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Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

You can’t talk about traditional American desserts without mentioning apple pie, so let’s kick off this article with it! While its roots trace back to Europe, apple pie has become a symbol of American pride.

It’s the perfect combination of buttery crust, sweet apples, and warm spices like cinnamon. Of course, like any traditional dish, there are several variations. But isn’t it great to go back to the basics? If there’s one pie everyone loves, this is it!

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Brown Derby cake

Image: amirali mirhashemian

The Brown Derby Cake isn’t your typical pie, but its story is worth savoring. It was created in 1927 by caterer Harry Baker in Los Angeles.

You might be wondering about the name’s origin—it comes from its domed shape, which resembles a derby hat. Made famous by the iconic Brown Derby restaurant, this cake combines rich chocolate layers with airy whipped cream and fruit for a delicious finish. If you’re feeling fancy, this is the treat to try!

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Cranberry pie

Image: Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian

Do you know how some feelings can be tasted? Well, if you want to taste autumn, have a slice of cranberry pie.

This tangy treat is a favorite during the holiday season, thanks to its beautiful red hue and bold flavor. Made with fresh or dried cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange zest, it perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. Serve it at Thanksgiving and watch it quickly become the star of the show.

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Sour Cream Rhubarb Pie

Image: Maximilian Zahn

If you’ve never tried sour cream rhubarb pie, you’re in for a treat. The tartness of the rhubarb is mellowed by a creamy custard filling made with sour cream, creating a dessert that is both tangy and luxurious.

Often topped with a crumbly streusel, this pie is a Midwest favorite that feels both rustic and indulgent. Give rhubarb a chance—in a pie, it’s a superstar!

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Pecan pie

Image: nikohoshi

Speaking of classics, pecan pie is the king of Southern desserts—and for good reason, we might say! With a gooey filling made of sugar, butter, and eggs, topped with toasted pecans, it’s as rich as it gets.

Traditionally served during Thanksgiving, this pie has a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with whipped cream. And the crunch of the pecans? It’s dessert perfection in every bite!

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Lemon tart

Image: Ira Ushak

Okay, this isn’t technically a pie, but a lemon tart deserves a spot in this article, don’t you think? This tangy dessert features a velvety lemon custard nestled in a buttery crust.

It’s like sunshine on a plate—bright, bold, and just the right amount of sweetness! Lemon tarts are refreshing compared to heavier desserts, there’s not a specific season for them, making them perfect year-round. It’s a must-try for citrus lovers!

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Squash Custard Pie

Image: Natalia Y.

This one might come as a surprise to you, but it’s a delicious nod to fall flavors, and if you like pumpkin pie, you’ll like this one too. Made with sweetened pureed squash, eggs, cream, and warm spices, it offers a fun and unique twist, right?

Squash pies have been part of American cuisine since colonial times, showcasing the resourcefulness of early cooks. It’s a cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for sweater weather.

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Oregon’s Marionberry Pie

Image: micheile henderson

Oregon takes pride in many things, and one of them is marionberry pie—as it should! Marionberries, a cross between two types of blackberries, are sweet, juicy, and perfect for a pie. Native to Oregon, these berries create a filling that’s rich and slightly tart. The pie is a regional treasure, it's as Oregonian as rainy days and coffee shops.

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Coca-Cola cake

Image: Toa Heftiba

No, we’re not kidding. Coca-Cola cake was born in the South, and it is as uniquely American as its namesake soda.

In case you were wondering, yes, Cola is a key ingredient, and it gives the rich, moist chocolate cake a subtle caramel flavor. It’s often topped with a fudgy glaze, and if you’re a Coca-Cola fan, you simply must try a slice of this one!

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Carrot cake

Image: Sharon Chen

As you can see, using vegetables as key ingredients in pies is quite common—and successful! Carrot cake is a moist, spiced cake studded with grated carrots and often walnuts or raisins. As if that weren’t enough, we can’t forget about the cream cheese frosting, which made it quite popular among Americans. Do you like this one?

