20 Delicious Texas Dessert Recipes You Have to Try

When it comes to desserts, everything is indeed bigger in Texas – not just in terms of portion size, but also in terms of flavor profile.

The Lone Star State’s sweet treats often feature a diverse array of fruits, chocolates, and other ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds.

Think pineapple-infused Hummingbird Cake, bananas adding natural sweetness to Texas Banana Pudding, or generous helpings of sheet cake smothered in rich chocolate mayonnaise.

Ice Cream Sandwich

Say goodbye to hunting down an ice cream truck or making a trip to the store for your own ice cream sandwich fix. Instead, start by softening your favorite scoop of ice cream, then proceed to create a chocolate dough that’s smooth and even with just a few holes remaining. Next, pop it into the oven until it reaches a firm consistency. Once the cookies have cooled down, cut out a rectangular shape from the ice cream and place it on top of the cookie shells.

Serve quickly, as you don’t want your masterpiece to melt away before you can enjoy every bite!

Orange Creamsicle Cake

Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of Texas with an Orange Creamsicle Cake that’s surprisingly easy to make. You can even use a store-bought vanilla cake mix as a base. The real magic happens when you combine orange jell-o, orange zest, and freshly squeezed orange juice – the perfect blend of citrusy goodness. And don’t worry about the frosting, it’s just as simple to whip up using canned mandarin oranges, instant vanilla pudding mix, and Cool Whip.

Simply head to our Recipe section for a step-by-step guide.

Sock It To Me Cake

The Southern sweet tooth is renowned for its indulgent treats, and the Sock It To Me Cake is no exception. This delectable dessert boasts a tender butter cake as its foundation, but the real showstopper is the cinnamon streusel filling infused with the rich flavors of pecan brown sugar. The crowning glory is a velvety vanilla glaze that adds an extra layer of indulgence to each bite.

To make this treat, you’ll need a Bundt cake tin, although feel free to experiment with a variety of spices like cardamom, allspice, and nutmeg to give it your personal twist.

Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola Cake

Infusing your chocolate cake with the unmistakable flavor of Coca-Cola can result in a dense, rich, and decadent dessert. To achieve this, start by creating a batter that combines the sweetness of cocoa powder with the depth of Coke. For best results, use a full-sugar can of Coca-Cola instead of Diet Coke to capture its signature taste. This unique twist on traditional chocolate cake will surely delight your palate and leave you wondering how something so simple can be so sublime.

Loaded Carrot Cake

In a delightful twist, carrot cake can also be a beloved Texan dessert. This loaded version boasts an impressive array of ingredients, including plump raisins, shredded coconut, and crunchy chopped nuts. But the real pièce de résistance is the tangy lemon cream cheese frosting, elevated by the brightness of fresh lemon zest or the subtle nuance of a few drops of lemon oil. Whether you’re a native Texan or just visiting from afar, this sweet treat is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Chocolate Delight Dessert

Indulge your guests in a decadent Chocolate Delight Dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delectable. The key to its appeal lies in the deliberate layering of contrasting textures and flavors. At the foundation, crushed graham crackers provide a satisfying crunch, which gives way to a rich sweetened cream cheese layer. This velvety smoothness is then interrupted by the deep, dark intensity of chocolate pudding.

The crowning glory is the fluffy whipped topping, perfectly offset by the crunch of chopped pecans. As the layers meld together in harmony, it’s no wonder this show-stopping dessert leaves a lasting impression on all who taste it.

Heavenly Hash Donuts

For a shortcut to making donuts from scratch, consider using Pillsbury Grand Biscuits or premixed quick bread dough as the foundation. Simply cut out your desired donut shapes, fry them individually, and prepare the topping by combining melted chocolate chips with whipping cream. The result is a delicious base that can be further elevated with marshmallow cream, crumbled brownie bits, mini chocolate chips, and a drizzle of rich chocolate syrup.

Bourbon Balls

Indulge in the simplicity and richness of Bourbon Balls, a sweet treat that requires just a few ingredients. Begin by combining crushed vanilla wafers with light corn syrup, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, finely chopped pecans, and a hint of vanilla extract. Add a splash of bourbon to give it a distinct Texan flair. If you prefer a different twist, substitute rum for the bourbon – although the result might not be as authentically Texas-inspired.

Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into small balls, approximately three-quarters of an inch in diameter. To add an extra layer of flavor and texture, roll the balls in confectioners’ sugar, shredded coconut, or cocoa powder for a satisfying finish.

Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie is an essential addition to any list of Texas desserts. For a homemade touch, whip up your own sweet crust pastry shell or opt for convenience by purchasing one pre-made. The filling’s winning combination of chopped pecans, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract yields a rich and indulgent treat that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pie

Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with our classic Buttermilk Pie recipe. This indulgent dessert boasts a flaky, buttery crust, a velvety smooth filling, and a satisfying crunch from the cracked sugar topping. Think of it as an upscale take on the humble custard pie. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring just a few pantry staples and minimal fuss in the oven.

