Experience the signature sweet treats of the East
Welcome to a delicious journey through the country, where each state has its own special dessert to offer. From the famous snickerdoodles of Connecticut to the mouthwatering Boston cream pie of Massachusetts, these sweet treats are a true reflection of the diverse culinary traditions found across the country. Whether you have a penchant for peach pie in Delaware or a craving for blueberry pie in Maine, there’s something for everyone to satisfy their sweet tooth. So, join us as we explore the delectable state desserts and discover the best places to sample these delightful creations.
Connecticut: Snickerdoodles
The only thing more fun than saying “snickerdoodle” is actually eating the cinnamon- and sugar-coated cookie. Thought to have arrived in the United States along with immigrants from England, Scotland and Denmark, the snickerdoodle has earned many fans, including Connecticut, which named the treat its state cookie. After one bite of the delicious cookie, whose texture lies in that perfect sweet spot (pun intended) between crunchy and chewy, you’ll totally understand why. Where to sample: Sweet Something Desserts, Wilmington
Delaware: Peach pie
We know what you’re thinking: Isn’t peach pie a Georgia thing? While the southern state is often associated with the seasonal pie, it’s Delaware that named it its state dessert in 2009. And for good reason—as far back as the 19th century, the First State was a leading grower of peaches. (It’s no wonder Delaware’s official state flower is the peach blossom.) While these days apple orchards may reign supreme, peaches—and, by association, peach pie—still hold a prominent place in the hearts and stomachs of those who live here. Where to sample: Fifer Orchards, Camden-Wyoming
Maine: Blueberry pie
While the health benefits of antioxidant-packed blueberries are well documented, here’s another fun fact about the cute fruit: Maine is the largest producer of wild blueberries, sometimes called low-busy blueberries, in the U.S. So, it makes sense that in 2011, the Maine State Legislature made blueberry pie the official state dessert. Up your blueberry appreciation and visit Maine between July through September during harvest season. Where to sample: Two Fat Cats Bakery, Portland and South Portland
Smith Island cake is famous in Maryland for a good reason. It’s incredible tasting.
Maryland: Smith Island cake
As cakes go, the Smith Island cake with its 8 to 10 uber-thin layers is a sight to behold—and eat. The official dessert of Maryland since 2008, this unique treat hails from the small island in the Chesapeake Bay that bears its name and was created as a reminder of those away working the annual oyster harvest. The stacked Smith Island cake has spawned variations—think red velvet, coconut, strawberry—but traditionalists swear by the original, which is sandwiched with layers of rich fudge frosting. Where to sample: Smith Island Baking Company and Smith Island Bakery
Massachusetts: Boston cream pie
Delicious as it may be, Boston cream pie isn’t free from controversy. To wit: Is it pie or is it cake? The only way to truly know is to try the dessert, which consists of two rounds of golden cake filled with sweet pastry cream and topped with a shiny chocolate glaze. Hard work, we know. Created at Boston’s Parker House Hotel (now Omni Parker House) in the mid-1800s, Boston cream pie earned state dessert status in 1996. Where to sample: Omni Parker House, Mike’s Pastry and Flour Bakery & Café, Boston
New Hampshire: Whoopie Pies
While the exact provenance of whoopie pies is open to debate—Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania all take credit—there is no denying that the cream-filled chocolate cake-like sandwich cookies are delicious. Thought to have originated from the Amish, whoopie pies date back to the early 1900s. Purists swear by the classic chocolate whoopie pie, but that doesn’t mean the more modern variations aren’t equally tasty. Where to sample: Frederick’s Pastries, Bedford; Cake Fairy, Hooksett
New Jersey: Salt Water Taffy
Back in the late 19th century, an Atlantic City boardwalk candy shop was flooded during a storm. Rather than throw away the taffy, the clever owner turned the disaster into a rebrand and created salt water taffy. Or so the story goes. Over the years, the recipe for saltwater taffy was refined and now the chewy, gooey treat is beloved by many, their dentists’ protests notwithstanding. Where to sample: Shriver’s, Ocean City
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