1

Cornbread

Image: Rafael Cisneros Méndez

With its roots planted in Native American cuisine, cornbread has become a unique staple, especially in the South of our country.

Easy to make and irresistibly tasty , this quick bread stands out for its versatility , making it a great companion to meals of many Americans at different times of the day .

And the best part? You only need cornmeal, all-purpose flour, buttermilk, melted butter (or vegetable oil), and a couple of eggs to make it! What time of the day do you prefer to enjoy this recipe?

2

Apple Pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

Did you know that apple pie was one of the favorite desserts of our first president, George Washington ? While it originated in England, the apple pie was brought to America by European settlers and stayed here to evolve into the special dessert we know today. It is now so linked with American culture that we have the saying, "As American as apple pie," to prove it!

Often enjoyed during Thanksgiving and other holidays as a tasty autumn dessert , this is a slightly more elaborate recipe, but definitely worth a try.

And if you're looking for a special occasion to bake one, May 13th is the perfect date, since it's National Apple Pie Day in the United States!

3

Pecan Pie

Image: Leila Issa

Pecans are a delightful treat, right? And you know what? They are native to North America , especially the South , which is why the wonderful Pecan Pie is associated with this region of the country.

The formula for this tasty dessert is said to have emerged in the late 19th century , with one of its earliest recipes appearing in an 1886 recipe book!

And, while it's a classic during holidays like Thanksgiving , you can actually enjoy it anytime, all year round. In fact, this recipe is so popular that the state of Texas has declared it their official state pie !

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Philly Cheesesteak

Image: Ir Like

Enough sweet for now. Now, let's talk about a savory delight, the Philly Cheesesteak .

As its name suggests, this classic was born in the city of Philadelphia , Pennsylvania, and is believed to be the creation of a hot dog vendor in the 1930s .

Who can resist the combination of a crispy hoagie roll, thinly sliced pieces of steak, onion, bell pepper, and melted cheese? We can't!

Of course, people in Philadelphia have a special day to celebrate this dish: March 24. Have you ever joined the celebration? If not, consider this as a sign to do it next year!

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Thanksgiving Turkey

Image: Megan Watson

As you probably already know, it is believed that in Plymouth, Massachusetts , a special meeting took place in 1621 . According to myth, English settlers there shared a feast with Native Americans that included primarily turkey , among other foods. This gathering is often considered the very first Thanksgiving , forever linking turkey to this day of gratitude.

For this delicious recipe, you won't need many ingredients; just butter, fresh herbs, an onion, a lemon, some garlic, and salt and pepper to taste, along with your turkey , of course! In addition, you can stuff it with the option of your choice.

And while all this may sound familiar, here's a surprising fact: According to the National Turkey Federation, approximately 46 million turkeys are eaten each year at Thanksgiving!

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Biscuits and Gravy

Image: Stephen McFadden

Originally from the South of the United States , the Biscuits and Gravy recipe is today a classic comfort food that has also spread to other parts of the country.

Mainly consumed as breakfast but also having special appearances as brunch or dinner, this dish is characterized by its flavor and simplicity.

Depending on the area where it is prepared, the type of gravy may vary, and sometimes, you can find combinations with some extra ingredients, like bacon or eggs . Are you one of the fans of this dish?

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Po' Boy Sandwich

Image: Anastasia gezalova

While its origin is still debated, there is a story about the birth of the Po' Boy Sandwich that has been accepted by most New Orleanians.

The year was 1929 when a strike of streetcar conductors broke out. In the city of New Orleans , Benny and Clovis Martin decided to support the striking workers. As restaurant owners, they began handing out free special sandwiches to the conductors, affectionately known as "Poor Boys." This name later became associated with the sandwich and, over time, "Poor Boy" evolved into the "Po' boy" we know today, a staple of Louisiana cuisine .

