Sure, we love treats like tiramisu or creme brulee, but some of the best sweets are all-American desserts.
At summer holiday cookouts, there’s nothing I enjoy more on an overflowing food table than the desserts. From latticed pies to fruity cobblers and chocolaty s’mores, these classic American desserts remind me of being a little kid again. Probably because as kids, my cousins and I would always try to sneak some frosted sugar cookies while our parents were busy at the grill or putting the finishing touches on the cookout spread. Our success rate was abysmal, but those American dessert dishes still have a special place in my memories (and stomach).
These American desserts capture that feeling of nostalgia in deliciously sweet packages. While not every recipe in this list was invented in the U.S. (though many were!), these are the desserts that are iconic in America and are found on dinner tables and at celebrations across the country.
You can expect to find all-American classics, like apple pie, brownies and chocolate chip cookies, that are certified crowd-pleasers no matter the occasion. There are also fun regional treats, including pretzel salad, Mississippi mud pie and Berger cookies, so you can sample uniquely American sweets. While there aren’t red, white and blue desserts, there are plenty of summer desserts like ice cream sundaes and icebox cake to keep your guests cool from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
No matter the occasion, these American desserts are the perfect way to treat your friends and family to something that is equal parts sweet and comforting.
1/55
Apple Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I remember coming home sullen one day because we'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested that maybe a slice of hot apple pie would make me feel better. She was right. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington
2/55
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
3/55
Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
We don't want to brag, but as far as vanilla ice cream recipes go, this one is the best. And with only four ingredients, it just might be the easiest too. No ice cream maker? No problem. Just follow the directions to learn how to make homemade ice cream by hand. It's the perfect base for our best ice cream sundae ideas too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
4/55
Peanut Butter Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I like using pretty mini muffin liners and topping these homemade peanut butter cups with colored sprinkles to coordinate with the holiday we're celebrating. People can't believe how simple it is to make this irresistible candy with gooey peanut butter centers. —LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota
5/55
Puppy Chow
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there's less messy measuring. It makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
6/55
Banana Split
From the Recipe Creator:
In 1904, the first banana split recipe was made here in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, by David Strickler, an apprentice pharmacist at a local drugstore. We still use his original formula when we make banana splits in our restaurants. —Melissa Blystone, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
7/55
Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
As someone who grew up in the country, I love getting out into nature whenever I can. I also love homestyle recipes, including these yummy brownies. —Carol Prewett, Cheyenne, Wyoming
8/55
Yellow Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing is better than homemade cupcakes. This yellow cupcake recipe makes delicious and fluffy treats. To top them, choose whatever frosting you want. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
9/55
Funnel Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
These are much simpler to make than doughnuts but taste just as good. They have been a regular treat of ours ever since we came across them when we lived in the Ozarks. —Mary Faith Yoder, Unity, Wisconsin
10/55
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic recipe like this never goes out of style! It’s delicious with the traditional pineapple, but you can also try it with peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
11/55
Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Soda
From the Recipe Creator:
I keep the ingredients for these ice cream sodas on hand so I can enjoy a treat anytime I want. You can easily make more when feeding a crowd. —Anna Erickson, Terrebonne, Oregon
12/55
Baked Alaska
From the Recipe Creator:
For a dazzling yet refreshing end to a rich holiday meal, try this freezer finale. It's bound to garner oohs and aahs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
13/55
Strawberry Shortcake
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up helping my mom make a lot in our farmhouse kitchen: strawberry shortcakes, roasts, soups and pies. This sunny strawberry shortcake recipe brings back memories of family summers on the farm. —Janet Becker, Anacortes, Washington
14/55
Chocolate Chess Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my mother's go-to recipes. It's a yummy spin on the classic chocolate chess pie. —Ann Dickens, Nixa, Missouri
15/55
Gooey Butter Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me a quick version of this gooey butter cake recipe using a cake mix, but I prefer baking from scratch, so I came up with my own. My family can't get enough! The middle will sink a little; this is normal. This dessert is delicious served warm or cold. —Cheri Foster, Vail, Arizona
16/55
Rainbow Jell-O Cubes
From the Recipe Creator:
