13 Iconic State Desserts Every American Should Taste at Least Once

Every corner of America has a dessert that tastes like home to the people who grew up there. Before the Thanksgiving travel rush, take a sweet road trip with us through some of the most loved state desserts, from Southern porches to Midwest church suppers. Does your state make the list..

Famous State Desserts Start in Texas: Pecan Pie

We start our road trip in Texas, where the pecan is the official state tree and pecan pie is the official state pie. Texans take this one seriously. A good slice has a crisp, flaky crust, a soft caramel like filling and a crunchy layer of toasted pecans on top. It is the star of many Thanksgiving tables across the South. Do you like yours warm with ice cream or cold from the fridge?

You will need: 1 unbaked 9 inch pie crust, 3 eggs, 1 cup light corn syrup, 1 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 1/2 cups pecan halves.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Whisk the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, butter and vanilla until smooth. 3. Spread the pecans in the crust and pour the filling over them. 4. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, until the center barely jiggles. 5. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too fast. 6. Cool at least 2 hours before slicing.

State Desserts We Love: Florida Key Lime Pie

Florida made key lime pie its official state pie in 2006, and one bite explains why. It is tart, creamy and cool, perfect for a warm afternoon. The classic version uses small, fragrant key limes, but regular limes work well if that is what your store has. Of all the state desserts on this list, this is the easiest to make. Quick poll: whipped cream or meringue on top? A) whipped cream, B) meringue, C) nothing, D) both!

You will need: 1 graham cracker crust, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 3 egg yolks, 1/2 cup key lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, whipped cream.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Whisk the yolks and zest, then add the condensed milk. 3. Stir in the lime juice until it thickens a little. 4. Pour into the crust. 5. Bake 15 minutes, then cool and chill 3 hours. 6. Top with whipped cream.

Louisiana: New Orleans Beignets

In 1986 Louisiana named the beignet its official state doughnut. These square puffs of fried dough came with French settlers and became a New Orleans morning ritual, served hot under a snowstorm of powdered sugar. Making them at home is a fun weekend project with the kids. Fair warning: you will end up with sugar on your shirt, and that is part of the charm. Few state desserts are this much fun to eat.

You will need: 1 cup warm water, 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 3 1/2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons butter, oil for frying, powdered sugar.

How to make it: 1. Mix the water, yeast and sugar and rest 10 minutes. 2. Add the egg, milk, butter and flour and knead into a soft dough. 3. Let it rise 1 hour. 4. Roll 1/4 inch thick and cut into squares. 5. Fry at 350F about 1 minute per side. 6. Drain and dust heavily with powdered sugar.

Georgia: Southern Peach Cobbler

Georgia is called the Peach State, so it makes sense that peach cobbler is its comfort dessert. Among Southern state desserts, few are loved more. Juicy peaches bubble under a golden, buttery topping that is soft in the middle and crisp at the edges. Many Southern families make it in a cast iron skillet passed down for generations. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream melting on top. Who in your family makes the best cobbler?

You will need: 6 cups sliced peaches (fresh or frozen), 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk, 2 teaspoons baking powder.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F and melt the butter in a 9×13 dish. 2. Toss the peaches with 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. 3. Whisk the flour, 1 cup sugar, milk and baking powder. 4. Pour the batter over the butter, do not stir. 5. Spoon the peaches on top. 6. Bake 45 to 50 minutes until golden.

Southern State Desserts: Mississippi Mud Pie

Mississippi mud pie is said to be named for the dark, muddy banks of the Mississippi River. It is a dream for chocolate lovers: a cookie crumb crust, a rich chocolate filling and a cloud of whipped cream. Some versions add a brownie layer, others a pudding. This easy version sets up in the fridge, so your oven stays free on a busy holiday weekend.

You will need: 1 chocolate cookie crumb crust, 1 package (5.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding, 2 cups cold milk, 4 oz chopped dark chocolate (melted), 2 cups whipped cream, chocolate shavings.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes. 2. Stir in the melted chocolate. 3. Spread into the crust. 4. Chill 1 hour until set. 5. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. 6. Chill 2 more hours before slicing.

Midwest State Desserts: Indiana Sugar Cream Pie

Indiana made sugar cream pie its official state pie in 2009. Folks there also call it Hoosier pie. It came from frugal farm kitchens and needs no fruit or eggs, just cream, sugar and a little flour. The filling bakes into a silky custard with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. It tastes like a warm hug from someone who grew up on a farm.

You will need: 1 unbaked 9 inch pie crust, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, nutmeg.

How to make it: 1. Bake the crust at 375F for 15 minutes. 2. In a pot, whisk the sugar and cornstarch, then add the cream and butter. 3. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly. 4. Stir in the vanilla. 5. Pour into the crust and dust with nutmeg. 6. Bake 15 minutes, then cool and chill.

