54 Kentucky Derby Desserts

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

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Bourbon Balls

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

Southern Peach Toasts

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.

Banana Pudding Cake

Turn classic banana pudding into a fluffy, moist banana pudding cake topped with swirls of whipped cream, whole Nilla wafers and banana slices.

Mama’s Buttermilk Coconut Pie

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

Million-Dollar Pound Cake

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

Fudge Bonbon Cookies

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.

Dr Pepper Cake

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

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses

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

The Best Pecan Pie

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 of Home Deputy Editor

Chocolate Mint Creams

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

Aunt Murna's Jam Cake

I remember Aunt Murna telling me that she created her jam cake recipe as a young girl. She made improvements over the years, such as soaking the raisins in crushed pineapple. This cake is a favorite at our annual family reunions. —Mrs. Eddie Robinson, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

Mix up one of these Kentucky Derby cocktails while you watch the fastest two minutes in sports!

Bananas Foster Sundaes

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

Citrus Cranberry Pie

To showcase abundant fall cranberries, make this beautiful lattice-topped cranberry pie. A dollop of orange cream complements the slightly tart flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Chocolate Fudge Brownies

My children always looked forward to these fudge brownies as an after-school snack. They're so fudgy they don't need icing. —Hazel Fritchie, Palestine, Illinois

Salted Butterscotch & Pecan No-Bakes

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

Humble Bumble Crumble Bars

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

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

There's nothing better than this comforting bread pudding recipe on a cold, wintry day. The bourbon sauce makes the dessert taste special, but it's so easy to prepare—the slow cooker does most of the work! —Hope Johnson, Youngwood, Pennsylvania

Honey Cinnamon Bars

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

Mocha-Pecan Ice Cream Bonbons

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 of Home Test Kitchen

Blueberry Lemon Trifle

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.

Chippy Blond Brownies

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

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Inspired by Derby Pie and the beloved Thanksgiving pie, our chocolate pecan pie recipe is irresistible.

Perfect Peppermint Patties

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

Sweet Potato Cake

Grated raw sweet potatoes give this sweet potato cake a light, airy texture that is divine paired with a thick, fluffy frosting.

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

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

Kentucky Butter Cake

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

Favorite Banana Cream Pie

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

Pecan Caramel Candies

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

Peanut Butter Cup Trifle

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

Buttermilk Pecan Pie

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

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cinnamon, nutmeg, carrots and a creamy, tangy frosting make this classic carrot cake a winner.

Salted Pecan Shortbread Squares

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

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

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 of Home Food Editor

Chunky Banana Cream Freeze

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

Grits Pie

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

Chocolate Pecan Torte

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

Chewy Chocolate-Cherry Bars

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

Toffee Pecan Bars

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

Hidden Mint Morsels

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

Apple Rhubarb Crumb Pie

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.

Bacon Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Blondies

There's nothing better than a cookie, brownie and cheesecake mixed together, with bacon to top it off! —Katie O'Keeffe, Derry, New Hampshire

Fudgy Mint Cookies

Chocolate lovers will get a double dose when they bite into this cakelike cookie. The cookies are especially popular served alongside a big scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream! —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota

Lemon Cheesecake Tarts

To make these cute tarts more quickly, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon

Buttermilk Cake with Caramel Icing

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

Pecan Pie Bars

Come for the pecan pie-like flavors, stay for the milk chocolate toffee bits. Our pecan pie bars might be tastier than their pie inspiration!

Sweet Potato Cheesecake Brownies

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these decadent sweet potato cheesecake brownie bars. This simple recipe results in an irresistible treat for just about any occasion.

Southern Lane Cake

What’s the most sumptuous, indulgent cake you can bake for your guests? The answer is probably Lane Cake, a Southern classic with a rich history and even richer filling. This Lane Cake recipe takes some planning and patience, but it’s all worth it in the end. 

Caramel-Pecan Apple Pie

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

Rhubarb Dream Bars

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

Easy Lemon Berry Tartlets

These fruity, flaky tartlets filled with raspberries and topped with lemon-tinged cream cheese are a sweet ending to any weeknight meal. They are elegant yet come together quickly and easily. —Elizabeth Dehart, West Jordan, Utah

Butter Pecan Fudge

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

Delicate Mint Thins

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