It’s President’s Day, time to honor past leaders of the United States. Typical presidential trivia might include birthplace, important legislation passed, and even their beloved pets, but did you know that almost all of our presidents had a sweet tooth? Check out the favorite desserts of some of our former Commanders-in-Chief.
George Washington
George Washington loved his wife Martha’s Great Cake, made with fruit and spices. Wilton has its own great cake made with lemon, thyme and grapes!
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
John Adams was partial to Abigail Adams’ Apple Pan Dowdy, not too dissimilar from our Apple Pie with Fringe Crust. Top it off with Thomas Jefferson’s favorite – his homemade vanilla ice cream!
James Madison
Founding Father James Madison was a fan of his beloved Dolley Madison’s gingerbread. Take a look at our version, the Gingerbread Cake!
Andrew Jackson
Rachel Jackson’s burnt custard was a favorite of her husband, President Andrew Jackson. We’ve put custard into cupcake form with these creamy vanilla custard cupcakes!
William Henry Harrison
President William Henry Harrison wasn’t in office long, but it’s said to have served pound cake at his inauguration – check out our classic recipe!
Franklin Pierce
New Hampshire Fried Pies, small fried pastries filled with fruit, were a favorite of Franklin Pierce. At Wilton, we have our own version, mini apple pie cookies!
Abraham Lincoln
Honest Abe, also known as Abraham Lincoln, was known to be particularly fond of his wife Mary Todd’s white cake. Get the Classic White Cake recipe.
Rutherford B. Hayes
Cornmeal Battercakes were a favorite of Rutherford B. Hayes. We here at Wilton prefer our pancakes a little sweeter, like our Coconut Caramel Pancakes recipe!
Chester A. Arthur and Grover Cleveland
Things got a little sinful in Chester A Arthur’s kitchen, as his favorite dessert was Devil’s Food Cake. President Grover Cleveland kept it sweet with Snickerdoodle Cookies.
Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft
Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt sunk his teeth into Fat Rascals, a relative of a scone, and William Howard Taft preferred pumpkin pie to satisfy his sweet tooth.
Warren G. Harding
President Warren G. Harding was known to snack on almond cookies. Check out our gluten-free almond cookie recipe below!
Herbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover was a fan of his Grandma Hoover’s famous Cream Peach Pie.
Lyndon B. Johnson
Another fan of Southern style sweets, Lyndon B. Johnson was partial to pecan pie. Try our Pecan Pie recipe
Jimmy Carter
39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter loved Rosalyn Carter’s Peanut Butter Pie. We took this delectable dessert and put it into mini, bite sized portions. Try Wilton’s Peanut Butter Pie Bites
George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton
Both Republican President George H. W. Bush and Democratic President Bill Clinton preferred the classic chocolate chip cookie when they had a craving for something sweet. Try our Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe.
Barack Obama
Our most recent president, Barack Obama, suits his fancy with crustless coconut pie. We have our own version of the nation’s first African American President’s favorite dessert: a light and refreshing Key Lime Coconut Pie, perfect for summer parties and BBQs.
