We celebrate America’s sweet delicacies from past generations that we still enjoy today.

The United States is the melting pot of the world. Therefore, it’s no surprise that different cultures gather, and different cuisines also come together to create the American palate. The United States has always been home to various traditional recipes and desserts from different roots- Italian, Irish, African, Latin, European, and Asian. These traditional meals have found their way into American homes. One can have a taste of home in Generations of Good Food, a book by Eleanor Gaccetta. In her book, she showcases various recipes and desserts. Some are of Italian origin. Today, we will showcase ten iconic American desserts throughout history that we still enjoy today.

Apple Pie

It is impossible to create this list without including America’s most famous dessert. The American pie is not only one of the many American symbols but also one of the easiest desserts to prepare. Homemade pies are often present on American dining tables on special occasions. It’s hard to imagine American culture without this world-famous American pie.

Cheesecake

Long before the city of New York made it its official dessert, the cheesecake was already one of the most popular desserts across America. Colonists brought baked custards to American colonies, and in the 1730s, Philadelphia already boasted the “Cheesecake House” tavern. Today, there are many stylish cheesecake recipes available.

Chiffon Cake

Chiffon cakes are famous worldwide. Although relatively a modern recipe, it has been part of many special occasions and holidays. On page 115 of Eleanor Gaccetta’s recipe cookbook, Generations of Good Food, you can find a special chiffon cake recipe. Today, there are hundreds of chiffon cake variations with different mixtures and toppings.

Swiss Roll

Not originally from Switzerland, this European confection became popular in the United States in the 1800s. This light sponge cake rolled around a filling and cut into slices became one of the most consumed pre-packaged desserts in the country via the Little Debbie company in 1960. Today, Swiss rolls come in various flavors and styles, and they’re all over bakeshops across the United States.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who doesn’t love chocolate chip cookies? Almost every grocery in the United States sells chocolate chip cookies. Ruth Wakefield created this delicious dessert in the 1930s. The recipe was an attempt to create something to go with ice cream. Today, almost every kid in America has tried homemade chocolate chip cookies or one sold on the market.

Bananas Foster

Banana Foster is a dessert that features flaming bananas in liquor or rum mixed with vanilla ice cream. Its creator, Paul Bland, thought of a dessert to highlight the recent influx of bananas to the local ports in the 1950s. The recipe is named after a local civic and business leader at that time.

Pumpkin Pie

It is widely believed that the idea of pumpkin pie originated with the Native Americans. The Northeastern Native American tribes may have made pumpkin pies consisting of stewed pumpkins or filled hollowed pumpkin shells with milk, honey, and other ingredients.

Carrot Cake

Although initially an English recipe, Americans have come to love this naturally sweetened confection. In the 1960s, carrot cake was introduced as a healthy alternative to other more decadent desserts with the increasing awareness of including proper nutrients in American diets.

Boston Cream Pie

Speaking of decadent desserts, the Boston Cream Pie is perhaps one of our most self-indulgent confections. Created in 1856 at the grand opening of Boston’s Parker House (now Omni Parker House), the famous Boston Cream Pie is a cake. It is most famous for its thick, rich chocolate icing spread on top of the whole cake.

Rice Krispies

We will end our list with a truly classic American dessert- Rice Krispies Treats. These small squares are made of cereal, marshmallows, and butter. This 20th-century treat was invented by Mildred Day, a Kellogg’s worker. In 1941, Rice Krispies Treats were added to cereal boxes and had since been a part of the country’s list of iconic desserts.

To know more about Eleanor Gaccetta’s Generations of Good Food, purchase a copy when you visit her website today www.onecaregiversjourney.com.