Southern Desserts Made to Chase Your Troubles Away

Jenny deRemer

Nov 21, 2025

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Southern desserts have a special way of bringing comfort with every bite. Whether you need a little sweetness to brighten your day or a treat to share with loved ones, these desserts hit the spot. I love how they’re simple to make but rich in flavor, making any occasion feel just a little bit more special. There’s something about that old-fashioned Southern charm that makes them irresistible. So if you’re looking for a way to forget your troubles, these sweet Southern treats are just the thing.

Table of Contents

A red plate filled with freshly baked cookies topped with pecans. The cookies are golden brown with visible chunks of pecans throughout. The edge of a decorative cloth is partially visible.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

These Butter Pecan Cookies are a true southern classic, combining rich buttery dough with the crunch of toasted pecans. Perfectly sweet and packed with nutty flavor, they’re an ideal dessert for those who love traditional southern treats. Each bite is rich and satisfying, making these cookies a perfect pick for any sweet ending.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies – Classic Southern Cookie Recipes

Rum Soaked Southern Coconut Pecan Cake

A slice of moist, dense fruitcake with a rich, caramelized topping sits on a white plate. The background is decorated with festive holiday elements, including pine cones, holly, and warm twinkle lights.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The Rum Soaked Southern Coconut Pecan Cake is a true southern indulgence. This moist cake is soaked in rum and loaded with shredded coconut and crunchy pecans, delivering a rich and flavorful dessert. The rum adds depth, while the coconut and pecans provide texture, making this cake a great option for anyone craving a classic southern dessert.
Get the Recipe: Rum Soaked Southern Coconut Pecan Cake

Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Ball Cookies

A close-up of a dessert ball coated in chopped nuts, placed in a white paper cup decorated with red hearts, set against a red background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Ball Cookies pack a punch with rich chocolate and a hint of bourbon, bringing a taste of the south with every bite. The crunchy pecans add a delightful texture, while the bourbon gives it a warm kick, perfect for holiday gatherings. These bite-sized treats are a southern classic, with flavors that embody the spirit of southern desserts.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Ball Cookies

Huguenot Church Blueberry Brunch Cake

A freshly baked blueberry cake cooling on a wire rack sits on a rustic wooden table. Nearby, a small bowl with a creamy topping and scattered blueberries add to the setup. An open handwritten recipe page is also visible beside the cake.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The Huguenot Church Blueberry Brunch Cake blends fresh blueberries into a soft and buttery cake, making it the perfect brunch dessert. Its light texture and fruity sweetness capture the essence of southern-style baking, ideal for breakfast or dessert. With a hint of lemon zest and a rich crumb topping, this cake is a true celebration of southern flavors, perfect for family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Huguenot Church Blueberry Brunch Cake

Boozy Macerated Strawberries

Waffles on a plate with sliced strawberries, two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and mint leaves on top.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

These Boozy Macerated Strawberries are soaked in sugar and liquor for a southern dessert that’s both sweet and bold. The alcohol enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries, making them perfect for topping desserts like pound cake or ice cream. This recipe adds a fun, southern twist to any dessert spread and is great for parties.
Get the Recipe: Boozy Macerated Strawberries

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Old Fashioned Recipe!

A close-up of a Bundt cake with a golden-brown crust, generously drizzled with white icing. The cake is presented on a wooden board, with the icing showcasing an artistic, dripping pattern, highlighting the cake's rich texture.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Rich and dense, the Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a staple in southern homes. This old-fashioned recipe gives you a perfectly moist cake with a golden crust and the right balance of sweetness. It’s great for casual get-togethers or after-dinner treats, bringing a nostalgic taste of southern hospitality to the table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Old Fashioned Recipe!

Chocolate Ganache and Raspberry Tart

Close-up of a chocolate tart topped with fresh raspberries and dusted with powdered sugar. The tart has a dark, textured crust, and the vibrant red raspberries add a pop of color to the rich chocolate surface.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Indulge in the decadent Chocolate Ganache and Raspberry Tart, a dessert that balances rich dark chocolate and tart raspberries. Perfect for a special occasion, this dessert brings a taste of southern charm with its deep, sweet flavors. The crisp crust and smooth ganache make it an unforgettable addition to any southern-inspired dessert menu.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Ganache and Raspberry Tart

