Top 14+ Southern Desserts Everyone Should Bake At Least Once, According To Readers

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

Southerners are known for having a sweet tooth. But with so many incredible desserts across our region, how can you not? In a recent Facebook survey, we asked our readers the question: “What's one dessert every Southern baker should make at least once?” 

This list of desserts will inspire you to get in the kitchen to make an old favorite or try something new. Or at the very list, hit up a local bakery for something sweet.

Coconut Cake

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

A slice of this cake is heaven for coconut fanatics: the tropical fruit is in the cake layers, filling, and whipped cream frosting. 

Peach Cobbler

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

The undisputed queen of cobblers! Whether you prefer yours biscuit-topped or cakey, this dessert came up again and again in our survey.

Lane Cake

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

This old-fashioned dessert isn’t made much anymore, but it remains an important recipe in the Southern baking cannon. The filling is made with dried peaches, and the meringue frosting gets a healthy dose of peach schnapps.

Sweet Potato PIe

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

We think that sweet potato is superior to pumpkin pie, and not just because we’re Southern. It’s why this classic dessert was named so many times in our survey.

Hummingbird Cake

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

One of Southern Living’s most famous recipes, the Hummingbird Cake reminds some people of carrot cake, but with bananas instead of carrots.

Divinity

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

We saved perhaps the most Southern dessert for last. Sweet and chewy divinity candy is like a cross between a marshmallow and nougat.

Italian Cream Cake

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

Another old-fashioned favorite, Italian Cream Cake is made with tangy buttermilk, coconut, and plenty of pecans in the cream cheese frosting.

Key Lime Pie

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

Other than pecan, Key lime pie might be the next most Southern pie there is. And our Heavenly Key Lime pie recipe is one of the most popular ones out there.

Pecan Pie

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

Is there a more classic Southern dessert than this? Whether you like yours with chocolate, or bourbon, or Texas-style, pecan pie is a must-make.

Caramel Cake

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

You’ll be hard pressed to find this wonderful dessert outside of the South. The frosting, which has a buttery, caramelized sweetness, is the true highlight of the cake.

Texas Sheet Cake

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

This chocolate sheet cake is blanketed with a fudgy frosting and sprinkled with chopped pecans. Not a fan of chocolate? There’s a White Texas Sheet Cake that you’re sure to love.

Bread Pudding

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

Buttermilk Pie

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

It may not be as well-known outside of the South as popular pie flavors like pecan or sweet potato, but this homey dessert has a special place in many Southerners' hearts.

Pralines

Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Lane Cake, Sweet Potato PIe, Hummingbird Cake, Divinity, Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Caramel Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, Bread Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, Pralines

This Louisiana delicacy is rich with brown sugar and has a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The candy is also popular in Texas, where pecans are plentiful.

Post Related