Feel like you're at Churchill Downs with these fun and festive Kentucky Derby desserts. Full of pecans, chocolate, bourbon and more, these amazing recipes are worthy of the Triple Crown!
53 Kentucky Derby Desserts
Updated on May 25, 2024
Banana Pudding
I didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true southern boy! It’s a Kentucky Derby dessert (that is also perfect for a Derby Day buffet), but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia
1/53
2/53
Bourbon Balls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Remember the days at Grandma and Grandpa’s house when you made these wonderfully traditional treats? We love these Kentucky Derby bourbon balls—the blended taste of bourbon and pecans is irresistible! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
3/53
Southern Peach Toasts
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These bruleed peach toasts are my creative homage to the beloved southern fresh peach cobbler. Its upscale presentation with delicious peaches is an amazing Kentucky Derby dessert. —Mary Louise Lever, Rome, Georgia
Pair these tarts with a mint julep for the freshest after-race treat.
4/53
Banana Pudding Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make cakes, and my family loves banana pudding. One day while brainstorming in the kitchen, I came up with this banana pudding cake recipe to combine the two. My family and friends can't get enough of it! If you are pressed for time, you may substitute whipped topping for the homemade sweetened whipped cream. —Tiffany Barbee, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
5/53
Mama’s Buttermilk Coconut Pie
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mama showed me how to make this Kentucky Derby dessert about 40 years ago, just as her mama showed her how to make it. I was 6 when Mawmaw passed away, but I can still remember her cooking in the kitchen in her beautiful cotton dresses dusted with flour. I am honored to teach my daughter how to make this dessert, too. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama
6/53
Pound Cake
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We've always included pound cake on our family menus. Through the years I've tried many recipes, and I can honestly say this million-dollar pound cake is the best! It has a very fine, rich texture that makes it unusually smooth. That texture, plus fantastic flavor, makes this pound cake a special treat each time we serve it. —George Dunn, Jasper, Texas
7/53
Fudge Bonbon Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These fudgy favorites are double delights—the cookies are flavored with both chocolate chips and chocolate kisses. Drizzled with white chocolate on top, they're fancy enough for a buffet table. —Janice Smith, Cynthiana, Kentucky
These Kentucky Derby food ideas are the best way to fill out your party’s food table.
8/53
Dr Pepper Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Dr Pepper cake is my favorite “go-to” Kentucky Derby dessert. Everyone loves it. When it’s baked in layers rather than in a single layer, its presence makes people say “wow.” It is a crowd-pleaser! —Shannon Parum, Vernon, Texas
9/53
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
10/53
The Best Pecan Pie
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pecan pie is a Thanksgiving tradition in my house, and I was on a quest to create the ultimate version. This might be it!—James Schend, Taste Recipes Deputy Editor
11/53
Chocolate Mint Creams
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This Kentucky Derby dessert came from an old family friend and is always high on everyone’s cookie request list. I make at least six batches for Noel nibbling and give some away as gifts. —Beverly Fehner, Gladstone, Missouri
12/53
Jam Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I remember my Aunt Murna telling me she made this old-fashioned jam cake often when she was a young girl. Through the years, she made improvements to it, and her cake became a real family favorite. It has been a popular staple at our reunions. —Janet Robinson, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
13/53
Bananas Foster Sundaes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have wonderful memories of eating bananas Foster in New Orleans, and as a dietitian, wanted to find a healthier version. I combined the best of two recipes and added my own tweaks to create this southern treat. —Lisa Varner, Charleston, South Carolina
14/53
Citrus Cranberry Pie
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To showcase abundant fall cranberries, make this beautiful lattice-topped cranberry pie. A dollop of orange cream complements the slightly tart flavor. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
15/53
Fudgy Brownie Recipe
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
16/53
Salted Butterscotch & Pecan No-Bakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was deciding what type of cookie to make for a Kentucky Derby dessert, I opted for something with coconut, pudding mix and salted caramel. Boxed, these could make a great gift as well. I like to drizzle caramel over the tops of the cookies before serving for a special touch. —Stacey Ritz, Sudbury, Ontario
17/53
Humble Bumble Crumble Bars
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While developing a treat for my bingo group, I asked my husband for ideas. He suggested a fruity bar. This berry bar is lightly sweet and so easy. —Nancy Phillips, Portland, Maine
18/53
Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing better than this comforting bread pudding on a cold, wintry day. The bourbon sauce tastes extravagant, but it's really simple to prepare. The slow cooker does the most of the work for you! —Hope Johnson, Youngwood, Pennsylvania
19/53
Honey Cinnamon Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My Aunt Ellie gave us the recipe for these sweet bar cookies with cinnamon and walnuts. Drizzle with icing, and serve with coffee or tea. —Diane Myers, Star, Idaho
20/53
Mocha-Pecan Ice Cream Bonbons
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These bite-sized bonbons may sound tricky to make, but you'll find that fashioning them is a breeze. What's more, our cooking experts advise that you keep this recipe handy when you serve them—as soon as folks sample the treats, they'll be asking how to make them. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
21/53
Blueberry Lemon Trifle
Total Time
15 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A refreshing lemon filling and fresh blueberries give this sunny dessert sensation plenty of color. Don't worry about heating up the oven—this trifle doesn't require baking. —Ellen Peden, Houston, Texas
Go old-school and serve up an Oaks Lily cocktail at your Kentucky Derby shindig.
