While all 50 states can claim they have their own bird, song and flower, only 8 of our 50 states can claim an official state dessert. Honestly, that’s just not sitting well with us. Let’s be honest here. Sometimes, maybe even most times, dessert is the best part of a meal. We’re not trying to take away the fact that a filet prepared just right or a well-wrapped sushi roll can definitely steal the spotlight at times. But when it comes down to it, America wants sweets. So, the fine folks over at Slate have taken the time to, unofficially, designate each state its very own dessert.
There were only three rules that went into the decision-making process: (1) No state could be assigned chocolate chip cookies or apple pie. No one state is more American than the next, so the most American of desserts remained unassigned. (2) No two states shall have the same dessert. Their rule, not ours. (3) With one exception to this rule, no brands will be labeled desserts. Can you spot the exception?
Pennsylvania
Looks like we hit the jackpot in the dessert realm. Pennsylvania was assigned the Banana Split. This dates back to 1904, in Latrobe, Pa. Dave Strickler halved a banana, scooped some ice cream, placed it in between the banana halves and topped it with whipped cream and some now-famous Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup. And that’s where the Banana Split all started.
New Jersey
New Jersey took home the nod of local favorite—Salt Water Taffy. While it may not sound sweet and actually contains zero salt water, salt water taffy and its many flavor offerings will never let you down.
Delaware
Hats off to you, Delaware. Strawberry Shortcake is certainly a delicious state dessert to claim as your own. After strawberries were declared Delaware’s official state fruit in 2010, this decision was an easy one for the writers at Slate.
Maryland
Smith Island Cake was handed out to Maryland, in recognition of a small community on the Chesapeake Bay. While Maryland may be famous for its crabs, it’s also known for its wild 6- to 12-layer cakes with chocolate icing for days. As the only bakery on the island, Smith Island Bakery claims it’s the #1 dessert company in the world. Maryland is also one of the eight states that boasts a state dessert: you guessed it—Smith Island Cake.
