Top 35 Best Classic American Desserts (2024)

The best classic American desserts to make at home! You might be familiar with some of these traditional American desserts, but I'll bet there are a few you've never heard of.

Whether you're looking to travel via the medium of food or just feeling patriotic, this list of classic American desserts has you covered. Don't forget to check out my list of 4th July desserts, too, if you're in the mood to be patriotic!

Best Classic American Desserts

1. Apple Pie

When I think of traditional American desserts, I think of an apple pie. A classic apple pie has to be one of the most famous American desserts and actually one of my personal favorites, too. I put a twist on this delicious Fall dessert with my version spiked with delicious Baileys.

2. Sugar Donuts

Donuts always seem, to me, quintessentially American. And I couldn't make a list of classic desserts from America and not include them! Equally as tasty with coffee as a snack as after dinner, you surely won't want to miss them out.

3. No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie With Oreo Crust

What could be more American than Oreo cookies? Especially when paired with peanut butter. Get the classic cookies and cream taste, crunchy Oreo crust, and delicious richness from the peanut butter, all in one bite.

4. Peach Cobbler With Pie Crust

A cobbler is one of those popular American desserts that both kids and adults love. This twist on a classic uses pie crust on top and has a warm, juicy peach filling. It tastes perfect served with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or both).

5. Triple Chocolate Brownies

In the USA, they take desserts seriously. And the brownie has to be one of the most popular American desserts recipes. Brownies are some of the most intense chocolate flavors out there, with fudgy richness and chunks of chocolate chips. My triple chocolate brownies give you not one, not two, but three types of chocolate to enjoy in each serving.

6. Baked Chocolate Donuts With Chocolate Glaze

Whoever thought of dipping donuts into chocolate deserves an award. In US bakeries all over the country, you'll find glazed donuts, and with this easy homemade baked donut recipe, you don't need to deep fry. Which also makes them healthier, so it's a win-win.

7. Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Three classic American flavors in one dessert. If you love Snickerdoodle, pumpkin pie, and cheesecake, then this is surely the dessert for you. Snickerdoodles are originally from New England, and I am certain you'll love this American classic dessert served in a unique way.

8. Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake originated in the USA in the Victorian era and gets its name from its smooth and velvety sponge and unique red coloring, which came from the type of cocoa powder they used.

These days, color is produced from red food coloring, but the taste and texture are no less delicious! Red velvet cake and cream cheese is also one of those flavor combinations made in heaven. Trust me.

9. No Bake Oreo Cheesecake

Love cheesecake? Love Oreo cookies? You'll love this American cheesecake dessert. All the rich tanginess of cheesecake paired with sweet and crunchy Oreos. Whilst many say that cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece, I think we can all agree that it was New York City that really made cheesecake famous, so it arguably still counts as a US dessert.

10. Carrot Cake

Cream cheese is a very American invention, and when it is slathered all over carrot cake, it is a very American dessert indeed. There's just something about the natural sweetness of carrot cake paired with the unbelievably rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. In my version, the filling is mousse-like and light, making it even tastier.

11. Pumpkin Blondies

It is often thought that the brownie came first, and then the blondie. But in fact, the first recorded recipe for a brownie (made byFannie Farmer in 1896) was described as a dense, fudgy, butterscotch-flavoured bar. And that sounds a lot more like a blondie to me! Try my pumpkin blondies for a twist on one of the most classic American desserts.

12. Baked Raspberry Donuts

Fancy a fruity donut? The raspberry filling in these classic US donuts really pops and gives you the most amazing berry flavor. And the glaze on top has the perfect glossy finish. Baked donuts are essentially cake, so they are super easy to make and ideal for beginner bakers.

13. Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are one of those American desserts you always see in films, next to a glass of milk, of course. This recipe has earthy, crunchy pecans inside as well, so you get even more texture alongside the gooey melted chocolate chips.

14. Mini Blueberry Muffins

Whilst the name 'muffins' is derived from the French word 'moufflet,' muffins are actually an American specialty! Even the breakfast treat English muffins were born in New York City (but invented by a Brit). Blueberry muffins are one of my absolute favorite desserts, and they work as a sweet snack or even breakfast too.

15. Brownie Blondies

Get the best of both worlds with brownie blondies. Two American dessert inventions rolled into one! I love the caramel butterscotch flavor of blondies against the deep and decadent chocolate taste of brownies. And, of course, that signature crinkly top and fudgy, dense texture.

16. Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Pumpkin spice is an American spice mix used in all sorts of Fall desserts and, of course, the pumpkin spice latte. Here, two American desserts come together to make the tastiest donuts you can enjoy as the leaves start to turn and the weather gets colder.

17. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie

And for the biggest US holiday, Thanksgiving, you simply have to serve a pumpkin pie. I make this pie with cream cheese, and it has the most delicious tangy and rich flavor, and the smooth texture is out of this world.

A classic pumpkin pie is one of those American dessert recipes that is always handy to have up your sleeve, and this one is surely a winner!

18. Apple Hand Pies

Don't feel like sharing your pie? There's no need. Apple hand pies are the perfect handheld version of this classic American pie, and everyone can have their own. Just be sure to make enough to go around! Hand pies are also brilliant grab-and-go snacks when you're in a rush.

