Texas Roadhouse Desserts – Why This Recipe Collection?

As a professional chef with over a decade of experience in American comfort food, I’ve always had a soft spot for Texas Roadhouse desserts. My first encounter with their legendary sweet treats was during a family road trip through the Southwest. After a hearty meal of steaks and rolls, my children begged to try the dessert menu. One bite of their signature brownie, and I was transported to dessert heaven.

What makes Texas Roadhouse desserts special isn’t just their delicious taste but the way they perfectly balance homestyle comfort with restaurant-quality execution. These desserts represent the heart of American baking traditions – generous portions, quality ingredients, and recipes that have been perfected over time.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll be sharing my professional recreations of seven Texas Roadhouse desserts, complete with tips and tricks I’ve learned through countless test kitchen experiments. Whether you’re missing your favorite restaurant treat or simply want to impress dinner guests with something spectacular, these recipes will deliver that authentic Texas Roadhouse experience right in your home kitchen.

Texas Roadhouse Desserts – Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients List

Save

1. Big Ol’ Brownie à la Mode

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup high-quality cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving
• Chocolate sauce, for drizzling
• Whipped cream, for topping

Substitutions:

• For gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
• For dairy-free: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and non-dairy ice cream

2. Granny’s Apple Classic

• 6 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup brown sugar, divided
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving
• Caramel sauce, for drizzling

Substitutions:

• For vegan: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free ice cream
• For gluten-free: Use gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

3. Legendary Strawberry Cheesecake

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/3 cup strawberry preserves
• Whipped cream, for garnish

Substitutions:

• For lower fat: Use 1/3 less fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
• For gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour crust

4. Rattlesnake Bite Bread Pudding

• 8 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably Texas toast)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Bourbon Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions:

• For alcohol-free: Replace bourbon with maple syrup or apple juice
• For dairy-free: Use coconut milk and coconut cream alternatives

Step-by-Step Instructions

Save

Big Ol’ Brownie à la Mode

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter completely. Tip: Be careful not to overheat the butter—microwave in 30-second intervals.
3. Whisk the sugar into the melted butter until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Tip: Overmixing will result in cakey rather than fudgy brownies.
7. Fold in chocolate chips.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Tip: For that perfect Texas Roadhouse texture, slightly underbake rather than overbake.
10. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into large squares.
11. To serve, place a warm brownie in a bowl, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and finish with a dollop of whipped cream.

Granny’s Apple Classic

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss apple slices with 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Tip: Cut apple slices to a uniform thickness of about 1/4 inch for even cooking.
3. Transfer apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, and salt.
5. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Tip: Keep the butter cold until the last minute for the best texture.
6. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Allow to cool for 15 minutes.
9. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.

Notes and Tips

• Make-Ahead Instructions: Most components of these desserts can be prepared 1-2 days in advance. Store brownie batter in the refrigerator, assembled apple crisp (unbaked) covered in the refrigerator, and cheesecake filling separately from the crust.
• Storage Tips:
  • Brownies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Apple Crisp: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
  • Cheesecake: Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
  • Bread Pudding: Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk.
• Serving Suggestions: For the full Texas Roadhouse experience, serve desserts on pre-warmed plates to keep them at the perfect temperature longer, especially when adding ice cream.

Texas Roadhouse Desserts – Nutritional Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Big Ol’ Brownie à la Mode (1 serving)

• Calories: 485
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Protein: 6g
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 42g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 180mg

Granny’s Apple Classic (1 serving)

• Calories: 390
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Protein: 3g
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 38g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 120mg

Legendary Strawberry Cheesecake (1 slice)

• Calories: 510
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 8g
• Total Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 38g
• Cholesterol: 175mg
• Sodium: 320mg

Texas Roadhouse Desserts – History and Cultural Significance

Texas Roadhouse, founded in 1993 by Kent Taylor in Clarksville, Indiana, quickly became known for its hand-cut steaks and fresh-baked bread. However, the restaurant’s dessert menu has developed its own loyal following over the years.

