Southern Desserts: The Real Holiday Playoff
By Robbie Perdue
The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying the company of family and friends, and, of course, indulging in an array of delectable treats. In the South, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the presence of mouthwatering desserts that have become a cherished tradition. Let’s combine that with another cherished tradition during this time of the year, playoffs!
The playoff is set with the Chocolate Layer Cake as the #1 seed facing the surprise contender Hummingbird cake at #4. That pits #2 Red Velvet against #3 Pecan Pie. Even though it was unbeaten this season, Banana Pudding comes in at #5 and will miss the playoffs. #6 Peach Cobbler failed to finish strong and also will have to wait until next year.
The Chocolate Layer Cake, iconic in its simplicity, has been a staple on Southern dessert tables for generations. With its moist, tender layers of cake and rich, velvety frosting, it’s no wonder this cake has stood the test of time. The deep, bittersweet flavor of chocolate combined with the creaminess of the frosting creates a harmonious blend that is hard to resist. From family gatherings to community potlucks, this dessert has become synonymous with Southern hospitality and is often the first to disappear from the dessert table.
On the other hand, we have the Red Velvet cake, a Southern classic known for its vibrant red color and subtle buttermilk tang. The exact origins of Red Velvet are shrouded in mystery, with various claims to its creation. However, one thing is for sure – this cake has captured the hearts of Southerners and has become a staple in many holiday celebrations. The unique flavor profile of the cocoa combined with the tangy buttermilk creates a taste experience like no other. And let’s not forget the iconic cream cheese frosting that adds a luxurious touch to this already heavenly treat.
While the battle between Chocolate Layer Cake and Red Velvet is fierce, two other contenders join the fight to stake their claim on the dessert throne. First up, we have the Hummingbird cake, a true Southern gem that combines the flavors of pineapple, banana, and pecans into a dense, moist cake. With its tropical undertones and crunchy pecans, this cake brings a unique twist to the holiday spread, and it’s warm, comforting flavors evoke memories of shared moments and cherished traditions.
Last but certainly not least, we have the timeless Pecan Pie. The South is no stranger to pecans, and this pie has become an integral part of Southern cuisine. With its buttery, flaky crust and gooey filling made of pecans, eggs, sugar, and corn syrup, Pecan Pie offers a sweet and nutty experience that warms the heart and fills the belly. A slice of this iconic pie is the perfect way to end a holiday meal, and its rustic charm adds a touch of Southern hospitality to any gathering.
Let’s get the playoff started!
The air was sweet with anticipation as the legendary Chocolate Layer Cake faced off against the whimsical Hummingbird Cake. The Hummingbird Cake fluttered with confidence, its layers of banana, pineapple, and pecan promising a tropical dance on the taste buds. But the Chocolate Layer Cake stood with an air of timeless elegance, its rich, velvety layers of deep chocolate and creamy frosting towering with silent strength. As the battle commenced, the Hummingbird Cake spun a whirlwind of flavors, but the Chocolate Layer Cake countered with a decadent wave of cocoa that enveloped the senses. In the end, as the last crumbs settled, it was the Chocolate Layer Cake that emerged victorious, its indulgent allure proving irresistible, reminding all why it reigns supreme in the world of confectionery delights.
The next dessert duel was set under a sky dusted with powdered sugar, as the beloved Red Velvet Cake stepped into the ring against the Southern heavyweight, Pecan Pie. The Pecan Pie entered with a glossy caramel armor, its sticky filling studded with toasty pecans that gleamed like edible jewels. The Red Velvet Cake, with its scarlet layers and snowy cream cheese frosting, radiated a quiet confidence.
As the battle unfolded, Pecan Pie launched an assault of buttery, nut-filled bites, each one landing with the richness of Southern tradition. Red Velvet parried with elegance, its smooth, cocoa-kissed layers interspersed with luxurious frosting offering a counterpoint of subtle sweetness and tang. The clash was a symphony of textures and tastes, a back-and-forth of crunch and cream.
In the final moments, as the flavors mingled in the air like a sweet southern breeze, it was the Red Velvet Cake that stood a crumb higher. By the slimmest of margins, its balanced sweetness and velvety texture won the day, securing its place in the hearts of dessert aficionados everywhere. The Pecan Pie, ever the gracious contender, tipped its crust in respect, knowing full well that in the world of desserts, every flavor has its day.
The grand finale of the Southern dessert showdown had arrived, with the air thick with the scent of victory and vanilla. In one corner, the regal Chocolate Layer Cake, still basking in the glory of its previous triumph, stood tall and proud. In the opposing corner, the Red Velvet Cake, fresh from its narrow victory, displayed its vibrant hue with a flourish of creamy frosting.
The bell rang, and the two titans clashed in a whirlwind of sweetness. Red Velvet Cake swirled with confidence, its crimson layers a bold contrast against the pure white of its frosting, a combination that had won the hearts of many. It danced around the Chocolate Layer Cake, landing elegant volleys of flavor that were both tangy and sweet.
But the Chocolate Layer Cake was a force of nature, a mountain of rich, dark cocoa layers that had stood the test of time. It absorbed the Red Velvet’s spirited jabs with a stoic grace, countering with a powerful rush of chocolate that was both overwhelming and comforting in its intensity.
As the final round approached, the Red Velvet Cake spun a last, desperate flurry of creamy frosting and fine crumb. Yet, it was the Chocolate Layer Cake that delivered the knockout blow, a cascade of chocolate so deep and satisfying that it left no doubt of its supremacy.
When the dust settled, and the last slice was served, it was the Chocolate Layer Cake that was crowned the champion of the Southern dessert kingdom. Its layers glistened with the sheen of victory, a testament to the timeless allure of chocolate, and a reminder that some classics simply cannot be toppled.
So, this year, as you gather around the dessert table, don’t be afraid to sample a slice of each contender. Indulge in the rich, velvety layers of Chocolate Layer Cake, savor the subtle tang of Red Velvet, delight in the tropical flavors of the Hummingbird cake, and revel in the nutty goodness of Pecan Pie. Don’t forget about Banana Pudding, they are still upset about missing the playoffs. Each dessert tells a story, and each bite is a small taste of Southern hospitality and tradition. Cheers to a holiday season filled with delectable treats and cherished memories!
Robbie Perdue
is a native North Carolinian who enjoys cooking, butchery, and is passionate about all things BBQ. He straddles two worlds as an IT professional and a farmer who loves heritage livestock and heirloom vegetables. His perfect day would be hunting deer, dove, or ducks then babysitting his smoker while watching the sunset over the blackwater of Lake Waccamaw.
