30 Southern Desserts That’ll Steal the Show

Jenny deRemer

Aug 30, 2024

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Savor the flavors of the South with our collection of delectable Southern desserts. Featuring beloved classics and innovative takes, these recipes celebrate the best of Southern baking. Perfect for any event or just because, these desserts will add a touch of Southern charm to your table.

Table of Contents

Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake

A generous slice of moist, frosted cake filled with nuts and topped with creamy icing and pecans is served on a wooden board. The cake is garnished with sprigs of greenery and accompanied by decorative ceramic containers in the background, alongside a silver fork on a patterned napkin.
Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

An Old-Fashioned Hummingbird Cake is a classic Southern favorite, blending banana bread with canned pineapple for a unique and beloved dessert.

Get This Recipe: Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake

Benne Seed Brittle, the Peanut Brittle of The South

Close-up image of peanut brittle in a glass jar. The brittle is caramel-colored with visible peanuts and seeds, showcasing a glossy texture. The background is blurred, emphasizing the crunchy, sweet treats in the foreground.
Benne Seed Brittle, the Peanut Brittle of The South. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Benne Seed Brittle is a southern-inspired dessert that’s crunchy and nutty, making it a great snack or gift. The sesame seeds give it a unique flavor, setting it apart from traditional peanut brittle. It’s easy to make and adds a touch of Southern charm to your treat selection. Perfect for sharing with friends and family during any celebration. Enjoy this sweet Southern classic!
Get This Recipe: Benne Seed Brittle, the Peanut Brittle of The South

Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding with Warm Cinnamon Syrup

A baked casserole dish of bread pudding with chunks of bread, raisins, and possibly other fruits, spiced with cinnamon, featuring a golden-brown top in a rectangular dish.
Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding with Warm Cinnamon Syrup. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

This Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding is a southern-inspired dessert that brings all the flavors of fall to your table. With a warm cinnamon syrup drizzled on top, it’s the perfect blend of spicy and sweet. The pecans add a nice crunch, making each bite delightful. It’s a cozy dessert that’s great for chilly evenings. Serve it warm and enjoy the comforting taste of the South.
Get This Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding with Warm Cinnamon Syrup

Vintage Watergate Cake Recipe

A close-up of a cake with pale green frosting and a thick layer of crushed nuts on the sides. The cake is on a platter, with a folded pink napkin visible in the background. The frosting appears to be creamy and generously applied.
Vintage Watergate Cake Recipe. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Vintage Watergate Cake, a pistachio cake with creamy whipped frosting, gained traction in the South during the Nixon Watergate scandal. Southerners, with their knack for embracing scandal, quickly adopted this easy-to-make dessert as a fun and delicious part of their culinary repertoire.

Get This Recipe: Vintage Watergate Cake Recipe

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

A cheesecake topped with caramel and pecans, next to an orange cloth napkin.
Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Indulge in the irresistible harmony of flavors in this Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake, a dessert that pays homage to Southern traditions with the richness of bourbon, the sweetness of apples, and the crunch of pecans. This heavenly treat beautifully blends classic Southern ingredients for a truly memorable bite.

Get This Recipe: Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

Grapefruit Sugar Pound Cake

A Bundt cake with a slice cut out is displayed on a white plate. The cake is glazed with a thick, white icing that drips down the sides. Garnished with grapefruit slices and zest on top and around the cake. The backdrop is dark, making the cake stand out.
Grapefruit Sugar Pound Cake. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Grapefruit Sugar Pound Cake is quintessentially summer’s breath on a fancy plate. This straightforward cream cheese pound cake is a vintage Southern classic that has been cherished for decades, embodying the timeless appeal of Southern pound cake recipes.

Get This Recipe: Grapefruit Sugar Pound Cake

Caramel Apple Cake

A close-up of a freshly baked bundt cake on a cooling rack. A thick, golden caramel sauce is being poured over the top of the cake, creating a glossy, rich coating. The background is softly blurred, drawing focus on the rich texture and sheen of the cake and sauce.
Caramel Apple Cake. Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

This moist spiced Caramel Apple Cake topped with a sticky caramel glaze embodies classic Southern flavors. Popular in Southern cities like Nashville and Savannah, this cake captures the essence of autumn with its warm spices and rich caramel, making it a blissful addition to any seasonal gathering.

Get This Recipe: Caramel Apple Cake

Walnut-Bottom Peach & Apple Pie

A partially eaten lattice-topped apple pie with golden crust, decorated with spiral and leaf designs, sits in a metal pie dish. The dish has crumbs around the edges, and the word 'PIE' is embossed in the center.
Walnut-Bottom Peach & Apple Pie. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Walnut-Bottom Peach & Apple Pie blends three distinct textures and flavors, with Southern walnuts adding a rich touch. Enjoy it warm with French vanilla ice cream or chilled with sweetened cream for a delightful treat.

