Anyone who knows me knows that I am addicted to sweets! Whenever I plan an event desserts always come first, and when eating out you better believe I'm going to peruse the dessert menu for something to satisfy my sweet tooth. Right now I'm working on cutting back on my sweets intake (pray for me y'all it's tough), but that doesn't mean I'll hold out the goods from you all. In this guide you will find a few places around town that I frequent to feed my sweets addiction (just don't blame me if you become addicted as well lol).
Kookie Haven
The moment you walk through the door you are greeted with a cute and welcoming dine in bakery. The family who owns the business is so friendly and down to earth that they make you feel like a part of the family as well. The bakery boasts a selection of cakes, cookies, brownies and stuffers (cake stuffed cookies). I've sampled a number of their cakes, but at the top of my list are the Tuxedo (chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting) and Wedding (wedding cake with cream cheese frosting) cakes. The brownie is heavenly as well. Kookie Haven has a rotating selection of vegan cakes and cookies which makes this spot perfect for any sweets lover.
Val's Cheesecakes
If you're looking for unique cheesecake in a variety of fun flavors then Val's has you covered. They pay attention to presentation as well as taste with their cheesecake jars. You can re-purpose the jars (I've used them for decor and food storage as well as serving food) or you can return the jars to Val's and get a discount on your next purchase. I didn't think I liked lemon flavored food until I had Val's Lemmon Ave. cheesecake. It has a layer of lemon curd that is perfectly tart and a lemon poppy seed cake crust. It instantly became a favorite of mine. He has the Shack (a walk up stand with outside bar seating) and the Shop (an indoor sit down bakery). You can even order custom number shaped cheesecakes or tiered cheesecakes for special occasions.
Kessler Baking Studio
Kessler Baking Studio has been a staple in Oak Cliff for many years. The studio is surrounded by positive messages as you approach the front door. The whimsical designs that pave the stairway will get you in the mood for some treats. When you enter you will find a large variety of cookie and blondie selections. There are many possibilities since you can place your cookies in a customized tin, attach a special love note to your cookies or even buy the vanilla that makes these baked goods so special. The owner knows when I walk in I'm looking for those oatmeal cream pies! Little Debbie Oatmeal cream pies were a childhood favorite of mine. Kessler's version are larger and turn this childhood treat into an adult delicacy. They are launching a monthly cookie club where subscribers will be able to get a half dozen off menu cookies (flavors will rotate monthly). I had a chance to taste the first months flavor the Smores Cookie and let me tell you, it left me wanting some more. Job well done.
ICE NY
When I first saw the Thai rolled ice cream trend making its way to the metroplex my thoughts were, "That LOOKS cool, but I bet it tastes icy". I wanted no parts of it. I finally went ahead and gave it a shot. The texture was actually creamy to my pleasant surprise. You can customize the flavors by picking a base ice cream flavor and having a variety of items mixed into it through a vigorous chopping and smoothing method that's fun to watch. ICE NY is a clean bright ice cream parlor that will get you hooked if you're into cool treats.
Pudding On Smiles
As the name of this business states, Pudding on Smiles will certainly put a smile on your face. This is not the typical banana pudding that you get at family gatherings. These puddings come in a variety of flavors and are filled with different things like cookie and cake pieces along with creamy pudding goodness. I recently tried a pineapple coconut flavor that was like a summer tropical vacation in my mouth. I've also tried the strawberry, birthday cake, chocolate, blueberry and classic flavors.
Cinnaholic
Don't let the fact that these are vegan cinnamon rolls fool you. They can definitely compete with the best of them, and I'm sure the majority would agree that they are better than the ones we grew up eating the mall. The thing I love about Cinnaholic is that you can customize your cinnamon roll experience by picking the size, the flavor of cream cheese and the load it up with different toppings. This is a great place for those on a plant based diet and those who aren't to come together and equally enjoy the experience.
Lekka Cafe
If you ask me what my favorite pie in the DFW is my answer will lead you to a unique restaurant and antique shop called Lekka. My favorite flavor is their banana toffee pie which is a big slice and also includes pecans (if you have a nut allergy they have other good flavors for you to choose from as well). I've tried their banana chocolate pie which is like a light and airy Reeses treat. I'm glad I live on the other side of town, otherwise Lekka would get all of my money. Their lunch and dinner menu are good as well, so stay and enjoy your whole meal here.
If you try any of the places above I'd love to hear about it. Be sure to post pictures online and hashtag #BFDapproved so that I can see. If your account is private I won't be able to see it. Y'all go out and enjoy these treats for me and thank me later.