When it comes to sweet treats, the South has always been known for its indulgent and rich desserts. From classic pecan pie to decadent chocolate chess pie, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering options to satisfy your sweet tooth. In this article, we’re counting down our top 18 Southern dessert recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
First up is the quintessential Classic Southern Pecan Pie, a nutty and gooey masterpiece that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Next, we have Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding, a creamy and comforting treat that’s reminiscent of grandmothers everywhere. And let’s not forget Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping, which adds a delightful twist to the classic sweet potato casserole.
Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece or a quick dessert fix, these 18 Southern desserts are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Classic Southern Pecan Pie
Classic Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
A traditional favorite at many a holiday gathering, this classic pecan pie recipe is a staple of Southern cuisine. Rich, gooey, and utterly delicious, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pecan halves
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Stir in pecan halves until they’re evenly coated with the filling mixture.
5. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the pie crust in the dish and fill with the pecan mixture.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding
Take a trip down memory lane with this classic dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. This creamy banana pudding is made with simple ingredients and requires minimal effort, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup Nilla wafers, crushed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in egg yolks and vanilla extract.
4. Arrange sliced bananas in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Pour warm pudding mixture over bananas.
6. Sprinkle crushed Nilla wafers on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping
This sweet potato pie gets a boost from a toasted marshmallow topping, adding a delightful textural element to the classic Southern dessert. With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create this show-stopping treat for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
For the pie:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the marshmallow topping:
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, flour, and salt in a bowl until smooth.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Pour mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is set.
6. For the marshmallow topping, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over low heat.
7. Add mini marshmallows; stir until toasted and fluffy.
8. Spread marshmallow topping over cooled pie.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Southern Peach Cobbler
This classic Southern dessert is a warm-weather staple, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks. Fresh peaches, sweet spices, and a crispy biscuit topping come together to create a sweet and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh peaches, sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 pie crust or biscuit dough (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together sliced peaches, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Pour the peach mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Roll out the pie crust or biscuit dough to fit the top of the dish.
5. Place the dough on top of the peaches and crimp the edges to seal.
6. Brush the crust with heavy cream and melted butter.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Experience the rich flavors of this iconic Southern dessert, featuring a moist red velvet cake paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 cup buttermilk
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, red food coloring, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
7. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar; mix until combined.
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Mississippi Mud Pie
This classic Southern dessert is a crowd-pleaser, with its gooey chocolate center, crunchy pecans, and velvety marshmallow topping. Our recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup marshmallows
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Whipped cream and additional pecans for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until well combined. Press into a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Pour into crust.
4. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
5. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in marshmallows.
6. Spread whipped cream mixture over cooled chocolate layer.
7. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Hummingbird Cake with Pineapple and Pecans
This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of hummingbirds with the tropical twist of pineapple and crunchy pecans. Perfect for a special occasion or just a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup crushed pineapple
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, and pineapple juice. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped pecans and crushed pineapple.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Gooey Butter Cake
This rich and buttery cake is a Southern classic that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its tender crumb and gooey, caramel-like topping, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. While the cake is still warm, prepare the gooey topping by mixing together 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bourbon Bread Pudding
Elevate your dessert game with this indulgent bourbon bread pudding, perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in. The combination of moist bread, sweet caramel sauce, and a hint of bourbon will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey (or to taste)
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, melted butter, and bourbon until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with caramel sauce drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Chess Pie
Brighten up your dessert table with this classic Southern pie, featuring a silky lemon filling nestled in a flaky crust. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a burst of citrus sunshine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add water, stirring with a fork until dough forms.
4. Roll out crust on floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and zest.
6. Pour filling over crust and smooth top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Southern Caramel Cake
Moist and rich, this Southern Caramel Cake is a classic dessert that’s sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
6. Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the top of the cake.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Blackberry Dumplings
Treat yourself to a warm and comforting dessert with these tender blackberry dumplings, swaddled in a sweet and buttery dough. Perfect for snuggling up on a chilly evening or serving at your next family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh blackberries
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gently stir in blackberries and sugar.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into squares, approximately 3 inches per side.
5. Place a spoonful of blackberry filling in the center of each square. Fold dough over filling to form a triangle or a square shape, pressing edges together to seal.
6. Place dumplings on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Key Lime Pound Cake
Brighten up your dessert table with this tangy and sweet Key Lime Pound Cake, infused with the zesty flavor of key limes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups (210g) granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated key lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 2 1/4 cups (285g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by key lime zest and juice.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
Chocolate Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert combines a velvety chocolate filling with a buttery pie crust, resulting in an irresistible treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk, at room temperature
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add milk and whisk until smooth.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
5. Pour chocolate into the pie crust and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set and edges are slightly puffed.
6. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Fried Apple Pies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these crispy, golden-brown fried pies filled with tender apples and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2-3 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Gradually add in the vegetable oil to form a crumbly mixture.
3. Add sugar, apples, and cinnamon; mix until combined.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into squares or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes.
6. Fry pies in hot oil (350°F) for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil and let cool for a few minutes.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Praline Cheesecake
Praline Cheesecake Recipe
Experience the rich flavors of pralines and cheesecake combined in this decadent dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup praline syrup (or 1/4 cup caramel sauce)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish, optional
Instructions:
- Mix crumbs, sugar, and melted butter to form crust. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, beating well.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in heavy cream and praline syrup (or caramel sauce). Pour into crust.
- Bake at 325°F for 50-60 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Sweet Tea Cupcakes
These moist and flavorful cupcakes capture the essence of sweet tea on a warm summer day. With a hint of citrus and a crunchy brown sugar topping, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup sweet tea (brewed and cooled)
– Brown sugar topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and sweet tea. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Top with brown sugar mixture (1:1 ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar).
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Brown Sugar Topping:
– Mix equal parts brown sugar and granulated sugar in a small bowl.
Peanut Butter Fudge Pie
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this decadent peanut butter fudge pie, featuring a velvety filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix crumbs and sugar in a bowl. Add melted butter until well combined.
3. Press mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
5. Whisk in heavy cream until the mixture thickens.
6. Pour filling into crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
Indulge your sweet tooth with these 18 decadent Southern dessert recipes. From classic pecan pie to innovative treats like bourbon bread pudding and praline cheesecake, there’s something for everyone. Satisfy your cravings with creamy banana pudding, gooey butter cake, and sweet potato pie with marshmallow topping. Try your hand at traditional cobblers, cakes, and pies, or get adventurous with unique desserts like fried apple pies and hummingbird cake with pineapple and pecans. These irresistible treats are sure to please anyone with a taste for the sweet and southern.