Get This Recipe: Walnut-Bottom Peach & Apple Pie

Red Velvet Bundt Cake

A close-up of a red velvet Bundt cake topped with white cream cheese frosting, partially sliced with a piece being lifted out on a serving utensil. The cake sits on a white plate, and the background features blurred white cups.
Red Velvet Bundt Cake. Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

This Red Velvet Bundt Cake, with its moist and tender crumb and irresistible cream cheese icing, is a simpler take on an iconic Southern favorite. Originating from the South, particularly popular in cities like Charleston and Atlanta, red velvet cake has long been celebrated for its rich flavor and striking color.

Get This Recipe: Red Velvet Bundt Cake

Close-up of several freshly baked apple cinnamon cookies cooling on a wire rack. The cookies are golden-brown with visible chunks of apple, and the rack sits on a light-colored surface. The cookies have a slightly crumbled texture, emphasizing their homemade look.
Apple Cinnamon Fall Cookie Recipe. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Apple Cinnamon Cookies are a southern-inspired dessert perfect for fall. Soft and chewy, with chunks of apple and a hint of cinnamon, they capture the flavors of the season. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’re great for snacks or dessert. Pair with a cup of hot cider for a cozy treat. Enjoy the warm taste of the South in every bite!
Get This Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Fall Cookie Recipe

Easy Vanilla Wacky Cake

A round chocolate cake with colorful sprinkles on a glass platter has a single slice cut out. The slice is placed on a white plate next to a small bowl of extra sprinkles, all set on a white background.
Easy Vanilla Wacky Cake. Image Credit: Namely Marly.

This Easy Vanilla Wacky Cake recipe, also known as vanilla crazy cake, has its roots in the Great Depression era and became a Southern favorite for its frugality and simplicity. Made with minimal ingredients and no dairy, it’s perfect for a casual weeknight treat but can be dressed up with frosting and sprinkles for a festive weekend dessert.
Get This Recipe: Easy Vanilla Wacky Cake

Louisiana Pecan Pie: Old-Fashioned Southern Perfection

A close-up of a pecan pie with a slice removed, revealing its gooey, caramel-filled interior. The pie has a golden-brown crust and is topped with pecans. The dish rests on a piece of rustic burlap on a blue surface.
Louisiana Pecan Pie: Old-Fashioned Southern Perfection. Image Credit: Mixin Mamas.

Louisiana Pecan Pie is a classic southern-inspired dessert that’s rich and nutty. The sweet filling and crunchy pecans make it a holiday favorite. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy a timeless Southern treat that everyone will love!
Get This Recipe: Louisiana Pecan Pie: Old-Fashioned Southern Perfection

Vegan Coconut Cake

A slice of white cake with snow-white frosting and coconut shavings rests on a white plate. A fork holds a piece of the cake, showing its moist interior and creamy layers. The overall presentation is clean and elegant.
Vegan Coconut Cake. Image Credit: Namely Marly.

Indulge in our dreamy Vegan Coconut Cake, a treat that has roots in Southern baking traditions. This rich blend of coconut flavors paired with a luscious cashew cream filling brings a modern, plant-based twist to classic Southern desserts like coconut layer cake. Perfect for satisfying your vegan sweet tooth, it highlights the South’s love for coconut sweets while staying entirely plant based.

Get This Recipe: Vegan Coconut Cake

Pecan Praline Recipe

A small metallic tin is open, revealing a stack of glazed pecan praline candies inside. The candies have a smooth, glossy surface, suggesting they are covered in a sugary coating. More candies and a green cloth are visible in the blurred background.
Pecan Praline Recipe. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

Pecan Pralines are a traditional Southern treat featuring crunchy pecans and a soft, buttery-sweet base, made with just 5 ingredients.

Get This Recipe: Pecan Praline Recipe

Lemon Chess Pie

A close-up view of a pie with a golden, slightly cracked surface dusted with powdered sugar. The pie has a flaky, crimped crust, and three slices have been cut, revealing a rich, smooth filling. The pie is presented on a marble surface.
Lemon Chess Pie. Image Credit: Well Fed Baker.

