In our opinion, no meal is complete without dessert.

Whether you’re craving homemade ice cream or fixing afruit pie, we have you covered.

Now, you’ve just got to check that to leave enough room for dessert!

Little Layer Chocolate Cake - Southern Living

Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

It includes fresh peaches in the batter and a gorgeous peach glaze.

One five-star review agrees: These are amazing!

Great for packing in lunches.

Smith Island Cake

Credit: Photographer: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

They’re soft, chewy, rich and perfectly balanced!

This summery icebox cake is even more beautiful once you cut into it to reveal its layers.

In my opinion, you must be sure to add the nuts.

Southern Living Peach Pound Cake sliced and ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

My mom used walnuts.

People request it every year and what’s left over, I take to work.

It disappears quickly with people talking about how great it is.

Southern Living Mahogany Cake sliced and ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Its all in the buttermilk glaze thats brushed onto each cake layer.

Just check the countless reviews.

Even cookbook author Chrissy Teigen raves about this recipe.

Southern Living Peanut Butter Fingers cut and ready to serve

Credit:Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate Mousse is a nostalgic treat thats simply crowd-pleasing.

German Chocolate Cake

Despite the name, German Chocolate Cake was actually created in Dallas.

This Southern confection is all about the coconut-pecan frosting.

Pecan Pie Brownies - Southern Living

Credit:Molly Bolton

If you want thick ribbons of frosting between cake layers, go ahead and double the frosting recipe.

This retro recipe is salty-sweet perfection, and anyone will recognize it from family reunions of the past.

There are multiple five-star reviews to back us up, like this one: Love this cake.

Cherries-and-Cream Icebox Cake

Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

It baked beautifully and the flavor is wonderful.

I brought it to work and it did not last long!

I will definitely make this again.

Texas Trash Pie

Credit: Jessica Furniss

There are so many things your cast-iron skillet is good for, including achieving perfect pie crust texture.

The ingredient list is extremely simple, but its all in the technique with this beauty.

Not only does it feed a crowd easier than the original recipe, but it looks beautiful, too.

chocolate eclair cake - southern living

Credit:Molly Bolton

Dont rush the process of freezing the layers if you want nice, even results.

Be sure youre able to dedicate your full attention to the frosting portion of this recipe.

Once you start frosting the cake, you gotta move quickly!

Mamie Eisenhower’s Chocolate Fudge

Credit:Photographer: Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley

A trifle dish is practically a required kitchen tool for Southern bakers.

This festive recipe has been a go-to ofSouthern Livingreaders for over a decade.

This cake is the cake I ask for every year for my birthday, says Senior Producer Ivy Odom.

Best Carrot Cake

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

My great-grandmother used to make this cake for my mama and her brother every single year.

These are some of my favorite Holiday treats!

I’ve been making them since I was a child in the late ’60s, wrote one reviewer.

Southern Living Chocolate Mousse in glasses to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

We celebrate it every chance we get.

It’s not just pretty.

It’s not just tasty.

Southern Living German Chocolate Cake sliced on plates to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It’s a wonder.

Thanks to Mrs. L.H.

One reviewer claimed it is the best lemon pie they’ve ever eaten.

Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad in a red dish with strawberry linen

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Cakey Strawberry Cobbler

Fresh strawberries and cake-like filling bake together to create this delicious batter cobbler.

you might easily refrigerate the leftovers, but don’t expect to have any!

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

This anytime hit is good enough to make Grandma proud.

Southern Living Key Lime Pound Cake sliced to serve

Credit:Dotdash Meredith

What’s the trick?

This simple step gives that classic cookie dough its signature taste and chewy, crisp texture.

It’s a quick, extra step worth taking every time.

Easy Skillet Apple Pie

Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This helps create the pudding pockets while it’s in the oven.

Made with thinly sliced whole lemonspeels and allthis incredibly easycitrus dessertonly calls for four ingredients.

Sea Salt-Caramel Cake

This cake may well be the ultimate in layer cake decadence.

Southern Living crème brûlée finished in ramekins, ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

While these tender cake layers taste divine, it’s the caramel frosting that really wows.

It’s outrageously richand doesn’t require the use of a candy thermometer.

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

you’re free to’t go wrong with a cake so beloved.

chocolate mayonnaise cake

Credit:Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Mary-Claire Britton

Look no further for the perfect pound cake recipe.

This traditional cake is extra-rich.

Hot Buttered Rum Bread Pudding

Is there anything more comforting or indulgent than a bread pudding?

Southern Living Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake ready to serve

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Though you are free to make this dessert in summer if you have a craving for a rum dessert.

Originally created to make during leaner times, it also doesn’t call for any eggs or milk.

Be sure to store at room temperature.

Lemon Lush - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Mississippi Mud Cake

Imagine the richest, darkest, most indulgent chocolate dessert you’ve ever eaten.

Now add some marshmallows, and you’ve got this decadent yet simple-to-bake cake.

Our red velvet brownies are a bite-size version of the classic cake.

Southern Living Caramel Frosted Pound Cake sliced on a cake plate to serve

Credit:Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Top them with a decadent cream cheese frosting for the ultimate dessert.

We use refrigerated pie crust to help pull together this old-fashioned pie recipe with ease.

We know our pecan pie, and this twist on a regional favorite has us wishing for pecan harvest.

Cranberry Dreamsicle Trifle

Credit: Iain Bagwell

We have also gained a new appreciation for whiskey.

The liquor goes way beyond drinking and finds its way into sauces, braises, and especially desserts.

Set aside some time to practice your cooking skills and make this Peach-Bourbon Upside-Down Bundt Cake.

Hello Dolly Bars - Southern Living

Credit:Courtney West

Garnish with a drizzle of homemade glaze for a pretty, party-worthy finish.

Plus, the frosting and sprinkles are a scene-stealer.

Don’t take our word for it.

cowboy cookies on an orange platter with glasses of milk around

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle,Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

You’ve got to taste it for yourself.

We guarantee that your family will ask for this chilly treat over and over again.

Best of all, the seven-ingredient mixture requires no cooking, just stirring.

Southern Living Banana Pudding Pie decorated and ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Spiked Eggnog Bundt Cake

Did you think eggnog was just for December holiday parties?

Just when you thought Bundt cake couldn’t get any bettereggnog and nutmeg raise the bar.

It’s possible, and this simple chocolatey recipe is proof.

Hummingbird Cake on a green cake stand

Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

It has red, white, and blue to spare.

Our patriotic spin on poke cake is the coolest dessert of summer.

With a cake this pretty and patriotic, it serves as decoration and dessert all at once.

Atlantic Beach Pie

Credit:Brittany Conerly; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

It is dense and moist, an ideal no-fail recipe for when you need a reliable go-to cake.

We went for three thick layers plus a creamy brown sugar-cream cheese frosting.

It’s a traditional cake, but with a few thoughtful touches, it feels brand new.

Cakey Strawberry Cobbler in a casserole dish and bowl

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly

Homemade Cookies-and-Cream Ice Cream

Here, five ingredients come together in a swirl of cookies and cream.

All you need is your electric ice cream maker and a little freezing time.

This combination elevates a typical summer afternoon ice cream treat to a memorable experiencecertainly a moment to savor.

Southern Living Easy Peach Cobbler on the plate to serve

Credit:Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

For a party, we like to showcase scooped cones in decorative glassware for a personal touch.

Red Velvet Ice-Cream Cake

This frozen dessert comes together quickly.

After mixing, this ice cream cake recipe just needs a little time to set in the freezer.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Credit:Molly Bolton

It’s an ideal blend, with its depth of flavor enhanced by fresh berries on top.

With two cookies sandwiching together vanilla buttercream, what’s there not to love?

Coca Cola Chocolate Cake

Our cola cake is simply one of the best in the world.

Chocolate Cobbler

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

The magical brew of carbonated cola is the secret to the tender texture of the cake and chocolate frosting.

Dr Pepper Texas Sheet Cake

Everything is bigger in Texas.

Everything is more decadent there too, it seems.

Egg Custard Pie

Credit:Monica Farber / Southern Living

The result is a rich, chocolaty treat that’s iconic in Texas.

This recipe lets you transform your favorite way to bake a cake into a cherry treat.

No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie

Zesty is the perfect word for this refreshing citrus dessert.

Shaker Lemon Pie from Mountain Measures

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Ana Kelly

It is completely invigorating on a hot summer day.

And, lo and behold, there’s no baking involved.

With just 15 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have a gingersnap-based crust that’s prime for freezing.

Sea Salt-Caramel Cake

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

After freezing, pile in the cool, creamy filling, and you’re ready to serve.

This cake means business.

