What dessert is designated as the state dessert of Ohio?

Travel Destinations

By Kristy Tolley

Ohio’s State Dessert

Ohio is a state that takes its desserts seriously. In fact, it is one of the few states in the United States that has officially designated a state dessert. This honor is reserved for a dessert that is not only delicious but also symbolic of the state’s culture and history.

History of State Desserts in America

The tradition of designating a state dessert is one that is relatively new in American history. While many states have official state foods, flowers, and birds, only a handful have a designated dessert. The first state to do so was Massachusetts, which in 1996 declared the Boston cream pie as its official state dessert. Since then, several other states have followed suit, and today there are around ten states that have named official state desserts.

The Campaign for Ohio’s State Dessert

The movement to designate an official state dessert for Ohio began in the early 2000s. The idea was first proposed by a group of fourth-grade students from Norton Elementary School in Summit County. They argued that Ohio needed a state dessert to recognize its unique culinary heritage and to promote tourism and economic development.

The Contenders: Buckeye vs. Shoofly Pie

When it came time to decide on Ohio’s official state dessert, there were two clear front-runners: the buckeye and shoofly pie. The buckeye is a candy made from peanut butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate that is shaped to look like the nut of the buckeye tree, which is native to Ohio. Shoofly pie, on the other hand, is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert made with molasses and a crumbly topping.

The Buckeye: Ohio’s Iconic Treat

In the end, the buckeye emerged as the clear winner and was named Ohio’s official state dessert in 2009. It’s not hard to see why the buckeye is so beloved in Ohio. This sweet treat is a staple at sporting events, county fairs, and holiday gatherings throughout the state. The buckeye’s popularity has even led to the creation of a Buckeye Trail, a scenic route that takes visitors to some of Ohio’s best candy shops.

The Shoofly Pie: A Pennsylvania Import

While shoofly pie ultimately lost out to the buckeye in the campaign for Ohio’s state dessert, it is still a beloved dessert in its own right. This traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert is a molasses-filled pie with a crumbly topping that is usually served for breakfast. Despite its origins in Pennsylvania, shoofly pie has found a home in Ohio, where it is served in many Amish and Mennonite restaurants.

Why Buckeyes Triumphed Over Shoofly

The buckeye’s victory over shoofly pie can be attributed to several factors. For one, the buckeye is a uniquely Ohio creation, while shoofly pie is more closely associated with Pennsylvania. Additionally, the buckeye’s popularity and ubiquity in Ohio made it an obvious choice for state dessert. Finally, the buckeye’s association with Ohio State University and its football team, the Buckeyes, helped to give it a boost in the campaign.

What Goes into Making a Buckeye?

Making a buckeye is a relatively simple process, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. The ingredients include peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips. The peanut butter and butter are creamed together, and then the powdered sugar and vanilla extract are added. The resulting dough is then rolled into balls and dipped in melted chocolate to create the distinctive buckeye shape.

Where to Find Buckeyes in Ohio

If you’re looking to try a buckeye in Ohio, you’re in luck. This sweet treat can be found at candy shops, bakeries, and even gas stations throughout the state. Some of the most popular places to find buckeyes include Anthony-Thomas Candy Company in Columbus, Malley’s Chocolates in Cleveland, and Esther Price Candies in Dayton.

While the buckeye may be Ohio’s official state dessert, there are plenty of other sweet treats to be found in the state. Some of the most popular desserts in Ohio include apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and peach cobbler. Ohio is also known for its ice cream, with many local dairies and creameries offering delicious flavors such as Buckeye Blast and Black Raspberry Chocolate Chunk.

Conclusion: Sweet Victories of Ohio

Ohio’s designation of the buckeye as its official state dessert is a testament to the state’s rich culinary heritage and the enduring popularity of this sweet treat. Whether you’re a fan of buckeyes or prefer a different dessert, there’s no denying that Ohio has a lot to offer when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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