Restaurant Best of CT Dessert Homepage Best Desserts in Connecticut: Happy National Dessert Day! April Guilbault October 14, 2017 Photo Credit: Connecticut Food and Farm at NoRa Cupcake Company You are going to hate us. But then, after careful consideration, you’re going to really love us. A lot. It’s National Dessert Day and well, we just *had* to gather a deliciously lengthy list of desserts from all over the state. CTBites readers and staff weighed in and we have just the thing to squelch your craving, ease that long day, or just enjoy for the sweet heck of it. We happen to notice, though, there are a lot of bananas and bourbon on this list in all different forms. Is that the magic combination for culinary comfort and delight?? Happy desserting, everyone!By county… FairfieldBrasitasNorwalk, Stamfordwww.brasitas.comTres Leches Cake-“Milk cake” and just that…three types of milk (whole, condensed, evaporated) make for a milky, soaked cake that is stacked and sweet. Topped with whipped cream, just in case you weren’t getting enough dairy with your dessert.Cafe Dolce345 Main Ave., Norwalkwww.cafe-dulce.comDobos Cake-A Hungarian 7- layer extravaganza: layers of sponge cake with chocolate buttercream and topped with caramel. Gorgeous and delicious. Times 7. Carl Anthony’s Trattoria477 Main St., Monroewww.carlanthonys.comBananarama (no relation to the 80s band)-A warm banana-caramel cheesecake-that alone should be enough-but with bruleed banana, caramel and chocolate ganache to add that perfect, chocolatey touch.DiMare Pastry Shop12 Largo Drive South, StamfordDouble Temptation Cake-Delicious Devil’s Food cake, creamy chocolate mousse, and smoothy and rich cheesecake, all stacked together in a perfectly sinful (we had to say it) forkful.Donut Crazyvarious locationsInsanely outrageous donuts with flavors including Caramel Apple, S'mores, PB & J, and Blueberry Butternut. Pastry chef Susanne Berne goes above and beyond with this breakfast and desserts favorite. Drop and Fry464 Shippan Ave., Stamfordwww.dropandfry.comVarious ice creams, wrapped in pound cake, FRIED, and then, if the wasn’t decadent enough, topped with anything from powdered sugar to cookie dough to Kit Kats. El Segundo3 North Water St., Norwalkwww.elsegundosono.comChurro Sundae-Swirly vanilla and coffee ice cream, topped with house made candied pecans and, wait for it…sugary churros *filled* with Dulce de L eche shoved in there, too. Fat Cat Pie Company9-11 Wall St., Norwalkwww.fatcatpie.comButterscotch pudding-Creamy, dreamy, you-don’t-want-to-know-the-ingredients-list bowl of goodness. Just like Mama used to make, but waaaay better (ssshh, don’t tell her).Ferris Acres Creamery144 Sugar St., Newtownwww.ferrisacrescreamery.comCow Trax-Vanilla ice cream with swirls of peanut butter and caramel, complete with mini chocolate chips. Note: The window closes for the season on Oct. 30th but they will still be taking holiday orders. Go to website for order forms.Gelatissimo26 Forest St., New Canaanwww.gelatissimoartisangelato.comCreamy Coconut-Silky, make-you-remember-your-trip-to-Italy gelato, coconut gelato with shredded coconut floating throughout.HooDoo Brown BBQ967 Ethan Allen Hwy., Ridgefieldwww.hoodoobrownbbq.comBanana Bourbon Cream Pie-The crust is made with Nilla wafers (there’s a happy blast from the past), creamy custard banana bourbon filling with fresh bananas, with a big ol’ layer of house made whipped cream and crumbled Nillas on top.Hub and Spoke3001 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeportwww.hubandspokect.comBlack Bottom Banana Cream Pie-A chocolate wafer crust (hence the black bottom) filled with pastry cream and fresh bananas, topped with whipped cream and, of course, chocolate sauceLa Zingara8 PT Barnum Square, Bethelwww.lazingara.comTiramisu-Espresso and brandy soaked ladyfingers, layered with a mascarpone mousse and crushed chocolate. You know the drill. But it’s always good to know where to find a good Tiramisu.Le PenguinGreenwich, Westportwww.lepenguinbistro.comTart Tatin-Caramelized warm apple tart (but it’s upside down, that’s what makes it special. Those delicious cooked apples are on top) with vanilla sauce. Perfection