Southern Sweets to Swoon Over

Jenny deRemer

Aug 14, 2025

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From passed-down pies to bourbon-drenched cakes, these Southern dessert recipes are rich in tradition and even richer in flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, potluck, or just a regular Tuesday, classics like Sweet Potato Pie, Butter Pecan Cookies, and Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe are sure to sweeten the moment. Don’t skip the boozy charm of Rum Soaked Southern Coconut Pecan Cake or the irresistible crunch of Cinnamon Sweet Potato Pie Cookies Recipe—these treats are Southern hospitality in sugar form.

Table of Contents

No Bake Gingerbread Rum Balls

A white bowl filled with powdered sugar-coated chocolate truffles sits on a white wooden surface. Surrounding the bowl are festive holiday decorations, including red pom-poms, a silver tinsel garland, pinecones, pine needles, and red berries.
No Bake Gingerbread Rum Balls. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Enjoy the festive flavors of gingerbread with a kick by trying these No Bake Gingerbread Rum Balls. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave something special, these treats combine rum and spices to create a delightful southern-inspired dessert. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Gingerbread Rum Balls

Close-up shot of a stack of freshly baked pecan cookies. The cookies are golden brown, with pieces of crunchy pecans visible on top and embedded within the dough. The texture appears soft and crumbly, showcasing a homely, homemade appeal.
Butter Pecan Cookies – Classic Southern Cookie Recipes. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Butter Pecan Cookies are a southern classic dessert, packed with buttery goodness and crunchy pecans. Perfect for any cookie lover, these treats bring a taste of the South to your table. Bake a batch for a delightful, homemade snack that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies – Classic Southern Cookie Recipes

Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

A golden-brown apple cake with a slice cut out, showing its moist texture and topped with caramelized apple pieces. The slice is placed on a white plate with a fork on a yellow napkin beside. Fresh apples and pears are arranged as decoration around the cake.
Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with this Butternut Squash Cake, topped with a tangy buttermilk glaze. This cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, offering a unique twist on traditional southern desserts. Serve it up and enjoy the compliments.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

Country Apple Pie Recipe

A golden-brown homemade pie topped with a flaky crust adorned with decorative leaf-shaped pastry cutouts. The crust is sprinkled with sugar, and diagonal slits reveal a glimpse of the filling inside. The pie is in a glass dish, ready for serving.
Country Apple Pie Recipe. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Nothing says southern comfort like a homemade Country Apple Pie. This classic dessert features a flaky crust filled with sweet, spiced apples. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, bringing a touch of southern charm to your table.
Get the Recipe: Country Apple Pie Recipe

All American OREO Coconut Cream Pie

Close-up of a dessert featuring fresh raspberries, blueberries, and shredded coconut on a bed of whipped cream. The vibrant red and blue berries contrast with the white cream and coconut, creating a visually appealing and appetizing treat.
All American OREO Coconut Cream Pie. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This All American OREO Coconut Cream Pie combines the crunch of OREO cookies with creamy coconut filling, creating a dessert that’s both fun and indulgent. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, this pie adds a southern-inspired touch to any occasion. Enjoy a slice and taste the magic.
Get the Recipe: All American OREO Coconut Cream Pie

Easy Pavlova Recipe with Berries

A dessert topped with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, blueberries, and berry sauce on a white plate.
Easy Pavlova Recipe with Berries. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Delight in the light and airy texture of this Easy Pavlova, topped with fresh berries. This dessert is not only beautiful but also captures the refreshing flavors of southern-inspired sweets. Perfect for summer gatherings, it’s a treat everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pavlova Recipe with Berries

Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe

The image features a hummingbird cake with cream frosting and pecans on top, displayed on a white stand. A missing slice reveals the cake's moist layers. Flowers and greenery are arranged in front of the cake.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake is a surprisingly delicious combination of banana bread and canned pineapple! Its unique flavor profile has made it one of the most popular Southern cakes.

To learn more: Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe

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.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Easy Peach Crescent Roll Dumpling Recipe combines a few simple ingredients for a dessert that is simply divine! Fresh peaches are wrapped in crescent roll dough, then baked in a spiced rum and brown sugar sauce. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the perfect treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peach Crescent Roll Dumpling Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Pound Cake

a bundt cake with cranberries and coffee
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This pumpkin spice cream cheese pound cake is bursting with fall flavors! Tart cranberries, warm cinnamon, and aromatic cardamom complement the rich cream cheese center of this moist cake, making it the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Rum Soaked Southern Coconut Pecan Cake

A slice of moist cake topped with a caramelized nut and coconut glaze, served on a white plate with warm holiday lights in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

 Rum Soaked Southern Coconut Pecan Cake is surprisingly easy to make and delivers incredible flavor! A simple boxed cake mix is transformed into a decadent pecan Bundt cake with the addition of coconut rum.