The classic recipe contains the delicious combination of fried shrimp or roast beef, lettuce , tomato , pickles , mayonnaise , and a sauce of choice, all on a good loaf of French bread . Irresistible!

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Reuben Sandwich

Image: Asnim Ansari

If you love grilled sandwiches, then the Reuben Sandwich is the choice for you.

Its origin is still debated, with two competing stories: one from the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1920 , and the other from Reuben's Delicatessen in New York City in 1914. Whether it comes from New York or Omaha, the Reuben is undeniably an American classic .

Making this dish is quite simple. You'll need rye bread , thinly sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, a good Swiss cheese , and dressing (Russian or Thousand Island dressing). And don't forget to butter the bread before grilling !

With a combination of Jewish deli meats, German sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, this sandwich is a representation of the diverse cultures and cuisines that enrich our nation.

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Buffalo wings

Image: Clark Douglas

If you offer this dish to a foreigner, you might confuse them a bit. After all, buffaloes don't have wings! The thing is that this delicacy is named after the city where it originated.

The story goes that Buffalo wings were invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York , where co-owner of the bar Teressa Bellissimo created the dish in search of a quick snack. That's when she deep-fried some chicken wings and tossed them in a sauce made from butter and seasonings . She then served them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, just as they are served today.

If you're not among the millions who prepare this dish for the Super Bowl , don't worry. You can enjoy it at the National Buffalo Wing Festival , held every Labor Day weekend; you probably guessed where: in Buffalo, New York.

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Clam chowder

Image: Kevin Lanceplaine

Representing New England cuisine , Clam Chowder has become one of America's staples, and its origin and ingredients can prove it.

It is said that when the European settlers arrived on the Atlantic coast , they wanted to recreate their traditional seafood stews. However, inspired by the local ingredients , something entirely new was born. It was a creamy soup with clams and other coastal treats. The first known written recipe for this dish appeared in 1832 in "The New England Farmer" magazine.

And as if all that was not enough, this recipe definitively sealed its status as a classic when it was included in Herman Melville's unforgettable novel, "Moby-Dick" !

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Bison

Image: Alex Moliski

We’ll begin with the national mammal of the United States. Actually, that might be a bit reductive: the bison is not just a national symbol, but it has also been chosen as representative by a plethora of institutions, including the U.S. Department of the Interior, the University of Colorado, and several Great Plains states.

Since the end of the 19th century, indiscriminate hunting made the bison an extremely endangered species: By 1884, only 325 bison remained in the country. Luckily, thanks to the hard work of several conservation agencies, that number has gradually increased over the years, reaching a population of 500,000 bison by 2017.

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Prairie dog

Image: Moritz Kindler

Here’s a question for any biologist reading this article: Why, pray tell, are prairie dogs not called "prairie squirrels"? While these mammals possess little to no dog-like features, they are definitely a close relative of squirrels. In fact, they belong to the same family. Food for thought, right?

In any case, prairie dogs are proof that an animal doesn’t have to be big to be important. All five species are considered keystone species to their environments, as their burrowing and mound-building help renew and revitalize the soil of their habitats. Not only that, they are extremely important components of the food chain, since they provide sustenance to many predators.

3

Alligator

Image: Matthew Essman

From the warm weather of the American South comes the only reptile on this list. Alligators are truly fascinating creatures: not only do they date back to the age of dinosaurs, but they can also only be found in 2 countries in the entire world—China and, of course, the United States.

While they are certainly deadly predators, don’t let their ferocity fool you: they rarely attack humans, and only when disturbed. Moreover, alligators are key species in maintaining their habitats, not just through population control, but also by encouraging plant diversity through the construction of alligator holes.

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Grizzly bear

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

Anyone who has looked at a picture of a bear has probably thought in disbelief, "How can something that looks this adorable be so dangerous?" While this philosophical conundrum might be the reason that Teddy bears are so popular, the truth is that the grizzly bear is a perfect representative of the duality found in most of these large mammals: a combination of extreme cuteness with dangerous ferocity.

