25 Traditional Southern Pies (+ Best Recipes)

Everyone thinks of at least three things when they imagine Southern cuisine. Sweet tea, fried chicken, and deliciously decadent Southern pies are usually on the list.

And Southern pies are more than just desserts. They’re a cherished tradition baked with love.

They’re such cherished culinary creations. These tempting pies are the essence of Southern comfort and a staple of famed Southern hospitality.

Here are some of the best Southern pie recipes to try in your own kitchen!

1. Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk pie is a simple Southern staple that’s been around for generations.

It requires the most basic ingredients and somehow turns out unbelievably good. It’s buttery, rich, and comes together in about 5 minutes flat. (Minus baking time, of course.) 

If you aren’t sure you know how to make good pies, this recipe is perfect for you. Even total kitchen newbies can whip up buttermilk pie with no trouble. 

2. Classic Chess Pie

Chess pie is pretty similar to buttermilk pie. It uses a handful of simple ingredients and isn’t hard to make. It has a bit more sugar than buttermilk pie and uses cornmeal in the recipe. 

It’s the perfect choice for an easy introduction to Southern pie-making. 

3. Sweet Potato Pie

I’ll never tire of sweet potato pie. It’s one of my all-time favorite pies, and I look forward to it every fall. 

It features a silky smooth filling and a crumbly, buttery crust. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and you’re all set. 

This pie will be the crowning achievement of your Thanksgiving dessert table. 

4. Paula Deen Pecan Pie

If you’re from the South, you know this as puh-con pie. But even if you call it pea-can pie, it’s still incredibly scrumptious. 

It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy, nutty and sugary. Every bite is like a taste and texture explosion. 

And don’t worry! With this recipe, anyone can make it.

5. Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie is a light, sweet, and tangy treat that’s perfect for summer. It has a bright, zesty flavor and a cool and creamy texture. Frankly, this pie even looks summery! 

This recipe “cheats” a little, using regular limes instead of the Key lime variety. Even so, it tastes phenomenal, and no one will ever know the difference. 

6. Coconut Cream Pie

This homemade coconut cream pie is the stuff dreams are made of.

It’s sweet, creamy, and just tropical enough to make you want to hit the beach. The crust is wonderfully flaky, and the coconut adds both flavor and texture. 

If Key lime pie isn’t your thing, coconut cream pie is an excellent backup plan.

7. Butternut Squash Pie

Butternut squash pie is one of the lesser-known Southern pies, but it’s just as delicious as all the others. 

With brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, it’ll remind you of pumpkin or sweet potato pie. It even features the same beautiful burnt orange color. 

It’s smooth, silky, and another ideal choice for the fall and winter holidays. 

8. Chocolate Pecan Pie

This yummy pie combines two of my favorites: pecan and chocolate. It’s sinfully rich, melt-in-your-mouth chewy, and good till the last bite. 

You can whip it up with only eight ingredients, but it takes some time. (It has a resting time of 2 hours.) While it isn’t tricky to make, don’t wait until the last minute. 

9. Strawberry Pie

This strawberry pie uses both fresh strawberries and strawberry-flavored gelatin. It’s a double dose of berries for all fruit lovers. 

It comes together easily in about 35 minutes. However, you need time for the gelatin to set. As with the chocolate pecan pie, don’t wait until the last minute to make this one, either. 

10. Chocolate Cream Pie

This pie is always a hit with or without the gorgeous chocolate curls on top. Its filling is soft, smooth, and downright luscious. Plus, it features loads of chocolatey flavor. 

It’s a triple threat of yumminess. Start with a crumbly Oreo crust. Then, add a rich chocolate pudding filling. Finally, top it with a creamy whipped topping. 

If you’re taking it to a party or family event, you might as well make two or three. Everyone will come back for seconds (and maybe even thirds) of this pie. 

11. French Silk Pie

In the mood for chocolate but don’t want the chocolate cream pie? Try French silk pie instead. The two are remarkably similar, but I find this one to be a bit more chocolatey. 

Fortunately, they’re both terrifically easy to make. 

12. Peach Pie

Nothing screams Georgia summers like a fresh-from-the-oven peach pie. The rich, buttery crust and sweet peaches are to die for.

Everything about peach pie is perfect. Serve it warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Mmm mmm mmm… You just can’t beat that. 

