8 Delicious Southern Desserts You Can Make at Home

Southern desserts are all about comfort, tradition, and bold flavors, making them the perfect addition to any gathering. 8 Delicious Southern Desserts You Can Make at Home highlights classic treats like pecan pie, peach cobbler, and buttery chess pie, each carrying a rich history and unforgettable taste. Whether you’re baking fluffy biscuits with honey butter, indulging in a warm banana pudding, or savoring a slice of caramel cake, these timeless Southern sweets bring warmth and nostalgia to every bite.

Homemade Peach Cobbler

Homemade peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that combines sweet, juicy peaches with a buttery, biscuit-like topping. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for any occasion, especially during peach season. The flavors are simple yet delightful, making it a favorite among both seasoned bakers and beginners.

This dessert is easy to make and can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. It’s a true representation of Southern comfort food desserts and a must-try for anyone who loves classic Southern treats. Enjoy a slice with family and friends for a taste of tradition!

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh peaches, sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the sliced peaches with 1/2 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Pour this mixture into a greased baking dish.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk in the milk and melted butter until smooth.
4. Pour the batter over the peaches in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.

Classic Southern Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a cherished classic in Southern baking, known for its rich, sweet filling and crunchy pecans. This dessert is beautifully balanced, with a gooey filling made from a mix of eggs, sugar, and corn syrup, nestled in a flaky pie crust. The combination of the sweet, nutty flavor and the buttery crust makes it a favorite among many. Plus, it’s simple enough for anyone to make!

Whether serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice with coffee, pecan pie is a must-try Southern dessert. It’s one of those old-fashioned Southern treats that never disappoints. So, let’s dive into how to make this beloved pie!

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
3. Add the Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves, ensuring they are well coated with the filling mixture.
4. Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the pecan filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
6. Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This will help the filling firm up a bit more.

Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that brings a smile to everyone’s face. With its creamy texture, sweet bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers, it perfectly balances flavors and textures. This delightful treat is not only delicious but also simple to make, making it a favorite for gatherings and family dinners.

Layered with love, banana pudding combines rich vanilla custard with fresh banana slices and crunchy wafers, creating a dessert that feels comforting and nostalgic. It’s one of those must-try Southern desserts that showcases the best of Southern comfort food desserts, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafers
• Whipped cream, for topping

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Gradually add a little of the hot mixture to the yolks to temper them, then return everything to the saucepan.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter.
4. In a trifle dish or individual cups, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and the pudding mixture. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
5. Top with whipped cream and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Fried Apple Pies with Cinnamon Sugar

Fried apple pies are a delightful treat, capturing the essence of classic Southern desserts in every bite. With a crisp, golden exterior and a warm, spiced apple filling, these pies are a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of year. They’re simple to make and bring a comforting sweetness that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

This easy Southern dessert is perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in. Plus, the addition of cinnamon sugar gives them that extra touch of sweetness that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, these pies are sure to impress with their homemade charm.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 3 cups apples, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Oil for frying
• Additional cinnamon sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in sugar and cold water until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until the apples are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool.
3. Roll out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
4. Fill and Seal: Place a spoonful of the apple filling on one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
5. Fry the Pies: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the pies until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Finish with Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, sprinkle the pies with cinnamon sugar. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Chocolate Chess Pie

Chocolate Chess Pie is a rich and indulgent Southern dessert that combines the smooth creaminess of chocolate with a hint of sweetness. This pie is often characterized by its fudgy filling and a flaky crust, making it a favorite among chocolate lovers. The flavor is a delightful blend of deep cocoa and a touch of vanilla, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and satisfying.

This pie is surprisingly simple to make! With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this classic Southern treat in no time. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, Chocolate Chess Pie is sure to please everyone’s sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well blended.
3. Add in the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
6. Let the pie cool before serving. Enjoy it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream!

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red velvet cake is a classic Southern dessert known for its striking red color and rich, velvety texture. This cake is typically lightly flavored with cocoa and complemented by a tangy cream cheese frosting, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Not only is it visually appealing, but the combination of flavors provides a unique taste experience that’s hard to resist.

The good news is that making red velvet cake at home isn’t too complicated. With some basic ingredients and a little patience, you can whip up a stunning cake that’s perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, or holidays. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly approachable, and it’s sure to impress anyone who takes a slice!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Mix well.
3. In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
7. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
8. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, then add the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
9. Enjoy your homemade red velvet cake!

Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Topping

Sweet potato pie is a classic Southern dessert that brings a warm, comforting flavor to any table. This pie offers a delightful blend of sweetness and earthiness, making it a favorite during holidays or family gatherings. With its creamy filling set in a flaky crust, it’s a dessert that feels rich without being overpowering.

This recipe is simple to make and is perfect for those new to baking. You’ll find that combining the sweet potatoes with spices creates a deliciously smooth filling, while the whipped topping adds a light finish. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Southern desserts!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (cooked and cooled)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• Whipped topping for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the sweet potato filling into the pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let the pie cool completely before serving. Top with whipped topping just before serving for a delightful finish.

Hummingbird Cake with Pineapple and Bananas

Hummingbird cake is a delightful Southern classic that brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas and juicy pineapple in a soft, moist cake. This treat is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. The layers are often topped with cream cheese frosting, making it creamy and luscious.

This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a special celebration. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, hummingbird cake stands out among traditional Southern sweets as a must-try dessert!

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together oil, eggs, crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, and vanilla.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans if using.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Once cooled, frost the cake with cream cheese frosting, layering the cakes as you go.

Find Classic Southern Desserts Near You

If you’re craving authentic Southern-style sweets but don’t feel like baking, check out our dessert directory to find local bakeries offering homemade Southern desserts. Supporting small businesses allows you to enjoy freshly baked, handcrafted treats made with love and tradition.

For those who love sharing their own recipes, why not submit your favorite Southern dessert creation? Submit your recipe here and connect with a community that appreciates classic flavors and home-baked goodness.

Southern desserts are rich in flavor, texture, and tradition, making them a must-try for anyone who loves homemade sweets. Whether you’re enjoying a warm cobbler fresh from the oven, a silky smooth buttermilk pie, or a batch of pralines that melt in your mouth, these Southern classics bring a little taste of home wherever you are.

Show Off Your Love for Churros with Fun Apparel
If you’re passionate about desserts and Southern flavors, check out our collection of churro shirts, churro sweatshirts, and other food-themed apparel for men, women, kids, and babies. Whether you’re looking for a churro t-shirt to wear while baking or a cozy churro hoodie for relaxing, our unique designs are perfect for food lovers. Browse our shop and find the perfect foodie fashion statement today!

At Creme Filled Churros, we believe homemade desserts bring people together. Try these 8 Southern desserts, and enjoy a taste of the South straight from your kitchen!