Sweet Lavender Cupcakes with Sugared Flowers and a Honeyed Cream Cheese Frosting

A dozen cupcakes on a white surface, decorated with pastel pink and purple frosting. Some cupcakes are topped with small purple flowers and flower petals, while others have purple frosting with sprinkles. The overall arrangement is visually pleasing and elegant.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The Sweet Lavender Cupcakes with Sugared Flowers bring a touch of southern elegance with their delicate floral flavor. Topped with honeyed cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes offer a unique twist on southern dessert traditions. With sugared flowers for decoration, these light and fragrant treats are a beautiful addition to any tea party or summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Lavender Cupcakes with Sugared Flowers and a Honeyed Cream Cheese Frosting

Kolachy Cookies with Jam

A wooden plate filled with golden-brown pastries, folded to reveal sweet filling, and dusted with powdered sugar. The pastries are neatly arranged, showcasing their flaky texture and inviting appearance.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

The Kolachy Cookies with Jam are a delightful treat that combines a soft, buttery dough with a sweet jam filling. While not originally southern, these cookies have found their way into many southern dessert tables, offering a bite-sized option that’s perfect for sharing. With flavors that evoke old-fashioned gatherings, they’re a must-have for anyone who loves southern sweets.
Get the Recipe: Kolachy Cookies with Jam

Old Fashioned Carrot Cake with Pineapple

A three-layer carrot cake with frosting between layers and on top, decorated with small orange and green icing shapes resembling carrots. The cake is displayed on a light-colored plate.
Image Credit: Waiting for Blancmange

The Old Fashioned Carrot Cake with Pineapple brings a fresh take on a southern dessert favorite. Moist and rich with shredded carrots, pineapple chunks, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is both comforting and flavorful. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a true southern classic that’s been enjoyed for generations.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Carrot Cake with Pineapple

Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies

Close-up of red velvet cookies with white and dark chocolate chips scattered on parchment paper, with more cookies and chocolate chips in the background. The cookies are set against a rustic wooden surface.
Image Credit: Baking A Moment

Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies are a southern favorite that combines the rich flavor of red velvet cake with the chewiness of a cookie. Studded with chocolate chips, these vibrant cookies are as visually striking as they are delicious. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a casual dessert, they add a little southern flair to your cookie plate.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies

A Sweet Sunshine By The Slice Strawberry And Lemon Pie

A strawberry tart topped with sliced strawberries and small flowers on a red checkered cloth. A decorative pie server is placed beside it.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The Strawberry and Lemon Pie is the perfect mix of sweet and tangy, with fresh strawberries layered over a creamy lemon filling. This pie captures the light, fresh flavors of southern summers and is ideal for any gathering where you want to bring a bit of sunshine to the table. With its crisp crust and vibrant flavors, it’s a slice of southern dessert goodness.
Get the Recipe: A Sweet Sunshine By The Slice Strawberry And Lemon Pie

Easy Strawberry Pretzel Pie

A vibrant strawberry cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries, red currants, and pretzel pieces. The dessert is set on a light fabric with scattered flower petals, creating a colorful and inviting presentation.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The Easy Strawberry Pretzel Pie brings together a crunchy pretzel crust, sweet strawberry filling, and a creamy topping for a dessert that’s hard to resist. A true southern-inspired treat, the balance of sweet and salty makes this pie stand out at any summer gathering. It’s an ideal choice when you want a quick, refreshing dessert with a bit of a southern twist.
Get the Recipe: Easy Strawberry Pretzel Pie

Peach Cobbler in a Jar (Gluten Free + Vegan)

Three mason jars are filled with peach cobbler and topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream. The layers of peaches and crumbly topping are visible through the glass jars. Spoons are sticking out of the jars, and ice cream is starting to melt down the sides.
Image Credit: Organically Addison

The Peach Cobbler in a Jar offers a modern, gluten-free, and vegan twist on the southern favorite. Fresh peaches are baked into a spiced, crumbly topping and served in individual jars for a fun and convenient dessert. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, this dessert is a fresh take on the classic cobbler that has been a staple in southern kitchens for generations.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler in a Jar (Gluten Free + Vegan)

Baked Apple Roses

A close-up of an apple rose pastry, featuring thinly sliced apple arranged intricately to resemble the petals of a rose. The edges are caramelized and slightly browned, giving the pastry a delicate, baked appearance. A hint of powdered sugar is visible on the side.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

