Just Desserts

When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, the Southlake area has an array of possibilities.

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When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, the Southlake area has an array of possibilities. And while you probably wouldn’t be able to finish a glazed donut before passing by another sweet shop, we aren’t talking about your run of the mill desserts (no shade on fried dough though).

Local restaurants are going above and beyond to create memorable experiences with their temptations – not to mention with their flavor profiles. So to celebrate their triumphs, we’ve rounded up a selection of must-have desserts in the area.

DESSERT EMPANADAS

Boca31 opened in Keller less than a year ago, but they have already become one of the most popular empanada stops in town. While their savory selection cannot be dismissed, their dessert empanadas offer a unique take on the cultural favorite.

The mini guava and cream cheese Latin- inspired dessert provides that same crisp bite you look for in an empanada, but the sweet filling will send your taste buds soaring. The Latin fusion restaurant also offers mini Nutella and marshmallow empanadas for an even sweeter fix.

MUGGLE SHAKES FLIGHT

Colleyville’s Muggle Shakes brings new meaning to a frozen yogurt shop. Known for their stacked shakes, these wild desserts are just as fun to take in as they are to eat. Each comes with an array of messy fixings including marshmallows, cotton candy and even a unicorn horn. To try an assortment of their treats, order the flight.

Made up of four mini shakes, you might think these smaller desserts would tone down their toppings, but you’d be mistaken. These smaller treats still bring all the drama of their larger counterparts. It’s a great way to let your kids experiment with all the flavors without ordering the entire menu. Their most popular flavors include the Panda – the closest to cookies and cream, the Campfire – a s’mores-inspired treat, Unicorn – a vanilla-based colorful wonder – and the Birthday Wish – a cake batter shake with all the sprinkles.

CHOCOLATE PIÑATA

If you have little ones that can’t help but play with their food, then a trip over to Grapevine’s Uncle Julio’s is a must for the chocolate piñata alone. This massive dessert demands attention as it is carried through the restaurant. Once the tray is placed on the table, guests have the chance to smash open the hanging dark chocolate with a mallet to access the fresh fruit and homemade churros inside.

After the damage is done, there’s enough food for the whole table to get a taste of the extensive flavor combinations. With the different dipping sauces and whipped cream, every bite can be different. If you have a big party, get the Chocolate Lovers Pińata. The chocolate empanada bites give the hollowed-out chocolate treat a little more substance.

SEA-SALT CARAMEL FUDGE

As locals walk down Main Street in Grapevine, they’re sure to stop by the bay windows of the newest sweets shop in the area, Kilwins. Those lucky enough to wander by as their staff paddle out their handmade caramel are in for a treat. It’s captivating to watch as the team handles the scalding sugary substance and smooth it out on the store’s marble countertop.

After it cools, the caramel is mixed into their treats – like the Sea-salt Caramel Fudge. The ribbons of the luscious sweet- ness add a bite to the indulgent fudge, and the Bail Pyramid sea salt flakes give brightness to the rich dessert. A little goes a long way with this treat, but its balanced flavors will keep you coming back for more.

BREAKFAST TRASH

North Richland Hills’ Lumi Snow Company offers an array of Taiwanese-inspired shaved snows adorned with lively toppings and sweets including cotton candy, fresh fruit and ample dollops of whipped cream. But the Breakfast Trash, a New York cheesecake shaved snow topped with Froot Loops and Captain Crunch, is a standout.

With contrasting textures and different sweetness levels, this over-the-top dessert is something the whole family can get behind. Other flavors include Cookie Monster, Campfire Classic and Birthday Cake, so if you don’t think breakfast is the most important dessert inspiration of the day, you‘ll still have options. Be sure to ask about their dairy-free, gluten-free, keto-friendly and vegan options. They really think of everything.

KUNG-FU SESAME BALL

Southlake’s Dragon House offers a spread of Chinese options, but it’s one of their desserts that first made us do a double take. The Kung-fu Sesame Ball, a traditional fried rice flour pastry, commands attention. What starts out as a small sphere expands into a hollow, crisp yet chewy circle that’s intended to be shared.

Once you start tearing off pieces, you won’t be able to stop until the whole buttery treat is gone. Whether you are familiar with this dish or are up to trying new sweets, this sesame ball is worth the trip out.

Elemint

Southlake’s latest ice cream addition, Creamistry, has shaken up what people should expect from the dessert go-to. The trained Creamologists mix all their desserts on the spot with premium ingredients to ensure their quality is maintained. And by using liquid nitrogen, each bite gives off optimal creamy lushness.

Guests can choose everything from the base to the ice cream flavor to the toppings, but for a premade favorite, try the Elemint. The mint ice cream, Oreo cookies, chocolate chips and fudge create a balance between rich and light flavors while also satisfying any craving in sight.

THE CHOCOLATE BAG

Truluck’s offers a refined, destructible dessert option designed for two with The Chocolate Bag. This famous favorite has been a part of the Southlake food scene for years thanks to its playful design and rich flavors. The dark chocolate comes out in the shape of a brown paper sack, and it is filled with pound cake, berries, nuts and chocolate chips.

Just in case that wasn’t enough sweetness, the dish is topped with caramel, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. It’s a great way to embrace a youthful memory while also treating yourself to a delectable dessert.

BROWN SUGAR PECAN BREAD PUDDING

Bread pudding is not hard to come by. But great bread pudding is an elusive find only a few restaurants have mastered. Grapevine’s home cooking café Mason & Dixie is one of them.

Their Brown Sugar Pecan Bread Pudding served with butter bourbon sauce has a crisp exterior but offers a gooey inside that will melt in your mouth. Its hefty serving is enough for two, but we aren’t judging if you’d rather keep the whole thing for yourself.