In that sense, we only need to take a look at the etymology of the grizzly bear to find the feral nature of this seemingly adorable creature. When Lewis and Clark first encountered these bears, they recorded their name as "grisley," which many believe comes from a Middle English word for "gruesome."

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Gray wolf

Image: Anthony Sebbo

Many biologists consider the gray wolf the unsung hero of American wildlife. This majestic hunter is a keystone species in Yellowstone National Park, helping to maintain the elk and deer populations. And while it has notably appeared in many blankets and t-shirts, the gray wolf, sadly, has not been recognized as any state’s official mammal.

Originally, grey wolves’ range covered approximately two-thirds of America, but they can currently be found in the northern part of the country. Most notably, Alaska houses the largest wolf population in the country, with a number between 7,000 and 11,000 wolves roaming the state.

6

Turkey

Image: Tyler Jamieson Moulton

There’s an urban legend that states that Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey to be our national symbol. If the stories are true, there might very well be a universe in which this odd-looking bird represents Americans everywhere. And although we’ll take the bald eagle as a symbol any day of the week, there’s something to be said about the nobility of this game bird.

Unlike their domesticated counterparts, wild turkeys are more adept at flying. Although we may never see a majestic turkey soar through the skies, they are able to fly short distances of up to a quarter mile. What’s perhaps most impressive about these birds is their wide range of vocalizations, which may sound like a simple "gobble, gobble" to us, but convey numerous meanings to other turkeys.

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Groundhog

Image: Andy Sanchez

Sure, Beverly Hills might be the home of Hollywood’s royalty, but the borough of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is home to one of America’s most famous stars. Since 1887, a groundhog by the name of Phil (Punxsutawney Phil, to be exact) has been the key figure in the town’s most famous tradition: "Groundhog Day," a celebration in which Phil predicts when will winter end.

While Punxsutawney Phil is perhaps America’s most famous groundhog, the truth is that these quirky rodents are one of America’s most recognizable animals. Interestingly, groundhogs are also known as "woodchucks," which is a rather baffling name, since these creatures are not known for chucking wood of any kind.

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Florida panther

Image: Maheera Kulsoom

The alligator might be Florida’s most famous animal, but this large cat shouldn’t be overlooked. The Florida panther is the only cougar species living in the Eastern United States, with a worrying 200 individuals currently living in the Sunshine State.

This majestic cougar is a source of pride for many Floridians, and numerous conservation campaigns have been launched over the years to help protect its habitat. The Florida panther was named the state’s official animal in 1982, as well as being the namesake of the South Florida ice hockey team.

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Roadrunner

Image: Anish Lakkapragada

Isn’t it strange not to see a coyote included in the title of this entry? We feel bad about separating this iconic pair, but we are sure you’ll agree that the roadrunner is an amazing bird in its own right, even becoming New Mexico’s official state bird in 1949.

Warner Bros. cartoons quickly capitalized on this bird’s most remarkable feature: its running speed. Roadrunners can reach speeds of up to 20 mph, which comes in great help for hunting and running away from predators (like a certain coyote).

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Bald eagle

Image: Michael Jerrard

The bald eagle shares the title of "most instantly recognizable American symbol" with the American flag and Mount Rushmore. Its status sometimes makes us forget about the spectacular specimen hiding behind the American icon, so we thought it would be a good idea to close this article with a small tribute to our favorite bird of prey.

Let’s start with the obvious: the name "bald eagle" doesn’t come from any distinct lack of plumage, but rather from the old meaning of the word "bald," which used to stand for "white-headed." This distinction seems necessary because one of the most breathtaking aspects of this bird is the contrast of its feathers, which produces a stunning image when paired with its yellow beak. For a while, the status of the bald eagle was endangered until its population recovered thanks to conservation efforts.