Food: Favorite Book Desserts

Literary Inspiration Leads to State Fair Award-Winning Desserts

Young cooks were challenged to create an award-winning dessert inspired by a favorite literary work in the Favorite Book Dessert competition judged Wednesday, August 14, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Kepler Pienta of Iowa City won first place and a $25 gift card.

Emerson Hilbert of Urbandale claiming second place and a $15 gift card. Samuel Keeney of Des Moines earned third place and a $10 gift card.

Entries were judged on taste, design and creativity.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There were 140 divisions, 726 classes and over 6,400 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center.