From Thomas Jefferson’s homemade ice cream to Ronald Reagan’s famous jelly beans, our nation’s leaders have never shied away from dessert. But when it comes to former President Donald Trump, one classic treat stands above the rest – cherry vanilla ice cream. Trump loves this sweet treat so much that he famously always gets two scoops while everyone else at the table gets one. With its mix of creamy vanilla and sweet cherries, it’s easy to see why this classic dessert has won over the Oval Office.
The presidential scoop on Trump’s ice cream habits
When it comes to dessert time in Trump’s world, the rules are simple – he gets two scoops of cherry vanilla ice cream, while others at the table get just one. This wasn’t just a one-time thing either. Throughout his presidency, this double-scoop habit became well known among White House staff and guests. It might seem like a small thing, but it speaks to how much he enjoys this particular frozen treat. The rich, creamy vanilla base dotted with sweet chunks of cherry creates a perfect balance that appeals to many ice cream fans, including the former president.
Trump’s love for cherry vanilla ice cream became so well-known that it was even served at his inauguration dinner. Unlike some presidents who might hide their sweet preferences, Trump has never been shy about his dessert choices. The cherry vanilla flavor combines two classic American tastes – the pure, simple sweetness of vanilla with the slightly tart pop of cherries. It’s not hard to see why this traditional flavor would appeal to someone who often expresses nostalgia for classic Americana. And he’s not alone in his ice cream enthusiasm – current President Joe Biden is famously fond of chocolate chip ice cream.
A sweet tradition shared with other presidents
Trump isn’t the first president to have a soft spot for ice cream. This frozen dessert has a long presidential history going back to Thomas Jefferson, who helped popularize ice cream in America after experiencing it in France. Jefferson would often serve ice cream at White House functions, making it a presidential tradition that continues today. Biden continues this sweet legacy with his love of chocolate chip ice cream, often keeping it stocked in the White House freezer. It’s a small but significant connection between these leaders – despite different politics and personalities, they share an appreciation for this simple pleasure.
What’s interesting about presidential dessert preferences is how they often reflect American food trends of their time. George Washington loved cherry pie (though the tree-chopping story is mostly myth), while Abraham Lincoln enjoyed his wife Mary Todd’s white almond cake. Roosevelt had a thing for rich, buttery biscuits called “fat rascals,” and Reagan’s jelly beans became so connected to his presidency that they were served at his inauguration. Today’s ice cream obsession fits right in with current American tastes. According to industry stats, vanilla and its variations remain America’s favorite ice cream flavors, with cherry vanilla ranking high on the list of popular mix-ins.
Not just ice cream – Trump’s chocolate cake passion
While cherry vanilla ice cream might be Trump’s go-to dessert, he’s also known for his love of chocolate cake. In fact, this rich dessert made headlines when he mentioned enjoying a “beautiful piece of chocolate cake” with Chinese President Xi Jinping while making major military decisions. Trump’s fondness for chocolate cake is well-documented, with White House chefs confirming it was frequently requested during his time in office. The combination of moist, rich chocolate layers with sweet frosting seems to be another dessert weakness for the former president.
What makes this interesting is how these dessert choices – both the ice cream and cake – represent classic American comfort foods. There’s nothing fancy or pretentious about either choice. Despite his wealth and access to world-class chefs, Trump’s sweet preferences remain surprisingly down-to-earth and familiar. Most Americans can relate to enjoying a scoop of ice cream or a slice of chocolate cake after dinner. This attachment to simple, familiar desserts stands in contrast to some previous presidents who favored more exotic or gourmet options. Obama, for instance, was known for his appreciation of more sophisticated desserts like Fran’s Chocolates’ smoked salt caramels.
Making the presidential treat at home
Want to enjoy the same dessert as a former president? Making cherry vanilla ice cream at home is surprisingly easy, even without an ice cream maker. The simplest method involves folding chopped cherries into slightly softened vanilla ice cream and refreezing it. For a richer experience, you can make it from scratch with heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cherries. The key is getting the right balance – you want enough cherries to get that fruity pop in each bite, but not so many that they overwhelm the smooth vanilla base. Some recipes call for using cherry preserves instead of fresh cherries, which gives a more consistent flavor.
If you’re looking to match the presidential experience exactly, remember to serve yourself a double scoop! For an authentic touch, try using maraschino cherries, which give that bright red color and sweet flavor that many commercial cherry vanilla ice creams use. You can also try variations like adding chocolate chips or a splash of almond extract, which enhances the cherry flavor. While homemade versions can be delicious, there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a carton from the store. Many major brands offer cherry vanilla, including Breyers and Turkey Hill. Whether homemade or store-bought, this presidential favorite makes for a classic dessert option that’s stood the test of time.
Beyond dessert – what else is on Trump’s menu
Trump’s love of cherry vanilla ice cream fits into his broader food preferences, which tend toward the familiar and All-American. He’s well-known for his fondness for fast food, particularly McDonald’s, where his go-to order includes the Filet-O-Fish sandwich. This preference for fast food became famous during his presidency when he served McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King to visiting college athletes at the White House. For breakfast, he typically enjoys bacon and eggs or Corn Flakes cereal. When it comes to more formal meals, he prefers well-done steak with ketchup, a choice that raised eyebrows among food critics but resonated with many everyday Americans who prepare their meat the same way.
These food choices reveal a consistent pattern – Trump gravitates toward familiar American foods rather than exotic or gourmet options. His preference for See’s Candies, a traditional American chocolate brand, further reinforces this pattern. He does occasionally try to incorporate healthier choices like Cobb salad, but his overall diet remains centered on comfort foods. This straightforward approach to eating mirrors the preferences of many Americans who prioritize familiar tastes over culinary adventures. In this context, his double scoop of cherry vanilla ice cream makes perfect sense – it’s a classic, straightforward American dessert that delivers consistent satisfaction without pretense or complication.
From Washington’s cherry pie to Trump’s cherry vanilla ice cream, presidential dessert preferences offer a sweet window into American food history. These treats connect our leaders to everyday Americans through shared simple pleasures. While we might disagree on politics, most of us can find common ground in appreciating a scoop of ice cream on a hot day. Next time you enjoy some cherry vanilla, remember you’re sharing a taste with presidential history. Whether you prefer one scoop or follow Trump’s lead with two, this classic flavor combination continues to bring joy to Americans of all stripes.
