The Midwest is reflective of the United States in that it is very much a melting pot. It’s made up of people from different cultures, many of whom have brought their recipes to the region. Some of these recipes have been around since the very beginning of statehood, and, at some point, became a staple of the Midwest. However, while many classic Midwestern desserts have roots in other parts of the world, the region has come up with some of its very own iconic sweet treats. The result of borrowed and crafted recipes has helped create a distinct culinary culture that is wholly unique.
From centuries-old European recipes to Jell-O-infused gems of the U.S., the Midwest is packed with delicious desserts that still grace tabletops today. Passed down from generation to generation, the staying power of these classic sweets is ingrained in Midwestern culture. Whether made in home kitchens or bought in stores, these old-school desserts can still be found in the Midwest and will likely be around for generations to come.
Kuchen
Kuchen is the German word for cake, but it isn’t a direct parallel to the cake most Americans are used to eating, and it looks a lot different. You won’t find an frosting-coated, layered dessert when presented with kuchen. Instead, the Midwestern dish is rooted in German and Russian heritage and is like a cake-pie hybrid.
Picture a pie, replace the crust with cake, and you’ve got a good idea of what kuchen is. In some cases, you can picture a single-tiered cake dotted with fruit or nuts to get a good idea of what the dish looks like. Even though icing isn’t a characteristic of traditional kuchen, the dessert still has a subtle sweetness. Between the fruity flavor, custard filling, and the option of topping it off with whipped cream, there is more than enough sweetness in the dish to sate a sweet tooth…