22/53
Chippy Blond Brownies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love chocolate and butterscotch, you won’t be able to resist these blonde brownies. I often include this Kentucky Derby dessert inside a baking dish as a wedding present. Everyone, young and old, enjoys these delectable treats. —Anna Allen, Owings Mills, Maryland
23/53
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my fiance first made this chocolate bourbon pecan pie for me, I declared it to be the best pie ever! Creamy chocolate combines with crunchy nuts in a great, gooey filling. We can't get enough of this recipe inspired by Kentucky Derby bourbon chocolate pecan pie. —Tanya Taylor, Cary, North Carolina
24/53
Perfect Peppermint Patties
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make lots of different candy at Christmas to give as gifts. It can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it to see the delight it brings people. Calling for just a few ingredients, this candy is one that is quite simple to prepare. —Joanne Adams, Bath, Maine
25/53
Sweet Potato Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made sweet potato cakes for my kids when they were younger and they told me in their little voices, "Mommy, you're the best baker." Little did they know that was Mommy's first attempt at homemade cake! —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland
26/53
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m a busy schoolteacher and pastor’s wife and I wouldn’t dare show my face at a church dinner or bake sale without some of these tempting peanut butter treats. They’re quick and easy
to make and always a hit. —Kristi Tackett, Banner, Kentucky
27/53
Kentucky Butter Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this Kentucky Derby dessert in an old cookbook I bought at a garage sale and couldn’t wait to try it. I knew it had been someone’s favorite because of the well-worn page. —Joan Gertz, Palmetto, Florida
28/53
Favorite Banana Cream Pie
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade banana cream pie is my mom’s specialty, and this dreamy dessert has a wonderful banana flavor. It looks so pretty, and it cuts easily too. —Jodi Grable, Springfield, Missouri
29/53
Pecan Caramel Candies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Salty and sweet, these candies are the perfect little snack. Form a kitchen assembly line with your kids, and the making becomes just as fun as the eating. —Julie Wemhoff, Angola, Indiana
30/53
Peanut Butter Cup Trifle
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Using just five ingredients makes this Kentucky Derby dessert so simple. You can add a little extra decoration with chocolate jimmies, too. —Chris Nelson, Decatur, Arkansas
31/53
Buttermilk Pecan Pie
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the treasured "golden oldie" that my grandmother made so often whenever we'd come to visit. Grandma grew her own pecans, and we never tired of cracking them and picking out the meat when we knew we'd be treated to her special pie! —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
32/53
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It's dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is never enough—it's better than all the other carrot cakes I've tried! —Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania
33/53
Salted Pecan Shortbread Squares
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My shortbread squares are the ultimate go-to for cookie trays and gift-giving. The buttery caramel and toasted nuts make it tough to eat just one. —Diana Ashcraft, Monmouth, Oregon
34/53
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Kentucky bourbon pecan cheesecake will wow your guests and your taste buds. Serve in spring during the Kentucky Derby or at any other special occasion throughout the year. —Rashanda Cobbins, Taste Recipes Food Editor
35/53
Chunky Banana Cream Freeze
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings (3 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves ice cream, but we all know it doesn't make a great after-school snack. Until this! With its sweet banana-almond flavor and chunky texture, this appealing banana peanut butter "ice cream" is a crowd-pleaser. People who ask me for the recipe can't believe how easy it is to make. —Kristen Bloom, Okinawa, Japan
36/53
Grits Pie
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Simple, southern and scrumptious, this pie will be a definite hit even with people who dislike grits. It has the perfect custardy texture.—Victoria Hudson, Pickens, South Carolina
37/53
