20 Kentucky Derby Desserts: The South's Best
Easy Kentucky Derby desserts are the perfect finish to your Derby party. Make the most of the South's best flavors including fresh peaches, seasonal strawberries, crispy pecans, and delicious treats for your buffet table.
As the Kentucky Derby approaches, it's time to start thinking about the perfect dessert to serve at your Derby party.
The Kentucky Derby is not just a horse race, it's a cultural event that is known for its traditional southern cuisine and decadent desserts.
Whether you're attending the race in person or hosting a party at home, having the right dessert is essential to completing your Derby experience.
Today I'm sharing some of the most popular Kentucky Derby desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.
From classic pecan pie bars to southern style peach cobbler, I've got you covered with all the recipes you need to create an unforgettable Derby day dessert spread.
So, let's whip up some delicious treats that will have everyone cheering for more!
Kentucky Derby Party Tips
Gathering your friends to watch the races is such a fun excuse to throw a special event. Start with my easy Kentucky Derby party ideas and learn how to set up a make-your-own mint julep bar!
Then plan your party menu with a few of these easy Kentucky Derby appetizers.
The Derby is all about elegance with those fancy Derby hats and stylish dresses. Be sure your home is ready by filling it with fresh flowers. On a budget? Check out how IÂ stock my vases for less than $20 at Trader Joe's.
20 Kentucky Derby Desserts
From stunning Derby cakes to easy bite-sized treats to add to a dessert buffet table, these easy Kentucky Derby desserts are filled with classic Southern flavors like fresh peaches, pecans, seasonal strawberries, and more.
Southern Peach Cobbler
If I could choose just one dessert to serve at a Kentucky Derby party, it would hands-down be this southern style peach cobbler with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over a warm serving of the juicy dish.
You can make it with fresh peaches or canned peaches and the crispy, buttery cobbler topping is one that will have you making this recipe again and again.
Shortbread Pecan Pie Bars
Pecans and shortbread go hand in hand in the south. Add a little dash of bourbon to the mix and you're ready for the ultimate end to your Derby party.
Triple Berry Sauce for Topping a Plain Cheesecake
Need to keep it easy? Hosting doesn't need to be difficult.
Grab a huge vanilla cheesecake from Costco and prep this triple berry sauce for drizzling over the top. Add some fresh seasonal berries for the perfect touch.
Banana Pudding {No Bananas!}
Few things are more southern than a classic banana pudding.
I threw caution to the wind and made mine without bananas. Whether or not you love that fresh yellow fruit, don't miss out on this amazing easy dessert.
Strawberry Cream Pie
Not only is this strawberry cream pie one of the most searched for Southern recipes, it is also the color of all those red Derby roses!
Strawberry Lemonade Cake
This pretty pink lemonade cake tastes amazing served chilled from the fridge and could be a refreshing dessert to serve on a hot afternoon of Derby fun.
Blackberry Jam & Biscuits
For a unique dessert, make a batch of homemade buttermilk biscuits and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top before baking.
Serve them on a party platter with whipped honey butter and a mason jar of this delicious no cook blackberry freezer jam. Add a bowl of homemade whipped cream and fresh berries to top it all off.
Lemon Meringue Tart
Want to win the prize for most elegant Derby dessert?
You can prep the elements to this easy lemon meringue tart in advance and then just assemble the morning before the Derby party.
Strawberry Kiwi Poke Cake
A classic strawberry poke cake recipe is always a hit on a hot spring afternoon with the chilled gelatin filling and creamy whipped topping.
Mix and match the fruits you display on top to match your Derby decor.
Orange Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake
Southern style bundt cakes are always a party pleaser.
This zesty orange chocolate chip bundt cake is amazing with or without the chocolate ganache drizzle over the top. You could swap it for a bourbon orange glaze to go with the Derby theme.
Roasted Cherries and Ice Cream
Serve warm roasted cherries in parfait glasses over scoops of vanilla ice cream.
You could add 1 - 2 tablespoons of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or rum or bourbon to the cherries at the end of the roasting for extra flavor.
Angel Food Cake with Strawberry Sauce
Pick up an angel food cake or individual sponge cakes from the grocery store and add this homemade strawberry sauce, fresh strawberries, and dollops of whipped cream for a shortcut strawberry shortcake dessert.
Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad
Pretty red grapes are nestled under that delicious cream cheese and brown sugar dressing on this copycat Chicken Salad Chick grape salad.
Topped with crispy pecans, this sweet grape salad is an easy no bake dessert that is always a hit at a party.
Pineapple Marshmallow Salad (a.k.a. Ambrosia)
Be sure to add a bowl of this no-mayo ambrosia salad to your Derby dessert table.
Guests will love adding a dollop to their plates because it is cold and refreshing and pairs perfectly with almost any savory Kentucky Derby appetizers you've got planned.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart
This stunning strawberry cream cheese tart is shockingly easy to prepare and will be a gorgeous addition to your party dessert table.
You can mix and match the fruits on top to add any colors you want to your party theme.
Peach Bread
This easy peach quick bread has a delicate almond flavored glaze drizzled over the top and real fresh peaches all throughout the spongy bread.
You could easily call it a fresh peach cake and serve it with tea or coffee.
Pound Cake with Peach Jam
Homemade peach freezer jam can be used in a wide variety of easy desserts.
Warm it up and drizzle over ice cream, a plain pound cake, or spread it over shortbread cookies for a fresh and fruity taste of the South.
Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream
I love to serve these caramelized grilled peaches as a side dish for my favorite rum glazed pork tenderloins but they also make an incredible dessert all on their own or when served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Fresh Peach Scones
Another bite-sized dessert you could add to a buffet table would be these fresh peach scones, with or without white chocolate chips added to the mix.
They pair perfectly with a cup of tea for an afternoon nibble.
Butterscotch Brownies
Cut a pan of these easy butterscotch blondies into bite-sized squares and pile them up on a 3-tier tray for your party table. Watch them disappear in a flash.
More Southern Recipes
Want to fill out your Derby menu? Just take a peek at the top 30 southern recipes and you'll be sure to find more delicious eats:
More Party Recipes
