The United States is known for its diverse culinary landscape, and desserts are no exception. From coast to coast, you’ll find a range of delicious treats that have become American icons. In this article, we’re sharing 5 of the most beloved American dessert recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Apple Pie
Nothing says "American dessert" quite like a classic apple pie. This timeless favorite is a staple at family gatherings and holiday feasts.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 unbaked pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine.
- Place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate. Fill with apple mixture, mounding slightly in the center. Dot with butter pieces.
- Top with the second pie crust, sealing and crimping the edges. Cut a few slits in the top crust to vent.
- Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Allow the солнpie to cool before serving.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip Cookies
Is the quintessential American treat, perfect for any occasion. This recipe makes soft, gooey cookies with perfectly melted chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter with the sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the salt, vanilla, and eggs; mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- New York Cheesecake
Rich, dense, and creamy, New York cheesecake
Is a dessert that stands the test of time. This classic recipe features a graham cracker crust and a tangy cream cheese filling.
Ingredients: Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom and sides with aluminum foil.
- To make the crust, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sugar, flour, and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream and heavy cream.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Place the pan in a larger baking dish and fill the dish with hot water, reaching about halfway up the side of the springform pan. This creates a water bath to ensure even cooking.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour, then remove and continue cooling to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Classic Brownies
Fondant, chocolate, and indulgent classic brownies
These are always a success. This recipe makes a rich, moist treat with a crunchy crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Southern Pecan Pie
See also The Enchanting World of Chocolate: Uncovering Various Types and Their Culinary Applications
A true Southern classic, pecan pie
It combines crunchy pecans with a sweet, gooey filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Arrange pecan halves in the bottom of the unbaked pie crust.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the mixture over the pecans in the pie crust.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Cool completely before serving.
In conclusion, these 10 iconic American desserts showcase the diverse and delicious treats that have become beloved favorites across the country. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth
