59 Sweet Southern Pies Everyone Should Bake
Updated: Apr. 28, 2023
These heavenly Southern pie recipes don’t have to be eaten on the front porch with a glass of sweet tea, but it is recommended.
1
/
59
Key Lime Cream Pie
I am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It’s so cool and refreshing—perfect for any summer potluck or get-together. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, with everyone asking for the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida
2
/
59
Irresistible Coconut Cream Pie
My husband and I grow 500 acres of wheat on the farm his family homesteaded in 1889. I grind my own flour and love to use it in this recipe. The easy, pat-in crust has a rich grain flavor. It’s irresistible filled with old-fashioned coconut cream and topped with a fluffy meringue. —Roberta Foster, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
3
/
59
Chocolate Cream Pie
Our teenage son, John, has done lots of 4-H baking. His favorite is this old-fashioned chocolate cream pie recipe with a flaky crust. —Mary Anderson, De Valls Bluff, Arkansas
4
/
59
Spiced Butternut Squash Pie
My mom always made this dessert with her homegrown squash. It was my dad’s favorite after-dinner treat. I continue to make it to this day. —Johnna Poulson, Celebration, Florida.
5
/
59
Grapefruit Meringue Pie
There’s a grapefruit tree in our backyard, so I like to use fresh grapefruit juice when I make this pie. I just love the unique citrus flavor of this dessert. —Barbara Soliday, Winter Haven, Florida
6
/
59
Ultimate Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie
Our family hosts an annual barn party for our close friends, complete with a pie cook-off. A few years ago, this recipe won first prize! —Janice Schneider, Kansas City, Missouri
7
/
59
Red, White and Blueberry Pie
This creamy pie gets dressed up with berries to make a showstopping display at any Fourth of July party or summer get-together. It’s as pretty as it is tasty! —Kimberly McFarland, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
8
/
59
Pecan Meringue Pie
My good friend sent me this recipe and when I made it, it was every bit as delicious as she said! I love making it for Thanksgiving.—Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
9
/
59
Mama’s Buttermilk Coconut Pie
My mama showed me how to make this pie about 40 years ago, just as her mama showed her how to make it. I was 6 when Mawmaw passed away, but I can still remember her cooking in the kitchen in her beautiful cotton dresses dusted with flour. I am honored to teach my daughter how to make this dessert, too. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama
10
/
59
Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie
For my mother’s birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
11
/
59
Buttermilk Pecan Pie
This is the treasured "golden oldie" that my grandmother made so often whenever we'd come to visit. Grandma grew her own pecans, and we never tired of cracking them and picking out the meat when we knew we'd be treated to her special pie! —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
12
/
59
Winning Rhubarb-Strawberry Pie
While growing up on a farm, I often ate rhubarb, so it’s natural for me to use it in a pie. I prefer to use lard for the flaky pie crust and thin, red rhubarb stalks for the filling. These two little secrets helped this recipe win top honors at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. —Marianne Carlson, Jefferson, Iowa
13
/
59
Fried Sweet Potato Pies
With my dad being a farmer who grew them, sweet potatoes have graced our table for as long as I can recall. This recipe, however, resulted from an experiment at a church bake sale when we had excess pastry. People couldn’t get enough! —Marilyn Moseley, Toccoa, Georgia
14
/
59
Marshmallow-Almond Key Lime Pie
Summer is peak season for Key limes—a must for this pie’s distinctive sweet-tart flavor. Unlike other Key lime pies, mine has a smooth marshmallow layer on top. This makes it stand out as a crowd favorite. —Judy Castranova, New Bern, North Carolina
15
/
59
Rhubarb Cherry Pie
As a young girl, I dreamed of being able to make pies like my mother. (Her rolling pin, which I inherited, was 2 ft. long and 8 in. wide!) In fact, this is Mom’s rhubarb strawberry pie recipe with cherries instead. I first made this pie for a church gathering 20 years ago—ever since, everyone’s looked for it at every potluck! —Eunice Hurt, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
16
/
59
Old-Fashioned Custard Pie
This recipe came from the best cook in West Virginia—my mother! I just added a little to her ingredients. I’m a widow, and my grown children live in another state. So mostly I make my custard pie for church and club functions. It’s the most different pie of all the ones in my collection.
17
/
59
Berry-Apple-Rhubarb Pie
I make this family favorite every year for a gathering at my sister’s, where the recipe is known as “Uncle Mike’s pie.” I use only fresh berries, apples and rhubarb that I grow myself. —Michael Powers, New Baltimore, Virginia
18
/
59
Double Peanut Pie
I created this recipe for a national pie contest and won second place for my state. Many peanuts are grown here, and I always look for ways to use local products. —Vivian Cleeton, Richmond, Virginia
19
/
59
Florida Citrus Meringue Pie
Why limit a fantastic dessert to just one kind of citrus fruit? Thanks to orange and lemon, this lovely pie packs a bold sweet-tart flavor! —Barbara Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
20
/
59
Butterscotch Pie
This pie’s filling is like creamy pudding and is crowned with golden peaks of meringue. —Cary Letsche, Brandenton, Florida
21
/
59
Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
When my fiance first made this chocolate bourbon pecan pie for me, I declared it to be the best pie ever! Creamy chocolate combines with crunchy nuts in a great, gooey filling. We can't get enough of this recipe inspired by Kentucky Derby bourbon chocolate pecan pie. —Tanya Taylor, Cary, North Carolina
22
/
59
Banana Cream Pie
Mom's pie recipe is a real treasure, and I've never found one that tastes better! —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
23
/
59
Fresh Blackberry Pie
I grew up on a farm, and we always picked fruits in early summer and used them to make desserts. This blackberry pie recipe is a real stunner. —Gladys Gibbs, Brush Creek, Tennessee
24
/
59
French Silk Pie
I first made French silk pie when I was in high school. Years later, I tinkered with the recipe until I was happy with it. Now it’s one of my husband’s favorites. —Lisa Francis, Elba, Alabama
25
/
59
Contest-Winning Raspberry Cream Pie
This recipe is delicious with either fresh-picked or frozen raspberries. That means you can make it year-round. One bite of raspberry pie will instantly turn winter to summer. —Julie Price, Nashville, Tennessee
26
/
59
Apple Butter and Pumpkin Pie
I’m proud of this pie because I made it up in my head, and it turned out very well! It’s a little different from traditional pumpkin or pecan pie, which makes it a nice holiday surprise. —Sherry Little, Sherwood, Arkansas
27
/
59
Rocky Road Freezer Pie
Whip up this simple chocolaty pie the day before and you’ll feel just like the champ when you serve it on party day. —Addrenne Roth, Donna, Texas
28
/
59
Southern Bourbon Pecan Pie
When I first made the original recipe for this bourbon-splashed pie, I added some vanilla extract and eliminated the flour. We loved the result. —Paul Falduto, Efland, North Carolina
29
/
59
Lemonade Icebox Pie
You will detect a definite lemonade flavor in this refreshing lemon icebox pie. High and fluffy, this dessert has a creamy smooth consistency that we really appreciate. It’s the dessert that came to mind immediately when I put together my favorite summer meal. —Cheryl Wilt, Eglon, West Virginia
30
/
59
Macaroon Cherry Pie
I use homegrown cherries in this bountiful pie with its unique crunchy coconut topping. But I’ve found that purchased tart cherries yield a dessert that’s nearly as delicious. I always bake this pie around Presidents Day or Valentine’s Day, but it’s popular with my family in any season. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia
31
/
59
Frozen Peach Pies
A refreshing, peachy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust are the perfect pair. I’ve found that this pie can be frozen up to three days. —Athena M. Russell, Florence, South Carolina
32
/
59
Grits Pie
Simple, southern and scrumptious, this pie will be a definite hit even with people who dislike grits. It has the perfect custardy texture.—Victoria Hudson, Pickens, South Carolina
33
/
59
Scrumptious Sweet Potato Pie
There are many good sweet potato pies out there, but this one doesn't contain milk. It does have a splash of whiskey and a hint of lemon. —Suzanne Smith, Maumee, Ohio
34
/
59
Favorite Banana Cream Pie
Homemade banana cream pie is my mom’s specialty, and this dreamy dessert has a wonderful banana flavor. It looks so pretty, and it cuts easily too. —Jodi Grable, Springfield, Missouri
35
/
59
Peanut Butter Cream Pie
During the warm months, it’s nice to have this fluffy, no-bake peanut butter pie that’s a snap to make. Packed with flavor, this pie gets gobbled up even after a big meal! —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
36
/
59
Ribbon Pudding Pie
Cool, smooth and creamy, this pretty pie is a slice of heaven for people with diabetes and anyone who likes an easy yet impressive dessert. The lovely pudding layers feature a yummy combination of vanilla, chocolate and butterscotch. —Doris Morgan, Verona, Mississippi
37
/
59
Lemon Chess Pie with Berry Sauce
This is one of those old-fashioned Southern desserts that makes everyone feel good. The easy-as-pie berry sauce gives it color and a tantalizing tang. —April Heaton, Branson, MissouriHere’s another delicious lemon chess pie recipe to try!
38
/
59
Mini Sweet Potato Pies
My son Levi was only 2 years old when he helped me create this delicious recipe, and it was the first time he told me I love you! I’ll always remember making these with him. —Emily Butler, South Williamsport, Pennsylvania
39
/
59
Macadamia Key Lime Pie
I make Key lime pie at least four times a month during summer—it’s so refreshing. The shortbread crust adds richness. —Brynn LeMaire, Gueydan, Louisiana
40
/
59
Cranberry Chocolate Walnut Pie
For a showstopping holiday pie, I mix cranberries, chocolate and walnuts. A little touch of rum makes it even happier. —Lorrie Melerine, Houston, Texas
41
/
59
Blueberry Pie with Lemon Crust
I just had to share this blueberry pie recipe. Mom and I have fun making it together, and I hope one day to be a great baker like she is. —Sara West, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
42
/
59
Coconut Pie
Watching my mother cook from scratch, I hardly knew that anything was available "pre-made" until I'd left home. One of Mom's best desserts is her creamy old-fashioned coconut pie. A rich slice is true comfort food. —Mary McGuire, Graham, North Carolina
43
/
59
Harvest Sweet Potato Pie
Years ago, we baked pies a few days before holiday gatherings and placed them in a tall pie safe on our back porch. My father called this sweet potato pie recipe "royal pie," because he thought it was fit for a king. It's a treasured hand-me-down family recipe. —Fae Fisher, Callao, Virginia
44
/
59
Velvety Chocolate Butter Pecan Pie
Serious dessert lovers go nuts over this one that combines the best of two classics: pecan pie and chocolate pie. Bittersweet chocolate tames the sweetness and adds a richness that is simply irresistible. —Helen Fields, Springtown, Texas
45
/
59
Irresistible Coconut Cream Pie
My husband and I grow 500 acres of wheat on the farm his family homesteaded in 1889. I grind my own flour and love to use it in this recipe. The easy, pat-in crust has a rich grain flavor. It’s irresistible filled with old-fashioned coconut cream and topped with a fluffy meringue. —Roberta Foster, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
46
/
59
Mini Key Lime and Coconut Pies
Savor the flavor of Key Lime Pie with these individual muffin-size treats. They're great when you need to serve a large group.—Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
47
/
59
Molasses-Bourbon Pecan Pie
Guests’ mouths water when they glimpse this southern charmer. Its flaky crust perfectly complements the rich, nutty filling. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
48
/
59
Coconut Macaroon Pie
Coconut macaroons are divine, but they can be a little messy to make. I turned the batter into a pie filling, and the luscious results speak for themselves. —Becky Mollenkamp, St. Louis, Missouri
50
/
59
Easy Bourbon Chocolate-Pecan Pie
This is my version of my great-grandmother's original pecan pie recipe. You can easily make this pie without the bourbon by using 3 tablespoons of melted butter in its place. To make it lighter, leave out the chocolate. —Sarah Varner, Santa Rita, Guam
51
/
59
Creamy Pineapple Pie
Creamy pineapple pie is a light and refreshing dessert that's quick to make and impressive to serve. This is one of our favorite ways to complete a summer meal. —Sharon Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
52
/
59
Copycat Patti's Sawdust Pie
We top this with sliced bananas, whipped cream and more sliced bananas. It's based on a sawdust pie recipe my mom got from a potholder she bought at the Patti's 1880s Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. —Jennifer Choisser, Paducah, Kentucky
53
/
59
Raisin Pecan Pie
I remember my Grandmother Voltie and Great-Aunt Ophelia making this southern-style pie for Thanksgiving. It was always one of the many cakes and pies lined up for dessert. —Angie Price, Bradford, Tennessee
54
/
59
Banana-Pineapple Cream Pies
My mother gave me this simple and delicious recipe years ago. The recipe makes two pies, so it's perfect for a potluck. I've never met anyone who didn't like it! —Robyn Appenzeller, Portsmouth, Virginia
55
/
59
Orange Sweet Potato Pie with Ginger Streusel
Flecks of orange zest add a pleasant texture and zip to this classic sweet potato pie. Cook and mash the potatoes a day ahead to save time on pie-making day. —Lindsey Cook, Dallas, Texas
56
/
59
Buttermilk Pie with Pecans
Branch out from the usual pecan pie with a creamy-crunchy version that comes out of the oven golden brown. Big pieces are even better with a generous dollop of whipped cream. —Kathy Harding, Richmond, Missouri
57
/
59
Spiced Butternut Squash Pie
My mom always made this dessert with her homegrown squash. It was my dad's favorite after-dinner treat. I continue to make it to this day. —Johnna Poulson, Celebration, Florida.
58
/
59
Pecan Meringue Pie
My good friend sent me this recipe and when I made it, it was every bit as delicious as she said! I love making it for Thanksgiving.—Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
59
/
59
Lime & Coconut Cream Pie
My custard pie features two tropical flavors I love. Plus, it’s a breeze to make. I throw most of the ingredients in the blender to whip up the filling, then pour it into a purchased crust. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Originally Published: May 18, 2021