A duo of glazesone creamy chocolate, the other subtle buttermilkcomes together atop this dreamy confection.

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Credit: Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

It’s indulgent and, we admit, so much fun to eat and serve.

Warning: Youand theywon’t be able to resist a second slice.

We won’t tell.

Hot Buttered Rum Bread Pudding

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This cake can truly do it all.

Go simple or adorn it if you’d like to take the recipe a delicious step further.

you’re free to’t go wrong with your choice.

Wacky Cake slices on blue plates

Credit: Will Dickey; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

It’s just that good.

Delicious doesn’t even begin to describe it.

The Lemon Cheese Layer Cake

Expecting a twist on cheesecake?

Southern Living Strawberry Lemonade Cake sliced and ready to serve

You’re in for an even sweeter surprise.

These layers are filled with a buttery, rich lemon curd instead.

Light, sweet, and tart: It’s a beguiling blend.

Mississippi Mud Cake

Credit: Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

The curd is smooth, a bright citrus explosion within a sweet cheesecake concoction.

It’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted.

The Lemon-Orange Buttercream frosting coats the exterior of the cake like a sweet, thick veil.

Classic Chocolate Pound Cake

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Erin Merhar

It opens to the lemon curd interior and doubles, nay, triples the citrus flavor.

Easy Blackberry Cobbler

Make the most of summer’s blackberry bounty with this recipe for blackberry cobbler.

This versatile, deep-purple-hued berry is a winner.

Red Velvet Brownies

Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

A winning fruit demands a top-notch recipe, which we provide here.

This recipe for blackberry cobbler is so simple that it only uses six ingredients.

Confession: We planted an herb garden last spring in anticipation of just this sort of recipe.

slices of Classic Chess Pie on multi-color plates

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly

There’s nothing quite like a garnish of fresh herbs in a flavorful summer dessert.

Strawberry Dream Cake

This Strawberry Dream Cake is an elegant and eye-catching surprise!

It’s sure to astonish at any prince-themed birthday party.

Southern Living Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie sliced on plates to serve

Credit:Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

The fluffy whipped frosting and upright strawberries make for a stunningly beautiful display.

Is there anything as delicate as Coconut Chiffon?

It’s an almost diaphanous mixture, flavorful and dainty and sweet.

Peach-Bourbon Upside-Down Bundt Cake

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

The fruity thrill of strawberry, the cooling comfort of creamit’s great any time.

Taking that idea and transforming it into the ultimate berry sheet cake was no small feat.

But we did it, and with the help of this fantastic recipe, you might too.

red velvet cake balls - southern living

Credit:Courtney West

This is your summer cake.

It’s covered in clouds but it’s a substantial sweet.

It’s a dessert that defies gravity.

Fresh Peach Ice Cream

Credit: Emily Laurae/Southern Living

We bet the first bite will bring back memories of summers past.

Cakes in all flavors and sizes line every Southern dessert buffet.

The top flavor in the South, according toShane Co., is strawberry cake.

Spiked Eggnog Bundt Cake

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Some of the Souths most widely known desserts hold long histories.

The popular fruit-studded Hummingbird Cake has been aSouthern Livingfavorite since the late 1970s.

Other iconic Southern desserts include buttermilk pie, coconut cake, and pecan pie.

Fudgy Flourless Chocolate-Pecan Cookies

Credit:Will Dickey; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Ultimate Carrot Cake

Credit: Alison Miksch

Southern Living Cookies and Cream Ice Cream in a bowl to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Caramel Apple Cake

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Red Velvet Ice-Cream Cake

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Sprinkle Sandwich Cookies

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Coca Cola Chocolate Cake

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

Dr Pepper Texas Sheet Cake

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes with Cherry-Swirl Frosting

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie

Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hilegas

Pecan Pralines

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Torie Cox

Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cake

Credit: Alison Miksch

Southern Living - Fresh Apple Cake

Credit:Hannah Zimmerman

Fudge Pie

Credit: Iain Bagwell

The Lemon Cheese Layer Cake

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

easy blackberry cobbler in a white square dish

Credit:Hannah Zimmerman

Strawberry Dream Cake

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree

Southern Living Coconut Chiffon Cake on a platter with a serving cut out beside it

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Strawberries-and-Cream Sheet Cake

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Southern Living The Lane Cake on a cake plate to serve

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Southern Living Pineapple Upside Down Cake sliced on a plate to serve

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Ouida’s Chocolate Delight

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely