60+ Best Classic American Desserts Everyone Should Taste at Least Once

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.

Jump to:

• Best Classic American Desserts
• 1. Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Filling
• 2. Pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting
• 3. Puff pastry apple turnovers
• 4. Maple donuts
• 5. Edible cookie dough bites
• 6. Puff pastry pumpkin turnovers
• 7. S'mores Cookies
• 8. Pumpkin Streusel Bread
• 9. Sour cream cookies
• 10. Strawberry crunch cake
• 11. Mango cupcakes
• 12. Banana Bread
• 13. Brownie pie
• 14. Funfetti cookies
• 15. American buttercream frosting
• 16. Apple crumb cake
• 17. Pumpkin brownies
• 18. Oreo cupcakes
• 19. White chocolate cupcakes
• 20. Apple crumble pie
• 21. Lemon curd cookies
• 22. Funfetti cupcakes
• 23. Chocolate caramel cupcakes
• 24. Double chocolate muffins
• 25. Mocha cupcakes
• 26. Apple crumble muffins
• 27. Cinnamon Apple cake
• 28. White chocolate raspberry cupcakes
• 29. Apple Pie
• 30. Sugar Donuts
• 31. No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
• 32. Peach Cobbler With Pie Crust
• 33. Triple Chocolate Brownies
• 34. Baked Chocolate Donuts With Chocolate Glaze
• 35. Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
• 36. Red Velvet Cake
• 37. No Bake Oreo Cheesecake
• 38. Carrot Cake
• 39. Pumpkin Blondies
• 40. Baked Raspberry Donuts
• 41. Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
• 42. Mini Blueberry Muffins
• 43. Brownie Blondies
• 44. Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
• 45. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie
• 46. Apple Hand Pies
• 47. Banana Mini Muffins
• 48. Baked Blueberry Donuts
• 49. Red Velvet Brownies
• 50. No Bake Apple Pie
• 51. Pumpkin Custard Pie
• 52. Red Velvet Muffins
• 53. Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
• 54. Chocolate Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
• 55. Apple Pie Cupcakes
• 56. New York Cheesecake
• 57. Lady Baltimore Cake 
• 58. Original Texas Sheet Cake
• 59. Pecan Pie
• 60. Bananas Foster
• 61. Boston Cream Pie
• 62. Banana Pudding
• 63. Angel Food Cake
• American Desserts FAQs
• 60+ Best Classic American Desserts Everyone Should Taste at Least Once

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. Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Filling

If you love a classic apple pie and love cinnamon rolls, you are in for a treat! Here is a mash-up of two classic American desserts that everyone always loves. Soft and pillowy cinnamon rolls are filled with juicy, creamy apple pie filling for the best taste and texture ever.

2. Pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting

I'm sure you've tried banana bread, but don't sleep on this other easy American dessert. Pumpkin season is huge in the US, and it also coincides with baking season. So make this easy pumpkin bread, and thank me later!

3. Puff pastry apple turnovers

A juicy apple filling sits inside a flaky puff pastry crust; it is irresistible! And so much easier to make than you might think. You can use store-bought puff pastry (or try my easy rough puff pastry recipe), and the filling comes together in no time. Give this easy American dessert a try; you won't regret it.

4. Maple donuts

Maple donuts have to be one of my favorite donuts ever! And, what's more, they are baked rather than deep fried, which makes them healthier and easier! The maple glaze on top is finished off with crunchy pecans, which are the ideal flavor and texture combination.

5. Edible cookie dough bites

I couldn't leave cookie dough off the list! Nothing is more American than cookie dough. And these cookie dough bites are seriously addictive, you'll never be able to stop eating them.

6. Puff pastry pumpkin turnovers

Turnovers are such an easy dessert. But the filling in these pumpkin turnovers is seriously special, as I add extra ingredients to almost make it into a custard. It is silky and rich and delicious. But still super simple!

7. S'mores Cookies

Whenever anyone thinks of American kids around campfires, they think of S'mores. And now you can try this classic American dessert in a cookie version! Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies elevated by a gooey marshmallow center. What's not to love?

8. Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Imagine the fluffiest pumpkin bread, and then take it to the next level with streusel! It adds this irresistible crunchy texture that works perfectly with the soft sponge. Baking with pumpkin always gets amazing results, and this is no exception.

9. Sour cream cookies

Sour cream is such a classic American ingredient, but did you know you can use it to bake cookies? It makes them unbelievably moist, and also adds this incredible tang of acidity that really brightens the whole recipe.

10. Strawberry crunch cake

The craze around strawberry crunch shows no signs of slowing down; this is a new dessert that has instantly entered the history books! Soft, moist sponge coated in a crunch made from Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries, all with luscious frosting in between layers, too.

11. Mango cupcakes

Add some tropical taste to your cupcakes with my tasty mango cupcakes. The fluffy sponge is topped with the most insanely delicious mango frosting and topped with chunks of fresh mango.

12. Banana Bread

An easy banana bread is one of those American dessert recipes every home baker should have. You can eat it after dinner with ice cream, for breakfast, or as a snack in the afternoon. It really is the ultimate all-rounder!

13. Brownie pie

A classic American pie gets an upgrade in this dessert. A buttery, flaky pie crust with the most delectable, fudgy, gooey brownie filling. It seriously gives you the best of both worlds!  Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect after-dinner dessert.

14. Funfetti cookies

Put the fun into dessert with funfetti cookies that are perfectly soft and chewy with crunchy, colorful sprinkles. Kids and grown-ups alike will love baking and enjoying them, and there are so many color variations to choose from. Bake these fun American cookies for your next party, and wait for the compliments to roll in.  

