The Most Iconic Dessert From Each State

By Joy Boyd 11 months ago

1. Alabama

Image Source: Reddit
Lane cake is Alabama's most iconic dessert. This is a bourbon-laced layer cake that has pecans, cherries, coconut, and raisins! The cake was featured in To Kill A Mockingbird and created by Emma Rylander Lane. People in Alabama love the cake so much that it became the official state dessert in 2016.

2. Alaska

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The state is literally in the name: Baked Alaska. The dessert is a combination of cake and ice cream. It has a white meringue top and ice cream filling. It was created to celebrate America's purchase of Alaska from the Russian Empire. It combines some of our favorite things, so how could it be bad!

3. Arizona

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There's some debate in the state of Arizona about which is most iconic out of sopapillas or buñuelos. But one this is clear, both have hispanic roots. Sopapillas are fried and flakey, usually drizzled with honey. And buñuelos are fried dough topped with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. We'll take 10 of both.

4. Arkansas

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We're super into this one! It's not unlike the Swiss rolls you can buy pre-packaged, but we have a feeling this one is even more delicious. The chocolate roll is such a huge staple in Arkansas that there's actually an annual chocolate roll festival in Searcy County. The county is called the Chocolate Roll Capital of the world. When we going?

5. California

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With the never-ending sunshine of California, it makes sense that the chiffon cake was once hailed as the "toast of Hollywood." The flavors combine the creamy frosting and sweet and tangy fruit in such a delicious way that many Californians say it's the best cake they've ever made or consumed!

6. Colorado

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Nothing hits quite like peach crisp with some fresh churned ice cream. So it makes sense Palisade, CO is obsessed with harvest time of the Palisade peach. The peach crisp is the perfect way to bring out the peach's natural sugars, so if you can find Palisade peaches, definitely try the Palisade Peach Cobbler version! You don't be disappointed.

7. Connecticut

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Snickerdoodles are the official state cookie for Connecticut! Its residents are obsessed with this dessert and have made it iconic in their state. Can you blame them? The cookie has perfectly crispy edges and a chewy center, and then... it's coated in cinnamon sugar. Honestly, my mouth is watering!

8. Delaware

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Did you know that Delaware's state flower is actually a peach blossom? With that knowledge, it totally makes sense that peach pie is this state's iconic dessert of choice. Peach pie reminds me of summer barbecues with family and friends, so you'll want to make it time and time again!

9. Florida

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When you hear Florida, you probably think about oranges. So they kept it in the citrus family with delicious key lime pie. It's said that once condensed milk became more readily available, someone had the lovely idea to combine it with the massive key lime crop in Key West. Whoever thought to bring together the sweetness and tanginess in this dessert deserves a raise!

10. Georgia

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We all know that Justin Bieber gets his peaches in Georgia, and probably some peach cobbler too. The state produces over 130 million pounds of peaches every year. The best part about this dessert is that it doesn't take a ton of ingredients or elbow grease to get a tasty treat!

11. Hawaii

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Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian dessert. If you've ever visited, you've likely stumbled across it at a luau or local eatery. Its pudding-like substance is very easy to make and locals love it. It comes from the pia plant that Polynesians brought with them to Hawaii when they crossed the Pacific.

12. Idaho

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Idaho stays true to what they're known for by developing this mashed potato donut. Yes, a donut made with mashed potatoes. Locals claim that it's one of the best ways to experience a starchy potato. Once in donut form, this dessert is topped with powdered sugar, granulated sugar, or cinnamon. Would you try it?

13. Illinois

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Illinois really said this is too delicious to only have it once a year. The classic pumpkin pie has been claimed by the state as its official dessert! The state has a booming pumpkin industry, and they love that pumpkins are beloved and celebrated across the nation at Thanksgiving.

14. Indiana

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Sugar cream pie is more affectionately known as Hoosier Pie... because Indiana is known as the Hoosier State. It's been around since the 1800s, and its flavor is rich and creamy. You'll usually find it topped off with cinnamon as a sweet and savory way to finish off a meal.

15. Iowa

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Okay, when I first heard of a Sour Cream Raisin pie, I could not even imagine how that would be good. But please don't knock it until you try it! It's an Amish recipe and became the most popular dessert in Iowa because of the large Amish community that lives there. This is a pie that's typically given at funerals.

16. Kansas

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There's a German cookie called pepper nuts, and when a large number of Germans ended up in Kansas in the 1800s, they brought this cookie with them. They're said to be chewy with an icing glaze that makes them perfect for any party. And they're bite-sized so you can eat a lot of them!

