25 Classic American Desserts (+ Easy Recipes)

Let’s be real–what’s more American than apple pie? Well, you could say Texas sheet cake, chocolate chip cookies, anything with peanut butter, or just about any glazed donut, for starters.

1.Apple Pie Recipe

Classic apple pie is as American as, well, the saying goes. You’ll spot it at just about every summer BBQ and family gathering.

Sure, you might have your own secret family recipe, but this one is about as timeless as it gets.

No fancy twists, just perfectly tart apples, warm spices, and a buttery pastry crust that’ll make your kitchen feel like home. It’s the kind of dessert that never goes out of style.

2.The BEST Cookie Dough Dip Recipe

Stun your friends with this incredible cookie dough dip that combines the best of both worlds–cookie dough and cheesecake!

My friends from Spain and Sweden couldn’t believe their taste buds when I served this at a gathering. It’s creamy, sweet, and loaded with delicious toffee bits that add just the right crunch.

The best part? It’s a breeze to make! No complicated steps, just a simple recipe that comes together quickly.

Whether it’s for a party or a cozy night in, this dip is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Get ready for the oohs and aahs as you serve this amazing treat!

3.Apple Pie Milkshake

Imagine sipping on a milkshake that tastes just like apple pie à la mode. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the classic combo of warm apple pie and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

While you’re baking your pie, set aside some extra apples and add spices and cornstarch to a pot. Cook them down until they’re tender, then blend the mixture into a smooth puree.

Finally, mix in your favorite vanilla ice cream for a creamy, dreamy treat. Sure, you could use applesauce, but trust us–this homemade version is worth the extra steps.

It’s like dessert and a drink all in one!

4.Peanut Butter and Banana Sundaes

This peanut butter banana toast is a game-changer for late-night snacks. There’s just something about the nutty spread paired with sweet bananas that hits the spot.

You’ll whip up a creamy peanut butter sauce–it’s kinda like a peanut butter caramel–and layer it over toasted bread. Add any ice cream you’ve got on hand and don’t hold back on the banana slices.

It’s a simple, satisfying treat that’s ready in no time!

5.Old-Fashioned Whoopie Pies Recipe

Whoopie pies are a classic American treat that’s soft, chewy, and filled with creamy frosting. While they might not be as well-known outside the States, these sweet sandwiches are a delight worth discovering.

Think of them as America’s answer to the macaron–bigger, just as versatile, and totally customizable.

Whether you go classic or get creative with flavors and colors, these tender chocolate cookies with their perfect white filling are sure to hit the spot every time.

6.Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Take your coffee cake game to the next level with this twist on a classic.

Imagine a moist vanilla sponge topped with a crunchy cinnamon layer – but here’s the kicker: a creamy layer of cream cheese tucked just below the crumbly top.

And let’s not forget a sprinkle of chopped pecans for added texture and flavor. It’s the perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and crunchy that will make your mornings a little brighter.

7.No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

Need a quick dessert for a last-minute gathering? This pie is your answer! With just six ingredients and 20 minutes to make, it’s as easy as it gets.

Once set, it’s as rich and creamy as a peanut butter cheesecake–absolutely irresistible!

Top it with plenty of chopped peanut butter cups and a generous sprinkle of Reese’s Pieces for a fun, colorful crunch that adds the perfect contrast to the silky smooth filling.

8.Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

No ice cream maker? No problem! This homemade chocolate and peanut butter ice cream is so good, it’ll make you glad you don’t need any fancy gadgets.

Rich, creamy chocolate and swirls of peanut butter come together in perfect harmony. And let’s not forget the chopped peanut butter cups mixed right in–because everything’s better with a little extra treat.

Want to take it to the next level? Drizzle it with caramel for that sweet and salty contrast. One bite and you’ll be hooked!

9.Hershey’s Chocolate Cake

Calling all chocolate lovers! This cake is the ultimate treat for anyone craving something rich and indulgently chocolatey.

With its deep, velvety flavor and incredibly tender crumb, it’s as close to chocolate perfection as you can get.

Hershey’s has knocked it out of the park with this one–think moist, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that’s as soft as it is flavorful.

