Texas is known for its iconic barbecue (BBQ) cuisine. From slow-smoked brisket and ribs to spicy sausage, Texans love their ‘cue. But what about dessert? After a mouthwatering BBQ meal, you need something sweet to finish it off. Traditional Texas BBQ restaurants serve up time-honored desserts that complement the smoky, savory flavors of the main dishes. Keep reading to learn about 3 classic Texas BBQ desserts and why they pair so well with Texas-style barbecue.
What are the most popular traditional Texas BBQ desserts?
Here are 3 quintessential Texas BBQ desserts that every barbecue joint offers:
Cobbler
Cobbler is hands-down one of the most popular desserts at Texas BBQ restaurants. Cobblers are deep-dish fruit pies topped with a sweet biscuit or dough crust. Peach cobbler is a Texas favorite, but you can also find cobblers made with berries, apples, cherries, and other fruits depending on what’s in season. The tender fruit filling and flaky topping make cobbler the perfect sweet ending after a savory BBQ meal.
Banana pudding
Banana pudding is another beloved Texas BBQ tradition. Layers of sweet vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers combine to make the ultimate comfort dessert. The cool, creamy pudding contrasts nicely with the warm, smoky flavors of BBQ. Many BBQ joints add their own twist, like using Nilla wafers or adding whipped cream as another layer.
Pecan pie
No Texas dessert menu would be complete without pecan pie. Pecans grow wild across Texas, and their nutty flavor shines in this decadent pie. Made with eggs, corn syrup, butter, pecans, and spices, Texas pecan pie has a gooey, ultra-sweet filling in a flaky pie crust. The rich sweetness balances the spice and smoke of BBQ perfectly.
Why are these desserts traditionally served at Texas BBQ restaurants?
There are a few reasons why cobbler, banana pudding, and pecan pie are so commonly found at Texas BBQ joints:
They complement the flavors of barbecue
Good BBQ is all about savoriness – think smoky brisket, spicy ribs, tangy sauces. The traditional desserts offset these complex flavors with something sweet and simple. The fruitiness of cobbler, creamy banana pudding, and caramelized pecan pie offer a pleasant contrast to bring your palate back into balance.
They use local ingredients
Traditional BBQ desserts highlight foods that grow well in Texas, like peaches for cobbler and pecans for pie. Using fresh, local ingredients ensures the best flavor. Bananas may not be local, but they’ve been imported through Gulf Coast ports for over a century.
They’re easy to make in large batches
BBQ restaurants serve hundreds of customers daily, so the dessert has to be simple and easy to produce in large quantities. The classic desserts have basic ingredients and assemble easily, making them the perfect choice for feeding a crowd.
They’re tried and true crowd-pleasers
You don’t mess with success. These classic desserts have been customer favorites for generations. Texans expect to see cobbler, banana pudding, and pecan pie at their local BBQ joints. The familiar flavors and textures make them comfort desserts.
Where can you find the best traditional BBQ desserts in Texas?
Every reputable Texas BBQ restaurant offers classic desserts, but some spots are especially renowned for their sweets. Here are some top places to try exceptional Texas-style BBQ desserts:
Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor, TX)
This legendary Central Texas barbecue spot has served cobbler and banana pudding for over 60 years. Their desserts are just as famous as the incredible smoked meats.
Kreuz Market (Lockhart, TX)
Known for amazing brisket and sausage, Kreuz Market’s peach cobbler with homemade vanilla ice cream might be the best way to end your meal.
Black’s Barbecue (Lockhart, TX)
Third-generation pitmasters whip up tender brisket, ribs, and sausage. Don’t skip the banana pudding or famous pecan pie for dessert.
Smitty’s Market (Lockhart, TX)
Ask for a slice of crackly-topped pecan pie after your signature oak-smoked meats at this Texas institution.
Snow’s BBQ (Lexington, TX)
Snow’s is open just on Saturdays, but it’s worth the wait for melt-in-your-mouth brisket and sides like banana pudding.
What are some other classic Texas BBQ desserts?
In addition to the big three desserts, you may also spot some other sweet treats at Texas BBQ restaurants:
Seasonal fruit cobblers
While peach is standard, places like Snow’s BBQ make blackberry, plum, apple, or other fruit cobblers depending on what’s fresh.
Bread pudding
Available at County Line and other Austin spots, this dessert turns leftover cornbread and biscuits into a warm, sweet treat.
Buttermilk pie
With a tangy buttermilk filling in a butter crust, this old-fashioned pie is served at Ken’s Craft BBQ in Waco.
Coconut cake
Layer cake with fluffy coconut frosting can be found at some Dallas BBQ restaurants, like Peggy Sue BBQ.
Carrot cake
Spiced carrot cake with cream cheese frosting makes an occasional appearance as a unique option.
How can you make these desserts at home?
Want to recreate the taste of classic Texas BBQ desserts at home? Try these simple recipes:
Texas peach cobbler
Ingredients:
– 6 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1 stick butter
– 1 cup self-rising flour
– 1/2 cup milk
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix peaches, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a baking dish.
3. Melt butter and mix with flour and milk to make topping.
4. Drop topping over fruit and bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbling and topping is browned.
Classic banana pudding
Ingredients:
– 3 cups milk
– 3/4 cup sugar
– 1/3 cup cornstarch
– 3 eggs, separated
– 1/4 stick butter
– 48 Nilla wafers
– 4-5 bananas, sliced
Steps:
1. Whisk milk, sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened, 5-7 minutes.
2. Fold in wafer cookies and banana slices.
3. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold into pudding mixture.
4. Layer pudding, wafers, and bananas in a dish. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Texas pecan pie
Ingredients:
– 1 refrigerated pie crust
– 3 eggs
– 1 cup Karo syrup
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 tsp vanilla
– 1 1/2 cups pecans
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lay pie crust in a pie pan.
2. Whisk eggs, Karo syrup, sugar, butter, and vanilla until blended.
3. Stir in pecans and pour into unbaked pie shell.
4. Bake for 40-50 minutes until set. Let cool completely before slicing.
Conclusion
Cobbler, banana pudding, and pecan pie are quintessential Texas BBQ desserts. Their sweet fruity flavors balance the savory smoked meats perfectly. Using local ingredients, they are easy to make in bulk and satisfy customers’ cravings for something sweet after a barbecue feast. While traditional, BBQ spots also get creative with seasonal fruit cobblers, coconut cake, bread pudding, and more. Taste the best classic desserts at legendary barbecue joints like Kreuz Market and Snow’s BBQ. Or try your hand at making these Texas favorites at home using simple recipes. After a great BBQ meal, finish it off with a mouthwatering Lone Star State dessert tradition.