Head on over to bettycrocker.com to find more holiday recipes and baking inspiration that match your state’s favorite flavor.
*Top-searched holiday flavors by state from November 27, 2023 to January 1, 2024 on bettycrocker.com.
From candy cane to nutmeg, explore the most popular flavors of the holiday season.*
When it comes to holiday baking, some flavors instantly evoke the warmth and cheer of the season. Nationwide, the top flavors are those that truly capture the essence of the holidays — candy cane, cranberry, ginger, nutmeg, pecan and chocolate. These flavors pop up in everything from cookies to cakes, filling your kitchen with the perfect aromas of the season.
While these flavors are beloved across the country, each region has its own unique spin on the holidays. Let’s take a look at how the season is celebrated in different areas.
In the Northeast, the holidays bring a focus on fruity and nutty flavors. Cranberry, fig and hazelnut are all beloved ingredients, and they shine in treats like Cranberry Gooey Butter Bars. These rich, tangy bars combine the tartness of cranberries with the sweet creaminess of a buttery base, making them the perfect addition to any holiday spread.
Down in the South, flavors that evoke warmth and richness take center stage. White chocolate, caramel, cinnamon and nutmeg are key ingredients that bring a cozy vibe to holiday baking. States like Florida, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia embrace these sweet southern traditions, like Snickerdoodle White Chocolate-Caramel Bars. The combination of cinnamon-sugar, smooth white chocolate, and caramel is a match made in holiday dessert heaven.
The Midwest finds comfort in decadent flavors like caramel, chocolate and molasses, often blending these rich tastes with the crunch of nuts in beloved desserts like Chocolate Turtle Cake. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner or just indulging with loved ones, this cake is sure to please.
In the West, things take a more unexpected but welcome turn with flavors like fig, pear, ginger, pomegranate and molasses making an appearance. These nature-inspired flavors add a fresh twist to the holidays with standout desserts like Fig-Walnut Gingerbread Bars. These bars combine the warmth of gingerbread with the richness of walnuts and the subtle sweetness of figs, offering a unique and flavorful take on classic holiday desserts.
