For folks in the Lowcountry, food is the focal point of any gathering, and desserts deserve special attention and fore-thought. In fact, most people recall joyful memories when reflecting on holiday gatherings, with desserts as a generous slice of that nostalgia.

Deciding which sweet treat you will serve your guests is not just limited to the events you are hosting; it’s also something to consider when attending the other parties that fill the calendar. Concerned about relying on your own baking skills this season? With a number of talented bakers in the area, many of whom have trained all over the world, worry no more.

Here are some of a dessert expert’s favorites—some traditional, some with a modern makeover. Whether you are baking your own goodies or ordering from one of these talented Lowcountry bakers,

Walnut Tea Cookies: Pawleys Island Bakery Café and Catering Pawleys Island

Walnut Tea Cookies have had a special place at Pawleys Island Bakery since the first day it opened. This family recipe was handed down from owner Max Goree’s grandparents and mother, who emigrated from Germany via Turkey in the late 1930s. Though similar to a shortbread cookie, these cookies are shaped into spheres and finished with a loving dusting of powdered sugar. When you experience the first bite, you will notice its walnut flavor as well as its mouthwatering, delicate texture. Always a consistent holiday favorite, customers of Pawleys Island Bakery Café request these delicate cookies year-round.

Traditional Pecan Pie: Page’s Okra Grill Mount Pleasant

By now you’ve already seen the mouth-watering pecan pie on the cover of this very issue, made by none other than Page’s Okra Grill in Mt. Pleasant, SC. If you’ve never stopped in before to stare longingly at their array of sweet choices inside their display case, then you may not know all there is to savor: coconut cake, peanut butter pie, carrot cake, banana pudding, and YES, pecan pie! Made fresh daily and sold by the slice… or pick up a whole pie to share the love during the holidays.

Southern Citrus Pound Cake (not pictured): Incredible Edibles Bakery, Pawleys Island

This Incredible Edibles Bakery signature recipe is a spin on the traditional pound cake, a staple at any holiday event—a favorite among Southerners. You will find the rich texture anticipated with pound cakes, but, in this delectable version, you’ll taste heavenly notes of vanilla, orange, and lemon. Most customers prefer this classic dessert topped off with simple powdered sugar so as not to overpower the citrus flavor. However, for those with a slightly sweeter tooth, this cake can be modified to include a lemon glaze or buttercream frosting. I suggest ordering the cake in bundt or loaf form, but you can request a variety of shapes. Don’t be afraid to get creative—last Thanksgiving, this cake was even shaped as a standing turkey, according to bakery owner Nancy Knarr.

Pumpkin Roll: The G-Free Spot, Hilton Head

For those who think gluten-free desserts equal sacrificing texture and flavor, I suggest you immediately visit The G-Free Spot. Their seasonal pièce de résistance, the Pumpkin Roll, creates quite the local buzz. It’s a traditional roll with one remarkable twist—it’s 100% gluten-free. This decadent dessert is cut into slices, revealing layers of sponge cake and scrumptious cream cheese filling, then finished off with a sprinkle of confectioners sugar. Based on an employee’s favorite recipe, the Pumpkin Roll was expertly modified to be gluten-free. Is it challenging to create a rolled cake lacking gluten? YES! The process requires copious amounts of patience and dedication. But after much trial, error and determination, the folks at The G-Spot have mastered their technique, now considering it their seasonal pride and joy.

Coconut Cake : Stacks, Mount Pleasant

Coconut fanatics will be happy to hear that this classic dessert is not just for select holidays but instead a year-round staple at Stacks in Mount Pleasant. Don’t be order-shy however—this popular item is often sold out. Baked in house, this version is a work of art, featuring multiple layers of inch-thick cake between half-inch layers of buttercream frosting, then topped off with more butter-cream frosting and lightly-toasted coconut. A single slice is built for sharing, so bring a friend. As with other South-ern bakeries, Stacks is one place where coconut cake has a reputation for being a hot commodity, and what makes this version stand out from competitors is its unparalleled texture and moistness. For those unabashedly requesting the recipe, I’m sorry to report it’s a family secret—you will just have to stop in and indulge in a slice from time to time. Even better, order the entire cake for your next holiday event.

Hummingbird Cake: Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar Charleston, SC

When enjoying downtown Charleston, you can’t end your night without a stop at Carmella’s. With a full bar for late night cocktails, espresso options to keep the night going strong, or more decadent options than you’ve ever dreamed possible to satiate your sweet tooth, Carmella’s nails it every time. You can try their Hummingbird Cake or stop in for a slice of heaven after dinner. Perhaps our favorite thing about Carmella’s is the way every mini cake almost, just almost, feels like it was made for us only. Our eyes may be bigger than our stomachs though, so we recommend bringing a friend and each enjoying a late night cocktail instead.

Bourbon Pecan Pie: Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe West Ashley, SC

Has this Bourbon Pecan Pie caught your attention? It should! With a buttery, flaky crust and seasonal pecans, Kaminsky’s knows that when the holidays are upon us, it’s time to double down baking this Southern dessert. Stop by their downtown location on Market Street or their newest addition in the Avondale community just off of Magnolia Road in West Ashley to buy it in ad-vance or steal a slice in between errands. though, so we recommend bringing a friend and each enjoying a late night cocktail instead.

By Beth Dalbec

A GENEROUS SLICE OF NOSTALGIA: Lowcountry Holiday Desserts