Lemon Chess Pie is a classic southern-inspired dessert that’s tangy and sweet. The smooth, lemony filling sits perfectly in a buttery crust. It’s simple to make but full of flavor, making it a great choice for any occasion. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat that captures the essence of Southern baking. This pie is sure to be a hit with everyone!
Get This Recipe: Lemon Chess Pie

Double Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes

Close-up of several freshly baked chocolate muffins on a white, tiled surface. The muffins have a slightly cracked top and are in red and white striped paper liners.
Double Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Double Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes are a southern-inspired dessert that’s rich and decadent. With a moist chocolate base and fudgy frosting, they’re a chocolate lover’s dream. Perfect for parties or a sweet indulgence anytime. They’re easy to make and sure to impress. Enjoy a bite of Southern sweetness with every cupcake!
Get This Recipe: Double Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Old Fashioned Recipe!

Close-up of a freshly baked cake topped with a generous drizzle of white icing. The cake has a light, fluffy texture and a golden-brown crust. The icing appears to have slightly melted into the warm surface, creating a glossy finish.
Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

This Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake is an old-fashioned dessert that’s moist and rich. The cream cheese adds a creamy texture, making each slice melt in your mouth. It’s perfect for any gathering or just because. Serve it plain or with fresh berries for a touch of Southern charm. This cake is a timeless treat that everyone will love!
Get This Recipe: Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Old Fashioned Recipe!

Sweet Potato Bourbon Pie

A slice of pumpkin pie topped with a dollop of whipped cream sits on a white plate, with a silver fork resting beside it. The pie has a golden-brown crust and rich, creamy filling. The wooden table underneath adds a warm, rustic touch to the scene.
Sweet Potato Bourbon Pie. Image Credit: Mixin Mamas.

Sweet Potato Bourbon Pie is a classic southern-inspired dessert that’s rich and flavorful. The sweet potatoes and bourbon blend perfectly for a warm, comforting pie. It’s easy to make and a wonderful addition to any meal. Serve with whipped cream for an extra special touch. Enjoy this traditional Southern treat with a modern twist!
Get This Recipe: Sweet Potato Bourbon Pie

Easy Peach Crescent Roll Dumpling Recipe

A white plate with a serving of peach cobbler topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Beside the cobbler are several slices of fresh peach. The background includes a partially visible peach and a flowery placemat.
Easy Peach Crescent Roll Dumpling Recipe. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Peach Crescent Roll Dumplings are a southern-inspired dessert that’s simple yet delicious. Juicy peaches wrapped in flaky crescent rolls and baked to perfection. Perfect for a quick treat or a sweet ending to a meal. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy a taste of Southern comfort in every bite!
Get This Recipe: Easy Peach Crescent Roll Dumpling Recipe

Easy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars

Close-up of a slice of banana pudding cheesecake topped with whipped cream and a banana slice. The creamy, layered dessert has a yellow hue, with distinct layers of pudding, cheesecake, and a crumbly base, garnished with a vanilla wafer. Background is blurred.
Easy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars. Image Credit: Dizzy Busy & Hungry.

These Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars are a southern-inspired dessert that’s creamy and delightful. Combining the flavors of banana pudding with rich cheesecake, they’re an easy treat everyone will love. Perfect for parties or a special snack. They’re simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Bring a taste of the South to your dessert table with these delicious bars!
Get This Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars

Christmas Butter Cookies: Southern Holiday Funfetti Bites

A glass bowl filled with square pieces of cookie dough, each featuring colorful sprinkles scattered throughout. The background shows a partial view of green ribbon and some blurred festive elements, suggesting a celebratory or holiday theme.
Christmas Butter Cookies: Southern Holiday Funfetti Bites. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Christmas Butter Cookies are a fun southern-inspired dessert perfect for the holidays. Soft and buttery with colorful sprinkles, they’re great for festive gatherings. Easy to make and even more fun to eat, these cookies are a holiday hit. Share them with friends and family for a sweet Southern celebration. Enjoy the festive flavors of the South!
Get This Recipe: Christmas Butter Cookies: Southern Holiday Funfetti Bites

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

Close-up of a few thick slices of golden-brown cake drizzled with a glossy caramel sauce. The cake appears moist and tender, with the caramel adding a rich, smooth texture and a sweet touch to the dessert.
Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake. Image Credit: Britney Breaks Bread.

This Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is a southern-inspired dessert that’s rich and indulgent. The moist cake soaked in buttery caramel sauce and topped with a hint of salt is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make and even easier to love. Serve it warm for a comforting treat. Enjoy a classic Southern cake with a modern twist!
Get This Recipe: Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

Southern Chess Pie

A close-up image of a creamy custard pie with a golden-brown crust. One slice has been cut and removed, revealing the smooth, pale yellow filling. The top of the pie has a slight sheen and a few sprinkled flakes of sea salt.
Southern Chess Pie. Image Credit: Bakers Table.

