Kuchen was designated the official state dessert of South Dakota in 2000. Kuchen is the German word for "cake" and is used to describe a variety of different types of sweet desserts and pastries. Kuchen desserts are of German heritage, popular in many areas of German settlement in the United States, particularly North Dakota, South Dakota, Indiana, and Minnesota.

Different Varieties of Kuchen:

Pie-like pastry with a thick, "cakey" crust and a sweet custard based filling or an apple-pie like filling (often with sweet white icing on the top).

Rolled-pastry with a long spiral of dough filled, rolled, baked and then sliced to serve (nut roll).

Coffee cake-like pastry with veins and pockets of cinnamon and sugar baked throughout.

Cheesecake-like pastry with a yeast raised crust filled with fruit (cherry is most popular) and a creamy custard.

Source:

South Dakota Symbols: Office of Governor - Just for Kids

Links:

American Food and Agricultural Symbols
American Food Holidays