Favorite Southern Desserts The Kind of Sweetness That Fixes Everything

Jenny deRemer

Oct 14, 2024

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There’s something about Southern desserts that brings a little sunshine to any day no matter what’s going on. I believe these sweet treats have the magical ability to lift spirits and create lasting memories around the table. From classic favorites to unique spins, these desserts are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying all on your own. They’re easy to make and the delicious results are well worth the effort. Let’s dive into the sweetness that can truly fix everything!

Table of Contents

An Apple Cheese Danish Dessert Recipe

Close-up of a flaky pastry topped with thinly sliced red apples. The pastry has a golden-brown, buttery crust with sugar sprinkled on top. Surrounding the central pastry are other similar pastries, adding to the overall delectable appearance.
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This Apple Cheese Danish is a standout Southern dessert, combining flaky pastry, sweet apples, and creamy cheese filling. It’s a favorite for family breakfasts or a comforting treat after dinner, offering a balance of tart and sweet that will quickly make it a beloved dish in any household.
Get the Recipe: An Apple Cheese Danish Dessert Recipe

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.
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Indulge in the floral notes of Sweet Lavender Cupcakes topped with a honeyed cream cheese frosting. These whimsical treats add a unique touch to any dessert spread and are a favorite Southern choice for special occasions. Their charming presentation and delightful flavors make them a hit with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Lavender Cupcakes With Sugared Flowers And A Honeyed Cream Cheese Frosting

A Sweet Sunshine By The Slice Strawberry And Lemon Pie

A strawberry tart topped with sliced strawberries and pink and white edible flowers. It rests on a red checkered napkin with a decorative silver pie server beside it. The tart filling is creamy and light yellow.
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The Sweet Sunshine By The Slice Strawberry And Lemon Pie brightens any table with its vibrant flavors. The combination of tart lemon and sweet strawberries creates a perfect balance that will have your family coming back for more. This pie is a true Southern favorite dessert, perfect for summertime celebrations.
Get the Recipe: A Sweet Sunshine By The Slice Strawberry And Lemon Pie

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Top view of apple crumb bars with chunks of apples and a crumbly topping. The bars have a golden brown color with visible pieces of pecans. They are arranged on a light surface, creating a grid pattern.
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These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the ultimate Southern-style treat, combining tender apples, buttery crust, and a rich caramel drizzle. A favorite for family gatherings, these bars are easy to serve and full of comforting flavors, making them the perfect dessert for any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

All American OREO Coconut Cream Pie

A dessert topped with raspberries, blueberries, shredded coconut, and a chocolate cookie in the center. It has a whipped cream base on a dark crumb crust. The dish is on a light wooden surface.
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This All American OREO Coconut Cream Pie is a fun twist on the classic cream pie, combining rich coconut flavor with OREO crust. It’s a favorite Southern dessert that’s sure to be a hit at family reunions. Creamy and indulgent, this pie brings smiles with every delicious slice.
Get the Recipe: All American OREO Coconut Cream Pie

Real Simple Apricot Walnut Rugelach

Close-up of cinnamon pinwheel cookies featuring a swirl of brown cinnamon filling inside a light golden-brown dough, arranged closely on a white plate.
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This Apricot Walnut Rugelach brings the warm, buttery flavors of a Southern favorite dessert to life. With flaky pastry wrapped around sweet apricot and walnut filling, it’s the kind of dessert your family will love to enjoy any time of year. Its simplicity makes it an easy choice for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Real Simple Apricot Walnut Rugelach

Irish Custard with An Orchard Pear Crumble

A close-up of a dessert in a green glass bowl filled with slices of apple crumble topped with a rich, creamy sauce. A spoon and an empty dish can be seen in the background.
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The creamy custard and pear crumble in this Irish Custard with Orchard Pear Crumble make it a wonderful take on a Southern favorite dessert. The juicy baked pears and crunchy topping offer the right mix of textures, while the custard adds a smooth and comforting base. It’s a dessert the family will keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Irish Custard with An Orchard Pear Crumble

Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Pound Cake

A bundt cake decorated with small berries is sliced and arranged on a plate. A spoon rests beside the cake. The background includes glasses with a pinkish drink and a light-colored cloth.
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This Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Pound Cake is the perfect fall treat, combining classic Southern dessert flavors with the warmth of pumpkin spice. Its rich, creamy center and moist texture make it a family favorite, especially when you’re looking for something that brings comfort with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Easy Pavlova Recipe with Berries

A close-up of a pavlova topped with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and blueberries. The dessert has a meringue base with red fruit sauce drizzling down the sides, displayed on a white plate against a dark background.
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The Easy Pavlova Recipe with Berries features a light and airy meringue topped with luscious fresh berries. This dessert is a refreshing Southern favorite, perfect for warm days. It’s simple to make yet elegant enough to impress your family and friends at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pavlova Recipe with Berries

Gingerbread Stout Bundt Cake Recipe

A chocolate bundt cake shaped like snowy peaks is dusted with powdered sugar. It is surrounded by red berries and pinecones on a festive tablecloth, with holiday decorations in the background.
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This Gingerbread Stout Bundt Cake is a bold Southern dessert with rich, spicy flavors and a hint of dark stout. The combination of ginger and molasses creates a deep, comforting sweetness, making it a favorite choice for cooler weather or holiday gatherings with the family.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Stout Bundt Cake Recipe

Chocolate Pie

A slice of chocolate cream pie on a white plate. The pie has a dark chocolate crust, a thick layer of rich, creamy chocolate filling, and a topping of fluffy whipped cream. Crumbled chocolate pieces are sprinkled on top and around the plate.
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Nothing says Southern comfort like a classic Chocolate Pie. This favorite dessert features a rich, velvety chocolate filling inside a flaky, buttery crust. It’s a simple yet indulgent dessert that the family will be asking for time and again, perfect for any time you want to share a sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pie

Mighty Irish Guinness Beer Cake Recipe

A close-up of a fork holding a piece of red velvet cake with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting. The cake has a rich, moist texture and deep red color, contrasting with the creamy, smooth frosting. The plate below is pink with a delicate floral pattern.
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While this Mighty Irish Guinness Beer Cake may come from across the pond, its rich, dense texture makes it a Southern family favorite dessert too. The dark stout flavor adds a unique depth to the cake, making it a hit at any gathering where bold flavors are appreciated.
Get the Recipe: Mighty Irish Guinness Beer Cake Recipe

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.
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These Baked Apple Roses are a beautiful and delicious Southern-inspired dessert. The thinly sliced apples are rolled into delicate rose shapes and baked into a flaky crust. With a touch of cinnamon, they are not only visually stunning but a favorite treat for special family occasions.
Get the Recipe: Baked Apple Roses

Vintage Watergate Cake Recipe

Close-up of a cake with light green frosting and a garnish of crushed nuts on the sides. The cake is placed on a silver plate, and a folded pink napkin is visible in the background.
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Experience a taste of nostalgia with the Vintage Watergate Cake Recipe. This retro Southern dessert features a unique combination of flavors, including pineapple and nuts, making it a favorite at family gatherings. Its light, fluffy texture and creamy frosting are sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Watergate Cake Recipe

Chocolate Ganache And Raspberry Tart

A close-up of a chocolate tart topped with fresh raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. The tart has a slightly grainy crust, and the vibrant red raspberries stand out against the rich, dark chocolate filling.
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This Chocolate Ganache and Raspberry Tart combines rich chocolate with tart raspberries for a show-stopping Southern dessert. Its sophisticated flavors and smooth ganache make it a favorite for special occasions. Whether you’re serving family or friends, this tart is sure to impress with its perfect blend of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Ganache And Raspberry Tart

