Whoever said that pies were only for holidays never cooled down with an icebox pie or chilled peanut butter pie during the summer. These nine Southern recipes show that pies can be enjoyed year-round, especially during the summer. (They’re also the perfect excuse for an extra scoop of ice cream!)
Regional
9 Mouthwatering Southern Pie Recipes to Try Before Summer Ends
Best served with a heaping scoop of ice cream (or a glass of sweet tea).
By Published Aug. 26, 2019
1. Sour Orange Pie
Sour oranges aren’t easy to come by in many parts of the country. Our recipe for this northern Florida specialty uses a mix of orange and lemon juice that mimics the flavor of true sour oranges so you don’t have to wait until your next trip to the Sunshine State to try this sunny pie. [GET THE RECIPE]
2. Virginia Peanut Pie
This pie is a celebration of contrasting flavors and textures: sweet and salty, crunchy and creamy. If you're lucky enough to visit Wakefield, Virginia, order a slice of “World Famous Peanut Pie” at the bustling Virginia Diner or better yet, make it at home with our recipe. [GET THE RECIPE]
3. Chocolate Chess Pie
Unless you live in the South, you may not know about chess pie. Chess pies—creamy custards baked in pie shells—are country-kitchen staples, delivering a dose of comfort with accessible ingredients and minimal effort. Our recipe for luxurious Chocolate Chess Pie is not only easy to make, but easy to love. [GET THE RECIPE]
4. Lemon Icebox Pie
This no-bake Southern favorite is perfect for a relentlessly hot and humid day. Much like Key Lime Pie, it boasts a buttery graham cracker crust that holds a tart citrusy filling, making for a great summertime treat. [GET THE RECIPE]
5. Buttermilk Pie
This creamy, tangy, buttery custard-like pie with a crackly, lightly browned top is a Southern classic. Similar to chess pie, Buttermilk Pie calls for pantry items and in return provides you with amazing results. To prevent the custard from curdling we bake the pie in a gentle 300-degree oven. [GET THE RECIPE]
6. Peanut Butter Pie
If you’re invited to a picnic down South there’s a good chance you’ll find a peanut butter pie on the dessert menu. This pie’s mousse-like peanut butter filling—nestled in a crumb crust and topped with whipped cream—will have you craving seconds. [GET THE RECIPE]
7. French Coconut Pie
French coconut pie, sometimes called “Tennessee coconut pie” or “Florida Everglades coconut pie,” is a rich coconut-custard pie that has been popular in the American South for generations. In the test kitchen, we use unsweetened coconut to keep the sweetness of this pie in check. Without all of that extra sugar, this pie packs a more intense coconut flavor. [GET THE RECIPE]
8. Fried Peach Pie
One of our favorite discoveries from our research trips around the country are the deep-fried peach hand pies from Peach Park in Clanton, Alabama. These popular little treats draw crowds from miles around. To get some of this pure peach flavor—tucked into a delicate and tender crust—without a trip to Alabama, try our recipe. [GET THE RECIPE]
9. Mississippi Mud Pie
The different layers of this intense chocolate pie are said to be named for the Mississippi River’s silty bottom, but you’ll quickly find out (like we did) that there’s nothing muddy about its flavor or texture. [GET THE RECIPE]
If you’re looking for more pie ideas, we’ve got you covered with our dozen of pie recipes.