21 State Desserts to Bake for National Dessert Day

Celebrate with a sweet tour through some of America's most beloved regional treats. From rich cakes and creamy pies to fruit-filled bakes and nostalgic fried sweets, you'll find plenty of variety to share. Share these desserts with a story behind them at your next gathering.

Classic Oregon Marionberry Pie with Flaky Crust

A slice of blackberry pie with a golden crust on a white plate, showing a juicy berry filling. — Classic Oregon Marionberry Pie. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Sweet-tart marionberries create a juicy filling inside a golden, flaky pastry crust. This Oregon favorite brings bright berry flavor to the dessert table and is especially lovely served warm.
Get the Recipe: Classic Oregon Marionberry Pie with Flaky Crust

Smith Island Cake with Rich Fudge Frosting

A tall layered chocolate cake with a slice removed, showing multiple layers of cake and chocolate frosting. — Smith Island Cake. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Multiple thin layers of moist yellow cake are stacked with decadent fudge frosting in this Maryland specialty. Its dramatic layers make it a beautiful centerpiece for celebrations and National Dessert Day.
Get the Recipe: Smith Island Cake with Rich Fudge Frosting

New Mexican Sopapillas with Honey

A plate of golden, rectangular fried dough pillows on a wooden surface. — New Mexican Sopapillas. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

These airy pieces of fried dough puff beautifully and develop a tender center beneath a delicate crisp exterior. Drizzle them with honey for a simple New Mexican dessert that is warm, comforting, and inviting.
Get the Recipe: New Mexican Sopapillas with Honey

Mississippi Mud Pie with Layers of Chocolate and Cream

A chocolate pie with a whipped cream topping and chocolate drizzle on a dark cookie crust. — Mississippi Mud Pie. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

An Oreo crust holds layers of fudgy cake, silky chocolate mousse, and fluffy whipped cream in this decadent Southern dessert. Every slice offers a rich combination of textures that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie with Layers of Chocolate and Cream

Chocolate Walnut Pie, Derby Pie Copycat Style

A sliced walnut pie on a glass plate, surrounded by forks, walnuts, and a bowl of chocolate chips. — Chocolate Walnut Pie. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Rich chocolate and crunchy walnuts are nestled into a decadent pie filling inspired by the famous Kentucky classic. Each slice delivers a satisfying contrast between gooey chocolate richness and nutty texture.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Walnut Pie, Derby Pie Copycat Style

Buckeye Cookies with Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Buckeye Cookies. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

Classic chocolate and peanut butter flavors come together in a cookie inspired by the beloved Buckeye candy. Their rich combination makes them a fun choice for holidays, parties, or whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Get the Recipe: Buckeye Cookies with Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie with Cinnamon Sugar

Top view of plates with slices of pie and a whole pie, with forks and cinnamon sticks on a light background. — Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Silky vanilla custard fills a flaky crust before a caramelized cinnamon sugar topping adds a delicate finish. This Indiana classic has a wonderfully simple, nostalgic character that makes it ideal for family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie with Cinnamon Sugar

Warm Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix Crumble

Apple Cobbler. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Tender apples bake beneath a buttery cake mix topping that becomes golden and crisp around the edges. Serve it warm for an easy crowd-pleasing dessert that feels right at family dinners, holidays, or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix Crumble

Pecan Praline Beignets with Sweet Sauce

Powdered sugar beignets topped with caramel sauce and pecans, next to a glass of milk. — Pecan Praline Beignets. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Pillowy fried dough gets a generous dusting of powdered sugar and a rich pecan praline sauce for dipping. The combination makes these beignets an especially indulgent Southern-style dessert for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Praline Beignets with Sweet Sauce

Southern Possum Pie with a Buttery Pecan Crust

Possum Pie. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

A buttery pecan crust supports layers of chocolate pudding, creamy filling, and fluffy topping in this playful Southern dessert. Despite its whimsical name, the pie is wonderfully rich and makes a memorable choice for potlucks and celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Southern Possum Pie with a Buttery Pecan Crust

Maine Whoopie Pies with Fluffy Marshmallow Filling

Chocolate cookies topped with swirls of white frosting, arranged neatly on parchment paper. — Maine Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

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Soft chocolate cake-like cookies sandwich a sweet, fluffy marshmallow filling in this beloved Maine treat. They are easy to enjoy by hand and make a fun addition to parties, picnics, or dessert trays.
Get the Recipe: Maine Whoopie Pies with Fluffy Marshmallow Filling

Old-Fashioned Butterscotch Pie with Meringue

A slice of meringue pie on a white plate with a fork. — Butterscotch Pie. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Silky butterscotch custard fills a flaky crust and is finished with a cloud of sweet meringue. This nostalgic Southern pie brings deep caramel-like flavor to Sunday dinners, holidays, and special dessert tables.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Butterscotch Pie with Meringue

Moist Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk and Fudge Frosting

A square slice of chocolate sheet cake with frosting on a white plate and a gold fork. — Texas Sheet Cake. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

This classic Texas dessert combines an incredibly moist chocolate cake with a glossy, gooey fudge topping. Baked in a sheet pan, it is easy to slice and share at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Moist Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk and Fudge Frosting

Rich and Nutty Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup

Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

A gooey pecan filling and buttery crust give this pie all the classic richness you expect from a traditional Southern dessert. It is a comforting choice for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or a special slice after supper.
Get the Recipe: Rich and Nutty Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup

Easy Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls

Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Tender apples are wrapped in soft crescent dough and baked with a buttery brown sugar topping for a cozy dessert. They come together quickly and make a wonderful choice when you want warm apple flavor without a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls

Creamy Pumpkin Pie Without Evaporated Milk

Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

This smooth pumpkin pie has a rich, creamy filling infused with warm spice and classic autumn flavor. It is a welcoming addition to Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or any dessert table celebrating the season.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Pie Without Evaporated Milk

Easy Boston Cream Pie with Classic Cake Layers

Boston Cream Pie. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Soft cake and creamy filling come together beneath a smooth chocolate topping in this approachable take on the classic. Using a cake mix keeps preparation simple while preserving the familiar dessert-shop appeal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Boston Cream Pie with Classic Cake Layers

Creamy Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk

Sweet Potato Pie. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Sweet potatoes and warm spices create a silky, comforting filling with plenty of autumn character. The condensed milk adds richness, making this pie a natural choice for holiday tables and cozy family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake with Rich Caramel

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

A tender, buttery cake gets an extra layer of indulgence from homemade salted caramel sauce. This Kentucky favorite is perfect for celebrations when you want a dessert that feels rich and wonderfully comforting.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake with Rich Caramel

Easy Peach Dump Cake with a Golden Cake Mix Topping

Peach Dump Cake. Photo credit: Thermo Cookery.

Juicy peaches bake beneath a buttery, golden topping for a simple dessert with plenty of comforting fruit flavor. Serve it warm with ice cream for an easy treat that works beautifully for gatherings or weeknight dessert.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peach Dump Cake with a Golden Cake Mix Topping

New York Cheesecake with Sour Cream Topping

New York Cheesecake. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Smooth, creamy cheesecake gets a tangy sour cream topping that balances its rich filling beautifully. It is an elegant classic for celebrations, holidays, or any occasion worthy of a special dessert.
Get the Recipe: New York Cheesecake with Sour Cream Topping