28 Southern Desserts You Can’t Skip This Season

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Explore the sweet side of Southern cuisine with these essential Southern desserts that everyone should try at least once. From the decadence of a perfectly moist red velvet cake to the simplicity of peach cobbler made with ripe, juicy peaches, these recipes celebrate the rich flavors and cherished traditions of the South. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these desserts promise to bring a taste of Southern hospitality to your table.

Benne Seed Brittle, the Peanut Brittle of The South

Close-up of two glass jars filled with sesame brittle pieces. The brittle is a golden-brown color, with visible sesame seeds, arranged in irregular, jagged shapes. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the crunchy texture of the sweets.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Benne Seed Brittle combines the nutty flavor of sesame seeds with sugar and butter to create a traditional Southern candy. Originally introduced by Africans in colonial times, benne seeds have long enhanced Lowcountry cuisine. This brittle, with its rich, burnt-honey undertones, is perfect as a snack or a crunchy topping for modern desserts like cookies and ice cream.

Get the Recipe: Benne Seed Brittle

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

A cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, topped with pecans and sauce; a slice is being lifted from the whole cake.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake is a versatile masterpiece, blending smooth bourbon flavors with crunchy pecans. Perfect for any occasion, it impresses guests and satisfies your sweet tooth, epitomizing Southern charm and elegance.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

Pecan Tassies

A cup of tea next to a plate of cookies with pecans.
Photo credit: One Hot Oven

Enjoy the charm of bite-sized pecan pies with these homemade Pecan Tassies. Perfectly sweet and petite, these treats are sure to be a hit at any gathering, adding a touch of delectable delight to your festive fare.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Tassies

Sweet Potato Pie

Mouthwatering Sweet Potato Pie
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Each bite of this sweet potato pie has notes of vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg! The sweet filling is rich and creamy too!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie

Blackberry Cobbler

Mouthwatering Blackberry Cobbler
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This super easy blackberry cobbler recipe is the perfect fruit-filled dessert. Just 10 minutes of prep, then bake!
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Cobbler

Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Yummy Sweet Potato Cheesecake picture
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This flavorful Sweet Potato Cheesecake has everything you love about sweet potato pie combined with creamy cheesecake!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Texas Trash Bread Pudding

Flat lay of bread pudding topped with pecans and mint for garnish.
Photo credit: call Me PMc

This dessert mashup is made of a bottom bread pudding layer while the top is a nutty crunchy Texas trash pie. It’s the perfect decadent dessert recipe. It’s quick, easy, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Texas Trash Bread Pudding

Strawberry Peach Cobbler

easy strawberry peach cobbler.
Photo credit: Food Plus Words

Dive into the harmonious blend of sweetness in this strawberry peach cobbler, a dessert that sings of summer romance and nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Peach Cobbler

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
Photo credit: Namely Marly

Go ahead and live a little with these Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls topped with an almond butter icing. You’ll love these buttery rolls with gooey cinnamon-infused filling. It’s the perfect indulgent breakfast!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls

Blueberry Cobbler

Blueberry cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings

Southern blueberry cobbler has a flaky biscuit topping with fruit poking through the crust. You get berry juices & delicious blueberries in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler

Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Take a trip down memory lane with this Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake! It’s a timeless recipe delivers a stunning, moist cake perfect for any celebration. Don’t be intimidated by the name; with just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll be whipping up the BEST old-fashioned pound cake you’ve ever tasted. This easy batter transforms into a masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Caramel Pie

Delicious Caramel Pie ready to be enjoyed
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This is the best Caramel Pie and it’s so easy to make. The creamy caramel custard filling is divine, so it’s sure to be a hit this fall.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Pie

Butter Pecan Sheet Cake

Butter Pecan Sheet Cake
Photo credit: Handle the Heat

This buttery delight is a dessert you won’t soon forget. So make this Butter Pecan Sheet Cake soon and share it with friends for lots of oohs and ahhs!
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Sheet Cake

Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake

Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake
Photo credit: Bake With Jamie

This chocolate sour cream pound cake delivers rich slices of cake drenched in a melted chocolate ganache. Olive oil and sour cream combine to make the richest, moist cake ever.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake

Easy Peach Cobbler

Easy Peach Cobbler
Photo credit: Namely Marly

Nothing says summer like this easy peach cobbler recipe. Create an easy crispy crust baked until golden brown over freshly sliced peaches in a sweet simmering sauce. Serve slices à la mode with your favorite ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peach Cobbler

Butterscotch Pie

A butterscotch pie with meringue on a wire cooling rack.
Photo credit: One Hot Oven

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this classic Butterscotch Meringue Pie. An old-fashioned favorite that promises to satisfy your cravings for something truly indulgent and delightful.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Pie

Apple Cobbler

A delightful Apple Cobbler
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This easy apple cobbler recipe is a true comfort dessert! A buttery brown sugar apple filling is baked with a crumbly, warm-spiced topping.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cobbler

Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Banana Pudding Poke Cake
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Bring on the flavors of summer with this Banana Pudding Poke Cake. A sunny yellow cake is topped with banana pudding and whipped cream. Don’t forget the crumbled up vanilla wafers on top for the perfect banana pudding flavor in every slice!
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Rice Pudding with Blueberries

Rice pudding in a glass with almonds, berries and mint
Photo credit: Brown-Eyed Baker

Classic comfort meets modern flair in this elevated rice pudding recipe. With crunchy almonds and juicy blueberries, this beloved treat is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. It’s a fresh and sophisticated update to the traditional creamy treat.
Get the Recipe: Rice Pudding with Blueberries

Oat Peach Crisp

Oat Peach Crisp
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

Make your next dessert peachy with this Oatmeal Topped Peach Crisp recipe. Made with fresh peaches in a sweet sauce and topped with a crispy, buttery oat topping, this dessert is one you’ll want to make on repeat!
Get the Recipe: Oat Peach Crisp

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Forget fancy desserts; down South, nothing spells comfort quite like Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding. This layered masterpiece features creamy, homemade vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers for a delightful textural contrast, and a cloud of fluffy whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This luscious Hummingbird Cake is dotted with bananas, pineapple, and pecans, then smothered in cream cheese frosting- and it’s under $20!
Get the Recipe: Hummingbird Cake

Peach Cobbler Pound Cake

A peach pound cake with icing on a plate.
Photo credit: Food Plus Words

Uncover the secrets of blending the comforting warmth of peach cobbler with the dense delight of pound cake in this recipe. A match made in dessert heaven.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler Pound Cake

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Tasty Chocolate Pecan Pie on display
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Chocolate Pecan Pie is the perfect mix of pecan & chocolate pies. This Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie deserves a place on your dessert table!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Pie

Dr Pepper Cake

Dr Pepper Cake at its finest
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Dr Pepper combines rich, chocolatey cake with Dr Pepper soda to create a crave-able cake that’s just what the doctor ordered!
Get the Recipe: Dr Pepper Cake

Vegan Coconut Cake

Vegan Coconut Cake
Photo credit: Namely Marly

This is the ultimate in moist cakes, including that cashew cream filling. Everything from the cake to the filling, to the vanilla frosting on top is infused with flavor! Enjoy every tropical coconut dream bite!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Coconut Cake

Chocolate Pudding Pie

Chocolate Pudding Pie
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Craving a textural adventure? This Chocolate Pudding Pie delivers! A symphony of creamy pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and a flaky pie crust awaits. Topped with delicate chocolate curls, this pie is a celebration of all things chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pudding Pie

Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake

Chocolate coca cola cake on a white plate topped with ice cream and a cherry.
Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings

Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream. This decadent dessert is a copycat recipe with rich chocolate fudge flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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