Hummingbird Cake

Imagine sinking your teeth into a scrumptious Southern Hummingbird Cake that’s as moist as it is flavorful. This Texas dessert masterpiece combines the sweetness of ripe banana with the tanginess of pineapple, creating a tropical twist that will leave you wanting more. The added crunch from chopped pecans provides a delightful textural contrast, while the cream cheese and pineapple juice frosting brings everything together in perfect harmony.

Texas Banana Pudding

Prepare your Texas Banana Pudding in advance for maximum convenience. This delightful dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days when covered with plastic wrap. To assemble the dish, you’ll need layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, rich caramel drizzle, and a crunchy graham cracker topping. When it’s time to serve, use a ladle to create a visually appealing dish that showcases each component, from the crispy wafers to the velvety pudding.

Flambéed Bananas Foster

Elevate your dessert game by creating a show-stopping treat that’s literally lit. Combine melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar with sliced bananas, then add a splash of rum for an added layer of sophistication. Once the mixture is ablaze, have a fire extinguisher or pan lid at the ready to safely extinguish the flames. Serve the still-smoldering dessert over ice cream for a truly unforgettable experience that’s sure to impress your guests.

Frozen Bananas

Indulge in the sweet simplicity of Frozen Bananas, a quintessential Texan dessert that packs a punch when it comes to flavor. To create these creamy treats, start by inserting a popsicle stick into a peeled banana and freezing it for about an hour. This will give you a solid base for your frozen delight. Next, melt some chocolate with a splash of coconut oil until smooth, then drizzle it over the banana.

Finish it off by sprinkling on your favorite toppings – be it chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even crushed cookies. And just like that, you’ll have a decadent dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.

Fried Ice Cream

In the heart of Texas, a peculiar yet beloved dessert has emerged: crispy-shelled ice cream. The process begins by forming balls of your favorite ice cream and wrapping them in plastic wrap, allowing them to firm up in the freezer. Next, blitz together some crushed pecans and graham crackers to create a crunchy coating. Dip each ice cream ball into beaten eggs and then roll it in corn flakes before returning it to the freezer.

When ready, carefully fry the ice cream balls in hot oil, being mindful that the shell may still be sizzling hot when served.

Classic Texas-Style Peach Cobbler

Indulge in the quintessential Texas charm of this classic peach cobbler, best enjoyed with the sweetness of fresh peaches. To prepare, pour the buttermilk batter over melted butter, then generously sprinkle sugared peaches atop and bake to perfection. Allow the warm cobbler to satisfy your sweet tooth, paired with a generous dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

This traditional dessert is replete with fruity undertones and rich flavors, staying true to its heritage while offering an unparalleled culinary experience.

Funnel Cake

Revisit the sweet sensations of a Texas state fair without leaving home, as we delve into the delightful world of Funnel Cake. By preparing the batter from scratch, you can effortlessly drizzle it into hot oil and cook until it reaches a perfect golden brown on both sides. The crowning glory comes when you dust the finished treat with powdered sugar, instantly transporting yourself back to the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling fairground.

Texas Sheet Cake

Indulge in this effortless dessert by preparing a jelly roll pan with a straightforward cake batter. The frosting requires only a few basic ingredients: milk, cocoa powder, butter, and powdered sugar. As you’re ready to serve, cut the treat into squares while it’s still warm, allowing the warmth to bring out its rich flavors.

Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake

To take your sheet cake to the next level of indulgence, follow the usual steps for preparing your sheet cake, then give it a rich finish with chocolate mayonnaise. The crowning glory is actually a mixture of softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and heavy cream. While the simplicity of the sheet cake remains, the frosting should be spread on promptly to ensure its best texture.

Sopapillas

While originating from New Mexico, where they’re often referred to as Sopapillas or Mexican doughnuts, these crispy treats have gained popularity on the other side of the border in Texas. When fried to perfection and served with a sweet drizzle of honey, it’s no wonder why. The combination is nothing short of irresistible.

German Chocolate Cake

Surprisingly, the iconic German Chocolate Cake originates from Texas. The name ‘German’ actually honors Samuel German’s baking chocolate, which was used by Mrs. George Clay, its namesake. For a truly decadent experience, substitute brewed coffee for hot water when mixing the cake. While the recipe itself is relatively straightforward, you’ll need to add egg yolks and buttermilk to the coconut-pecan frosting, which also incorporates egg yolks.

Texas Cowboy Cookies

Indulge in the quintessential American dessert experience by baking a batch of Texas Cowboy Cookies. These scrumptious treats boast a delightful texture combination – crispy on the edges and soft-chewy within, with an irresistible buttery flavor that permeates every bite. The addition of rich chocolate chips adds an extra layer of indulgence, while the oatmeal provides a satisfying foundation for this perfect cookie confection.

Final Thoughts

Texas is renowned for its indulgent desserts that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. While many are familiar favorites like ice cream sandwiches, carrot cake, cookies, and sheet cakes, the Lone Star State also boasts a unique range of pies that showcase its culinary prowess.

Pecan pie, the official state dessert, is a must-try, alongside other popular options like red velvet pie and buttermilk pie.