Southern Chess Pie is a classic southern-inspired dessert that’s sweet and custardy. The simple ingredients come together to create a rich, smooth filling. It’s perfect for any occasion and easy to make. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat. This pie captures the essence of Southern baking and is sure to be a favorite!
Get This Recipe: Southern Chess Pie

Old Fashioned Southern Bourbon Peach Cobbler

A peach cobbler is shown in a white rectangular baking dish. The cobbler has a golden-brown, unevenly spread crust with patches of fluffy dough. Two scoops of vanilla ice cream are partially melting on top. A spoon rests on the right side of the dish.
Old Fashioned Southern Bourbon Peach Cobbler. Image Credit: Bakers Table.

This Bourbon Peach Cobbler is a southern-inspired dessert that’s rich and comforting. Juicy peaches and a hint of bourbon make this cobbler a standout treat. It’s easy to make and perfect for any gathering. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy a classic Southern dessert with a delightful twist!
Get This Recipe: Old Fashioned Southern Bourbon Peach Cobbler

A close-up of several rustic, homemade cookies with golden-brown, crumbly textures, sprinkled with sea salt flakes. To the left are small wooden containers, one holding more sea salt and the other a pecan. Pieces of string and a burlap cloth are also visible.
Pork Rind and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic Southern Cookie Recipes. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Pork Rind and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a unique southern-inspired dessert. The crunchy pork rinds add an unexpected twist to the classic cookie. They’re easy to make and perfect for adventurous eaters. Each bite is a blend of sweet and savory. Enjoy a bold Southern treat that’s sure to surprise and delight!
Get This Recipe: Pork Rind and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic Southern Cookie Recipes

Sock It To Me Cake From Scratch

Close-up of a sliced bundt cake with a rich, golden exterior, featuring a visible layer of chopped nuts and a moist filling. The cake is topped with a generous dollop of creamy white icing, and the background showcases additional slices of the same cake.
Sock It to Me Cake from Scratch. Image Credit: Britney Breaks Bread.

This Sock It to Me Cake is a southern-inspired dessert that’s moist and flavorful. The cinnamon and pecan filling adds a delightful surprise in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or just a sweet treat. It’s easy to make and always a hit. Enjoy a classic Southern cake that everyone will love!
Get This Recipe: Sock It To Me Cake From Scratch

Brownie Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies

Close-up of two chocolate chip cookies on a light wooden surface. The cookies are slightly cracked and have a rich, chunky texture with visible chocolate chips. In the background, there's a bowl of chocolate chips and some scattered on the surface.
Brownie Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Brownie Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies are a southern-inspired dessert that’s rich and chewy. Combining the best of brownies and cookies, they’re easy to make and irresistible. Perfect for any occasion or just a sweet snack. Each bite is full of chocolatey goodness. Enjoy a simple yet delicious Southern treat!
Get This Recipe: Brownie Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies

Magic Cake With Autumn Apples

A close-up of a slice of custard pie on a white plate, with powdered sugar sprinkled on top. A fork with a piece of the pie rests on the plate, showing the creamy filling and flaky crust. The background is a dark surface.
Magic Cake With Autumn Apples. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

This Magic Cake with Autumn Apples is a southern-inspired dessert that’s light and flavorful. The layers of custard and cake create a unique texture, with apples adding a sweet touch. It’s easy to make and perfect for fall. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy a magical Southern dessert that’s sure to impress!
Get This Recipe: Magic Cake with Autumn Apples

Vegan Pecan Pie

A southern pecan pie with a slice removed, topped with whipped cream, featuring a golden crust and whole pecans neatly arranged on the surface.
Vegan Pecan Pie. Image Credit: Namely Marly.

This homemade Vegan Pecan Pie is both straightforward and delicious, showcasing why it’s a favorite. With an indulgent, sweet filling and a generous dose of pecans, it’s made from simple ingredients and easy steps. This classic pie gets a Southern touch with a hint of rum.

Get This Recipe: Vegan Pecan Pie

How To Make Bananas Foster (Vegan, No Alcohol)

A bowl of caramelized bananas served over creamy vanilla ice cream. The bananas are golden brown and glossy with caramel sauce, creating a rich and indulgent dessert with a mix of warm bananas and cold, smooth ice cream.
How To Make Bananas Foster (Vegan, No Alcohol). Image Credit: Strength and Sunshine.

This vegan Bananas Foster is a southern-inspired dessert that’s rich and creamy without any dairy or alcohol. Sautéed bananas in a sweet caramel sauce make this dish irresistible. Serve over vegan ice cream for a quick and delightful treat. Perfect for a special night or whenever you need a simple yet impressive dessert. Enjoy a taste of the South, made plant-based!
Get This Recipe: How To Make Bananas Foster (Vegan, No Alcohol)

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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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