Homestyle American desserts represent all that America is, drawing on multiple cultures and backgrounds. From baked Alaska, New York cheesecake, and the children’s birthday party classic Confetti cake, American desserts are known for being sinfully sugar-laden and very, very tasty.
The reason these recipes have stuck around for so long, is that they are simple to make, full of flavour, and always, every single time, good. The country has an affinity for desserts using whipping cream and generous amounts of sugar, both of which have ensured their sustained popularity within the country and beyond.
The serving sizes for American desserts, too, are big and generous. These family-style portions hearken back to our childhood with large family get-togethers, holiday dinners, and backyard cookouts. While some recipes require a bit of patience to create, others can easily be whipped up on a weekday evening.
In the list below, you’ll see some of the most beloved American sweet treats. From like strawberry shortcakes to fruit-based cobblers, to classics like brownies and apple pies, these items can be “whipped up” for any occasion with large gatherings, whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just beginning to bake.
1. Classic Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients:
- 150 gm all-purpose flour
- 200 gm sugar
- 100 gm unsweetened cocoa powder
- 100 gm unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Method:
- Preheat the oven and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake until set.
- Let the brownies cool before slicing and serving.
2. New York Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 500 gm cream cheese, softened
- 150 gm sugar
- 200 gm graham cracker crumbs
- 100 gm melted butter
- 100 ml sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Method:
- Preheat the oven and grease a springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press the mixture into the base of the pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream, and mix until well incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake until the cheesecake is set, then let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Serve chilled.
3. Apple Pie
Ingredients:
- 500 gm apples, peeled and sliced
- 300 gm all-purpose flour
- 200 gm sugar
- 150 gm unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)
Method:
- Preheat the oven and prepare a pie dish
- In a bowl, mix the flour, butter, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add a bit of water and mix until the dough comes together. Divide into two parts.
- Roll out one-half of the dough and fit it into the pie dish.
- In another bowl, mix the apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust.
- Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the apples, crimping the edges.
- Brush the top crust with milk and cut small slits for ventilation.
- Bake until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Let the pie cool before serving.
4. Pecan Pie
Ingredients:
- 200 gm pecan halves
- 200 gm corn syrup
- 150 gm sugar
- 50 gm melted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Method:
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pie crust in a pie dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and bourbon if using.
- Stir in the pecan halves and pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing.
5. Banana Pudding
Ingredients:
- 400 ml milk
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 100 gm sugar
- 50 gm cornstarch
- 2 large bananas, sliced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200 gm vanilla wafers
Method:
- In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and milk.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a serving dish, layer the banana slices, vanilla pudding, and vanilla wafers.
Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.