American Pie Culture
Philosophy: “American as apple pie” reflects the central role of pie in American dessert tradition.
Classic American Pies:
- Fruit Pies: Apple, cherry, blueberry, peach
- Cream Pies: Coconut cream, banana cream, chocolate cream
- Custard Pies: Pumpkin, sweet potato, chess pie
- Regional Specialties: Key lime (Florida), shoofly (Pennsylvania Dutch), derby (Kentucky)
Cake Traditions
American Innovations:
- Layer Cakes: Red velvet, German chocolate, carrot cake
- Regional Cakes: Hummingbird cake (South), Smith Island cake (Maryland)
- Celebration Cakes: Birthday cake culture, elaborate decorating traditions
Cookie Culture
Distinctive Types:
- Drop Cookies: Chocolate chip (invented in America), oatmeal raisin
- Bar Cookies: Brownies, blondies, lemon bars
- Regional Cookies: Snickerdoodles, whoopie pies, biscotti adaptations