15. American buttercream frosting

This classic American frosting can be used in so many ways, turning any dessert into an American dessert! Buttercream frosting is a staple recipe that every household uses to transform cakes and other baked goods. You can flavor it, color it, and enjoy it endlessly! It is one of the easiest and most versatile types of frosting.

16. Apple crumb cake

Apple season in the US is big news for bakers, and anyone who loves baking US-style cakes should try this recipe. A warm and delicately spiced cinnamon cake is topped with a crunchy apple crumb and delicious apple glaze, delivering such a burst of warm fall flavor. Everyone will love it, and it tastes just as good with coffee.

Try some of my other apple desserts!

17. Pumpkin brownies

If you love brownies and love pumpkin pie, you will adore this. An easy, creamy pumpkin puree is sandwiched between fudgy brownie layers to make the perfect fall treat. This is a super delicious twist on a classic American brownie recipe that you can serve for Thanksgiving or at any time of the year.

18. Oreo cupcakes

If you’re an Oreo lover like me, you won’t be able to resist this very American dessert. There’s a soft, moist chocolate cupcake and the most incredible Oreo buttercream frosting on top, and so loaded with Oreo flavor you won’t believe. But it is also well-balanced in sweetness and much easier to make than you might think!  

19. White chocolate cupcakes

White chocolate always brings a touch of decadence to an occasion. If you need a special occasion dessert that looks cute on a dessert table, try this. I think they’re perfect for bridal showers or an anniversary party. White chocolate desserts can often be too sweet, but this cupcake recipe is very well-balanced, and I will give you all the best tips on good quality ingredients for the best taste.

20. Apple crumble pie

We all love a freshly baked apple pie! Buttery pie crust that melts in the mouth filled with the most delicious apple filling. But then, the crunchy streusel topping takes to the next level.  What’s more, everything is made 100% from scratch using items you probably already have in the pantry!

21. Lemon curd cookies

A classic thumbprint cookie is an Americanized version of a European dessert, and I love the twist! The cookies are moist and tender, and it’s always fun to make them and use your hands to create the shape. I like making my own homemade lemon curd as it is superior to a store-bought version. And while you might think it is not very easy, it is so easy!

22. Funfetti cupcakes

My classic cupcake recipe has the most amazing moist sponge, and it’s flecked with little crunchy sprinkles. Topped with a delicious funfetti frosting, they are a cute splash of color on any dessert table.

Read my guide on how to store cupcakes to make the most out of your treats and keep them tasting good for longer.

23. Chocolate caramel cupcakes

Honestly, this dessert seems too good to be true. The richest, most decadent cupcakes out there! Intense chocolate cupcakes with the softest, moist sponge. There’s a secret pocket inside filled with homemade caramel sauce that is so silky and smooth, and it’s all topped with a caramel whipped mascarpone cream frosting.

24. Double chocolate muffins

Here’s a classic American dessert that never fails to impress! Double the chocolate, double the taste! These incredible, moist muffins are tall and filled with intense chocolate flavor.  You might need to bake several batches, though, as they always disappear so fast.

25. Mocha cupcakes

Mocha was made in America with the brilliant idea of mixing chocolate and coffee. Coffee makes chocolate taste even better and brings out the flavors while also giving a coffee taste of its own! Add it to a quintessentially American cupcake, and you have the best of both worlds! Cupcakes are perfect as they are dainty, portable and everyone gets their own. So you don’t have to share!

26. Apple crumble muffins

Everyone loves muffins. Apple crumble is a favorite of mine, too. Here, we have tall, moist muffins loaded with apples with an irresistible crumble topping. They are tall and moist, and the recipe comes together so easily. Serve them as dessert, a sweet breakfast idea, or keep them as a grab-and-go snack. The bad news is that there aren’t usually any leftovers. 

27. Cinnamon Apple cake

Now, this dessert certainly has a cozy, warm feeling that everyone will love. A moist layer of cinnamon sponge cake topped with apples and cinnamon sugar. Serve it with a bowl of Chantilly cream or you can serve it as a sweet breakfast idea!

28. White chocolate raspberry cupcakes

Raspberries and white chocolate are a flavor combination made in heaven. The sweet but slightly tart raspberry taste pairs so beautifully with white chocolate, and while making the raspberry filling adds an extra step, it is well worth the effort. Trust me, this will soon become one of your favorite raspberry desserts.

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

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.

32. 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).

33. Triple Chocolate Brownies

In the USA, they take desserts seriously. And the brownie has to be one of the most popular American dessert 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.

34. 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 situation.

35. 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.

36. 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 are also flavor combinations made in heaven. Trust me.

37. 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. While 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.

38. 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.

39. 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 by Fannie 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.

40. 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.

41. 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.

42. Mini Blueberry Muffins

While 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.

43. 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.

44. 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.

45. 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!

46. 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.

47. 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 this makes them winners.

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

48. 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.

49. 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.

50. 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.

51. 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. It's like a classic pumpkin pie but made even better! What's more, it is super easy and doesn't require any special equipment or fancy ingredients.

52. 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.

53. Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

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

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.

54. 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.

55. 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!

56. New York Cheesecake

New York is famous for many reasons, but New York style cheesecake is probably my favorite. 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.

57. 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?

58. 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?

59. 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).

60. 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.

61. 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!

62. 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!

63. 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 in St. 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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