1. Brownie
The brownie is arguably the American dessert that has captured my heart the most; its crispy exterior and soft interior are no exaggeration. Chefs usually bake them in large batches and then cut them into pieces. The inside remains soft while the outside has a slight chewiness—it is delicious regardless. It is said that this cake is called a 'brownie' because of its brown appearance. Brownies come in various shapes; the original version contains no extra ingredients, while more common varieties are topped with nuts, cream, or icing.
However, many say that although it is called a cake in Chinese, a brownie actually sits somewhere between a cookie and a soft cake. It is sweet but not cloying, with a rich texture, and it tastes even better with ice cream! It is perfect for all seasons, so if you haven't tried one yet, be sure to give it a go!
2. Bagel
The bagel is most famously associated with the brand Einstein Bros. Bagels. Although the name is written as 'Einstein Bagle,' it has nothing to do with the famous physicist; it actually originates from the Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. When preparing them, chefs shape the dough into rings before proofing. The finished bagel has a very chewy texture, crispy on the outside and tough on the inside—it is truly irresistible! If you are wondering about the difference between a bagel and a doughnut, I think the most obvious point is the texture; bagels are not as soft or melt-in-your-mouth as doughnuts, but when it comes to fluffiness and crispiness, doughnuts cannot compare.
When Americans eat bagels, they like to spread them with special flavored cream cheeses, as shown in the picture. This makes the bagels even richer in flavor; while they are sweet, the deliciousness is enough to make you forget about the calories.
3. Muffin
Muffins are very similar to cupcakes. However, while cupcakes are topped with mounds of frosting, muffins have various ingredients embedded inside, such as blueberries, strawberries, bananas, or cheese. Muffins are wrapped in a paper liner; do not underestimate this paper, as it makes both baking and eating much more convenient.
Unlike many other desserts, muffins require special molds, known as muffin tins. These molds can be large or small, with no specific standard, meaning that by using different molds, muffins can come in various shapes—aren't they adorable!
4. Doughnut
Doughnuts are almost certainly the most well-known American dessert. The American passion for doughnuts only continues to grow, to the point where they even have a dedicated 'National Doughnut Day.' Although they are called 'doughnuts,' they are not always ring-shaped. For many Americans, the decorative aspect of a doughnut sometimes even outweighs its nutritional value. The colorful and spectacular glazes and toppings, combined with the soft, sweet dough, make for an enjoyable treat, especially when paired with cold milk or ice cream.
It is worth mentioning that because doughnuts are deep-fried, they can be a bit oily and are quite high in calories. Interestingly, there is a lot of science behind the hole in a doughnut; a British mathematics lecturer used calculus to determine that the smaller the hole, the softer the texture, while a larger hole results in a crispier crust. If you want to try making them yourself, you can adjust the size according to your preference.
5. Pancake
Pancakes are usually round and thin. They are often topped with honey or chocolate sauce, making them soft and sweet. In the United States, they are a common breakfast item and can be served with jam, fruit, or even meat in addition to various sauces. Plain pancakes are the most common, but there are also blueberry, chocolate, and other varieties where these ingredients are embedded into the batter—the taste is simply unbeatable!
Interestingly, pancakes are not unique to the United States; they can be found all over the world, and it is difficult to say who invented them first. Over time, pancakes have evolved in different regions, resulting in various flatbreads, crepes, and 'hot cakes.' Of course, we must not forget China's famous shouzhua bing (scallion pancake) and jidan bing (egg pancake).
