21 Southern Desserts
Southerners definitely know how to make dessert right. That’s why we found you the downright best Southern desserts imaginable. We’ve included timeless Southern classic treats, as well as Southern-inspired desserts.
So channel your Southern hospitality and serve up some buttermilk pie, peach cobbler, banana pudding, or pecan pie at your next gathering.
Southern Pecan Pie
Made entirely from scratch, this Southern pecan pie tastes like a slice of heaven. The pecan filling is made with brown sugar and corn syrup, which is the perfect balance of salty and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pecan Pie
Southern Blackberry Cobbler
This old-fashioned blackberry cobbler will be your new go-to dessert to enjoy anytime, although it’s our favorite in the summer.
It doesn’t get any better than fresh blackberries paired with a butter-filled crust. Well, maybe if you serve some vanilla ice cream with it!
Get the Recipe: Southern Blackberry Cobbler
Chess Pie
A classic Southern dessert, this chess pie is made with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge or pantry.
The custard filling is made with cornmeal, butter, and a splash of vinegar. The vinegar adds a hint of tangy flavor, which complements the sweetness of this pie.
Get the Recipe: Chess Pie
Hummingbird Cake
While hummingbird cake originated in Jamaica and not the South, Southerners took a liking to it around the 1970s, and it has been popular there ever since. It’s filled with crushed pineapples, mashed bananas, and pecans.
Fun fact: In Jamaica, they call it Doctor Bird Cake, after their national bird.
Get the Recipe: Hummingbird Cake
Sock It to Me Cake
If you haven’t tried or even heard of sock it to me cake, it’s one Southern dessert you’ll want to make.
This pound cake has a mouthwatering cinnamon pecan streusel filling, and it doesn’t end there; it’s drizzled with a homemade vanilla glaze.
Get the Recipe: Sock It to Me Cake
Mississippi Mud Pie
Oh, so decadent; this Mississippi mud pie starts with an Oreo crust and is filled with chocolate pudding and a brownie layer.
You may want to make this pie the night before so it has enough time to chill in the fridge before serving.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie
Southern Pecan Pralines
If you’re craving a sweet and salty treat, you’ll want to make a batch of Southern pecan pralines. This pecan candy has a tasty caramel and brown sugar flavor that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pecan Pralines
Homemade Banana Pudding
At your next family gathering, make this homemade banana pudding that tastes like a Southern grandma made it. This beloved old-fashioned banana pudding recipe doesn’t use a boxed pudding mix.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Banana Pudding
Southern Buttermilk Pie
Have you tried buttermilk pie before? If not, you’re missing out. It’s made with a homemade or store-bought crust filled with tangy buttermilk custard that has the best nutmeg flavor.
Get the Recipe: Southern Buttermilk Pie
Classic New Orleans Beignets
Beignets covered in powdered sugar are the perfect treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or any time of day. The homemade dough is deep-fried to golden perfection.
Get the Recipe: Classic New Orleans Beignets
Million Dollar Pound Cake
There’s no shortage of Southern desserts made with lots of butter, and this million dollar pound cake is no exception. It’s made with simple ingredients and is delicious to serve with ice cream or fresh berries.
By the way, Melissa is our go-to for authentic Southern recipes because, in her words, she comes from a “long line of fabulous Southern cooks.” To learn more about Southern cooking, you’ll want to check out her other recipes.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Pound Cake
Divinity Candy
Divinity candy is made with egg whites, which gives it that airy consistency. Make a big batch to enjoy during the holiday season or whenever you crave some sweet goodness.
Get the Recipe: Divinity Candy
Red Velvet Cake
Nothing is better than a big slice of layered red velvet cake with homemade cream cheese frosting. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake
Southern Peach Cobbler
If you have 15 minutes, you can easily prep this Southern cobbler recipe made with canned peaches. It’ll be a hit at your cookout, potluck, or get-together.
Get the Recipe: Southern Peach Cobbler
Southern Caramel Cake
This yellow buttery cake is topped with a mouthwatering thick caramel frosting that’ll have you eating every last bite. Make this Southern caramel cake recipe the next time you need a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Get the Recipe: Southern Caramel Cake
Sweet Potato Pie
This old-fashioned sweet potato pie is full of warming spices and is the ultimate Southern comfort food.
If you’re in a time crunch, you can use store-bought crust, but the homemade buttery crust recipe is well worth the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie
Punch Bowl Cake
This Southern dessert has layers of vanilla pudding, yellow cake pieces, bananas, cherries, and Cool Whip. Many flavor variations are also included if you want to change it up.
Get the Recipe: Punch Bowl Cake
Pecan Bourbon Balls
Made with just four ingredients, these pecan bourbon balls are the perfect sweet treat for adults to indulge in. Plus, they’re a no-bake dessert, so they couldn’t be easier to make.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Bourbon Balls
Southern Peach Pound Cake
Put your fresh peaches to good use by making this easy pound cake recipe made with pantry staples.
While you can serve this with ice cream, included is a homemade peach compote recipe that would taste amazing spooned over this pound cake!
Get the Recipe: Southern Peach Pound Cake
Southern Fudge Cake
Chocolate lovers, this Southern fudge cake is calling your name. The homemade icing is made with a generous amount of cocoa powder and has the best fudgy consistency.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fudge Cake
Southern Holiday Nut Cake
Need a classic Southern cake to make for a holiday gathering or to give as a food gift? Make this homemade holiday nut cake filled with molasses, raisins, pecans, and spices.
Get the Recipe: Southern Holiday Nut Cake
