6 Sweetly Satisfying Barbecue Desserts in Austin

Cobblers, banana puddings, pies galore

by Jimmy Ho Oct 25, 2016, 12:00pm CDT

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Micklethwait Craft Meats' moon pie

| Jimmy Ho/EATX

by Jimmy Ho Oct 25, 2016, 12:00pm CDT

Brisket. Ribs. Sausage. The options in Austin's plentiful barbecue scene are endless. Bite after bite of savory meat can take a toll on those tastebuds. Why not change it up with sweets?

Common barbecue desserts include cobbler, banana pudding, and pie. The first comes with varying fruit fillings like peach, blackberry, cherry, or blueberry. Top it off with a scoop of ice cream, and it’s a match made in heaven. Banana pudding's base is simple: the fruit, custard or pudding, and cookies, but the results can be stellar. Pie choices can be endless, so grab a slice of your favorite kind. It won't be bad.

In honor of Sweets Week, Eater rounded up the best places to end your barbecue feast strong in Austin. The tiny trailer of Micklethwait Craft Meats is knocking it out of the park with their dessert selection. Both Brown’s Bar-B-Que and Freedmen’s Bar do it up Texas-style by introducing smoke into its offerings. Let these barbecue spots help you battle any sweet cravings after those meat sweats.

All of the desserts below are listed in alphabetically order. Is your favorite barbecue dessert missing? Let Eater know through the tipline, comments, or over on the forum.

Brown's Bar-B-Que

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Just like the barbecue, the desserts at Brown’s are much underrated. The peach cobbler is different than others since it's cooked in a smoke bath. The sticky blend of peaches, syrup, crust, and cinnamon provides a fulfilling end to a barbecue feast. The banana pudding here is no slouch, either.

1901 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 517-8520

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Freedmen's

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The folks at Freedmen’s bring the element of smoke to throughout the sides and appetizers, so why stop at desserts? The bananas spend a little bit of time in the smoker before layered into a mason jar. Then, the homemade pudding gets finished with vanilla wafers, whip cream, and a dash of nutmeg. There is no better way to finish off a meal. Chocolate fiends should indulge in the smoked chocolate mousse.

2402 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705

(512) 220-0953

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Micklethwait Craft Meats

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When the temperatures fall, you know it’s time for the homemade moon pies. Since it doesn’t stand up to the Texas summer, take the advantage of the cooler weather and stop by the barbecue trailer. The pillowy marshmallow with the chocolate and graham cracker creates the ideal balance. Order a few and throw them in the freezer for later. The buttermilk pie is available year-round and is a competent stand-in during those hotter days. The buttery crust plays nice with the creamy custard, and the two together makes for a perfect finale.

1309 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 791-5961

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Ruby's BBQ

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This North campus spot has been slinging Texas barbecue way before it was cool. After those smoked meats, make sure you save some room for the banana bread pudding for a dose of perfect harmony in taste and texture. Warm, gooey, and comforting.

512 W 29th St, Austin, TX 78705

(512) 323-0206

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Austin's Most Underrated Barbecue, Mapped

Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew

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Tired of the traditional banana pudding? Fear not, the chocolate and banana pudding is here to save you. The fluffy concoction consists of half-chocolate and Oreo cookies, and half-banana pudding.

6610 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78757, Austin, TX 78757

(512) 380-9199

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Terry Black's BBQ

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This banana pudding tastes just as good as it looks. The airy mixture is not overly sweet, but satisfies with each bite. The crumbled Nilla wafer layers help round out the dessert. At two bucks a pop, grab two just in case, so you don’t have to wait in line again.

1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 394-5899

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