The 10 most popular desserts known to Americans
After a delicious dinner, most people desire a rich, indulgent desserts . The term "dessert" originates from the French term "desservir," which translates to "to clear away" in English - referring to the clearing of dinner table. Different countries offer various sweet treats for after dinner, such as sweet red beans or dates in China and flan in Mexico.
Americans have a preference for desserts that are more sweet in taste. Even
though they did not invent many popular desserts, they have added their own touch to numerous classics. For instance, apple pie is not a creation of the U.S., but it has become an emblematic American dessert. This write-up aims to highlight the top 10 dessert favorites that Americans have.
1: Fudge desserts
It's hard to resist eating just a small amount of fudge because it's so delicious. Fudge comes in many different flavors to cater to everyone's tastes. Those who prefer classic flavors can enjoy milk or dark chocolate fudge, while those who enjoy nuts can add walnuts or macadamias for extra texture.
Fudge is great because even kids can easily make it, and it's a perfect present for any event. If you haven't tasted homemade fudge yet, you should to truly appreciate why this delicious treat has been loved by American dessert enthusiasts for over a century.
2: German Chocolate Cake
The early chocolate cakes in American records were called "Mahogany cakes" and trace back to the late 1800s. These cake recipes first appeared in cookbooks, including "The Philadelphia Cookbook" by Sarah Tyson Rorer, around 1886. Meanwhile, during the same time, a man named Sam German was refining sweet baking chocolate for the Baker's chocolate company, which they eventually named after him. However, "German's Chocolate" did not become popular until nearly 1950, when the Dallas Morning Star printed the recipe for what we now recognize as German chocolate cake .
3: Chocolate Chip Cookies desserts
The classic chocolate chip cookie is a favorite among cookie enthusiasts. The combination of cookie dough and semisweet chocolate chips is unparalleled, especially when freshly baked. These cookies are considered particularly American and were first created in the late 1930s by Ruth Wakefield, who owned the Toll House restaurant in Whitman, Massachusetts. The recipe proved to be very popular with her customers, and was eventually featured on Betty Crocker’s radio program. In 1939, Wakefield sold her recipe to Nestlé, which is now known as Nestlé Toll House’s Original Chocolate Chip Cookies.
4: Brownies desserts
Brownies, whether served hot or at room temperature, and made from scratch or a mix, are an incredibly adaptable dessert, as long as you're a fan of chocolate. Depending on your preference, you may enjoy a more cake-like brownie, while others prefer a moister, fudgier texture. The eggs and fat in your recipe, as well as the bake time, all play a part in the final outcome. Brownies are highly customizable to suit your taste, with common additions like cream cheese, peanut butter, coffee, white chocolate, chocolate chips, and icing. Their versatility is why many Americans love them so much.
5: Ice Cream
Although there is uncertainty about the exact origin of ice cream, food historians generally attribute its creation to the Chinese, who enjoyed flavored ices as early as 3000 B.C.E. Marco Polo is credited with introducing the idea to Italy in the 17th century, where the modern form of ice cream we know today was born. The first ice cream recipe in the United States can be found in the 1792 cookbook "The New Art of Cookery, According to the Present Practice." With the invention of the hand-crank ice cream maker in 1843, people were able to make their own ice cream, and it has remained a popular dessert in American families to this day. While many flavors have come and gone, none have had the impact of cookies and cream, which was introduced in 1979, and chocolate chip cookie dough, which emerged in 1991, and revolutionized the world of ice cream.
6: Apple Pie
Baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie are commonly associated with American culture. However, apple pie actually originated in Europe during the 14th century. The first apple pie recipes date back to 1390 and used honey as a substitute for sugar. The pie became popular in the United Kingdom during the 1700s and was brought over to the American colonies. By the 18th century, apple pie was a regular dish in American cookbooks. The famous "ala mode" version with vanilla ice cream became popular in New York during the 19th century. Many Americans enjoy apple pie on the Fourth of July, which symbolizes their independence from England. The most popular types of apple pie are the traditional flakey crust and the Dutch, or crumb, apple pie. While most people prefer it fresh and warm, frozen apple pies are also in high demand. Sara Lee is a notable seller of frozen apple pies.
7: Carrot Cake desserts
Carrot cake is a scrumptious dessert that has gained widespread popularity in the United States since the mid-twentieth century. The cake itself is a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, perfectly complemented by cream cheese frosting, made using cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Some connoisseurs love adding extras like macadamia nuts, pineapple, or coconut to spicy up the recipe. Although the name may suggest a healthy dessert, making a lighter version involves reducing sugar and oil, and adding crushed pineapple to maintain moistness. Nonetheless, even a slimmed-down carrot cake will not qualify as a healthy dessert, although it remains a perfect treat.
8: Jell-O
The well-known advertisement slogan of Jell-O claims that there is always space for it. Despite being a brand name, people use the term "Jell-O" to refer to any gelatin dessert, and its bouncing and wobbling property provides it with an inherent amusement. It is a simple process to create and doesn't require any extensive cleaning, as one just needs to pour hot water onto the mix and let it set for several hours. However, some might not know that gelatin is a transformed protein of collagen present in mammal tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and skins. The processing involves boiling connective tissues, bones, and skins of animals, similar to the production of Jell-O. Mixing this powdered gelatin with artificial sweetener and food coloring produces a dessert that is incredibly trendy. All thanks to the advertisement industry.
9: Cupcakes
Cupcakes are no longer just considered a treat for children. If you desire a dessert that is made specifically for you, visit a nearby high-end cupcake store. USA inhabitants are captivated by these miniature cakes and the shops that sell them and it's not difficult to understand why. They come in various flavors ranging from the classic vanilla and chocolate to more unique varieties such as Key lime pie, red velvet, and cookies 'n' cream. You need not visit a gourmet shop to obtain them; you can easily create your own perfect cupcakes at home with the help of a muffin tray and decorative paper holders.
10: Cheesecake
Although many associate the birthplace of cheesecake with New York, records indicate that its inception traces back to ancient Greece, particularly the island of Samos. Archaeologists have uncovered cheese molds from 2000 B.C.E., and the earliest recipe for Greek cheesecake is credited to Athenaeus, a writer from 230 A.D. However, Americans are credited with the introduction of cream cheese into the recipe in 1872. The origins of Philadelphia cream cheese can be attributed to an attempt by a New York dairy farmer to recreate French Neufchatel. Despite the myriad of variations for cheesecake, the New York style incorporates cream cheese, eggs, cream, sugar, and generally a graham cracker crust. The cheesecake is commonly served plain without any additional toppings or ingredients.