It’s the kind of cake that reminds you why chocolate desserts are the best, with every bite delivering that perfect balance of deep, dark chocolate goodness.

Trust us, this might just be the best chocolate cake you’ll ever taste.

10.Cheesecake Brownies

Imagine a dessert where cheesecake and brownies come together in perfect harmony–because why settle for just one when you can have both?

Whether you’re using your go-to homemade brownie recipe or a trusty boxed mix (yes, they can be just as delicious!), the result is nothing short of magical.

Simply swirl the cheesecake batter into the brownie mix and let the oven do the rest. The only catch? You’ll need to let it cool completely to get those clean, picture-perfect slices.

But trust us, it’s worth the wait!

11.The Most Amazing Texas Sheet Cake

Meet the Texas-sized cake that lives up to its name–big, bold, and full of Southern charm! This recipe has been around since the 1950s, and it’s easy to see why it’s a classic.

With buttermilk and pecans, it’s loaded with that true Southern flavor everyone loves.

The process is straightforward: mix everything into a smooth batter, bake it up, and top it with a rich chocolate and buttermilk glaze.

Sprinkle some pecans on top, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as moist as it is irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is a crowd-pleaser!

12.Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie

This classic Southern pie is the ultimate dessert experience–sweet, gooey, crunchy, and buttery all in one slice.

Serve it warm for the best treat, maybe with some chocolate chips on top and a dollop of whipped cream. The secret to that perfect filling? Brown sugar and corn syrup, as most recipes agree.

Feel free to get creative by adding mini chocolate chips or even crispy bacon bits for a salty twist. It’s the perfect mix of flavors and textures you’ll love!

13.Peanut Butter Brownies

Let me tell you, this dessert is dangerously good. Imagine a rich, fudgy brownie topped with a thick, creamy peanut butter layer – that’s exactly what you’re getting here.

It’s the kind of treat that’s perfect for slicing and serving, or even using as a sensational filling for your favorite chocolate cake.

And let’s not forget the Reese’s touch – it takes this dessert to a whole new level. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a hit no matter where it’s served.

14.Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake

Step back into the good old days with this nostalgic ice cream cake that’s sure to bring out the kid in everyone!

Remember those magical childhood birthdays when the highlight was always the DQ ice cream cake? This homemade version captures that same magic with its layered perfection.

First, there’s a rich chocolate ice cream layer, followed by a decadent chocolate ganache. Next, crushed Oreos add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast. Then, a creamy vanilla ice cream layer brings it all together.

And to give it that authentic birthday cake look, a generous topping of whipped cream finishes it off beautifully. Sure, the whipped cream is optional, but it really makes this dessert feel like a celebration.

Perfect for any birthday, this ice cream cake is a blast from the past that everyone will love!

15.Beignets from Scratch

New Orleans, Cafe Du Monde, and beignets–what’s not to love? This iconic open-air cafe is a must-visit for anyone who hasn’t been.

Until you can make it there, let’s bring a taste of that magic to your kitchen with this beignet recipe! These treats are soft, airy, and utterly irresistible. Trust us, one batch won’t be enough!

16.Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies are the ultimate treat–so soft and chewy, they’ll practically melt in your mouth. Adding cream cheese gives them a unique flavor and ensures they stay moist.

Mini-chocolate chips are the perfect choice here, adding bursts of sweetness and a cute touch. But if you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to swap them out for bigger chunks.

Trust us, these cookies are a must-try!

17.Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge

You’ll be amazed how easy it is to whip up this creamy peanut butter fudge with just three ingredients and a quick trip to the microwave.

It tastes exactly like the filling of a Reese’s peanut butter cup–because, let’s be honest, that’s basically what it is! The only difference?

A little extra powdered sugar to help it set perfectly so you can slice it into smooth, creamy squares.

18.Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic American treat that stands out from the crowd. While other countries have their own sweet staples, there’s nothing quite like a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie.

The key to making them irresistible? Soft and chewy texture. Bake them just until they’re set, with golden edges and a center that’s still tender.

Brown sugar and butter are the stars here, and don’t overmix the dough–stop once the flour is just incorporated.

These cookies are all about that perfect balance of flavors and textures, with a hint of sweetness and a whole lot of comfort.

