from the fridge, it’s the kind of dessert that never disappoints. It’s proof that in America, when it comes to chocolate, more is always better.
13. Jell-O
Jell-O isn’t just a dessert—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Created in 1897 by Pearle Wait in LeRoy, New York, it became a staple in American households thanks to aggressive marketing and its budget-friendly appeal. Unlike European gelatins that were often delicate and fruit-infused, Jell-O embraced bright colors and artificial flavors. By the 1950s, it had become a centerpiece of American dinner tables, often molded into extravagant shapes or mixed with fruit and whipped cream.
Jell-O salads (sometimes with questionable ingredients like mayonnaise or shredded carrots) were especially popular in mid-century America. Though its popularity has waned, it remains a nostalgic treat and a hospital staple (for better or worse). From college parties (hello, Jell-O shots) to comforting childhood memories, it’s deeply woven into American food culture. Love it or not, Jell-O is as American as it gets.