These perky gelatin cubes are fun to serve and to eat! I vary the colors to match the occasion—pink and blue for a baby shower, school colors for a graduation party and so on. Kids of all ages snap them up. —Deanna Pietrowicz, Bridgeport, Connecticut
17/55
Cherry Pie Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Whip up a pan of these festive bars in just 20 minutes with staple ingredients and cherry pie filling. Between the easy preparation and the pretty colors, they're destined to become a holiday classic. —Jane Kamp, Grand Rapids, Michigan
18/55
Pistachio Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This fluffy salad is a real treat since it’s creamy but not overly sweet. It’s easy to mix up, and the flavor gets better the longer it stands. The salad is perfect served in a green bowl for St. Patrick’s Day. —Pattie Ann Forssberg, Logan, Kansas
19/55
Homemade Boston Cream Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This elegant-looking Boston cream pie is so easy to prepare. Our dinner guests always seem to enjoy it. —Jane Uphoff, Cunningham, Kansas
20/55
Big & Buttery Chocolate Chip Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Our version of the classic cookie is based on a recipe from a California bakery called Hungry Bear. The chocolate chip cookie is big, thick and chewy—perfect for dunking. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin
21/55
New York Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Light, creamy and smooth, this traditional New York cheesecake will melt in your mouth. It is made with a shortbread crust and topped with a triple berry sauce. The recipe takes time but is not hard. It is well worth the effort. —Karen Nielson, St. George, Utah
22/55
Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, I loved treats from the ice cream truck that rolled through my neighborhood. This ice cream cake is inspired by one of those crunchy strawberry novelties. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
23/55
Bourbon Pecan Pralines
From the Recipe Creator:
Like authentic pecan pralines found in New Orleans, these treats are sweet, crunchy and rich! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
24/55
Ambrosia Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Because it’s so simple to make, this tropical fruit medley is great as a last-minute menu addition. Plus, this ambrosia salad requires just five ingredients. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina
25/55
S’mores
From the Recipe Creator:
File this recipe for a rainy summer day or as amazing use No. 101 for your air fryer: The crunchy, gooey, melty s'mores are ready in two minutes. If you know, you know! —Megan Taylor, Greenfield, Wisconsin
26/55
Angel Food Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
For our daughter’s wedding, a friend made this lovely airy angel food cake from a recipe she’s used for decades. It really is one of the best angel food cake recipes I’ve found. Serve slices plain or dress them up with fresh fruit. —Marilyn Niemeyer, Doon, Iowa
27/55
Buckeyes
From the Recipe Creator:
These chocolate peanut butter balls (no bake!) are always popular at my church's annual Christmas fundraiser. They resemble chestnuts or buckeyes—hence the name. —Merry Kay Opitz, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
28/55
Icebox Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
You don’t have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious. —Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York
29/55
Peach Cobbler Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother received this peach cobbler recipe from a friend of hers many years ago, and fortunately she shared it with me. Boise is situated right between two large fruit-producing areas in our state, so peaches are plentiful in the summer. —Ruby Ewart, Boise, Idaho
30/55
Oreo Rice Krispies Treats
From the Recipe Creator:
These Oreo Rice Krispies treats are chewy on the inside with a crispy, crunchy cookie top. Not only are they tasty, but the crumbled cookies make for a sweet presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
31/55
Amish Sugar Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy-to-make old-fashioned Amish sugar cookies simply melt in your mouth! I've passed this recipe around to many friends. After I gave it to my sister, she entered the cookies in a local fair and won best of show. —Sylvia Ford, Kennett, Missouri
32/55
Bourbon Pecan Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
When I first made the original recipe for this bourbon-splashed pie, I added some vanilla extract and eliminated the flour. We loved the result. —Paul Falduto, Efland, North Carolina
33/55
Hummingbird Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This impressive hummingbird cake is my dad’s favorite, so I always make it for his birthday. It makes a memorable dessert for any celebration and is lovely with a summer meal. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
34/55
Meyer Lemon Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
The lovely, anticipated flavor of seasonal Meyer lemons shines in these sweet and citrusy Meyer lemon bars. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
35/55
Chocolate Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, I drove more than four hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
36/55
Carrot Cake Sheet Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
We sold pieces of this to-die-for carrot cake at an art show. Before long, we were out of all 10 cakes we had made! —Dottie Cosgrove, South El Monte, California
37/55