17. Kentucky

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Kentucky... Derby Pie. This pie was created by the Kern family and apparently the name was completely random and not meant to be in association with the Kentucky Derby! It combines chocolate and pecans, and it's best served with ice cream. Locals say once you have it, you'll want to eat it again and again!

18. Louisiana

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Bananas Foster is such a fantastic dessert! With the chewy sweet sliced bananas, cooked in a rum sauce, and then fresh vanilla ice cream on top, wow my mouth is watering! This dessert came about because New Orleans was a major port for bananas and a local restaurant owner wanted to promote banana sales.

19. Maine

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Yet another pie on the list, this time in the way of blueberry. Blueberry pie is the official dessert of Maine, and the state chose it because of the plentiful blueberry crop harvested every year there. It's such a refreshing pie, and as always, make sure there's some ice cream involved!

20. Maryland

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Whoa, need to try this Smith Island cake immediately. It's a multi-layered (nine to be exact) chocolate frosted cake. What could go wrong? Back in the 1800s, residents of Smith Island would send this stacked cake with sailors heading out for their autumn oyster harvest.

21. Massachusetts

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The Boston Cream pie reigns supreme in Massachusetts. People can't say no to this custard-filled, creamy dessert with chocolate on top. In 1996, a civics class in the state actually sponsored a bill to make the pie the official dessert for the state, and now it is!

22. Michigan

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Michigan actually supplies over 70% of tart cherries to the United States. So they created a delicious cookie recipe combining chocolate and cherries. Residents swear by this dessert. The combination is sure to bring you happiness in cookie form. We won't say no to that!

23. Minnesota

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Minnesota decided that bundt cake was the perfect dessert! This state is home to the Nordic Ware factory, which is actually where the bundt cake pan was first manufactured. This might be why its residents have made it the most popular cake in the state!

24. Mississippi

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Few can say no to Mississippi Mud Pie. It has a graham cracker crust with chocolate pudding and a whipped cream topping. The name came about because of the thick, dark mud that can be found along the Mississippi River, but this probably tastes a little better!

25. Missouri

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Missouri is keeping it simple and classic with the ice cream cone. Yep, that's right! One of the reasons ice cream cones are so popular here is because the waffle cone started at the World Fair in St. Louis in 1904. Who can resist! And with so many flavor options, there's something for everyone.

26. Montana

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Montana is known for its vast skies and outdoor culture. This means there's probably a lot of campfires and hanging out with friends. So the logical next step is to eat a s'more! S'mores have quickly become the most popular dessert in the state. You can try them with different types of chocolate for a new experience!

27. Nebraska

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Nebraska produces over one BILLION bushels of corn every year. The residents of this state figured out how to take that product and turn it into sweet corn ice cream. People swear by this dessert, saying that it's a delicious and unique flavor. Should we try it?

28. Nevada

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This recipe came out of the Basque community that has lived in Nevada since the 19th century. Basque cheesecake is different from other cheesecakes because it has a crunchy exterior. People say that this couch actually brings out more of the richness in the dessert.

29. New Hampshire

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Whoopie Pies are just fun to talk about with a name like that. They were super popular throughout New England, and New Hampshire still isn't over it! You can find whoopie pies at basically every bakery in the state, and the best part is that they're portable, so you can eat them on the go!

30. New Jersey

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Crumb Cake is yet another delicacy that originated in Germany, brought over to the state of New Jersey. The population here love this dessert, and you can find it all over the state at local bakeries. It does truly leave some crumbs though, so don't be afraid to lick your plate after!

31. New Mexico

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These cookies are so cuuuute! Biscochitos are the New Mexico's official state dessert. They are typically star-shaped and topped with cinnamon-sugar. Most people recommend pairing the cookie with a cup of coffee, making it the perfect after-dinner cap.

32. New York

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New York City in particular is considered one of the greatest food hubs in the world. They boast delicious pizza and bagels, and they're the home of the cronut. Cheesecakes are the state's most popular dessert though! Cheesecakes have been on the New York scene since the 1920s, and they've really got it down to perfection!

33. North Carolina

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Coconut desserts seem popular throughout the south, and North Carolina is no exception. This state is a big fan of coconut cake. People say that even if you think you don't like coconut, this cake has the ability to change your mind, because it's THAT good!