during fall and winter. Or spring and summer. Marly’s Bar & Bistro101 Old Ridgefield Road, Wiltonwww.marlysbistro.comMacy's Mousse-A rich combination of dark and milk chocolates that is a true chocoholics creamy delight. And what’s not to like about that?Match98 Washington St., Norwalkwww.matchsono.comA stack of just baked, warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies accompanied by just the right amount of peanut butter gelato and whipped cream. And kids have all the fun? I think not.Michele’s Pies666 Main Ave., Norwalkwww.michelespies.comApple Caramel Crump pie-Generous crumb topping, super sweet and tender apples piled high and a good drizzle of caramel on top. Lordy.Mr. Frosty’s Ice Cream6 First St., Norwalkwww.mrfrostyicecream.comApple Waffle Sundae (seasonal)-A warm Belgian waffle topped with locally made vanilla ice cream, caramelized apples, gooey hot caramel, cinnamon crumb, and fluffy whipped cream.St. Moritz Bakery383 Greenwich Ave., Greenwichwww.stmoritzfgreenwich.comSarah Bernhardt chocolates-Named for a French actress who starred in “Hamlet”, these are almond macaroons, topped with a silky chocolate filling and then enrobed in melted chocolate. Truffle-esque, but different. And better.SoNo Baking CompanySouth Norwalk, Darien and Westport locationshttps://www.sonobaking.comDark Chocolate Mousse Cake- This decadent dessert is available in multiple sizes ranging from 6" to full sheet cake to insure that every chocolate lovers dreams come true. Sweet Lisa's 3 Field Rd. Cos Cob, CThttp://sweetlisas.com/Sweet Lisa's Exquisite Cakes provides award-winning, high-end custom design pastry cakes, pastries, cookies and cupcakes for any occasion.The Common Bond Market40 Huntington St., Shelton www.thecommonbondmarket.comHot Chocolate Cupcakes-Chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream, topped with chocolate ganache and mini marshmallows. And guess what? They are gluten-free and vegan.The Schoolhouse at Cannondale34 Cannon Rd., Wiltonwww.schoolhouseatcannondale.comChocolate soufflé for two-Rule #1: Share with a friend who knows how to share. This fluffy dream of a dessert comes with dark chocolate sauce to drizzle in and sweet cream ice cream on the side for that hit of cool (flavors vary night to night).Valencia Luncheria164 Main St., Norwalkwww.valencialuncheria.comNutella and Cream Cheese Empanadas-Warm Nutella. Gooey sweet cream cheese. Crack open this crispy empanada and both come oozing out. There’s really no more that needs to be said.Walrus & Carpenter2895 Fairfield Ave., Black Rock, CTwww.walruscarpenter.comWalrus Pie – Buckle up, baconophiles and sugarholics. The crust is a bacon-chocolate chip cookie, the middle is peanut butter ice cream and all over everything is bacon crumble, bacon candy, and chocolate. Eating is believing. Washington PrimeGeorgetown, South Norwalkwww.washingtonprimect.comBananas Foster Cake-Everything you love about Bananas Foster, and seriously what’s not to love?…in a cake. Topped with a light icing made of banana liquor and cream and finished with still more caramelized bananas. The Whelk575 Riverside Ave. Westport, CThttp://www.thewhelkwestport.com/Olive Oil cake with figs- Marinated seasonal figs top an olive oil infused cake and fresh whipped cream. This not-to-sweet- dessert is a perfect ending to a delicious dinner.HartfordAbigail’s Grille & Wine Bar4 Hartford Rd., Simsburywww.abigailsgrill.comBread Pudding- A banana, peanut butter, and chocolate chip bread pudding, paired with a scoop of J Foster’s chocolate ice cream on the side. It’s got it all and could be considered by some to be a meal on its own.Atillio’s775 Hopmeadow St., Simsburywww.attiliossimsbury.comCarrot Cake-House made classic carrot cake using a 150-year-old family recipe. Cream cheese frosting on top. The works!Barcelona Wine BarVarious locationswww.barcelonawinebar.comDulce de Leche Crepes-The French and the Spanish mingle in a most delightful way. Light crepes, rolled up and containing a gooey filling of caramel-y Dulce de Leche and vanilla cream.Topped with a squiggle of chocolate sauce and ice cream. And to think the crepe had you thinking it was a light dessert…Cake