National Dessert Day

On October 14 everyone is allowed to indulge in their favorite sweet treats because it is National Dessert Day! If for one reason or another you’ve been avoiding desserts lately, this is the perfect day to treat yourself, who can resist a gooey brownie or a crispy donut?!

Background

The origins of this holiday in the United States are unknown, but it is no wonder that someone would come up with the idea to create a special day to celebrate desserts.

The first record of the concept of dessert dates back to the 1600s in France. The word dessert comes from the French word “desservir” which means “to clear the table” and refers to the last part of the main meal that would be served after all the other dishes had been removed from the table. Originally, this meal did not consist of a specifically sweet dish, however, at the time, chefs often added sugar to their savory dishes which would be served last. With time, this last dish of the meal started being a sweet treat, such as cake or mousse. 

For many people, desserts are important because they bring them happy memories, of baking with mom, or going to grandma’s house to eat her famous pies. Desserts can also be family heirlooms, as recipes are passed down through generations.

Five Amazing American Desserts

Desserts grew in popularity in the United States in the 19th century, with Boston cream pie and key lime pie being the two favorite desserts in America. Other desserts that have been the favorites of Americans throughout the years have been baked Alaska, cheesecake, apple pie, and brownies, which have all become American classics. So, since Americans are well known for their sweet tooth, here is a list of our favorite desserts:

Cheesecake

Cheesecake has been around for thousands of years, originating in Greece. Americans however have made it their own, whether you like New York Cheesecake or The Cheesecake Factory, there are so many flavors and variations to choose from. You can enjoy a classic strawberry cheesecake, or perhaps be adventurous with a slice of Red Velvet Cheesecake. 

Pie

Again, whilst Americans may not have invented the pie, this is a dish we have made our own. Classic flavors might include Boston cream pie and key lime pie, but the most popular flavors are actually apple, pumpkin, cherry, pecan, and blueberry. 

Ice Cream

Americans eat more ice cream than any other nation, 90% of Americans keep ice cream in their fridge, and in one year the average American eats 45.8 pints of ice cream! The most popular flavor of ice cream is chocolate, followed by vanilla. Not only is it a great dessert on its own, but it also goes really well as a side to other desserts on this list!

Baked Alaska

Three marvelous things in one dish, this American classic comprises of cake, ice cream, and meringue. A baked Alaska is tricky to make as the timings have to be just right in order to brown the meringue and not melt the ice cream, but when you get it right, it is perfection!

Cakes

Cakes come in so many shapes and sizes, whether you like muffins, cupcakes, or a large slice of carrot cake there's no denying that cakes make a perfect dessert. You can eat them with a large portion of cream, yogurt, or ice cream too! America's favorite cake flavor?.. chocolate cake!

How to celebrate National Dessert Day

This day is all about treating yourself to a sweet treat. This can be at a cafe, a bakery, in your home, or with your family. 

If you love baking, make a dessert you love or try a recipe that you have never made before. Invite your family and friends to come over, because dessert is always better when shared with the ones you love.

You can also revisit your childhood by visiting your grandma and making your favorite cake or pie together.