If you’re looking to bring a bit of southern charm to your kitchen, southern pies are a great place to start. From the creamy goodness of a classic buttermilk pie to the rich sweetness of a pecan pie, these desserts are steeped in tradition and bursting with flavor. Growing up, these were the pies that made family gatherings and holidays extra special.
Sharing these handcrafted treats has always been a way to show love and warmth. Making these pies at home using my favorite recipes will fill your kitchen with the comforting smells of the south. Plus, most of the ingredients are simple pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a pie that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s for a big celebration or just a cozy night in, southern pies are always a crowd-pleaser.
Southern Pie recipes
1. Alabama Peanut Pie
Alabama Peanut Pie is a must-try if you’re south of the Mason-Dixon line. Peanuts thrive in Alabama, making this pie a regional gem. It’s sweet, a bit spicy with a touch of cayenne, and oh, so satisfying.
Quick Recipe:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Whisk 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar, seeds from 1 vanilla bean, 2 1/2 tablespoons flour, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne.
- Beat 3 eggs until frothy and add 1 cup light Alaga syrup, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Combine with dry ingredients.
- Pour 2 cups dry roasted peanuts into a pre-baked 9-inch pie shell and add filling. Bake 40 minutes until set.
2. Apple-Bourbon Pie
Kentucky loves its bourbon, and this pie showcases that love perfectly. Mixing bourbon-soaked raisins, apricot preserves, and toasted nuts creates a delightful blend of flavors.
Quick Recipe:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Soak 1/2 cup raisins in 1/2 cup bourbon for 2 hours.
- Steam 3 pounds of peeled and sliced apples for 10 minutes.
- Mix apples with 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 cup apricot preserves, and 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts. Add raisins.
- Bake in a pie crust for 45-50 minutes.
3. Atlantic Beach Pie
This custard pie is refreshing with flavors of lemon and lime, hailing from North Carolina. It’s a wonderful blend of creamy and tart.
Quick Recipe:
- Crush 1.5 sleeves of saltines and mix with 3 tablespoons sugar and 7 tablespoons melted butter. Bake crust at 350°F for 18 minutes.
- Whisk a can of condensed milk, 4 egg yolks, and 1/2 cup lemon/lime juice. Pour into warm crust and bake 16-18 minutes.
4. Arkansas Black Apple Pie
Using Arkansas Black Apples gives this pie a unique twist with their crisp texture and tart flavor. The nearly black color of these apples after ripening is a sight to see.
Quick Recipe:
- Toss 6 cups sliced apples with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Pour into a pie crust, top with another crust, and bake at 425°F for 45-50 minutes.
5. Ashley Greene’s Derby Pie
A Southern pie that combines chocolate, nuts, and caramel to create a rich, sweet dessert. Named after the Derby, this pie is a true Kentucky classic.
Quick Recipe:
- Mix 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup melted butter, and 2 beaten eggs.
- Pour into a 9-inch pie crust. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
6. Banana Cream Pie
Banana Cream Pie, a Southern favorite, boasts layers of creamy custard and fresh bananas, topped with whipped cream.
Quick Recipe:
- Bake a 9-inch pie crust.
- Cook 3/4 cup sugar, 1/3 cup cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 3 cups milk until thick.
- Whisk in 3 egg yolks, cook for 2 more minutes, and add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla.
- Layer sliced bananas and custard. Chill for 4 hours.
7. Banana Pudding Pie
Combining vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and wafers, this pie is a creamy, crunchy delight.
Quick Recipe:
- Bake a crust of crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Cook 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 cups milk until thick.
- Stir in 4 beaten egg yolks, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and layer with bananas in the crust. Chill for 4 hours.
8. Bean Pie
An old classic originating from Kentucky, Bean Pie features spiced navy beans for a unique, sweet flavor.
Quick Recipe:
- Blend a can of navy beans, 1/2 cup condensed milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 eggs, sugars, flour, vanilla, and spices until smooth.
- Pour into a partially baked 9-inch pie crust. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then at 350°F for 27-32 minutes.
9. Black Bottom Pie
This pie offers a layered treat of chocolate and vanilla cream, creating a delightful dessert.
Quick Recipe:
- Press 3 cups crushed gingersnaps mixed with 6 tablespoons butter into a pie dish and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Cook milk and a sugar-egg-cornstarch mixture. Separate and flavor half with bittersweet chocolate and vanilla, the other half with gelatin and rum.
- Layer chocolate custard, then gelatin custard in crust. Chill and top with whipped cream.
10. Blackberry Pie
A favorite in the Appalachian region, Blackberry Pie combines fresh berries for a sweet, tangy treat.
Quick Recipe:
- Mix 4 cups fresh blackberries with 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Pour into a pie crust, top with another crust, and bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes.
11. Bob Andy Pie
An Amish-inspired pie with a custard filling spiced with cinnamon and cloves, it’s comforting and sweet.
Quick Recipe:
- Whisk 3 large eggs, then add 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and spices.
- Pour into a pie crust and bake at 325°F until set.
Frequently Asked Questions about Southern Pies
How can i well when my pie is ready?
I check if my pie is done by seeing if the edges are firm and the center has a slight wobble when I shake it gently. This usually means the pie is set just right.
Is it necessary to let my pie cool before cutting?
I always let my pies cool down before I slice them. This cooling time helps the pie to firm up and get the right texture. If you cut it too soon, you might end up with a mess. I give it at least 2 hours to cool completely.