13. Custard Pie

Custard pie is another fantastic option if you want something simple. You can make it with six ingredients and an unbaked pie crust. 

It takes about 5 minutes of prep work and requires no extraordinary baking skills. The hardest part is forcing yourself not to return for an extra slice or three once it’s ready. 

14. No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

This no-bake peanut butter pie will quickly become your new go-to treat.

It starts with cream cheese, peanut butter, and a whipped topping. Then, cover it in caramel and chocolate sauce for extra decadence.

And it doesn’t hurt that you can pull it together with as few as six ingredients. I have no complaints. 

15. Classic Lemon Meringue Pie

I don’t know what I like best about this incredible pie. The buttery homemade crust is nice, but so is the tangy, silky lemon filling. And don’t get me started on that toasted meringue topping! 

Everything about this pie is delightful. It was one of my grandma’s favorites.

Give it a try if you want a classic, not-too-sweet summer pie. 

16. Butterscotch Pie

Of course, maybe “not-too-sweet” isn’t what you’re looking for at all. Perhaps you want something totally decadent and super sweet. 

In that case, try this butterscotch pie instead. It’s old-fashioned butterscotch with a flaky crust and fluffy whipped topping. 

Roasted salted cashews provide a salty contrast to all the sweetness. Even so, it’s sweet enough to satisfy the whole family’s sugar cravings. 

17. Banana Cream Pie

Of all the cream pies, banana cream pie is my favorite. It’s sweet, creamy, light, fruity, and full of yummy banana goodness. 

It features a ridiculously flaky crust, homemade custard, and fresh banana slices. Even without the whipped cream topping, this pie is one you can easily devour in one sitting. 

18. Blackberry Pie

This pie is the first thing I want to make when blackberries are in season. It’s a flawless balance between sweetness and tartness. 

Plus, there are warm spices, a buttery crust, and a hint of almond extract. This pie is way too good to resist!

19. Rhubarb Pie

There’s nothing quite like the sweetly tart sharpness of rhubarb. Usually, people combine it with strawberries, but there’s really no need. Rhubarb is plenty flavorful all by itself. 

Simply add some nutmeg, sugar, and butter to cut through the tartness, and voila. You have a sweet Southern pie that everyone will want to try. 

20. Mississippi Mud Pie

Southern pies are all about decadence. This famous pie is called Mississippi mud pie, but there’s nothing muddy about it. 

It’s boldly chocolate with a rich brownie layer in the center. It’s over-the-top sweet, totally indulgent, and highly addictive. You’ll want to make it at least once a week from now on. 

21. Rocky Road Pudding Pie

I’ll never say no to a quick and easy no-bake pie recipe. In fact, convenience convinced me to try this version in the first place. 

It features all the classic rocky road ice cream flavors in pie form. Serve it frozen or chilled for an even closer approximation to its ice cream namesake. 

22. Raspberry Cream Pie

Looking for a pie that’s sure to turn heads? Look no further than this gorgeous, brightly colored raspberry cream pie. The rich red and brilliant white ensure everyone will take a second glance. 

And luckily, it tastes just as good as it looks. It’s tart and tangy, with just enough sweetness to round out the flavor. 

The smooth cream cheese filling is reminiscent of a cheesecake. And the ruby-red raspberry topping tastes so good, you’ll want to lick the plate clean. 

23. Brown Butter and Bourbon Pecan Pie

This pie is absolutely delicious, but a little piece goes a long way. It features loads of insanely sweet ingredients. (Such as brown sugar, corn syrup, golden syrup, etc.)

The bourbon adds a smoky warmth that complements the salty pecans well. It’s like a traditional pecan pie, only dialed up to 13.

24. Lemonade Pie

You won’t believe how quick and simple this pie is to make. All you need is cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, frozen lemonade, whipped topping, and a graham cracker crust.

It comes together in 10 minutes and requires absolutely no cooking whatsoever. It will need at least 8 hours to chill, though, so keep that in mind when budgeting for time. 

25. Pineapple Cream Pie

The last cream pie on the list is also one of the best. The pineapple cream pie is a rich, tropical, indulgent dessert that’s ideal for summer. 

I like to sprinkle some shredded coconut on top. It almost makes it taste like the pie version of a pina colada. (Non-alcoholic, of course.)