The Most Beloved Dessert in America, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the dessert you think is the most beloved!

Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:21

Every gathering or celebration often wraps up with a sweet note, a dessert that complements the joy of the moment. With a range of tastes spanning from creamy textures to crispy, flaky layers, Americans hold various preferences. Identifying a single beloved dessert among a sea of sugary delights offers a curious challenge. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a ranking that paints a picture of national favoritism towards these treats. Each vote brings clarity and shapes a collective perspective, offering a snapshot of which dessert truly captures the heart of the nation. Engaging in this ongoing tally not only reflects public opinion but also helps discern a trend in dessert popularity across America.

What Is the Most Beloved Dessert in America?

1

66
votes
Dan Parsons · CC BY-SA 2.0

Apple Pie

A classic American dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It's made with a flaky crust and a sweet and spiced apple filling. It's often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Apple pie is a classic dessert in America, loved for its warm and comforting flavors. It typically consists of a flaky pie crust filled with a sweet and tart apple filling. The filling is made by combining sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes other spices or flavorings. The pie is typically baked until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. It is often served warm and can be enjoyed plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Crust: Flaky pie crust

Filling: Sweet and tart apple filling

Ingredients: Apples, sugar, cinnamon, spices/flavorings

Baking: Baked until golden brown crust and tender apples

Serving: Often served warm
Apple Pie in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular pie at Marie Callender's
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Christmas pie
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular dessert in Iowa
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular pie in South Africa
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beloved Thanksgiving food
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular food in Kansas
2

41
votes
Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ruth Graves Wakefield

This cookie is a staple in almost every American household. It's a soft and chewy cookie that's loaded with chocolate chips. It's perfect for a snack or dessert.
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic American dessert loved for their soft and chewy texture with a rich, sweet flavor. They are made with a basic cookie dough infused with chocolate chips that melt into gooey pockets of chocolate when baked. The contrast between the smooth, melted chocolate and the tender cookie dough creates a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Texture: Soft and chewy

Flavor: Rich and sweet

Key ingredient: Chocolate chips

Size: Typically 3-4 inches in diameter

Baking temperature: Usually around 350°F (175°C)
Chocolate Chip Cookies in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular recipe on the Internet
3

18
votes
Cheesecake

This rich and creamy dessert is a crowd favorite. It's made with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and a graham cracker crust. It can be topped with fruit, chocolate, or caramel sauce.
Cheesecake is a rich and creamy dessert made with a crust at the bottom and a smooth, velvety filling made primarily from cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. The crust is usually made from crushed graham crackers or biscuit crumbs mixed with melted butter. The filling is then poured over the crust and baked until set. Cheesecake is known for its luscious texture and indulgent taste, with variations that can include fruit, chocolate, or caramel toppings.

Crust Base: Graham crackers or biscuit crumbs mixed with melted butter

Filling: Cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract

Texture: Smooth and velvety

Toppings: Variations include fruit, chocolate, or caramel toppings

Baking: Baked until set
4

16
votes
Brownies

A chocolate lover's dream, brownies are rich, fudgy, and decadent. They're usually made with cocoa powder, sugar, butter, and eggs. They're great on their own or served with a scoop of ice cream.
Brownies are a popular chocolate dessert in America that are often enjoyed as a sweet treat or indulgence. They are typically square-shaped and have a rich, fudgy texture. Brownies are made using ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and chocolate or cocoa powder. They can be customized with various additions such as nuts, chocolate chips, or even frosting. These delicious treats are often served warm or at room temperature. Brownies are enjoyed by people of all ages and are often served at celebrations or as a comforting dessert.

Texture: Fudgy

Shape: Square

Main Ingredients: Butter, sugar, eggs, flour, chocolate/cocoa powder

Optional Additions: Nuts, chocolate chips, frosting

Serving Temperature: Warm or room temperature
5

18
votes
Peachyeung316 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Ice Cream

It's hard to resist a scoop of creamy, cold ice cream. It comes in a variety of flavors and can be served in a cone, cup, or as a sundae. It's the perfect dessert on a hot summer day.
Ice cream is a popular frozen dessert enjoyed by people of all ages in America. It is made from a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, and various flavorings, often including fruits, chocolate, nuts, or candies. The mixture is churned to incorporate air, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. Ice cream can be served in various forms, including cones, cups, or as a topping for other desserts. It is typically enjoyed cold and is known for its refreshing and indulgent nature.

Ingredients: Milk, cream, sugar, flavorings

Texture: Smooth and creamy

Serving Form: Cones, cups, or as a topping

Temperature: Served cold

Variety of Flavors: Numerous flavors available, including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, and more
Ice Cream in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular comfort food
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular dessert in Iowa
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beloved food in America
- Position 9 of 10 in Most delicious snack
6

10
votes
Peggy Greb · Public domain

Pumpkin Pie

This dessert is a staple during the fall season. It's made with a spiced pumpkin filling and a flaky crust. It's usually served with whipped cream.
Pumpkin Pie is a traditional American dessert that is commonly enjoyed during the fall and winter seasons. It is a sweet pastry pie filled with a smooth and creamy pumpkin-based custard. The crust is typically made from a combination of flour, butter, and sometimes sugar. The filling is made by blending cooked and mashed pumpkin with sugar, eggs, milk or cream, and a variety of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The pie is baked until the filling sets and the crust turns golden brown. It is usually served chilled or at room temperature, often topped with whipped cream.