Chocolate Pecan Torte
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This impressive dessert looks lovely on a Kentucky Derby dessert table. It takes some time to prepare, but it’s worth the effort. —Lois Schlickau, Haven, Kansas
38/53
Chewy Chocolate-Cherry Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Colorful dried cherries and pistachios star in this take on seven-layer bars. To switch it up even more, try cinnamon or chocolate graham cracker crumbs instead of plain, and substitute pecans or walnuts for the pistachios. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
39/53
Toffee Pecan Bars
Total Time
55 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Curl up with a hot cup of coffee and one of these treats. The golden topping and flaky crust give way to the heartwarming taste of old-fashioned pecan pie. —Dianna Croskey, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
40/53
Hidden Mint Morsels
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 10 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Is it a cookie or a candy? No matter which answer folks choose, they find these minty morsels yummy. The recipe makes so much that you can whip up tons of gifts at once. —Adina Skilbred, Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
41/53
Apple Rhubarb Crumb Pie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and friends always ask for my apple rhubarb pie for birthdays and get-togethers. Everyone loves the unique flavor that the rhubarb adds to this pie. —Sherri Moon, Decatur, Indiana.
42/53
Bacon Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Blondies
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing better than a cookie, brownie and cheesecake mixed together, with bacon to top it off! —Katie O'Keeffe, Derry, New Hampshire
43/53
Andes Mint Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Transform your favorite candy into a baked treat! These Andes mint cookies are better than any after-dinner mint. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
44/53
Lemon Cheesecake Tarts
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
To make these cute tarts more quickly, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
45/53
Buttermilk Cake with Caramel Icing
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fabulous cake and caramel frosting are so tender, it melts in your mouth. It's been a family favorite since the '70s and it goes over really well at church potluck meals. —Anna Jean Allen, West Liberty, Kentucky
46/53
Pecan Pie Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These bars are decadently rich—just like pecan pie! They’re sure to disappear from the dessert table at your next gathering, so you might want to save one for later before putting them out. —Carolyn Custer, Clifton Park, New York
47/53
Sweet Potato Cheesecake Brownies
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for something other than pumpkin, these sweet potato bars are a yummy alternative. Make them ahead—they're even better refrigerated overnight. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
48/53
Lane Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I just love this southern-style dessert, and so do dinner guests. With pecans, cherries and raisins in the filling and topping, this version reminds me of a fruitcake—only so much better! —Mabel Parvi, Ridgefield, Washington
49/53
Caramel-Pecan Apple Pie
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll love the smell in your kitchen—and the smiles on everybody's faces—when you make this scrumptious caramel apple pie recipe. It takes me back home to Virginia, to my granny's table. —Jean Castro, Phoenix, Arizona
50/53
Rhubarb Bars
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Dreaming of a different way to use rhubarb? Try these sweet bars with a tender shortbread-like crust topped with rhubarb, walnuts and coconut for delicious results. —Marion Tomlinson, Madison, Wisconsin
51/53
Lemon Curd Tartlets
Total Time
35 min
Servings
15 tartlets
From the Recipe Creator:
This has been in my party recipe collection for over 30 years and never fails to satisfy my guests. I can always rely on these fancy treats to please even the fussiest in the crowd. —Jessica Feist, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
52/53
Butter Pecan Fudge
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 pounds (64 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Toasted pecans add a nutty crunch to this creamy fudge, perfect for holiday giving. People always seem to rave about its wonderful caramel flavor. —Pam Smith, Alta Loma, California