Country Apple Pie Recipe

A freshly baked pie with a golden, flaky crust decorated with leaf-shaped patterns sits on a table. A fork rests on a colorful plaid napkin beside the pie, and a ceramic pitcher with a fruit design is partially visible.
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The Country Apple Pie is a Southern family tradition, filled with spiced apples and baked in a flaky crust. Its classic, homey flavors make it a favorite dessert for any holiday or weekend get-together. This pie brings back the taste of nostalgia with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Country Apple Pie Recipe

Double Chocolate Fudge Cookies with Candied Orange

Close-up of chocolate chip cookies with orange peel pieces on a cooling rack. A sliced orange is partially visible in the background.
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Indulge in the rich flavors of these Double Chocolate Fudge Cookies with Candied Orange. This Southern twist combines dark chocolate with the bright citrusy zing of orange, creating a deliciously unique treat that stands out at any gathering. They’re a favorite among families who crave something special and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Fudge Cookies with Candied Orange

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.
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Enjoy a slice of nostalgia with this Strawberry Poke Cake with Fresh Strawberries. Bursting with real strawberry flavor and topped with whipped cream, this cake is a true Southern dessert that brings joy to any family celebration. Its simple preparation makes it a go-to recipe for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poke Cake with Fresh Strawberries (No Jello)

Cinnamon Swirl Toasted Pecan Bundt Cake

A close-up of a bundt cake drizzled with creamy icing. The cake has a textured, golden-brown surface. A spoon scoops up the icing, while a few whole pecans are scattered on the marble surface underneath.
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This Cinnamon Swirl Toasted Pecan Bundt Cake is a Southern family favorite that combines toasted pecans with warm cinnamon. The sweet, nutty flavors make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Its buttery glaze and moist texture ensure that every slice is packed with comforting goodness.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Swirl Toasted Pecan Bundt Cake

Buttery Whipped Shortbread Cookies – 4 Ingredients!

A close-up of assorted thumbprint cookies topped with red and green candied cherries and colorful sprinkles. The cookies are arranged on a plate with string lights adding a warm glow.
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These Buttery Whipped Shortbread Cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth favorite and embody Southern simplicity with just four ingredients. The light and fluffy texture makes them a perfect sweet treat for any family occasion. Their rich, buttery flavor will make these cookies a go-to for any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whipped Shortbread Cookies – 4 Ingredients!

Fig Bars With Oatmeal And Walnuts

Close-up of a stack of strawberry crumble bars resting on a white surface. The bars have a crumbly oat topping and a thick layer of vibrant red strawberry filling over a buttery base. The texture appears crisp and delicious. Blue and white patterned fabric is partially visible in the background.
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These Fig Bars with Oatmeal and Walnuts are the perfect mix of chewy and crunchy, making them a top pick for a Southern dessert. The natural sweetness of figs blends beautifully with the heartiness of oats and walnuts, giving them that classic homemade feel your family will love. It’s the kind of favorite treat that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Fig Bars With Oatmeal And Walnuts

Classic Tiramisu Recipe with Sweet Marsala Wine

A slice of tiramisu on a white plate, topped with cocoa powder. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone are visible, with additional cocoa dusted around the plate.
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This Classic Tiramisu might be an Italian import, but its creamy layers and coffee flavor make it a favorite dessert for any Southern gathering. With the sweetness of Marsala wine and rich mascarpone, it’s the kind of treat your family will enjoy at special dinners or just for fun.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tiramisu Recipe with Sweet Marsala Wine

Gluten-free Banana Cake Recipe with Maple Walnut Frosting

A slice of banana cake topped with thick frosting and walnut halves on a white plate. A fork is placed beside the cake. The background features a wooden ring and a white surface.
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This Gluten-free Banana Cake Recipe with Maple Walnut Frosting is a moist and flavorful option that everyone will love. The addition of maple and walnuts makes this cake a unique Southern favorite. It’s a wonderful dessert to share with family, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice without worry.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-free Banana Cake Recipe with Maple Walnut Frosting

