Desserts are the cherry on top of a satisfying meal, and a meal feels incomplete without them—no pun intended. Often, after finishing lunch or dinner, the first thought is, “Now I need something sweet.” And there’s nothing wrong with that! In the Black community, soulful dessert recipes are treasured traditions passed down through generations and lovingly personalized.

From classic banana pudding and peach cobbler to sweet potato pie, these desserts hold a special place at the table. There’s always that one family member who eagerly asks, “Who made this?” after the first bite. If you want to be the one receiving rave reviews, keep reading for the recipes that will ensure a happy family and satisfied tummies. We’ve enlisted the help of culinary TikTok creators to show you how it’s done.

Keep in mind that measurements will vary based on how many people you are serving.

Banana Pudding

Creamy with a little crunch for texture, banana pudding is a must-have for any family function. With a burst of banana-flavored pudding, banana slices, and Nilla wafer cookies, you’ll want to be the first in line for a taste. This delicious dessert will be gone before you know it. Take a look at what you’ll need and how to whip it up.

@its_sogood Banana Pudding Ingredients 8oz softened cream cheese 14oz sweetened condensed milk 5.1oz instant vanilla pudding + 3 cups milk 3.4oz instant banana cream pudding + 2 cups milk 16oz heavy whipping cream (add 1/2-2/3 cup of powdered sugar to half- 2 tsp vanilla extract) 1 box vanilla wafers (6 tbs melted butter) 2 pkgs Chessman Cookies #bananapudding #summerdessert #EasyRecipes #fypシ゚ #foryoupage #dessert ♬ original sound – Miriam

Peach Cobbler

You’ll realize that with fruit-filled desserts, the fresher the fruit, the better it tastes. Peach cobbler is one of the easiest when made from scratch and can be perfected over the years. Freshly sliced peaches baked into a warm, thick crust with coarse sugar coating are a treat. If you want a magical experience, serve it with a plop of vanilla ice cream. Many question the concept of baking fruit but don’t knock until you try it.

@desmondthechef There’s nothing like Peach Cobbler! What are some of your favorite family style desserts? Ingredients Peach filling: 5 yellow peaches, sliced 3/4 cup brown sugar   1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon  1/4 teaspoon kosher salt  2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice  4 tablespoons unsalted butter,softened 3/4 cup all-purpose flour  3/4 cup sugar  1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder  1/4 teaspoon kosher salt  1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract  3/4 cup milk, at room temperature  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cook down your peaches, sugar, cinnamon, salt and lemon juice. Slowly stir until syrup forms and thickens. Remove and allow to cool. Whisk your flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Add vanilla and milk to dry ingredients. Evenly spread softened butter around your pan and pour an even layer of the batter in the bottom. Spoon the peaches and the syrup over the batter.  Bake until golden brown on top! Eat with some ice cream!!!!! #chef #cooking #cookingathome #food #cookwithme #desserts #dessertsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Desmond Scott

Sweet Potato Pie

For the pie lovers, sweet potato pie has been around for longer than we have, and it’s for a reason. This creamy and smooth pie keeps mouths full and tummies fed. With a perfectly crisp crust lining the tray, it offers that extra crunch of flavor you need to enjoy it. Here’s how to make it:

@kimmyskreations The sweet potato pie is sweet potatoing!!!!!!!!! I like mine sweet and cold LIKE ME! #kimmyskreations #sweetpotatopie ♬ original sound – KimmyKreations

Strawberry Shortcake

This golden brown treat topped with whipped cream and strawberries is nothing short of tasty. Filled with multiple textures, each ingredient melts in your mouth, leaving you speechless. Depending on the occasion, you can serve this dish in different ways, making it easier for guests to enjoy, whether in a large bowl for everyone to dig in or small mason jars for the perfect snack.

@its_sogood Strawberry Shortcake Bowl Dessert. Better known as punch bowl cake! This dessert is totally nostalgic for me! ❤️#dessert #strawberryshortcake #strawberry #fyp #fypage #viral #easyrecipes #easydesserts #desserttiktok ♬ original sound – Miriam

Pound Cake

Pound cake is another staple in the soul food dessert world. While it’s very similar in appearance to a regular cake, it does have its differences: its taste, dense texture, and slightly different ingredients. A pinch of vanilla, coconut, or lemon extract can enhance the flavor. Overall, you’ll taste a rich, buttery savor with hints of custard-like notes from the eggs.

Additionally, plain pound cake is great, but try other flavors like pineapple or lemon pound cake. Top it with a glaze for extra flair. Here’s your essential ingredients:

@jaffryk.ward Vanilla Buttermilk Poundcake made from scratch just how Grandma used to make it! Vanilla Buttermilk Poundcake Recipe: 3 cups of granulated sugar 3 sticks of salted butter 6 large eggs room temperature 1 cup of buttermilk 1 tsp of vanilla extract 3 cups of White Lily All Purpose Flour 1/2 tsp of salt 1/2 tsp of baking powder Vanilla Glaze: 2 cups of powder sugar 4 tbsp of milk 1 tsp of vanilla extract #vanillacake #vanillacakerecipe #cake #cakedecorating #cakes #birthdaycake #food #dessert #poundcake #soulfood #birthday #cakedesign #baking #yummy #homemade #love #sweet #bakery #cupcakes #foodie #cakeart #delicious #pastry #bakingrecipe ♬ original sound – Jaffry K. Ward