National Dessert Day 2021: Must-Try American Sweet Delights

October 14 marks the celebration of National Dessert Day.

To commemorate this sweet day, Dinogo Travel took a flavorful journey through its archives, highlighting six of the nation’s finest desserts:

Classic Apple Pie

According to the American Pie Council, apple pie truly holds the title of the nation's favorite dessert.

However, don’t get too caught up in the American pride—it’s not actually an indigenous food.

Food critic John Mariani traces the arrival of apple pie in the U.S. back to 1780, well after it had gained popularity in England. Interestingly, apples aren’t native to America; they were brought over by the Pilgrims.

So what’s behind the iconic ‘apple pie’ image? John Lehndorff of the Pie Council explains: ‘When you say something is “as American as apple pie,” you’re actually saying it came from abroad and was adapted into something uniquely American.’

And you’re suggesting that when Americans enjoy something so iconic, we know it’s good—whether it’s topped with cheddar cheese or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. – Dana Joseph

Blueberry cobbler

Sometimes referred to as slump, grunt, or buckle, cobbler was born out of necessity when early colonists, lacking ovens, created a simple fruit dish that could be cooked in a pan or pot over an open fire without a crust on the bottom.

They may have been playfully giving the British a rebellious gesture by creating a messy, Americanized version of the elegant British steamed fruit and dough pudding.

Cobblers take on an even more American identity when made with blueberries, which are native to North America (Maine basically claims them as their own).

We adore blueberries for how they elevate almost any crust, dough, or batter, but perhaps most of all in cobblers and the other quintessential American treat, the blueberry muffin. – Dana Joseph

Coconut Cake

Fluffy, buttery layers of vanilla cake are generously topped with shredded coconut and seven-minute frosting, making it a quintessential Southern dessert. This is the kind of all-American sweet that graces potlucks, cake walks, and church picnics, often crafted from cherished recipes passed down on handwritten recipe cards.

There are countless variations, but each one is wrapped in a cloud of shredded coconut … preferably fresh.

Layer cakes may not have originated in the United States, but the unmistakable shape of the coconut cake is pure Americana, with its tall, round profile that sets it apart from the thinner European tortes. Despite its simple all-white exterior, the coconut cake is a lavish, nostalgic indulgence. – Jen Rose Smith

Doughnuts

In the world of desserts, fried dough is a timeless favorite.

From French beignets to Greek loukoumades, nearly every culture has its version of a doughnut. It’s easy to see why they’re so loved—just a quick dunk in hot oil turns simple dough into a satisfying, quick treat. But it’s the modern American doughnut that stands out, thanks to its adventurous fillings and bold flavors.

From The Holy Donut in Portland, Maine to Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon, the humble doughnut has been reimagined with extravagant toppings like maple frosting, crispy bacon, fresh fruit glazes, and even boozy finishes, pushing this sweet to new and unexpected heights. – Jen Rose Smith

Key lime pie

When life hands you limes, skip the limeade and go straight for a Key lime pie.

The official pie of Florida, this bold, tart dessert has earned international fame, originating in—where else?—the Florida Keys, home to the small limes that give the pie its signature flavor.

Aunt Sally, who worked for Florida’s first self-made millionaire, ship salvager William Curry, is credited with creating the first Key lime pie in the late 1800s. However, you might also thank Florida’s sponge fishermen, who likely invented the mix of key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, which could be ‘cooked’ through a chemical reaction while out at sea. – Dana Joseph

Twinkies

Hostess’ iconic ‘Golden Sponge Cake with Creamy Filling’ has been satisfying sweet cravings since 1930, when it was invented by James Dewar at the Continental Baking Company in Schiller Park, Illinois.

The Twinkie swapped its original banana cream filling for vanilla during World War II when bananas were in short supply. And just when it seemed they couldn’t get any more indulgent, the Texas State Fair kicked off the craze of deep-frying them.

Whether plunged into hot oil or simply pulled from their package, Twinkies charm with their name (inspired by a billboard for Twinkle Toe Shoes), their ladyfinger shape (pierced three times to inject the filling), and their nostalgic reminder of schoolyard lunch breaks. – Dana Joseph