Comment on What’s your state dessert? by Beth S..
I am originally from PA, from Philadelphia to be exact, and would like to comment on PA state dessert. I spent just over half my life in Philly and nobody that I am aware of – relatives and friends – has ever raved about whoopie pies. The first whoopie pie I’d ever seen was in Maine. For PA state dessert, I would like to suggest Philly Cheesecake, or perhaps cinnamon buns (a/k/a sticky buns) as a tribute to the many German immigrants who settled there. Shoofly pie would be another great choice in tribute to Amish settlers. Not every state can make that claim. Perhaps less well known, but equally delicious, would be Philadelphia butter cake – which is not the same as that found out in the St. Louis area. It is yeast-based, and apparently created by German immigrants as well. Many Philly bakeries sold it when I was growing up, and some still do. Any of those would be authentic PA dessert choices. Also, very famous was Philadelphia ice cream back in the day, but I would go with a baked good. PA people love their baked goods.
