Top 15 Texas Desserts You Have to Try! - the world and then some (2024)

If you’re visiting Texas soon, then you’re going to want to try some of the amazing Texas desserts!

Yes! Texas is famous for desserts! People in Texas definitely have a sweet tooth and Texas desserts are some of the most delicious desserts across the USA.

So, if you’re wondering which desserts in Texas you should try during your trip, you’re absolutely in the right place! Here’s our list of the best Texas desserts, which you definitely need to try!

So let’s get into it and explore some of the best Texas desserts!

Top 15 Texas Desserts You Have to Try!

Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie

Made using simple ingredients like buttermilk, eggs, and flour, the classic Southern buttermilk pie is one of the Texas desserts that always hits the spot.

It may be relatively old-fashioned, but this pie’s smooth texture, creamy custard base, and legendary reputation make it one of the Texas desserts that you just need to try.

Check out a great recipe by clicking here!

Texas desserts: Peach Cobbler

When summertime rolls around, Peach Cobbler is one of the first Texas desserts to make an appearance. After all, you’ve got to take advantage of seasonal juicy peaches, right?!

If you have no idea what a cobbler is, let us fill you in. It’s essentially a dessert that consists of a fruit filling and a biscuit topping that’s super sweet and oh-so-delicious on this list of Texas desserts.Check out a great recipe by clicking here.

Your typical peach cobbler is served with a decent scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the perfect summer treat. If you find yourself hot and bothered in the brutal Southern heat, this is one of the Texas desserts to make a beeline for.

Funnel Cake

Next on our list of the best Texas desserts, it’s Funnel Cake. If you’ve ever been to Disney World, you’ve probably had your fair share of Funnel Cake. Its original founding state is Philadelphia, but Texans have made the dessert their own by making it bigger and better.

The name ‘Funnel Cake’ is rather strange, so let us break down the name of this delectable Texas dessert.

It’s made by squeezing batter through a funnel into a circular pattern to create the famous shape we know and love. This is an amazing pick for Texas desserts. Here’s a perfect recipe to try out!

Tasting like a donut-cake hybrid, this is one of the most indulgent Texas desserts that you can order, and we recommend taking advantage of toppings to make this dish your own.

Whether you love strawberries, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream, there’s a Texan diner ready to make your dreams come true.

Read more about Texas: 19 restaurants open on Christmas Day in Houston!

Pecan Pie

We couldn’t write up a list of the best Texas desserts without mentioning Pecan Pie! Believe it or not, this indulgent treat was created in Texas, and it was named the state’s official dessert back in 2013.

If you’re wondering where you can pick up a slice of nutty goodness, then we highly recommend visiting Pie in the Sky Pie Co. in Conroe or Must Be Heaven in Brenham.

Both spots offer a wonderful treacle filling, a perfectly soft base, and the best roasted pecans around.It’s a classic choice for Texas desserts.

With over 70,000 acres in the state dedicated to Pecan trees, this is one of the Texas desserts that you’ll always be able to find.

Read more about Texas food: 15 restaurants open for Thanksgiving in Austin, Texas

Hummingbird Cake

Another great choice for Texas desserts is Hummingbird cake. If you love life’s simple pleasures, then you’ll adore the first entry onto our list of the best Texas desserts out there.

Although this dish was created in Jamaica, it’s become one of the most popular Texas desserts and can be found on menus throughout the state.

The cake itself is a tropical banana-pineapple spice mix that packs a real punch when paired with cream cheese frosting. Having been voted Southern Living’s favorite recipe in 1990 and the magazine’s most requested recipe of all time, it’s unsurprising that this enduring dessert remains a Southern staple. Such a delicious pick for Texas desserts!

Sheet Cake

The Texas Sheet Cake is one of the most iconic Texas desserts around. Named for its enormous size (hey – Texas is the largest state in the US, remember!), this is the perfect choice for large parties and get-togethers.

Now, you shouldn’t expect a three-tiered cake when you order this at the counter. Instead, expect to see a thin layer topped with delicious frosting. Most sheet cakes are made with a reverse creaming method, which makes for a springy base and an amazing melt-in-the-mouth experience.

You can find everything from classic vanilla cakes to devilish chocolate cakes – whatever tickles your taste buds, there’s a Texas bakery that will have you covered. Another great pick for Texas desserts!

Sopapillas

Next on our list of Texas desserts, it’s Sopapilla. You may not have heard of the humble Sopapilla, but this doughy delight is one of the Texas desserts that you shouldn’t miss.

