Ever get a hankering for something sweet? As an American, you’re in luck. This country is filled with decadent regional treats from coast to coast. Whether you want to satisfy your sweet tooth with a warm apple dumpling in the heartland, a creamy key lime pie in the Florida Keys, or a rich bread pudding with bourbon sauce down South America has you covered. In this sugar-fueled adventure, we’ll take you on a virtual tasting tour of some of the sweetest regional delicacies the USA has to offer.
Grab a glass of milk or your favorite coffee – you’re going to need something to wash these goodies down! Indulge your inner child and come along for the ride as we dish out America’s sweetest regional treats. Diabetics, be warned – this one’s not for the faint of heart!
Southern Sweet Treats: Pecan Pie, Banana Pudding, and Key Lime Pie
The South is known for comfort food, and their sweet treats are no exception. Three classics are pecan pie, banana pudding, and key lime pie.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a gooey confection of pecans, sugar, and eggs in a pie crust. Karo corn syrup and brown sugar create a sticky-sweet base for the pecans. The traditional version uses dark corn syrup, but you can also find recipes calling for honey or molasses. Either way, the result is a decadent dessert perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is layers of sweet vanilla wafers or ladyfingers, sliced bananas, and a creamy custard. The custard is usually made of milk, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Some recipes call for adding meringue or whipped cream on top for extra fluffiness. Comforting and nostalgic, banana pudding evokes memories of Grandma’s kitchen.
Key Lime Pie
No trip to Florida is complete without a slice of key lime pie. The bright yellow custard is made from key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and sometimes lime zest. The tangy and creamy filling is poured into a graham cracker or cookie crust. Top it with whipped cream and lime wedges for a refreshing treat. Key lime pie is the perfect ending to a seafood meal or a day at the beach.
With sweet and decadent options like these, the South certainly knows how to satisfy a sugar craving. Pecan pie, banana pudding or key lime pie – no matter which you choose, you really can’t go wrong!
New England Classics: Boston Cream Pie, Whoopie Pies, and Maple Candy
The New England region is home to some seriously sweet treats. Here are a few classics you’ve got to try:
Boston Cream Pie
This isn’t your average pie. It’s actually a light sponge cake filled with custard and topped with chocolate icing. The “pie” name comes from an old-fashioned term used for cakes baked in a pie tin. No trip to Boston is complete without sampling this delectable dessert.
Whoopie Pies
Two chocolate cakes with a sweet marshmallow filling, whoopie pies are popular throughout New England. Amish immigrants first brought them to Pennsylvania, but Maine has claimed them as their own. They’re so beloved there that they named it the official state treat! Buy them at bakeries or make your own using recipes passed down through generations.
Maple Candy
For the ultimate maple experience, you’ve got to try maple candy or sugar candy. It’s made by heating maple syrup and then cooling and hardening it until it crystallizes. The result is a buttery, sugary candy that melts in your mouth. Vermont is the largest producer of maple candy, thanks to the abundance of maple trees and sugarhouses in the Green Mountain State. Pick some up at a sugarhouse, general store or order online — you won’t regret it!
New England sure knows how to satisfy a sweet tooth. With treats like these, you’ll be on a sugar high in no time. So grab your taste buds and get ready for an adventure in flavor. There’s no better way to experience the region than through its delectable desserts!