These elegant Baked Apple Roses offer a sweet and simple way to enjoy a southern-inspired dessert. Thinly sliced apples are arranged into delicate rose shapes, baked with a buttery cinnamon filling, and topped with powdered sugar. This beautiful dessert not only looks impressive but also captures the warm, comforting flavors of southern baking, making it a perfect choice for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Baked Apple Roses

Gluten Free Lemon Bars

A close-up of a lemon bar topped with a thin lemon slice and dusted with powdered sugar. The bright yellow dessert is cut into a square shape and is placed on a light-colored surface.
Image Credit: Organically Addison

These Gluten Free Lemon Bars deliver a tangy, sweet flavor with a smooth, custard-like filling over a crumbly gluten-free crust. A southern favorite, these lemon bars are a great option for anyone who loves the classic citrus flavor of southern desserts. Easy to make and full of fresh flavor, they’re perfect for summertime gatherings or afternoon treats.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Lemon Bars

Strawberry Poke Cake with Fresh Strawberries (No Jello)

A bundt cake with a light glaze sits on a white plate, garnished with fresh strawberry slices. The cake is surrounded by two white bowls filled with strawberries, and a white cloth with a red pattern is partially visible in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The Strawberry Poke Cake is a refreshing dessert that highlights fresh, juicy strawberries. Unlike traditional poke cakes, this recipe skips the Jello and lets the natural sweetness of the fruit shine. With a fluffy cake base and whipped cream topping, it’s a light and airy dessert that’s a perfect fit for southern-style summer celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poke Cake with Fresh Strawberries (No Jello)

Apple Cinnamon Raw Bowl (Delicious & Low-Carb)

A bowl filled with sliced fruits, including bananas and apples, topped with shredded coconut and sprinkled with cinnamon. The bowl is being held outdoors, with a blurry green background.
Image Credit: Refresh My Health

For a lighter southern-inspired dessert, the Apple Cinnamon Raw Bowl combines fresh apples with a cinnamon-spiced mix that’s both healthy and delicious. This low-carb, no-bake treat captures the comforting flavors of apple pie but in a guilt-free format. Perfect for a quick snack or light dessert, it offers the taste of southern comfort with a health-conscious twist.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Raw Bowl (Delicious & Low-Carb)

Derby Pie

A close-up of a pie with a golden-brown crust, partially sliced to reveal a filling with visible nuts and chocolate chunks. A pie server rests beside the dish, and two stacked plates with a single slice of pie are in the background.
Image Credit: Baking A Moment

The Derby Pie brings together rich chocolate and crunchy pecans in a buttery crust, making it a standout dessert for any southern gathering. Infused with a hint of bourbon, this classic treat offers a sweet finish with a little kick. Its indulgent flavors make it a great choice for ending a meal with a touch of southern charm.
Get the Recipe: Derby Pie

Vegan Peaches and Cream

A jar filled with creamy yogurt topped with granola and fruit chunks. A spoon rests inside, ready to scoop. The background is softly blurred.
Image Credit: Beet of the Wild

For a light and refreshing southern-inspired treat, the Vegan Peaches and Cream is a perfect option. Juicy peaches paired with a creamy, plant-based topping create a dessert that’s both healthy and satisfying. This simple recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit, making it a great addition to any dessert spread from the South.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Peaches and Cream

5-Ingredient Key Lime Pie (Make-Ahead)

Close-up of a key lime pie topped with swirls of whipped cream, lime zest, and lime slices. The crust is visible around the edges of the creamy filling, and the green and white toppings create a fresh and vibrant look.
Image Credit: Chew Out Loud

With just five ingredients, the Key Lime Pie delivers a tangy, refreshing finish to any southern-style meal. The smooth, citrusy filling perfectly complements the buttery graham cracker crust, making it a crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and make-ahead preparation make it an ideal choice for easy southern desserts that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Key Lime Pie (Make-Ahead)

Chocolate Banana Cream Pie

A freshly baked pie with a golden crust topped with fluffy whipped cream and banana slices, lightly dusted with cinnamon. It sits on a wooden table next to a striped cloth and a knife with a wooden handle.
Image Credit: Foodess

This Chocolate Banana Cream Pie combines the richness of chocolate with the smooth creaminess of bananas for a delightful dessert. The layers of chocolate pudding, fresh bananas, and whipped cream come together in a flaky crust, creating a southern dessert that’s both rich and refreshing. Perfect for special occasions or family dinners alike.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Banana Cream Pie