19. Banana Mini Muffins

Banana muffins are another American classic that you'll find freshly baked in kitchens all over the country. My banana mini muffins are an excellent way to enjoy a bite-sized version of this tasty dessert treat, and their small size means you can get away with having more than one. I'm sure you'll agree that makes them a winner.

Read my guide on how to store muffins to keep them tasting fresher for longer!

20. Baked Blueberry Donuts

Here's another take on a classic American dessert recipe. Blueberries come up a lot in desserts from America, probably because they are a Native American species! So they simply have to feature on my list of the best American desserts. Bake these fresh homemade donuts and become everyone's favorite host.

21. Red Velvet Brownies

In my view, desserts don't get much better than this. Dense, chewy, and chocolatey brownies, all with the trademark red velvet coloring and taste? Sign me up. What's more, there's a rich marbled cream cheese crackly top as well.

Brownies are one of those easy American desserts you can make for potluck, parties, or simply because you deserve a treat. I love slicing them up and serving them with a scoop of ice cream for extra decadence.

22. No Bake Apple Pie

This has to be the easiest apple pie out there. Surely a classic American apple pie that doesn't even need an oven is worth a look? This is a 3-step recipe that is so stress-free it's insane. Kids and grown-ups will love the Graham Cracker Crust,and the whole dessert takes just 30 minutes to make. If you're looking for easy American desserts, this is the recipe for you.

23. Pumpkin Custard Pie

Here's another popular US dessert you can enjoy. An unbelievably flaky, buttery pie crust is filled with silky, creamy pumpkin custard spiked with orange zest and nutmeg. It's like a classic pumpkin pie but made even better! And what's more, it is super easy and doesn't use any special equipment or fancy ingredients.

24. Red Velvet Muffins

Can you ever have enough red velvet desserts? Once I find a flavor I love, I'll keep going. Red velvet muffins are tall, moist, and full of red velvet flavor. And that vivid red color is so vibrant; it always makes for a catchy sight on a dessert table.

25. Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookieswere first recorded in the United Statesin 1938 when Ruth Graves Wakefield added a chopped-up Nestlé chocolate bar to a cookie recipe. And I think we can all agree that was a wise decision she made!

Using brown butter in chocolate chip cookies has to be one of the best baking hacks around. It adds this amazingly deep and nutty caramel flavor to what is already a delicious treat.

26. Chocolate Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

In the 1880s, American chefs started experimenting with adding cocoa powder to cake batters. And thus, the chocolate cake was born. Then, pairing a rich and decadent chocolate cake with tangy cream cheese frosting is certainly a match made in flavor heaven.

27. Apple Pie Cupcakes

These quintessentially American cupcakes have a classic American flavor. Apple pie, but in cupcake form. You'll love the intense apple flavor, soft, moist sponge made with brown butter, and whipped mascarpone frosting. Serve cupcakes at a party or take them around to a friend's house as a gift; they are always popular!

Read my guide on how to store and freeze cupcakes so they always taste as fresh as possible!

28. New York Cheesecake

New York is famous for many reasons, but New York style cheesecake is probably my favorite one. It's rich, it's creamy, and it's decadent. What's more, this easy New York cheesecake doesn't even need a water bath.

29. Lady Baltimore Cake

Have you heard of this classic American dessert dish? This vintage cake was first made in the US in 1906 and was considered a “triumph” cake for a hostess to make. It consists of three white sponge layers that are super tender and fluffy; a dried fruit filling and 'divinity frosting' made with sugar and egg whites. Why not give it a go at your next dinner party?

30. Original Texas Sheet Cake

The Texans sure know how to feed a crowd, and this is surely an American dessert for a party! It's two layers of rich, dark chocolate cake with gooey melted chocolate in between, and honestly, what could be better?

31. Pecan Pie

I couldn't make a list of the best American desserts and not include a classic Pecan pie. This Thanksgiving pie is famous for a reason. Sticky, nutty filling in a crispy pie crust topped with whole toasted pecans. Simply put, it's perfect (and even better served with ice cream).

32. Bananas Foster

You'll find Banana Foster on menus down south, and it certainly makes for an impressive sight with the dramatic flambé! And now, you can make it yourself at home and enjoy the banana, rum, and caramel flavors of this classic New Orleans dish whenever you want.

33. Boston Cream Pie

Now, I know this looks very much like a cake, but it is known as a pie. Apparently, it's because in Boston, around the time it was invented, pie plates were used to bake cakes as well as pies. But this vanilla sponge layered with fresh pastry cream and chocolate ganache is definitely an American dessert you want to try!

34. Banana Pudding

Banana pudding must be one of the all-time favorite American desserts. Silky smooth, sweet, and creamy, it tastes delicious on its own, or you can layer it with banana chunks and wafers (or even ladyfingers) like a parfait. If you want something extra special and even more decadent, you can layer in freshly whipped cream, too!

35. Angel Food Cake

Imagine the fluffiest, lightest sponge you've ever eaten. Angel food cake was designed to be just that when it was developed inSt.Louis, Missouri, in the 1880s. The sponge batter is made with whipped egg whites folded back in to give the most airy texture, and it almost tastes like biting into a cloud. You won't regret making it!

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