Map Shows Most Popular Christmas Desserts in Each State

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … from pumpkin pie to tiramisu, the holiday season offers a dazzling array of desserts and sweet treats which show the cultural and culinary diversity of the United States.

A new survey by Coffeeness has analyzed Google search Trends across America, uncovering regional preferences for Christmas desserts, and the findings shed a light on the dishes that sweeten the festive season in every state.

Most Popular Christmas Deserts in Every State

1. Pumpkin Pie—20 States
2. Sugar Cookies—15 States
3. Red Velvet Cake—6 States

Newsweek spoke to Sheri Castle, host of The Key Ingredient and a food writer, recipe developer and cooking teacher, about the popularity of pumpkin pie. Though not traditionally associated with Christmas, pumpkin pie topped the list in 20 states.

“Holiday season brings out people’s cravings for warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves. Pumpkin pie is a great way to enjoy those flavors and aromas,” Castle said.

The traditional dessert has deep roots in American history, dating back to the early European settlers who combined Native American pumpkins with European baking techniques. Its rich, spiced filling and flaky crust make it a staple on Christmas tables from Alaska to Vermont.

What’s the secret to a perfect pumpkin pie?

“One of the secrets to perfect pumpkin pie is to make sure that the spices used in the recipe are fresh and fragrant,” Castle told Newsweek, noting that “spices that have lost their aroma have also lost their pungency.”

Castle added that, “Another tip is to remember that most pumpkin pies are a type of custard pie that contains eggs and dairy. To ensure the filling turns out smooth and creamy, don’t overcook the pie.” She said that “There should be a tiny jiggle in the center when the pie is gently shaken; it will continue to firm up as it cools.”

Other Festive Favorites

In 15 states, including Texas, New York, and Kentucky, sugar cookies take center stage. These simple yet festive treats offer a creative outlet for families who gather to decorate them with icing and sprinkles.

Their straightforward recipe of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour allows for endless customization, making them a favorite for holiday gatherings.

While pumpkin pie and sugar cookies dominate, several states showcase distinctive preferences that highlight regional culinary influences.

Six states, primarily in the South, prefer the elegance of red velvet cake. Its deep crimson color and cream cheese frosting make it a festive centerpiece. Originally a Victorian dessert, red velvet gained popularity in the South during the 20th century, thanks to creative marketing campaigns for red food coloring.

Tiramisu, an Italian classic, resonates with residents in four states, including California and Florida. Featuring layers of mascarpone cheese, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and cocoa powder, tiramisu reflects the evolving palate of modern America, blending international flavors into holiday traditions.

Pecan pie is beloved in Connecticut while carrot cake and biscotti make appearances in Indiana and Georgia, respectively, while Utah favors rice pudding.

Methodology

When conducting their research, Coffeeness started by identifying the desserts that have been most popular around Christmas in recent years. Then, they narrowed their list down to 50 desserts and analyzed Google Trends data by reviewing the last 30 days of search activity to determine current popularity of each dessert.

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