22 Old-Fashioned Southern Desserts We Grew Up Eating

Great Southern desserts are more than just something sweet at the end of a meal. These homemade recipes celebrate generations of baking with comforting flavours, dependable results, and classics that never lose their appeal. Every recipe brings a little taste of Southern hospitality to the dessert table.

Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe with Real Whipped Cream

Rectangular dish of banana pudding with whipped topping, sliced bananas, and cookie crumbs on top. — Banana Pudding Lasagna. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Creamy layers, fresh bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers come together in a dessert that's every bit as comforting as the classic version. Bring it to a family gathering and watch it disappear one slice at a time.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Lasagna Recipe with Real Whipped Cream

Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

A slice of yellow cake topped with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of salt on a white plate. — Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

A buttery cake soaked with rich caramel flavor stays wonderfully moist from the first slice to the last. That sweet and salty finish makes it feel extra special without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

Classic Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe

A chocolate pie with a whipped cream topping and chocolate drizzle on a dark cookie crust. — Mississippi Mud Pie. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Every layer brings something delicious, from the crunchy cookie crust to the rich chocolate filling and fluffy whipped topping. It's the kind of dessert that chocolate lovers never seem to forget.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe

1950s Ambrosia Salad Recipe

1950s Ambrosia Salad. Photo credit: The Cozy Fork.

Sweet, creamy, and full of nostalgic charm, this classic favorite always seems to find its way onto the holiday table. It's an easy dish that brings back plenty of memories with every bite.
Get the Recipe: 1950s Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Southern Peach Cobbler in a Cast Iron Skillet

Peach cobbler in a skillet with ice cream on top, served with a spoon, fresh peaches beside. — Peach Cobbler. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Juicy peaches bubble beneath a buttery golden crust that tastes even better served warm. Every spoonful is pure comfort and practically begs for a scoop of ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Southern Peach Cobbler in a Cast Iron Skillet

Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe

Buttermilk Pie. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Creamy custard and a hint of tang come together in a pie that's simple, comforting, and full of Southern tradition. It's one of those desserts that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe

From Scratch Mandarin Orange Cake (Pig Pickin' Cake)

Mandarin Orange Cake. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Light citrus flavor and a fluffy frosting make this old-fashioned favorite perfect for sharing. It somehow tastes even better after a night in the refrigerator, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: From Scratch Mandarin Orange Cake (Pig Pickin' Cake)

Peach Ice Cream with Buttermilk

Peach Ice Cream. Photo credit: Easy Gluten Free Desserts.

Fresh peaches and a rich, creamy base turn into a frozen treat that's hard to put down. It's the perfect way to cool off while making the most of peach season.
Get the Recipe: Peach Ice Cream with Buttermilk

Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

Key lime pie with whipped topping, sliced and served on plates, surrounded by lime wedges on a dark table. — Key Lime Pie. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Bright citrus flavor and a creamy filling create the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The fluffy topping gives every bite a light finish that feels like a little vacation.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk

A square slice of chocolate sheet cake with frosting on a white plate and a gold fork. — Texas Sheet Cake. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Rich chocolate cake topped with warm fudge frosting is always a welcome sight on the dessert table. Every bite is incredibly moist and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk

Easy Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe with Strawberry Sauce

A fork cuts into strawberry shortcake topped with ice cream and fresh strawberries on a white plate. — Strawberry Sheet Cake. Photo credit: Thermo Cookery.

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Soft strawberry cake topped with fresh berries and a sweet homemade sauce is always a crowd favorite. It's a cheerful dessert that's perfect for spring and summer celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Easy Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe with Strawberry Sauce

Homemade Coconut Cream Pie

Coconut Cream Pie. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Creamy filling and toasted coconut make every slice rich without feeling too heavy. It's an easy make-ahead dessert that coconut lovers will happily come back for.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Coconut Cream Pie

Dr. Pepper Cake

Moist chocolate cake covered with rich fudge frosting makes every slice feel like a treat. The familiar soft drink adds a fun twist that keeps everyone guessing about the secret ingredient.
Get the Recipe: Dr. Pepper Cake

Southern Possum Pie with a Pecan Crust

Southern Possum Pie. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Creamy layers of chocolate, smooth filling, and whipped topping sit on a buttery pecan crust for a dessert that's impossible to resist. Every slice has a little bit of everything, making it perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Southern Possum Pie with a Pecan Crust

Southern Banana Pudding Recipe from Scratch

Southern Banana Pudding. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and soft vanilla wafers create the kind of dessert so many of us remember growing up. Every spoonful is simple, comforting, and perfect for sharing with family.
Get the Recipe: Southern Banana Pudding Recipe from Scratch

Kool Aid Pie: An Easy No-Bake Dessert

A slice of pink strawberry cream pie topped with whipped cream and a fresh strawberry on a plate. — Kool Aid Pie. Photo credit: The Domestic Spoon.

Light, creamy, and bursting with fruity flavor, this colorful pie couldn't be much easier to make. It's a fun dessert that's always a hit during warm-weather gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Kool Aid Pie: An Easy No-Bake Dessert

Cream Cheese Frosted Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Bananas, pineapple, and pecans create a wonderfully moist cake with plenty of Southern charm. A thick layer of cream cheese frosting makes every slice even more memorable.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Frosted Hummingbird Cake

Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk

A slice of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream on a white plate with a fork. — Sweet Potato Pie. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Warm spices and a smooth, creamy filling make every bite feel like home. It's one of those timeless desserts that always has a place at family gatherings and holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk

Augusta National's Sour Cream Pound Cake Recipe

Sour Cream Pound Cake. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Rich buttery flavor and a wonderfully tender crumb make this an easy dessert to serve for almost any occasion. It's just as good with fresh fruit as it is with a simple cup of coffee.
Get the Recipe: Augusta National's Sour Cream Pound Cake Recipe

Frozen Lemonade Pie

Cool, creamy, and full of bright citrus flavor, this dessert is made for warm afternoons. It's wonderfully refreshing when you want something sweet without turning on the oven for long.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Lemonade Pie

Blueberry Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Blueberry Strawberry Shortcake. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Fluffy whipped cream, tender shortcake, and fresh berries come together in a dessert that tastes like summer. Every bite is light, fruity, and perfect for sharing after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Citrusy Lemon Chess Pie with Cornmeal

Lemon Chess Pie. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Bright lemon flavor and a smooth custard filling make this classic pie both sweet and refreshing. The buttery crust adds just the right amount of texture to every slice.
Get the Recipe: Citrusy Lemon Chess Pie with Cornmeal