The dessert selection at Texas Roadhouse reflects the broader American tradition of generous portions and comforting flavors that draw inspiration from southern and midwestern baking traditions. Their brownie dessert, for instance, follows the classic American approach of serving warm chocolate cake with cold ice cream – a contrast of temperatures and textures that dates back to the early 20th century.

The apple dessert offerings pay homage to traditional American apple pie, which has been a staple in American households since colonial times. By the late 1800s, apple pie had become synonymous with American identity, leading to the phrase “as American as apple pie.”

Texas Roadhouse’s approach to desserts mirrors the restaurant’s overall philosophy: unpretentious, high-quality comfort food served in generous portions. This approach has made their desserts beloved by families across America, creating traditions where celebrations often end with their signature sweet treats.

Regional variations exist across the chain, with some locations featuring local favorites or seasonal specialties. In southern locations, you might find more pecan-based desserts, while northern locations might feature more apple and berry variations during harvest seasons.

Texas Roadhouse Desserts – Creative Variations

Low-Carb Texas Roadhouse Brownie Alternative

For those watching their carbohydrate intake, try this keto-friendly version:

• Replace all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup almond flour and 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• Substitute granulated sugar with 3/4 cup erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
• Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for binding
• Use sugar-free chocolate chips
• Serve with keto-friendly ice cream or whipped cream

This modification reduces the carbs to approximately 8g per serving while maintaining that rich, fudgy texture Texas Roadhouse is known for.

Vegan Granny’s Apple Delight

For plant-based eaters:

• Replace butter in the topping with cold coconut oil or vegan butter
• Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a deeper flavor
• Add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed to the topping for extra nutrition
• Serve with dairy-free vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream
• Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts to the topping for extra protein and healthy fats

This variation maintains the comforting flavors while making the dessert entirely plant-based.

Save

Texas Roadhouse Desserts – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Texas Roadhouse-style brownies?

Yes! After baking and cooling completely, cut the brownies into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Place wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving, or microwave for 20-30 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.

What can I substitute for bourbon in the bread pudding sauce?

For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with 1/4 cup of apple juice or apple cider with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. For a different flavor profile, try using 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, which will provide a similar depth without the alcohol.

How long does it take to prepare the strawberry cheesecake?

The total preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, but the cheesecake requires at least 50-60 minutes of baking time and a minimum of 4 hours (preferably overnight) chilling time. For best results, make this dessert a day ahead of when you plan to serve it.

Are Texas Roadhouse desserts made in-house?

The original Texas Roadhouse restaurant makes most of their desserts in-house daily, including their famous Big Ol’ Brownie. My homemade versions aim to replicate this freshness by using quality ingredients and avoiding preservatives or artificial flavors that might be found in mass-produced desserts.

How can I make my desserts look like they do at Texas Roadhouse?

Presentation is key! Use large white plates or bowls for contrast, add a generous scoop of premium ice cream, and be liberal with drizzled sauces. For professional-looking results, warm your chocolate or caramel sauce slightly and use a squeeze bottle for precise drizzling. A light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder adds that restaurant-quality finishing touch.

Texas Roadhouse Desserts – Final Thoughts

Creating Texas Roadhouse desserts at home allows you to bring that special restaurant magic to your own table, whether for everyday family dinners or special occasions. These recipes capture the essence of what makes their desserts so popular: generous portions, quality ingredients, and that perfect balance between sophistication and comfort.

What I love most about these recreations is their versatility. They can be adapted to suit dietary preferences without sacrificing the signature Texas Roadhouse experience. Whether you’re serving the original decadent versions or the healthier alternatives, these desserts are guaranteed to bring smiles to your table.

I encourage you to experiment with these recipes and make them your own. Perhaps add a hint of cinnamon to the brownie batter or try a different fruit in your crisp. Dessert-making should be as fun as dessert-eating!

I’d love to hear about your experiences recreating these Texas Roadhouse favorites. Did you put your own spin on any of these recipes? Which one became your family’s new favorite? Leave a comment below and share your sweet success stories!

For more on the history of American comfort desserts, check out this Wikipedia page on American cuisine which explores how our national sweet tooth has evolved over generations.

For other recipes