34. North Dakota

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Have you had a Krumkake cookie? This crispy classic dessert is very famous in North Dakota. The dessert is a rolled up Norwegian cookie that pairs well with coffee or any other beverage for that matter. There's a large population of Norwegians in the state, and they brought this treat with them!

35. Ohio

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Growing up in Ohio, I didn't realize that these Buckeye candies were not a staple everywhere. As the Buckeye state, you can see why residents made this delectable chocolate and peanut butter treat shaped to look like a buckeye. I will warn you, you won't be able to eat just one.

36. Oklahoma

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This isn't the only state that loves pecan pie, but Oklahoma has also made it their official dessert. Hazelle Fields developed the recipe and it soon became popular throughout the state. Her pie, which is known as Field's Pie, has become a huge hit, and we thank her for her contribution.

37. Oregon

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Marionberry pie became popular in Oregon, because they grow approximately 33 million pounds of these berries every year! Residents of the state love this pie so much that they consider it a comfort food. I love a good pie, and this one is top of my list to try next!

38. Pennsylvania

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With the Hershey's factory being in Pennsylvania, we can see why these guys keep it classic with a chocolate chip cookie. It's the official dessert for the state, and who can say no to a good chocolate chip cookie? Whenever you need a pick-me-up its crispy edges and gooey middle is the perfect way to do it.

39. Rhode Island

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If you're a big fan of coconut, then you probably want to get to Rhode Island ASAP! Wayland Bakery made the pie a huge success, and it combines the perfect amount of coconut, custard, vanilla and a delicious crust. Are you surprised by how many pies are on this list?

40. South Carolina

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This buttermilk pie is HUGE all across the south. But it's so popular in South Carolina that it's basically the official desert of the state. There's a cafe called Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, and we've heard their slice is to die for. Add some fresh whipped cream on top, and you have a real treat!

41. South Dakota

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South Dakota goes absolutely feral for Kuchen. Kuchen is simply the German word for "cake," and 40% of South Dakota's population is German. It's made with custard and a fruit filling like peaches, apples, or plums. It's a bit more like a pie than a cake, but we are definitely game to try it!

42. Tennessee

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Okay, there's something so comforting about Banana Pudding. There's a town in Tennessee that's taken that to the next level and holds a National Banana Pudding Festival every year. Because of this, it's become the most popular dessert in the state! Vanilla wafers, pudding, and bananas, what could be better?

43. Texas

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A pecan pie just screams holiday bliss, especially when it's warm from the oven. But it's the most popular dessert in the state of Texas! The state produces over 60 million pounds of pecans and the state tree is the pecan tree. These guys really love pecans apparently, and we support it!

44. Utah

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Okay, we don't know how we feel about this one. Did you know that Utah residents consume more Jell-O than any other state in America? Yes, you read that right. Their most iconic dessert is a seven layer Jell-O dish, so each slice that you eat is full of every flavor. How do you feel about it?

45. Vermont

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Vermont and apple pie just seems right. The state produces 40 million pounds of apples a year! A classic apple pie really can't be beat in the state of Vermont. It's a classic across the United States, really, and has become quintessential to American culture.

46. Virginia

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Peanut butter pie is a creamy variation of Virginia's state pie, which is the peanut pie. You can find it at most diners across the state. It has a light, peanut buttery filling and can be topped with anything from whipped cream, a chocolate drizzle or even a couple of Reese's. When are we roadtripping to Virginia?

47. Washington

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This dessert is probably the top one in Washington state because of the state's proximity to Canada. Nanaimo bars are actually named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. The delicious dessert has a graham cracker crust, vanilla custard filling and chocolate top. We have these every year at the holidays, and the whole pan is gone in a second!

48. West Virginia

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Did you know that blackberries grow wild all over West Virginia? It makes sense then, that the most famous dessert in the state is blackberry cake. One of the residents said that the best part of this cake is that you can make it any time of year regardless of how "in season" the blackberries are, and it will always be delicious. Challenge accepted!

49. Wisconsin

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With Wisconsin being known as America's Dairyland, we're happy to see these classically delicious cream puffs on the list. This dessert is a signature food item at the Wisconsin State Fair! The best part about cream puffs is that it's a dessert that always wows your guests.

50. Wyoming

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Rounding it out with the Cowboy State, Wyoming stays true to its name with cowboy cookies. This cookie is like if a chocolate chip cookie and an oatmeal cookie had a baby. They're packed with flavor, they're chewy, and they're delicious! Whew, let's go get some desserts!

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