If you’ve ever been to a church potluck or Sunday supper in Tennessee, chances are you’ve seen banana pudding on the dessert table. Usually in a glass dish, with golden vanilla wafers peeking through creamy layers, and topped with a cloud of whipped topping — it’s the kind of dessert that disappears...

Pound cake was one of those “grown-up desserts” I never appreciated as a kid… until I had it with fresh strawberries baked inside. My neighbor Mrs. Kay used to bring us a loaf every spring, and I swear it was still warm when she dropped it off. I’ve been making my own version ever since — and yes, i...

I made my first strawberry trifle for a bridal shower when I was 23 — and I was so nervous. But once I layered it up and saw how pretty it looked (and how fast it disappeared), I knew I had a go-to dessert forever. Now I make it every spring — sometimes in a big glass bowl, sometimes in individual j...

This was the dessert my mom brought to every Easter dinner and baby shower. Fluffy angel food cake, juicy strawberries, and cool whipped topping — it always looked fancy, but it was secretly so easy. I remember sneaking spoonfuls from the fridge as it chilled, always hoping no one would notice that ...

The first time I made this Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake, it was for a friend’s baby shower — and it completely stole the table. I was nervous (cheesecake felt fancy!), but it was surprisingly simple and turned out gorgeous. That pretty raspberry swirl made it look like I bought it from a bakery. It’s ...

One of the first “fancy” desserts I ever made for a party was this Fresh Fruit Pizza. I was short on time, had random fruit in the fridge, and needed something fun. It turned out so beautiful, and people raved about it like I’d baked a masterpiece. It’s now a go-to in our house — especially during s...