In 1796, Amelia Simmons published 'American Cookery,' which included the first American recipes for pound cake. This cookbook was groundbreaking as it represented a shift towards a distinctly American culinary identity. Simmons' work not only provided practical cooking guidance but also reflected the cultural influences and ingredients unique to early American society, contributing to the evolution of American cuisine.

The first American cookbook with a pound cake recipe published in 1796 marked an emerging American culinary identity, influencing poetry exploring national pride, simplicity, and frontier sustenance. Poets like Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson celebrated the everyday and domestic in their works, reflecting the cultural significance of food.