Lowcountry cuisine stands out for its deep Southern roots and bold flavors. The desserts are no exception. Rooted in African, French, and English influences, these confections offer more than sweetness—they serve stories passed down through generations. Whether you’re walking the cobblestone streets of Charleston or relaxing on the Savannah waterfront, these are the Lowcountry desserts that demand your attention.
1. Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is the heavyweight of Southern desserts. A buttery crust holds a rich, gooey filling of pecans, eggs, and syrup—best served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Where to try it:
- Magnolia’s (Charleston, SC): A reliable classic with deep flavor.
- Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe (Charleston, SC): Bourbon pecan pie for those who want a boozy edge.
- The Olde Pink House (Savannah, GA): Famous for slices that disappear fast.
- Savannah’s Candy Kitchen (Savannah, GA): Flaky crust, fresh Georgia pecans.
- River Street Sweets (Savannah, GA): A candy store staple with authentic flavor.
- Page’s Okra Grill (Mount Pleasant, SC): Freshly baked daily, often sells out.
2. Huguenot Torte
This Charleston favorite is a baked apple and nut pudding with a crisp, meringue-like topping. Despite its French name, it’s actually a Southern twist on Ozark pudding.
Where to try it:
- Middleton Place Restaurant (Charleston, SC): A refined setting for a rustic dish.
- Grace Church Tea Room (Charleston, SC): Spring-only offering during fundraising lunches.
- St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Tea Room (Charleston, SC): Another seasonal gem.
- Fleet Landing (Charleston, SC): Recommended by chef Andrew Zimmern for good reason.
3. Lady Baltimore Cake
This layer cake features light sponge, divinity-style frosting, and a filling of chopped nuts and dried fruit like figs, dates, and raisins. It gained fame through the 1906 novel Lady Baltimore.
Where to try it:
- Sugar Bakeshop (Charleston, SC): A rare bakery still making it.
- Historically: Once a mainstay at the Woman’s Exchange and Lady Baltimore Tea Room in Charleston.
4. Banana Pudding
Comfort food in dessert form—vanilla custard, Nilla wafers, and sliced bananas stacked into creamy layers.
Where to try it:
- Rodney Scott’s BBQ (Charleston, SC): “Ella’s Banana Pudding” steals the show.
- Poogan’s Smokehouse (Charleston, SC): Bourbon vanilla and classic structure.
- Poogan’s Porch (Charleston, SC): Creamy, thick, and made in-house.
- Islander 71 (Isle of Palms, SC): Goes by “Banan Puddin’” and delivers.
- One Hot Mama’s (Hilton Head Island, SC): Shortbread cookies instead of wafers.
- Swank Desserts (Summerville, SC): Offers both traditional and cake forms.
- Dukes BBQ (Walterboro, SC): Low-key, no-frills version worth seeking out.
- Lowcountry Backyard (Hilton Head Island, SC): A beachside take on a classic.
5. Charleston Chewies
Think blondies meet pralines. Brown sugar, butter, and pecans come together in chewy squares. Simple ingredients, bold flavor.
Where to try them:
- Often found in family kitchens or small bakeries. Ask around in Charleston bakeries and markets.
6. Benne Wafers
Thin, crisp cookies made from sesame seeds brought over by enslaved Africans. Nutty, toasty, and lightly sweet—once given as good-luck gifts.
Where to try them:
- Olde Colony Bakery (Mount Pleasant & Charleston, SC): A reliable source with history.
- Southern Sisters Tea Cookies (Charleston, SC): Delicate with excellent crunch.
- Food For the Southern Soul (Charleston, SC): Available for gifting or personal indulgence.
7. Coconut Cake
Fluffy cake layers covered in creamy frosting and rolled in coconut. Few do it better than Charleston.
Where to try it:
- Peninsula Grill (Charleston, SC): The 12-layer version is nearly legendary.
- Page’s Okra Grill (Mount Pleasant, SC): A mainstay in their dessert rotation.
- Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar (Charleston, SC): A broad dessert menu often includes coconut.
- Stacks (Mount Pleasant, SC): No-frills, rich coconut flavor.
8. Sweet Potato Pone
More rustic than pie, this Gullah Geechee dessert lands between a casserole and baked pudding. Grated sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, eggs, and spices—baked until golden.
Where to try it:
- Found mainly at Gullah Geechee events or cultural food spots. Keep an eye out for it during festivals or community gatherings.
9. Bread Pudding
Made with stale bread and elevated with add-ins like bourbon or whiskey sauces. Variations include raisins, caramel, and pecans.
Where to try it:
- Hall’s Chophouse (Charleston, SC): Whiskey bread pudding with richness in every bite.
- Various Charleston & Savannah spots: Local chefs often serve rotating versions, sometimes with regional flair inspired by New Orleans classics.
Bonus Sweet Spots
- Lulu’s Chocolate Bar (Savannah, GA): Cakes, pies, and desserts that push the limits.
- River Street Sweets (Savannah, GA): Pralines and fudge steal the show, but don’t skip the baked goods.
- Leopold’s Ice Cream (Savannah, GA): A scoop shop rooted in 1919 tradition.
- Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar (Charleston, SC): Mini cakes and hybrid desserts stand out.
- Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe (Charleston, SC): Known for cakes and pies that rotate by season.
Final Tip: Many of these desserts are best when shared, but some are worth keeping all to yourself. Eat slow, ask questions, and take dessert seriously. These dishes carry history, flavor, and local pride—all in every bite.