Re-discover 15 classic desserts that have stood the test of time, ones your grandma made. From rich chocolate Coca-Cola cake to creamy banana pudding, these beloved recipes continue to bring joy to dessert lovers of all ages. Each dessert offers a taste of nostalgia and remains as delicious today as when they first became favorites.

Banana Pudding Recipe with Cream Cheese

 

A Southern banana pudding is a good old-fashioned classic dessert, and for good reason! The combination of sweet bananas, creamy pudding, and sweet and crispy vanilla wafer cookies is comfort food at it’s best. However, make this Southern staple even better by adding cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk for an over-the-top dessert.

Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Recipe with Cream Cheese

Sweetly Southern Coca-Cola Cake With Marshmallows

Decadently sweet and perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this moist chocolate Coca-Cola cake is made with the iconic soda, mini marshmallows, and unsweetened cocoa powder for extra rich chocolate flavor. It’s so chocolatey, you wouldn’t even know that there’s soda in it! This has been a longtime Southern classic—and I’m sure it’ll become a family favorite in your house too. 

Get the Recipe: Coca-Cola Cake With Marshmallows

Really, Really Good Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

Comforting, classic, and creamy, this rice pudding is more like a rich vanilla custard while the bourbon-soaked raisins take it to the next level. Like a soothing hug in a bowl, it’s perfect as dessert or breakfast! It takes just 45 minutes to prepare and thickens as it cools on the stove or in the fridge.

Get the Recipe: Rice Pudding

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake

This rich, delicious dessert is a St. Louis classic , but is it as good as a Kentucky butter cake? With the texture of a lemon bar and the base of a cinnamon roll, this gooey butter cake is made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, baking powder, and butter. Finish it off with a sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar and you’re all set to enjoy this signature St. Louis delight!

Get the Recipe: St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake

Old Fashioned Southern Pecan Praline 

Old Fashioned pecan pralines are a Deep South tradition. Found around the holidays in most areas and all year round in New Orleans and Savannah. Mastering this creamy candy is not as hard as it sounds and if they don’t set perfectly no one will care, they still taste scrumptious.

Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Southern Pecan Praline 

From Scratch Mississippi Mud Cake with Marshmallows

This Mississippi mud cake recipe is a straightforward dessert that quietly steals the show with its unassuming charm. Start with a moist from-scratch chocolate cake and top it with mini marshmallows and the most drool-worthy butter frosting. It’s a classic at any Southern potluck.

Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Cake with Marshmallows

Chocolate Walnut Kentucky Derby Pie (+ Bourbon Whipped Cream)

Derby pie is like a gooey walnut chocolate chip cookie in pie form. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a Southern tradition served all year round, not just on the 1st Saturday in May. You can prep this in 15 minutes, even easier than a batch of cookies. 

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Walnut Kentucky Derby Pie (+ Bourbon Whipped Cream)

The Creamiest No Bake Coconut Cream Pie

Savor the scrumptious flavors of a no-bake coconut custard pie that’s not too sweet so you can enjoy the coconut flavor and creamy custard. A make-ahead pie that is perfect for any occasion.

Get the Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

Sweet Potato Pie (Southern Classic)

Enjoy the comforting flavors of a Southern sweet potato pie, a timeless dessert that epitomizes the essence of the South. With its velvety texture and heavenly blend of warm spices, this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie (Southern Classic)

No-Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

This scrumptious no-bake strawberry cream cheese pie with fresh or frozen strawberries is a must for a summer get together. Creamy and rich it’s a no fail pie that will hold it’s shape even in the heat and make you the star at the next potluck or cookout.

Get the Recipe: No-Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

The Easiest Banana Pudding With Vanilla Wafers

Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert featuring layers of bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and crunchy vanilla wafer cookies for a no-bake dessert that is as delicious as it is easy to make. Made with instant pudding mix, this simple recipe is perfect for both novices and experts in the kitchen. You can’t have a cook-out or BBQ without it.

Get the Recipe: The Easiest Banana Pudding With Vanilla Wafers

Southern Peach Cake Cobbler

Add sweet peaches to a buttery cake and create a scrumptious peach cobbler cake. A thin layer of butter on the bottom transforms a simple batter into a peach dessert you’ll be making over and over again.

Get the Recipe: Southern Peach Cake Cobbler

Chocolate Black Bottom Cupcakes with Cream Cheese

Black bottom cupcakes are a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate and cream cheese. These cupcakes have a rich, moist chocolate base with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling sprinkled with chocolate chips. No frosting needed. They’re my family’s favorite cupcake!

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Black Bottom Cupcakes with Cream Cheese

No-Bake Lemon Chiffon Pie

This Lemon Chiffon Pie is light as a feather with a crunchy salty pretzel crust. Ricotta cheese gives it the richness of a cheesecake, but egg whites keep it light and fluffy for a fabulous no bake dessert.

Get the Recipe: No-Bake Lemon Chiffon Pie

Old Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Pie

Classic rhubarb pie meets its match with this creamy old fashioned rhubarb and custard pie recipe. Instead of using a basic rhubarb jam or pie filling, this recipe blends freshly cut fruit with a simple homemade custard. The result is a perfectly sweet, creamy complement to the tartness of the rhubarb.

Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Pie