Maryland: Smith Island Cake

In 2008 Maryland named the Smith Island cake its official state dessert. It comes from a tiny island in the Chesapeake Bay, where bakers stack 8 to 10 very thin layers of yellow cake with fudgy chocolate frosting between each one. It takes patience, but the slices look stunning. Would you have the patience to stack ten layers, or is this a bakery order for you?

You will need: 1 box yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil and water on the box), 2 cups sugar, 1 cup evaporated milk, 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, 1/2 cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla.

How to make it: 1. Make the cake batter and bake thin layers, about 1/2 cup each, in 9 inch pans for 8 to 10 minutes. 2. Simmer the sugar, milk and chocolate for 5 minutes. 3. Stir in the butter and vanilla. 4. Stack the layers, spreading frosting between each. 5. Pour the rest over the top.

New York: Classic Cheesecake

New York cheesecake is tall, dense and ultra creamy, and it is made with plenty of cream cheese. Delis across the city have argued for decades over who makes the best slice. The secret at home is low and slow baking and a long chill, so plan to make it the day before. A spoon of strawberry sauce on top is all it needs. Of all the state desserts here, this is the one we recommend for your holiday table.

You will need: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 5 tablespoons melted butter, 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 4 eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 325F. 2. Press the crumbs and butter into a springform pan. 3. Beat the cream cheese and sugar, then add the eggs one at a time. 4. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla. 5. Bake 60 to 70 minutes until the center just wobbles. 6. Cool in the oven, then chill overnight.

Minnesota: Scotcheroos

Ask anyone from Minnesota about church potlucks and bake sales, and scotcheroos will come up fast. These no bake bars are crispy rice cereal mixed with peanut butter, then covered with a melted chocolate and butterscotch topping. They are chewy, crunchy and gone in minutes. Great news for busy parents: no oven needed, which makes it one of the easiest state desserts to make with kids. Peanut butter fans, are you already hungry?

You will need: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, 1 cup peanut butter, 6 cups crispy rice cereal, 1 cup butterscotch chips, 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips.

How to make it: 1. Heat the sugar and corn syrup until it just boils. 2. Stir in the peanut butter until smooth. 3. Fold in the cereal and press into a 9×13 pan. 4. Melt the butterscotch and chocolate chips together. 5. Spread over the top. 6. Let set 1 hour and cut into bars.

Michigan State Desserts: Tart Cherry Pie

Traverse City calls itself the Cherry Capital of the World, and Michigan grows most of the tart cherries in the United States. That makes cherry pie one of the proudest state desserts in the Midwest. Tart cherries give a bright, tangy filling that pairs beautifully with a buttery lattice crust. Looking for more fruit inspiration? Try our juicy berry desserts too.

You will need: 2 pie crusts, 5 cups pitted tart cherries (fresh or frozen), 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, 1 tablespoon butter.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F. 2. Toss the cherries with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and almond extract. 3. Fit one crust in a pie dish and add the filling. 4. Dot with butter and weave a lattice with the second crust. 5. Bake 50 to 60 minutes until bubbly. 6. Cool 3 hours to set.

Wisconsin: Danish Kringle

Wisconsin named the kringle its official state pastry in 2013. Danish immigrants brought it to Racine, where bakeries still shape the flaky dough into a big oval ring filled with fruit or nuts and drizzled with icing. It is a favorite at Christmas morning breakfasts. This shortcut uses puff pastry so you can enjoy it without days of folding butter. Final poll: A) pecan, B) cherry, C) raspberry, D) almond?

You will need: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed), 1/2 cup fruit preserves or 1/2 cup pecan filling, 1 egg (beaten), 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F. 2. Roll the pastry into a long strip. 3. Spread the filling down the center and fold the sides over to seal. 4. Shape into an oval ring and brush with egg. 5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden. 6. Cool and drizzle with the icing.

Kentucky: Chocolate Walnut Pie

In Kentucky, spring means the Derby, and many Derby parties end with a slice of chocolate walnut pie. Think of a pecan pie with walnuts and melty chocolate chips folded in. Some recipes add bourbon, but our family friendly version keeps it simple with vanilla. It also makes a great Thanksgiving pie for people who love chocolate more than pumpkin.

You will need: 1 unbaked 9 inch pie crust, 2 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup chopped walnuts, 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F. 2. Beat the eggs, then mix in the sugar and flour. 3. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla. 4. Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips. 5. Pour into the crust. 6. Bake 40 to 45 minutes until golden and set.

Illinois: The Chicago Brownie

Here is a fun fact for your next family dinner: the brownie is often credited to the Palmer House hotel in Chicago, which made it for the 1893 World Fair. Bakers have made it their own ever since. We end our road trip here with a fudgy, chewy brownie that every state can agree on. Which of these state desserts will you bake first?

You will need: 1/2 cup butter, 4 oz dark chocolate, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional).

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F and line an 8 inch pan. 2. Melt the butter and chocolate together. 3. Whisk in the sugar, eggs and vanilla. 4. Fold in the flour and salt, then the nuts. 5. Spread in the pan. 6. Bake 25 to 30 minutes and cool before cutting.