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.
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These Butter Pecan Cookies are a Southern dessert classic that always hits the spot. With their buttery, nutty flavor, they’re a favorite for family gatherings or everyday snacking. Simple to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies capture that nostalgic Southern charm in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies – Classic Southern Cookie Recipes

Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

A close-up of a loaf cake on a glass plate drizzled with thick caramel glaze, creating a rich, glossy texture. In the background, there's a wire basket and a light wooden surface.
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The Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines creamy goodness with fresh apples. This cake is a beloved Southern treat, perfect for family gatherings or just because. Each slice is a comforting reminder of home, making it a favorite choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Apple Strawberry Crisp with Oatmeal Crumble

A rectangular baking dish filled with a golden brown pie topped with crumbly streusel and heart-shaped pieces of crust. Next to the dish is a small red bowl and a golden spoon on a white marble surface. The background features a red patterned cloth.
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The Apple Strawberry Crisp with Oatmeal Crumble is a delightful blend of sweet apples and juicy strawberries topped with a crunchy oatmeal layer. This dessert embodies the essence of Southern treats, making it a family favorite. Each spoonful is filled with comforting flavors and perfect for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Apple Strawberry Crisp with Oatmeal Crumble

County Fair Lemon Pie

A lemon pie topped with whipped cream and lemon slices is surrounded by a crumbly crust. A checkered cloth is in the background next to an ornate pie server. The pie is set on a rustic wooden surface.
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The County Fair Lemon Pie is a refreshing Southern classic dessert, blending sweet and tart lemon flavors with a buttery crust. Its light, zesty filling makes it a family favorite for warm days and casual gatherings. It’s the kind of pie that reminds you of simpler, sweeter times.
Get the Recipe: County Fair Lemon Pie

Bailey’s Irish Cream Cupcakes

Four cupcakes decorated with white frosting and assorted green and gold sprinkles are displayed on a white wooden surface. The cupcakes are in green liners, and the background includes green glass containers and scattered sprinkles.
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These Bailey’s Irish Cream Cupcakes are the perfect Southern dessert for adults, offering a rich flavor with every bite. The creamy frosting and moist cake blend together beautifully, making them a favorite for special occasions. Treat your family to these delightful cupcakes for a sweet surprise.
Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Irish Cream Cupcakes

Cranberry Pistachio Christmas Biscotti

Close-up of a biscotti drizzled with white chocolate and sprinkled with chopped nuts and cranberries, resting on a parchment-lined tray.
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The Cranberry Pistachio Christmas Biscotti adds a Southern twist to your holiday dessert table with its bright cranberries and crunchy pistachios. These festive treats are perfect for sharing with family, making them a favorite choice to enjoy with coffee or tea during the season.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pistachio Christmas Biscotti

Insanely Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake with Apples and Pecans

A close-up of a freshly baked bread pudding drizzled with white icing. The golden-brown bread pieces are interspersed with chopped pecans and chunks of apples, creating a deliciously rich and textured dessert.
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The combination of cinnamon, apples, and pecans in this Cinnamon Roll Cake makes it an absolute Southern favorite. This dessert brings together warm, comforting flavors with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. It’s sure to become a go-to for any family gathering, especially when you need a reliable dessert that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Insanely Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake with Apples and Pecans

Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

Close-up of a slice of moist apple cake on a white plate. The cake has a golden-brown crust and is filled with chunks of apple and raisins. A light glaze drips over the top. A fork is placed on the plate beside the cake slice. Orange fruits are blurred in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The Butternut Squash Cake brings a Southern twist to your dessert lineup with its moist texture and spiced flavor. Topped with a tangy buttermilk glaze, this cake offers a rich, comforting sweetness. It’s a favorite choice for fall gatherings when family is craving something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

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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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