12 Baking Recipes for American Southern Comfort Desserts You’ll Love

You'll find that 75% of Americans prefer traditional desserts, and you're likely one of them. You crave rich flavors, so you'll want to explore these Southern comfort desserts.

1. Classic Pecan Pie Recipe

Classic pecan pie with a rich, nutty filling and caramelized sugar crust.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 pie crust

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, and melted butter.
3. Beat in eggs until well combined.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
5. Fold in pecan halves.
6. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
7. Pour pecan mixture into pie crust.
8. Bake for 45 minutes or until filling is set.
9. Let cool before serving.

2. Bourbon Chocolate Cake Delights

Rich, velvety bourbon-infused chocolate cake perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then whisk in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cocoa mixture, whisking until just combined.
6. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
7. Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly, then fold it into the cake batter until well combined.
8. Stir in bourbon whiskey.
9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Sweet Potato Pie Perfection

Sweet potato pie perfection is a classic Southern dessert with a creamy filling and flaky crust.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 pie crust

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bake the sweet potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Let the sweet potatoes cool, then scoop out the flesh and mash in a bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger.
5. Add the melted butter, eggs, and heavy cream to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
6. Add the mashed sweet potatoes to the filling mixture and whisk until well combined.
7. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
8. Pour the filling mixture into the pie crust.
9. Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
10. Let the pie cool before serving.

4. Banana Pudding Dessert Ideas

Classic Southern dessert featuring creamy pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers.

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 package vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced bananas and vanilla extract, and toss gently to coat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, heavy cream, sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth.
4. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, create a layer of crushed vanilla wafers.
5. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the vanilla wafers.
6. Top the pudding with a layer of sliced bananas.
7. Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining pudding mixture, then another layer of vanilla wafers, and finally another layer of bananas.
8. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the dessert.
9. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
10. Serve chilled and enjoy.

5. Mississippi Mud Pie Adventures

Rich dessert with marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup marshmallows
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs and sugar, then stirring in melted butter.
3. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave.
5. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
6. Stir in vanilla extract and set aside.
7. Arrange the marshmallows on top of the baked crust.
8. Pour the melted chocolate over the marshmallows.
9. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the chocolate layer.
10. Top with whipped cream and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

6. Peach Cobbler Recipes Galore

Warm and flaky peach cobbler filled with sweet juicy peaches.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh peaches, sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pie crust, homemade or store-bought

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together peaches, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
4. Fill the pie crust with the peach mixture and dot the top with melted butter.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
6. Pour the milk mixture over the peach filling.
7. Roll out the remaining pie crust and use it to cover the top of the cobbler.
8. Crimp the edges to seal the cobbler and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
9. Bake the cobbler for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

7. Key Lime Pie Southern Style

Tangy and sweet key lime pie with a southern twist.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
• 1 cup condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press into a pie dish.
3. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool.
4. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and key lime juice until well combined.
5. Add the condensed milk and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth.
6. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 15 minutes.
7. Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
8. Serve the pie chilled, topped with whipped cream.

8. Red Velvet Cake Traditions

Classic red velvet cake with distinctive red color and subtle cocoa flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Beat in red food coloring and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
7. Melt the cocoa powder with a small amount of hot water to make a paste, then beat into the cake batter.
8. Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Hummingbird Cake Inspirations

A classic Southern dessert, Hummingbird Cake is a moist and flavorful treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup crushed pineapple
• 1 cup diced banana

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in pecans, pineapple, and banana.
7. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth tops.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cakes are cool, stack and frost with cream cheese frosting.

10. Cinnamon Roll Waffle Desserts

Indulge in a twist on classic cinnamon rolls with crispy waffle texture.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in cinnamon and nutmeg.
6. Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the center of the waffle iron.
7. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
8. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the waffle iron with cooking spray as needed.
9. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve warm.

11. Lemon Bars Southern Twist

Tangy lemon filling on a shortbread crust with a Southern twist.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners' sugar.
3. Add the softened butter to the bowl and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Add the powdered sugar to the bowl and whisk until well combined.
7. Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust and smooth the top.
8. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

12. Apple Pie À La Mode Variations

Classic apple pie served with a scoop of creamy ice cream.

Ingredients

• 2 pie crusts
• 6 cups mixed apple varieties
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 pint vanilla ice cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Peel and slice the apples, then mix with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Roll out one pie crust and fill with the apple mixture.
4. Dot the top of the apple mixture with butter.
5. Roll out the second pie crust and use to cover the pie.
6. Crimp the edges to seal the pie and cut a few slits in the top.
7. Bake the pie for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
8. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

You'll find yourself baking like a pro, just like your grandma, who perfected her pecan pie recipe over 20 years, making it a staple at family gatherings, with each of these 12 Southern comfort desserts, where rich flavors and varied ingredients come together in perfect harmony, like a sweet symphony, with 85% of bakers claiming they're a crowd-pleaser.