GypsyCanton and Avon locationswww.cakegypsy.comLemon Coconut Cupcake-A lemon cake complete with lemon filling, frosted with vanilla buttercream and topped with flaked coconut and a candied lemon slice. Lllllove Lllllemon. Flatbread CompanyIn the Shoppes at Farmington Valley, Cantonwww.flatbreadcompany.comGriffin Farmstead Apple Cider Donut Sundae – J. Foster’s ice cream, with two apple cider donuts that have been warmed in their wood-fired oven and topped with homemade maple syrup-sweetened whipped creamGiuseppina’s Italian Bakery946 Sullivan Ave., South Windsorwww.italianbakerysouthwindsor.comChocolate Mousse Cake-Chocolate on chocolate on chocolate. A chocolate cake with chocolate mousse between the layers. 4 layers of cake and 3 layers of mousse. 7 layers of divine.J. Gilberts185 Glastonbury Blvd., Glastonburywww.jgilberts.comCarrot Cake-Traditional carrot cake but with a pecan-praline filling, sweet cream cheese frosting and topped with toasted coconut and crème anglaiseThe North House 1 Nod Rd., Avonwww.thenorthhouse.comBlueberry Cake Pudding-A White Chocolate Blueberry Cake Pudding with blueberry puree, chocolate chunks and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Blueberries are good for you, you know?Max a Mia70 E. Main St., Avonwww.maxrestaurantgroup.comCoconut Layer Cake-A vanilla cake with coconut creme oozing between the layers, toasted coconut topping it generously, all the while, sitting in a lovely puddle of toffee sauceMax’s Oyster Bar964 Farmington Ave., West Hartfordwww.maxrestaurantgroup.comChocolate Beignets-A Chocolate Truffle coated in Beignet batter and fried, then rolled in sugar for good measure. Sugar. Chocolate. Fried. Oh my.Present Company2 Tunxis Rd., Tariffvillewww.presentcompanyct.comFloating Island-No man is an island but a man could use a floating island every once in a while. A soft poached meringue floating in crème anglaise, serve with a Scottish shortbread and crème de cassisRestaurant Bricco78 Lasalle Rd., West Hartfordwww.billygrant.comNutella Pie-Nutella mousse sitting in an Oreo cookie crust, topped with hazelnut caramel whipped cream (as if eating it out of the jar wasn’t decadent enough)Rooster Co.1076 Main St., Newingtonwww.roostercompany.netPotato Chip Brownie-A chocolate brownie with potato chips *in the batter* for crunch (no nuts!), topped with chocolate bark, a drizzle of salted caramel, and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.Tangiers International Market550 Farmington Ave., Hartfordwww.tangiersmarket.comBaklava-Crispy, flakey, walnut-y, honey-y, sweet. Go get thee a square!Treva980 Farmington Ave., West Hartfordwww.trevact.comLocal Honey Budino-A Budino, so you know, is an Italian custard or pudding and this one is made with local honey. Served with a side of Fig gelato, sweetness ensues.Wood-n-Tap Bar & Grillvarious locationswww.woodntap.comLivy’s cheesecake-Made with whipped Mascarpone cheese, this velvety cake has an Oreo cookie crust. Topped with fresh strawberries and blackberries and comes with a trio of delicious sauces: caramel, chocolate and raspberry.LitchfieldCBBG Dessert Bar469 Main St., Watertownwww.cbbgdessertbar.comSlutty Brownies (vegan brownie bars)-Chocolate chip bottom layer, gooey chocolate middle layer and rich brownie layer on top of that. Who said sluts are bad?Passiflora Cafe, Tea Room & Herbal Shoppe526 Main St., New Hartfordwww.passiflorateas.blogspot.comMatcha Green Cupcakes-Matcha green tea cupcake with accompanying frosting…and vegan at that!The Sweet Spot60 Railroad St., New Milfordwww.thesweetspotct.comBanana Chocolate Vegan cupcake-Banana cupcake with whips of chocolate frosting on top and crowned with a banana chipNew HavenApp’s283 Captain Thomas Blvd., West Havenwww.appsrestaurant.comRice Pudding-House made comforting, creamy pudding topped with a dollop of whipped cream. And no raisins for the anti-raisin crowd!Caseus Fromagerie & Bistro93 Whitney Ave., New Havenwww.caseusnewhaven.comChocolate Pot de Creme-A rich, chocolate pudding topped with vanilla bean whipped cream (Note:There have been instances of it topped with peanut butter whipped cream or a Swiss meringue, too. Be on the lookout)Libby’s Italian