Banana Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy and rich, this homemade banana pudding recipe is so easy. Layer it in a trifle bowl for a pretty presentation. —Ruth Kizer, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
38/55
Old-Fashioned Whoopie Pies
From the Recipe Creator:
Who can resist soft chocolate sandwich cookies filled with a layer of fluffy white frosting? Mom has made these for years. They’re a treat that never lasts very long with me and my two brothers around. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina
39/55
Sweet Potato Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy sweet potato pie is subtly spiced and slices beautifully! We suggest baking up a few sweet potato pies around the holidays to give to friends and family. —North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission
40/55
Hot Fudge Sundae Topping
From the Recipe Creator:
Hot fudge sundaes are an elegant but easy dessert. This rich dark chocolate sauce drapes beautifully and is delicious on peppermint ice cream, coffee ice cream, butter pecan and lots of other flavors! —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah
41/55
Sugar Cream Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I absolutely love Indiana sugar cream pie, especially the one that my grandma made for me. Here, we serve it warm or chilled and call it “Hoosier” sugar cream pie. —Laura Kipper, Westfield, Indiana
42/55
Mississippi Mud Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This southern favorite is one my family can never get enough of, and there are never any leftovers. My grandmother, mother and aunts always made this dish for family gatherings. Now I make it for just about every event because it's so easy to prepare, and everyone loves it! —Elizabeth Williston, Thibodaux, Louisiana
43/55
Copycat Berger Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
After a friend who had recently traveled to Baltimore sent me a package of Berger cookies, I was hooked. They disappeared so quickly that I decided to try and re-create them at home. After many tests and tweaks, my husband and I gained 6 pounds between the two of us, but it was worth it—I landed on a reproduction of the famous cookie I'm so proud of. —Marina Castle-Kelley, Canyon Country, California
44/55
Red Velvet Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
It's just not Christmas at our house until this festive cake appears. This is different from other red velvets I’ve had—the icing is as light as snow. For quicker assembly, you can leave the layers untrimmed and simply frost the top and side of the cake with icing. —Kathryn Davison, Charlotte, North Carolina
45/55
Key Lime Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
We created this refreshing mini pie with a homemade crumb crust and a pudding-like lime filling. If you can’t find Key lime juice, regular lime juice works just fine. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
46/55
Patriotic Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love homemade ice pops, and I love knowing that the ones we make are good for them. We whip up a big batch with multiple flavors so they have many choices, but these patriotic red, white and blueberry ones are always a favorite! —Shannon Carino, Frisco, Texas
47/55
Marionberry Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I believe marionberries make the best berry pie in the world. And when you add some cream cheese and flavorings, you’ll be making the best even better! —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
48/55
Blondies
From the Recipe Creator:
Blondies take the fudgy texture of brownies and the caramel flavors of butterscotch to create an indulgent treat. Add white chocolate chips to the mix and the blondies are simply irresistible. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
49/55
The Best Bananas Foster
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests are always impressed when I ignite the rum in this delicious bananas Foster dessert. Use perfectly ripe bananas for best results. —Mary Lou Wayman, Salt Lake City, Utah
50/55
Texas Sheet Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This chocolaty delight was one of my favorites growing up. The Texas sheet cake is so moist and the icing is so sweet that everyone who samples it wants a copy of the recipe. —Susan Ormond, Jamestown, North Carolina
51/55
Shoofly Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother made the best shoofly pie in the tradition of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Shoofly pie is to the Pennsylvania Dutch as pecan pie is to a Southerner. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin
52/55
Peanut Butter Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
It is amazing how much flavor is in these simple three-ingredient peanut butter cookies without brown sugar. I make them often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
53/55
Strawberry Malts
From the Recipe Creator:
Don't limit yourself to having a malt only when you go out. This refreshing beverage makes mealtime fun for the whole family. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
54/55
7UP Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother gave me my first cake recipe—a pound cake using 7UP—which her grandmother had given to her. On top of being delicious, this cake represents family tradition, connection and love. —Marsha Davis, Desert Hot Springs, California
55/55
Pumpkin Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Usually I prepare two different desserts for our holiday dinner, but one of them must be pumpkin pie—otherwise, it just wouldn't seem like Thanksgiving. My version calls for more eggs than most, making this pie's custard filling especially rich. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
