Why These 13 Classic Desserts Are Forever America’s Favorites

Whether you’re a baking pro or just learning your way around the kitchen, there’s something universally comforting about a classic American dessert. These 15 favorites not only remind us of simpler times but also satisfy our sweet tooth every time. From apple pie to banana pudding, these treats have earned their spot as America’s go-to desserts.

Banana Pudding

Banana Pudding is a creamy and comforting dessert. Start by layering vanilla wafer cookies at the bottom of a large bowl or dish. Then, slice 4 ripe bananas and place them on top of the cookies. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of milk with 1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix and stir until thickened. Pour the pudding over the cookies and bananas, and then top with 1 cup of whipped cream or whipped topping. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving for the best flavor.

Brownies

Brownies are rich, chocolatey, and easy to make. Begin by melting ½ cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in 2 beaten eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then, mix in 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup of flour, ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Let the brownies cool before cutting into squares. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.

Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon Meringue Pie is a tangy, sweet classic. Start by making the crust: mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons of melted butter and ¼ cup of sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of a pie dish and bake at 350°F for 8 minutes. For the filling, combine 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1 ½ cups of water in a saucepan. Stir until thickened, then add 4 egg yolks and the zest and juice of 2 lemons. Pour the mixture into the cooled crust. Finally, beat 4 egg whites with ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue on top of the pie and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, until golden.

Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert. Start by peeling and slicing 6 medium apples and placing them in a greased baking dish. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of flour, ¾ cup of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in ½ cup of cold butter, cut into small pieces, until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this topping over the apples and bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Coconut Cream Pie

Coconut Cream Pie is sweet and tropical. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. For the crust, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar, then press into a pie dish and bake for 8 minutes. For the filling, whisk together 1 ½ cups of coconut milk, 1 cup of regular milk, ¾ cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Stir in 1 cup of shredded coconut and 3 egg yolks. Pour into the cooled crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake is rich and decadent with a beautiful red color. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing two round cake pans. In a bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of flour, 1 ½ cups of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of red food coloring. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until smooth and pour into the pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes and cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting.

S’mores

S’mores are a fun and delicious treat. Start by gathering graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars. Break the graham crackers into squares and place a piece of chocolate on one side of each cracker. Roast marshmallows over an open flame or in the oven until golden brown and soft. Place the roasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate and sandwich it between the graham crackers. Enjoy immediately for a gooey, sweet treat!

Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodle Cookies are soft, cinnamon-sugary goodness. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix well. In another bowl, combine 2 ¾ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Roll the dough into balls, then roll in a mixture of 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Bake for 8-10 minutes and let cool.

Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of sugar, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 4 beaten eggs. Add 2 cups of grated carrots and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let it cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

Peach Cobbler

Peach Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a bowl, mix 4 cups of fresh or frozen peaches with ¾ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour the peach mixture into a baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ cup of sugar. Stir in ½ cup of milk and ¼ cup of melted butter until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the batter over the peaches, and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.

Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie has a sweet, tangy flavor with a buttery crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F. For the crust, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of sugar, and 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Press the mixture into a pie dish and bake for 8 minutes. For the filling, whisk together 3 egg yolks, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of fresh key lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of lime zest. Pour the mixture into the cooled crust and bake for 15-20 minutes. Let it cool before topping with whipped cream and serving.

Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie is a rich, nutty dessert that’s perfect for fall. Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of light corn syrup, ¾ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 4 beaten eggs. Stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter and a pinch of salt. Add 2 cups of pecan halves and mix well. Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie crust and bake for 45-50 minutes until set. Let it cool completely before slicing.

Rice Pudding

Rice Pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert loved by many. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of uncooked rice, 4 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and cinnamon, and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve warm or chilled, and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or raisins if desired.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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