Saturday Sweets: 10 Classic Desserts in Miami

Dessert has always been a guilty pleasure for many. One of the advantages of the two month long Miami Spice is that dessert is included, so no more, “ Bring two spoons, we’ll share” as everyone gets their own dessert.

So in this abundance of dessert options, “Classic” as a trend may seem like a paradox, but tradition has more value than any fad.

As we peruse various dessert menus, we see the pendulum swinging from whacky “instagrammy” desserts in favor of classic favorites done right. When you’re over those over-the-top desserts and need some solid, classic options, these Miami restaurants should be your go-to.

Profiteroles at Le Zoo

The classic cream puffs originated in France in the 16th century and made their way to the U.S. sometime in the 1800’s. Le Zoo’s divine incarnation features praline, banana, vanilla ice cream and a tableside drizzle of warm, bittersweet chocolate. Le Zoo  9700 Collins Ave. Bal Harbour, FL 33154

Mom’s Coconut Cake at KYU

A staple of Southern dinner tables, Coconut Cake is traditionally a layered white or yellow cake with cream cheese or buttercream frosting and coconut flakes. At KYU, Chef Michael Lewis serves up his mom’s own recipe carefully developed to perfection over years of trial and error. KYU 251 NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33127

Strawberry Shortcake at The Continental

Considered one of the great American Cakes, Strawberry Shortcake actually originated in London in the 1500s. It became extraordinarily popular throughout the colonial U.S. as a seasonal dessert with colonial Americans even throwing Strawberry Shortcake parties while the berries were in season. Today you can get a divine strawberry shortcake with chantilly cream any time at The Continental, Stephen Starr’s retro-chic diner in South Beach. The Continental  2350 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139

Key Lime at Juvia

The key lime pie has been traced back to the early 20th century in the Key West, Florida area.Key lime pie is introduced as an American dessert made of key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk in a piecrust. Juvia’s deconstructed recreation of key lime in a cup is made with short bread crumble and meringue fingers. Juvia  1111 Lincoln Road Miami Beach, FL 33139

Almond Bread Pudding at Jaya

When life gives you leftover bread, make pudding! Traced back to the 11th or 12th century, soon after the invention of bread, the question lingered-- what do we do with the leftovers? Thus, bread pudding, the classic versatile dish popular in an array of different cultures, was born. You can try Jaya’s rendition of this antique sweet with their Almond Bread Pudding featuring hints of Spiced Streusel, Whiskey Miso Caramel, and Banana. Jaya at the Setai 2001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Tiramisu at Dolce Italian

You can never go wrong with a classic Tiramisu. A popular coffee-flavored Italian 1960’s dessert layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, lady finger, sugar and mascarpone cheese, topped with flavoured cocoa. Dolce Italian at The Gale South Beach 1690 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Komodo Sundae at Komodo

In 1890, within the midwestern parts of the United States, laws were passed prohibiting the selling of ice cream sodas on Sundays. To battle this, local soda fountain shops started selling ice cream sodas, minus the soda; hence, the Sundae was created. Today, completely legal in the U.S. and globally accepted, you can try an Asian spin on the American classic with the Komodo Sundae. The refreshing and inventive combo includes coconut lime ice cream, ginger mochi, roasted pineapple, and coconut batons. Komodo 801 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131

Sarsaparilla Root Beer Float at Sarsaparilla Club

On a particularly hot day, Mr. Richard Popovich from Windsor Ontario Canada, was selling flavored drinks and ran out of ice. As a quick alternative, he used vanilla ice cream instead and was surprised at the final product. Also known as the “Black Cow,” root beer floats quickly made their way into America’s hearts and today, you can have your very own with The Sarsaparilla Club’s version; it includes toffee ice cream and filthy cherries. The Sarsaparilla Club 1 18th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Peanut Butter & Jelly at db Bistro Moderne

The peanut butter and jelly sandwich has been a staple of American lunch boxes since its creation in 1901. Db Bistro Moderne’s twist on the classic includes Peanut Feuilletine, Butterscotch Bavarois, Chocolate Crémeux, and Huckleberry Sorbet. Db Bistro Moderne  255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL 33131    

Carrot Cake at Prime 112

Carrot cake has been around since the late 1800’s, and In 2005 Food Network listed carrot cake as one of the top five food fads of the 1970s. Clearly the fad never passed, because carrot cake makes appearances on menus across the country, including Prime 112’s giant slices topped with fluffy cream cheese icing. Prime 112 112 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139

Key Lime Baked Alaska at Steak 954

Baked Alaska’s creator originally referred to the dish as “Alaska Florida” in 1894, as a nod to the contrast between extremes of heat and cold that comprise the dish. What better place to enjoy an “Alaska Florida” than in Fort Lauderdale? A delicious combination of two classic Florida favorites, Steak 954’s Key Lime Baked Alaska features a frozen slice of key lime pie encased in an oven-browned Italian meringue. Blackberry and kaffir soda add the finishing touches to this heavenly dessert. Steak 954 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.

( Information and images provided by Carma PR )