To learn more: Rum Soaked Southern Coconut Pecan 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.
Apple Strawberry Crisp with Oatmeal Crumble. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This Apple Strawberry Crisp features a delightful combination of tart apples and sweet strawberries, topped with a crunchy oatmeal crumble. It’s a perfect southern-inspired dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Strawberry Crisp with Oatmeal Crumble

Real Simple Apricot Walnut Rugelach

A white rectangular plate is filled with pinwheel-shaped pastries resting on a red cloth adorned with white holiday patterns. In the background, there is a wooden cutting board with some walnuts. The pastries appear golden-brown with a visible filling.
Real Simple Apricot Walnut Rugelach. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Apricot Walnut Rugelach are a buttery, flaky treat filled with sweet apricot and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for any occasion, these pastries bring a taste of southern-inspired dessert sweetness to your table. Share them with friends and family for a delightful treat.
Get the Recipe: Real Simple Apricot Walnut Rugelach

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

A close-up view of assorted biscotti on a red decorative plate. The biscotti are drizzled with white and milk chocolate and sprinkled with crushed nuts and dried fruits, creating a tempting display of different flavors and textures.
Cranberry Pistachio Christmas Biscotti. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Add a touch of southern-inspired flavor to your holiday dessert with these Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti. Crunchy and filled with festive colors, these biscotti are perfect for dunking in coffee or hot chocolate. Enjoy them as a snack or a special gift!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Lisa’s Apple Torte – Bavarian Apple Torte

A close-up of a partially sliced apple almond cake on a white plate. The cake features a golden-brown crust, layers of sliced apples, and a topping of slivered almonds. A blurred background shows a slice of the cake on a separate plate and two glasses.
Image Credit: Tara Noland for Noshing With The Nolands

Lisa’s Apple Torte – Bavarian Apple Torte is a delightful apple dessert that features a shortbread base, a rich and creamy cheesecake layer, and is finished with a topping of cinnamon-spiced apples and almonds. Easy-chic!

GET THE RECIPE: Lisa’s Apple Torte – Bavarian Apple Torte

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

A glass bowl filled with banana pudding, topped with whipped cream and crushed cookies, lined with round vanilla wafers.
Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle is a southern classic, perfect for parties and family gatherings. Layers of creamy pudding, bananas, and crunchy Nilla wafers come together in a dessert that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Serve it chilled and enjoy every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Gluten-free Banana Cake Recipe with Maple Walnut Frosting

A square piece of frosted cake topped with walnut halves sits on a white plate next to a fork.
Gluten-free Banana Cake Recipe with Maple Walnut Frosting. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This Gluten-free Banana Cake with Maple Walnut Frosting is a delicious southern-inspired treat, perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. The moist banana cake pairs perfectly with the rich maple walnut frosting, creating a dessert that’s sure to impress. Enjoy a slice and savor the flavors of the South.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-free Banana Cake Recipe with Maple Walnut Frosting

Vintage Watergate Cake Recipe

A close-up view of a cake with a fluffy layer of light green frosting on top. The sides of the cake are coated with a mixture of chopped nuts, including pistachios and walnuts. A soft pink cloth is partially visible in the background.
Vintage Watergate Cake Recipe. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Step back in time with this Vintage Watergate Cake, a moist and flavorful dessert featuring pistachio and whipped topping. This southern-inspired cake is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, offering a nostalgic treat that’s sure to please. Serve it chilled for the best flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Watergate Cake Recipe

Peach Cobbler Pound Cake with Bourbon Glaze

A moist bundt cake topped with a thick glaze of white icing, dripping down the sides. The cake is garnished with a peach and an apple slice on top. A silver knife is placed beside the cake, on a white plate. The background features out-of-focus kitchen items.
Peach Cobbler Pound Cake with Bourbon Glaze. Photo credit: Live to Sweet.

This Peach Cobbler Pound Cake with Bourbon Glaze combines two southern favorites into one delicious dessert. The moist pound cake is filled with juicy peaches and topped with a rich bourbon glaze, making it perfect for any occasion. Serve it up and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler Pound Cake with Bourbon Glaze

Bourbon Pecan Pie

A round pecan pie with a golden-brown crust sits on a white ceramic plate with beaded edging. The pie is filled with a rich, nutty, and textured pecan topping, with the edge of the crust delicately crimped. The background features a light, blurred surface.
Bourbon Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Champagne Tastes.

Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with this Bourbon Pecan Pie. The combination of crunchy pecans and smooth bourbon filling makes this dessert a standout at any gathering. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Pecan Pie

Crock Pot Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding

A close-up of a bowl filled with a rich, gooey chocolate dessert topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream. A spoon is seen scooping some of the chocolate mixture, blending the melted ice cream with the decadent dessert.
Crock Pot Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

Treat yourself to a chocolate lover’s dream with this Crock Pot Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding. It’s packed with rich chocolate flavors from chocolate chips, cocoa, and chocolate bread, making it an irresistible dessert. Its indulgent taste and slow cooker convenience make it a favorite among Southern slow cooker desserts.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding

Sweet Potato Pie

A close-up of a pumpkin pie with two slices cut out. The pie has a flaky crust and is topped with whipped cream and chopped nuts around the edge. The slices show the smooth, orange filling inside.
Sweet Potato Pie. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

This Sweet Potato Pie is a southern classic, featuring a creamy sweet potato filling and a perfectly spiced crust. Ideal for any holiday or family gathering, this pie brings the warmth and comfort of southern-inspired desserts to your table. Serve it with whipped cream for a special touch.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Pie Cookies Recipe

Six freshly baked cookies with swirled icing and sprinkled crumbs on top are cooling on a wire rack. The cookies are evenly spaced in two rows of three, and the wire rack is placed over a blue and white surface.
Cinnamon Sweet Potato Pie Cookies Recipe. Photo credit: Box Mix Recipes.

These Cinnamon Sweet Potato Pie Cookies capture the essence of southern-inspired desserts in a bite-sized treat. With the warm flavors of cinnamon and sweet potato, these cookies are perfect for holiday baking or any time you want a special treat. Share them with friends and family for a sweet surprise.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sweet Potato Pie Cookies 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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