19.Junior’s Cheesecake Recipe

Junior’s in Brooklyn is a must-visit for cheesecake lovers, and for good reason–it’s legendary! What makes their cheesecake stand out is the lighter-than-air sponge crust, which provides the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy filling.

To get it just right, make sure your crust is fully baked and cooled before adding the velvety cheesecake layer. Don’t skip the water bath–it’s essential for cooking the cream cheese custard to perfection.

Let it cool overnight for the best texture, and when you slice into it the next day, you’ll understand why it’s a classic. It’s worth every bit of the wait!

20.Perfect Bananas Foster

Bananas Foster is the ultimate dessert game-changer. Enjoy it solo with a scoop of ice cream, or use it to take pound cake or warm biscuits to the next level.

This sweet and boozy treat comes together in just ten minutes–perfect for satisfying your cravings fast. For adults, feel free to keep the alcohol in for that extra depth of flavor.

It’s all about the caramelized bananas and that hint of rum goodness. Serve it up and watch it disappear!

21.No-Bake Banana Pudding Twinkie Cake

Let’s be honest, Twinkies are a guilty pleasure we just can’t resist! This no-bake American dessert might just be more patriotic than apple pie itself.

Imagine vanilla pudding smothering golden Twinkies, topped with fresh banana slices. It’s creamy, sweet, and utterly dreamy, with Twinkies providing the perfect base. So go ahead, indulge in this sweet treat.

Your taste buds will thank you!

22.Jif Peanut Butter Cookies

Looking for the ultimate peanut butter cookie recipe? This tried-and-true recipe from Jif is the real deal, just like Hershey’s iconic chocolate cake. The secret to these cookies?

They’re made with all brown sugar, which gives them a deeper, chewier texture and a hint of caramel flavor.

And let’s not forget the star of the show–every bite is packed with creamy peanut butter goodness!

23.No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake

Let’s face it–Oreos are irresistible! And when you bake them into a cheesecake, the temptation gets even harder to resist.

This cheesecake takes it to the next level with a crust made from crushed Oreos, more Oreos mixed into the creamy filling, and even a sprinkle of crushed Oreos on top for good measure.

While you can always go with a store-bought graham cracker crust, there’s something special about this one that’s ready to devour in just a few hours. Get ready to test your willpower!

24.Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding

There’s nothing quite like the charm of a New York City summer. I fell head over heels for the iconic banana pudding at Magnolia’s–it’s the stuff dreams are made of.

After craving it for months, I decided to take matters into my own hands and whip up a batch at home. The best part? It’s dangerously easy to make!

Keep it simple with the classic combo of silky custard, crunchy Nilla Wafers, and fresh bananas, or get creative by adding salted caramel drizzle or even brownie bites.

The possibilities are endless, and every bite is pure bliss.

25.Baked Chocolate Donuts

Craving donuts but don’t want the hassle of frying? Baked donuts are here to save the day! They’ve got that adorable donut shape and a tender, cake-like texture that’s hard to resist.

These babies are double the chocolatey goodness–both the donuts and the glaze are rich and decadent. But if you’re feeling fancy, a vanilla glaze would look stunning against that dark chocolate backdrop.

25 Classic American Desserts (+ Easy Recipes)

Recipe by Mohamed ShiliCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Let’s be real–what’s more American than apple pie? Well, you could say Texas sheet cake, chocolate chip cookies, anything with peanut butter, or just about any glazed donut, for starters.

Ingredients

  • Apple Pie Recipe

  • The BEST Cookie Dough Dip Recipe

  • Apple Pie Milkshake

  • Peanut Butter and Banana Sundaes

  • Old-Fashioned Whoopie Pies Recipe

  • Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

  • No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

  • Hershey’s Chocolate Cake

  • Cheesecake Brownies

  • The Most Amazing Texas Sheet Cake

  • Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie

  • Peanut Butter Brownies

  • Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake

  • Beignets from Scratch

  • Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

  • Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge

  • Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Junior’s Cheesecake Recipe

  • Perfect Bananas Foster

  • No-Bake Banana Pudding Twinkie Cake

  • Jif Peanut Butter Cookies

  • No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake

  • Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding

  • Baked Chocolate Donuts

Directions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!

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