These fun and festive Kentucky Derby desserts will make you feel as if you're at Churchill Downs. Full of pecans, chocolate, bourbon and bananas, these amazing recipes are worthy of the Triple Crown!
Hosting a Kentucky Derby party this year? Besides the fancy hats and multiple rounds of mint juleps, set out Kentucky Derby food for guests to nosh on while waiting for the race to start. Along with all the southern classics and fancy appetizers, complete the spread with a few Kentucky Derby desserts, including bourbon-infused bites, hearty pecan pies and buttermilk cakes.
Here are all our best desserts for a Kentucky Derby party. There are a few Derby desserts that are an absolute must for the day, like the traditional Kentucky butter cake or a Kentucky pecan pie. Of course, we included bourbon-infused desserts like bourbon balls and bread pudding with bourbon sauce, banana-based sweets like banana pudding and bananas Foster, and classically southern treats like pecan pie bars and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
A good amount of these Kentucky Derby cakes are inherently gluten-free or can be made so with a good gluten-free flour blend and other tweaks as needed. Most of these desserts can be made ahead of time too—besides anything best served warm or with whipped cream and fresh bananas. Along with the quintessential mint julep, whip up other Kentucky Derby cocktails and mocktails so everyone has options.
1/44
Kentucky Pecan Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich, dense Kentucky pecan pie recipe is perfect for your next party. It features a delicious dark chocolate filling topped with plenty of toasted pecans. —Emily Baldwin, Fort Collins, Colorado
2/44
Banana Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
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 dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia
3/44
Bourbon Balls
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 of Home Test Kitchen
4/44
Banana Pudding Cake
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
5/44
Bourbon Ice Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
The brown sugar in this decadent bourbon ice cream gives a hint of caramel flavor, which complements the bourbon. When the custard is still liquid, before it goes into the ice cream maker, add more or less bourbon to suite your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
6/44
Jam Cake
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
7/44
Humble Bumble Crumble Bars
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
8/44
Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
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
9/44
Kentucky Butter Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this Kentucky butter cake recipe 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
10/44
Fudge Bonbon Cookies
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
11/44
Buttermilk Coconut Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
My mama showed me how to make this pie 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
12/44
Dr Pepper Cake
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
13/44
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses
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
14/44
Pecan Pie Recipe
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, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
15/44
Chocolate Mint Creams
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from a family friend and is always high on everyone’s list. I make at least six batches for Noel nibbling and give some away as gifts. —Beverly Fehner, Gladstone, Missouri
16/44
Bananas Foster Sundaes
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
17/44
Salted Butterscotch & Pecan No-Bakes
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was deciding what type of cookie to make for a Christmas swap, 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
18/44
Honey Cinnamon Bars
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
19/44
Lemon Blueberry Trifle
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
20/44
Chippy Blond Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love chocolate and butterscotch, you won't be able to resist these blonde brownies. I often include this recipe inside a baking dish as a wedding present. Everyone, young and old, enjoys these delectable treats. —Anna Allen, Owings Mills, Maryland
21/44
Chocolate Pecan Pie
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
22/44
Pound Cake
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
23/44
Pecan Caramel Candies
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
24/44
Banana Cream Pie
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
25/44
Peanut Butter Cup Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
Using just five ingredients makes this recipe so simple. You can add a little extra decoration with chocolate jimmies too. —Chris Nelson, Decatur, Arkansas
26/44
Buttermilk Pecan Pie
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
27/44
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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
28/44
Salted Pecan Shortbread Squares
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
29/44
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake
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, Aurora, Colorado
30/44
Chunky Banana Cream Freeze
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
31/44
Grits Pie
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
32/44
Chocolate Pecan Torte
From the Recipe Creator:
This impressive dessert looks lovely on a buffet table. It takes some time to prepare, but it’s worth the effort. —Lois Schlickau, Haven, Kansas
33/44
Chewy Chocolate-Cherry Bars
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 of Home Test Kitchen
34/44
Toffee Pecan Bars
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
35/44
Bacon Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Blondies
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
36/44
Pecan Chess Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a great something-out-of-nothing dessert. The hardest part is waiting for the pie to chill in the fridge before eating! —Martha Fautheree, Midway, Texas
37/44
Andes Mint Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Transform your favorite candy into a baked treat! These Andes mint cookies are better than any after-dinner mint. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
38/44
Lemon Cheesecake Tarts
From the Recipe Creator:
To make these cute tarts more quickly, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
39/44
Buttermilk Cake with Caramel Icing
From the Recipe Creator:
This fabulous cake with caramel frosting is 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
40/44
Pecan Pie Bars
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
41/44
Chocolate Chess Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my mother's go-to recipes. It's a yummy spin on the classic chocolate chess pie. —Ann Dickens, Nixa, Missouri
42/44
Lane Cake
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
43/44
Butter Pecan Fudge
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
44/44
Delicate Mint Thins
From the Recipe Creator:
Newly married, I needed something fancy to impress my relatives at a reunion and came up with these cookies. I got many compliments on their subtle flavor. —Kristine McDaniel, Kettering, Ohio
Kentucky Derby Desserts FAQ
What is a traditional Kentucky Derby cake?
A traditional Kentucky Derby cake is a buttery pound cake baked in a Bundt pan and finished with a buttery bourbon glaze. The origins of the cake are murky, but it’s a staple Kentucky Derby dessert that’s also quite easy to make—just make sure to grease the Bundt pan properly so your cake isn’t stuck inside. Serve slices with mint juleps and enjoy!
What is Kentucky Derby pie made of?
A Kentucky Derby pie is made with a regular all-butter pie crust and a filling of brown sugar, eggs, butter, walnuts, corn syrup, flour and chocolate chips. The walnuts rise to the surface, creating a crunchy topping with a gooey chocolate chip-studded filling underneath. Some pies add a splash of bourbon to the filling for a smoky, caramel flavor.
The original Kentucky Derby pie was created by the Kern family in 1954 and became so popular that they trademarked it in 1964. The Kerns are still baking and selling Derby-Pie® today out of Kern’s Kitchen in Louisville, Kentucky.
What are some easy Kentucky Derby desserts?
Easy Kentucky Derby desserts include our Kentucky butter cake, classic pound cake, peanut butter cup trifle, buttermilk pecan pie, chunky banana cream freeze (no ice cream churner needed!), bananas Foster sundaes, buttermilk coconut pie, southern peach toasts and bread pudding with bourbon. All these recipes take 20 minutes or less to prepare, do not use any crazy kitchen tools and have minimal, easy-to-find ingredients.