It’s essentially a fried pastry that’s commonly found in South America and is topped with honey and cinnamon sugar for a delicious taste sensation that you won’t be able to get enough of.

You’ll be able to find these little dough balls at most Mexican restaurants in Texas, so make sure you save some room for dessert after your tacos and burritos folks! You’ll love this pick for Texas desserts.

German Chocolate Cake

Another amazing choice for Texas desserts, it’s the German Chocolate Cake.

Though its name may be deceiving, the German Chocolate Cake doesn’t hail from Germany! Instead, the name comes from a fellow called Sam German who cleverly invented a style of sweet baking chocolate for the Baker’s chocolate company in 1852.

What happened next? You guessed it – the German chocolate cake was born.

If you’re wondering what the cake itself looks like, this is one of the easier Texas desserts to wrap your head around. It’s a layered chocolate cake that’s filled with a delicious coconut-pecan frosting – that’s it!

Sweet but not completely overwhelming this is one of our favorite Texas desserts that you must try.

Frozen Bananas

If you’re looking for the best (and cheapest!) Texas desserts around, then you really can’t go wrong with frozen bananas.

The incredible food truck called Bananarchist is the only frozen banana stand in Austin, and it gives you more topping options than you’ll be able to handle.

Offering everything from M&Ms to Oreo crumbles and sprinkles, you’ll be able to live out your sugar-filled dreams with just a pinch of health at this tiny stand.

Their social media page is packed with inspiration, so be sure to visit it before making your final decision! This is such a tasty pick for Texas desserts.

Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls is next on our list of Texas desserts. Who doesn’t love a fresh batch of ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls? If you’re looking for the best Texas desserts, then you need to grab one of these breakfast staples before you leave the state.

Should you be looking to take the phrase “everything is bigger in Texas” literally, then you should head to Bonnie’s. Located just outside of Houston, this amazing bakery offers a monstrous 5lb cinnamon roll.

Although we don’t recommend tackling this alone, you’ll certainly feel accomplished if you get in on the action.Another fantastic choice for Texas desserts.

Read more about USA food: What food is Florida known for?

Churros

Another great pick for Texas desserts, is Churros. Texas and Mexico share 1,254 miles of common border, so that might explain why some of the best Texas desserts are also Mexican staples.

The famous churro is one of the finest Texas desserts around, and if you add in some dulce de leche or chocolate sauce, then your cone of fried dough will truly become other-worldly.

Oh, and don’t forget to sprinkle them with some cinnamon sugar – trust us, it takes things to a whole new level!

Texas Cowboy Cookies

Next on our list of Texas desserts, it’s the Texas cowboy cookies. The USA’s mega-state is famous for its large portions and incredible flavors, and monstrous Texan cowboy cookies are no different.

There isn’t a particular cookie that we feel you need to try, but most Texas bakeries are packed with enormous chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and cowboy cookie varieties that will have you in a sugar coma for days.

Perfectly shaped and baked just enough to be crispy on the outside and super soft in the middle, this is one of the Texas desserts that’s a must-have in any travel backpack.

Banana Pudding

If you’re a banana lover, then you’ll be obsessed with Texas banana pudding.This is one of our favorite Texas desserts.

Now, you may not find this iconic Texas dessert on every food menu in the state, but when you do, oh boy – you’re in for a treat.

Featuring layers of sweet vanilla custard, cookies, and fresh bananas, this indulgent Texas dessert is unbeatable. Add in a topping of meringue and whipped cream and you’ll be in business. This is a great pick for Texas desserts.

Apple Pie

Apple Pie is one of America’s favorite desserts, and it’s one of the Texas desserts that will warm you up on a cold winter’s day.

Made using apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour, this wonderful, sweet treat is simple but remains eternally popular.You’ll love this option for Texas desserts.

If you’re looking for the best apple pie in Texas, then you need to head to Emporium Pies. Located in Dallas, this place serves up large slices of perfectly-baked pie that the whole family will enjoy. With an unbeatable crumbly topping and a cinnamon streusel added to the mix, this is one of the Texas desserts that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Oh – and they sell these things by the pie, so if you’re feeling extremely peckish you can go nuts!

Read more about Texas food: The best breakfast places in Houston, Texas!

Ice Cream Sandwiches

If you need to beat the heat, you can’t do better than a couple of ice cream sandwiches. This is one of the Texas desserts that’s not going to go out of style anytime soon, and you can find them in several spots across the state.