Pastry Shop139 Wooster St. New Havenwww.libbyscookies.comCannoli-Crisp shells, creamy fillings…plain, chocolate filled, dusted with coconut, chocolate-dipped shells, just dusted with confectioner sugar. Take your pick. Middlebury Consignments1365 Whittlemore Rd., Middleburywww.middleburyconsignment.comLimoncello Tea Cake-With a taste of Italy and zesty Limoncello liquor, this spongy tea cake is served with fresh berries and whipped cream.Nora Cupcakes Co.various locationsJust about any cupcake from Nora's creative team is worth craving. Some of our favorites are: Pumpkin Spice Latte, Boozy Breakfast, Mexican Wedding and Mounds. https://www.noracupcake.com/Sugar Cupcakes and Bakery422-424 Main St., East Havenwww.thesugarbakery.comAnginette Cupcake-These festive cupcakes taste like an Italian anisette cookie! Anise cupcake with a confectioner’s sugar glaze, and sprinkled with those colorful nonpariels that we all know so well.Shell & Bones100 S Water St. New Haven, CThttp://shellandbones.com/Chocolate Souffle flash fried in a wonton wrapper- over seasonal berries, vanilla gelato, and chocolate cookie crumbs. A cookie man "stands guard" over the dessert in case you don't feel like sharing! New LondonLis Bake Shop15 Holmes St., MysticPumpkin Whoopie Pies-A New England staple paired with the seasonal craze. Fluffy, spice-filled Whoopies with a creamy, sugary filling. All hail fall in Connecticut!NV Coffee Bakery & Market 40 Boston Post Rd., Waterfordwww.nvbakeryandmarket.comThe Elvis Crepe-Peanut butter, fresh bananas and chocolate sauce and rolled within a warm crepe and drizzled with a rich chocolate sauce (just one of about a dozen crepes they make)Sift Bake Shop5 Water St., Mysticwww.siftbakeshopmystic.comLemon Olive Oil Cake-This is like no olive oil cake you’ve ever seen. A moist lemon olive oil sponge cake with lemon curd, whipped lemon mousse and enrobed in a crisp white chocolate shell. Decorated to the nines and looking like a piece of artMiddlesexDagmar’s Desserts75 Main St., Old Saybrookwww.dagmarsdesserts.comApple Strudel-Apples, raisins, and spices rolled together and rolled together some more. Dusted with confectioner sugar and sliced, it is perfect with a cup of joe.Hen and Heifer23 Water St., Guilfordwww.henandheifer.comLemon Meringue Tart-You like meringue? Well, this tart is literally covered in it. Beautiful swoops of perfectly toasted meringue, completely covering (top and sides) a meringue tart. Let the swooning begin.TollandVictoria Station91 Main St., Putnamwww.victoriastationcafe.comRaspberry Mousse Cup-Sort of like Tiramisu but different; Ladyfingers soaked in raspberry liquor with a white chocolate mousse filling. They top this with fresh raspberries, blueberries and a strawberry.and it sits daintily in a white chocolate cup.UConn Dairy Bar3636 Horsebarn Hill Rd., Storrswww.dining.uconn.eduHusky Tracks- Vanilla ice cream with a fudge swirl and peanut butter cups scattered throughout. All the ice cream is made on premises at their creamery, which was established in the early 1900s. The cows can be seen at the UConn animal barns. They have yet to receive their diplomas.Golden Lamb Buttery499 Wolf Den Rd., Brooklynwww.thegoldenlamb.comHummingbird Cake-A Southern favorite at this bucolic Northern farm. Pineapple, bananas, spices and a thick, rich cream cheese frosting (but no nuts in this recipe). Perfect with your morning coffee.WindhamA Cupcake for Later798 Main St., Willamanticwww.acupcakeforlater.comChocolate Salted Caramel-A dark chocolate cake full of creamy caramel filling and frosted with a caramel whipped cream cheese frosting. Topped with satiny chocolate ganache and the perfect sprinkle of sea salt.Leaf & Flour Bakery45 High St., Willamanticwww.leafandflourwilli.comSpice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting-Lots of layers, lots of autumn spices and lots of gooey frosting. Michael Jordan’s SteakhouseMohegan Sun Casinowww.mjshconnecticut.comBaked Alaska-Cool vanilla ice cream enrobed in a flakey brioche which is then swaddled in a light meringue, crisped lightly and topped with candied almonds and sitting in a puddle of sweet caramel sauce. It’s the turducken of desserts.