Primary ingredients: Pumpkin, sugar, eggs, milk/cream

Crust: Pastry made from flour, butter, sometimes sugar

Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves

Serving temperature: Chilled or at room temperature

Topping: Often served with whipped cream
Pumpkin Pie in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Christmas pie
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular pie at Marie Callender's
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular Kit Kat flavor
- Position 7 of 10 in Most beloved Thanksgiving food
7

10
votes
Flickr user ~Twon~ : https://www.flickr.com/photos/twon/ · CC BY 2.0

Red Velvet Cake

This cake is known for its bright red color and cream cheese frosting. It's a moist and fluffy cake that's perfect for any occasion.
The Red Velvet Cake is a visually stunning dessert with a vibrant red color and a velvety texture. It is often recognized for its rich and indulgent taste, which combines the flavors of vanilla, cocoa, and a hint of buttermilk. This cake is typically layered with creamy white frosting, further enhancing its appeal.

Color: Deep red

Texture: Moist and velvety

Flavor profile: Subtle chocolate with a tangy buttermilk twist

Frosting: Usually cream cheese or buttercream

Layers: Commonly two or three layers
Red Velvet Cake in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful cake in the world
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beloved cake
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular Lady M Cake
8

3
votes
Banana Pudding

This sweet and creamy dessert is a southern classic. It's made with layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers. It's usually topped with whipped cream.
Banana pudding is a classic American dessert that consists of layers of sliced bananas, vanilla custard, and vanilla wafers. It is a sweet and creamy treat that is loved by people of all ages.

Ingredients: bananas, vanilla custard, vanilla wafers, whipped cream

Texture: smooth and creamy, with a slight crunch from the wafers

Flavor: a combination of sweet, ripe bananas, rich custard, and a hint of vanilla

Layers: typically made with alternating layers of sliced bananas, vanilla custard, and vanilla wafers

Assembly: usually served in a glass dish to showcase the layers
9

6
votes
S'mores

This dessert is a classic campfire treat. It's made with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. It's usually roasted over an open flame and eaten as a sandwich.
S'mores is a classic American dessert that consists of a toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker. It is often enjoyed during camping trips or outdoor gatherings and has become a beloved treat across the country.

Marshmallow: Toasted and gooey

Chocolate: Typically a milk chocolate bar

Graham cracker: Traditional choice for the cookie base

Assembly: Roasted marshmallow placed on a piece of chocolate, sandwiched between two graham crackers

Texture: Combines the crunchiness of the graham cracker with the softness of the marshmallow and melted chocolate
10

12
votes
http://rezeptewiki.org/wiki/Benutzer:At_u · CC BY-SA 3.0

Carrot Cake

This cake is a healthier option compared to other cakes. It's made with grated carrots, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting. It's a moist and flavorful cake that's perfect for any occasion.
Carrot Cake is a delicious and moist dessert made primarily with grated carrots, giving it a unique flavor and texture. It is typically a layered cake with cream cheese frosting, adding a tangy and creamy element to the sweetness. The cake is often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices, enhancing the overall taste. The Carrot Cake is known for its appealing appearance, with a vibrant orange color, decorative carrot decorations, and sometimes adorned with chopped nuts or raisins. It is a popular choice for various occasions, including birthdays and special celebrations.

Flavor: Sweet and slightly tangy

Texture: Moist and tender

Primary Ingredient: Grated carrots

Frosting: Cream cheese frosting

Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm spices
Carrot Cake in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beloved cake
- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful cake in the world

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Ranking factors for beloved dessert

Popularity

Consider how many people like the dessert or commonly choose it as a favorite. This can be determined by conducting surveys, analyzing online reviews and restaurant menu offerings, or even researching sales data of the dessert products.
Versatility

A beloved dessert should have various flavor options, forms, and methods of preparation to appeal to a wide range of preferences and dietary needs.
Cultural significance

A truly beloved dessert often has a history and tradition behind it, making it a recognizable and iconic symbol of American culture. For example, apple pie is often connected with American culture due to its history and frequent mentions in popular media.
Seasonal appeal

A dessert that is equally loved and consumed throughout the year may rank higher than a dessert that is typically only enjoyed during certain seasons or holidays.
Taste

The dessert should have a pleasant taste and texture that appeals to a large majority of people. Flavor combinations, sweetness levels, and unique ingredients can play a role in the overall taste experience.
Visual appeal

A dessert that is visually pleasing or decadently presented can often leave a lasting impression and garner more attention from consumers.
Comfort factor

A beloved dessert may bring a sense of nostalgia or comfort to those who eat it. If a dessert is associated with positive memories or cultural traditions, it can often hold a special place in people's hearts.
Pop culture influence

Desserts that have been prominently featured in movies, television shows, or books may have a higher chance of becoming beloved by a wider audience.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beloved dessert in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Dessert is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2243 views
196 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Dessert once every 24 hours. The rank of each Dessert is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beloved dessert in america

Desserts have always been an integral part of American cuisine, with a wide variety of options available to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. From classic apple pies to rich chocolate cakes, there is no shortage of delicious desserts to choose from. With so many options available, it can be tough to determine which dessert is the most beloved in America. That's where StrawPoll comes in - we've collected data from thousands of polls and rankings to help shed light on this sweet debate. So, sit back, grab a fork, and let's explore America's most beloved desserts!