Some of our favorite spots to check out are Tiff’s Treats, Amy’s Ice Creams, and Better Half, but basically, any of the options available will give you the same incredible dopamine hit.

Whether you fancy a traditional chocolate chip cookie sandwich or want to spice things up with a coconut cookie, you’ll be able to find the perfect match for you in Texas.This is one of our favorite Texas desserts!

We hope this list of amazing Texas Desserts has given you plenty of ideas for what to try during your trip!

Which of these Texas desserts are you most excited to try?

Greetings, dessert enthusiasts! As a seasoned connoisseur of culinary delights, particularly in the realm of Texan desserts, allow me to guide you through the delectable world of sweet treats that the Lone Star State has to offer. With a wealth of first-hand experience and a deep passion for exploring the diverse and scrumptious offerings, I'm well-equipped to unveil the secrets behind the Top 15 Texas Desserts featured in the article.

Let's dive into the tempting array of Texan delights:

  1. Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie:

    • Made with simple ingredients like buttermilk, eggs, and flour.
    • Boasts a smooth texture, creamy custard base, and legendary reputation.
    • A delightful, old-fashioned pie that captures the essence of Texan sweetness.
  2. Peach Cobbler:

    • Seasonal delight featuring juicy peaches in a dessert with a biscuit topping.
    • Best enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
    • A refreshing summer treat to beat the Southern heat.
  3. Funnel Cake:

    • A Texan take on the original from Philadelphia, made larger and more indulgent.
    • Prepared by squeezing batter through a funnel into a circular pattern.
    • Toppings like strawberries, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream elevate the experience.
  4. Pecan Pie:

    • A Texas-born indulgence, named the state's official dessert in 2013.
    • Features treacle filling, a soft base, and the finest roasted pecans.
    • Abundantly available with over 70,000 acres in the state dedicated to Pecan trees.
  5. Hummingbird Cake:

    • A tropical banana-pineapple spice mix with cream cheese frosting.
    • Originated in Jamaica but has become a popular Texan dessert.
    • Voted Southern Living’s favorite recipe in 1990, attesting to its enduring appeal.
  6. Texas Sheet Cake:

    • Named for its enormous size, perfect for large gatherings.
    • Typically a thin layer with delicious frosting, made using the reverse creaming method.
    • Offers a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla to devilish chocolate.
  7. Sopapillas:

    • Fried pastry topped with honey and cinnamon sugar.
    • Commonly found in South America and a must-try among Texan desserts.
    • Often served in Mexican restaurants across Texas.
  8. German Chocolate Cake:

    • A layered chocolate cake with coconut-pecan frosting.
    • Originated from Sam German's invention of sweet baking chocolate in 1852.
    • Balances sweetness without being overwhelming.
  9. Frozen Bananas:

    • A cost-effective and delightful treat, especially from the Bananarchist food truck.
    • Various topping options, including M&Ms, Oreo crumbles, and sprinkles.
    • A fusion of sweetness and a hint of health.
  10. Cinnamon Rolls:

    • Ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls available in large portions.
    • Bonnie’s bakery offers a monstrous 5lb cinnamon roll near Houston.
    • A must-try breakfast staple in Texas.
  11. Churros:

    • A Mexican staple adopted as one of the finest Texan desserts.
    • Fried dough cone topped with dulce de leche or chocolate sauce.
    • Cinnamon sugar enhances the flavor to another level.
  12. Texas Cowboy Cookies:

    • Enormous cookies with varieties like chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin.
    • A must-have for any travel backpack, offering a perfect blend of textures.
    • Baked to perfection, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
  13. Banana Pudding:

    • Features layers of sweet vanilla custard, cookies, fresh bananas, and toppings.
    • An iconic Texas dessert with an unbeatable combination of flavors.
    • A treat for banana lovers, showcasing the best of Texan indulgence.
  14. Apple Pie:

    • A classic American favorite with a Texan twist.
    • Emporium Pies in Dallas serves up large slices with crumbly topping and cinnamon streusel.
    • Simple yet eternally popular, offering warmth on a cold day.
  15. Ice Cream Sandwiches:

    • A timeless dessert perfect for beating the Texas heat.
    • Tiff’s Treats, Amy’s Ice Creams, and Better Half are notable spots.
    • Options range from traditional chocolate chip to exotic coconut cookies.

This comprehensive guide ensures you're well-prepared to embark on a dessert-filled journey through Texas, savoring each unique flavor and culinary tradition the state has to offer. Happy indulging!

Top 15 Texas Desserts You Have to Try! - the world and then some (2024)
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