Crock Pot Pecan Pie (EASY Pecan Pie Recipe)

A pecan pie with a slice cut out, placed on a small plate beside it. The slice is topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The pie is filled with a gooey, brown pecan filling and is set on a wooden surface with gray, speckled background.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

The Crock Pot Pecan Pie simplifies this southern staple, making it easy to enjoy the flavors of buttery pecans and caramel-like filling. With the convenience of slow cooking, this dessert frees up oven space while delivering the rich, traditional taste that southern pecan pies are known for. It’s perfect for casual southern dinners or holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Pecan Pie (EASY Pecan Pie Recipe)

Homemade Banana Pudding

Two glasses filled with creamy banana pudding topped with whipped cream and crushed cookies. The dessert is layered with banana slices and pudding. Metal spoons and a patterned orange napkin are placed beside the glasses on a white surface.
Image Credit: 100 Days of Real Food

Nothing says southern comfort quite like Homemade Banana Pudding. With layers of vanilla wafers, creamy pudding, and ripe bananas, this dessert is a must-have for any southern-style gathering. It’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers that signature southern sweetness with every bite, making it a perfect dessert to bring to family get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Banana Pudding

Blackberry Cobbler

A mug filled with warm berry cobbler, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh blackberries are scattered around, and a spoon is partially submerged in the cobbler. A beige cloth napkin is nearby on a light gray surface.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Blackberry Cobbler is bursting with juicy berries and topped with a buttery, golden crust, making it a quintessential southern dessert. The simplicity of the recipe lets the tartness of the blackberries shine through, balanced by the sweetness of the baked topping. It’s a great choice for ending any southern meal on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Cobbler

Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Two lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar sit on a white plate. The bars have a golden yellow lemon layer on top of a crumbly crust. In the background, there are partially visible lemons on a green polka dot surface.
Image Credit: Chew Out Loud

These Lemon Bars pair a tangy lemon filling with a buttery shortbread crust for a bright, refreshing dessert. The tartness of the lemon contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the crust, making it a southern favorite for summer get-togethers. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, they’re sure to stand out at any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Cinnamon Baked Golden Apples

A white plate holds three baked apples. One apple has a visible cavity filled with spices. The apples are slightly wrinkled and golden-brown from baking. A piece of dark chocolate rests on the plate beside them. The background is softly blurred.
Image Credit: Refresh My Health

Cinnamon Baked Golden Apples are a warm and comforting southern dessert, perfect for fall or winter gatherings. Baked with cinnamon, sugar, and butter, the apples turn soft and tender, with a caramelized topping that adds a touch of sweetness. This simple and wholesome dessert brings a taste of southern warmth and nostalgia to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Baked Golden Apples

A Simple and Tasty Blueberry Compote Recipe

A spoonful of glossy red cherries is held above a blue-rimmed bowl filled with cherry compote. The cherries are shiny and coated in a thick, syrupy sauce, displaying a rich, vibrant red color.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Blueberry Compote is a quick and versatile southern-inspired dessert that’s perfect for topping pancakes, ice cream, or even yogurt. The blueberries simmer down into a sweet and slightly tart sauce that’s rich in flavor. It’s an easy way to bring southern charm to your breakfast or dessert table.
Get the Recipe: A Simple and Tasty Blueberry Compote Recipe

Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce Recipe

A dessert bowl featuring a baked treat topped with glazed strawberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The dish is set on a table with a plaid cloth and an owl-shaped container in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tang of rhubarb, making it a refreshing southern-style dessert. This sauce pairs well with cakes, ice cream, or even yogurt, and adds a vibrant, fruity flavor to any meal. Its simplicity and versatility make it a great option for a quick dessert with southern flair.
Get the Recipe: Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce Recipe

A Classic Strawberry Panna Cotta Recipe

A vibrant pink gelatin dessert sits on a plate, garnished with fresh strawberries and blackberries. The jelly has a smooth, glossy surface and a textured edge. Lush greenery is visible in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The Strawberry Panna Cotta offers a creamy, rich dessert that’s light and perfect for southern summer gatherings. Topped with fresh strawberries, this dessert is smooth, sweet, and refreshing, making it a great choice for any occasion. Its simple elegance makes it a standout option for ending a southern meal on a sweet note.
Get the Recipe: A Classic Strawberry Panna Cotta Recipe

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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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