Our Best Desserts of 2016

Desserts in Little Rock took a hit in 2016 with the closings of Just Desserts by Zara and Kelli Marks’ Sweet Love Bakeshop, both of whom were tremendous bakers who made lasting impacts on Little Rock’s food scene. But even with these losses, diners with a sweet tooth in Little Rock still have plenty of places to turn. Whether it’s the city’s only dedicated pie shop, accomplished savory chefs turning out impressive desserts, or some of the city’s unsung talents creating excellent pastries, there are still great desserts in Little Rock waiting to be had. In no particular order, here are our 10 best desserts of 2016:
Gateau Crepe at One Eleven at the Capital: The French inspiration is unmistakable for this stunning, nine-layer crepe cake at one of Little Rock’s most upscale restaurants. The delicate brûlée crisp on top breaks into a chorus of sweetness and spice that never loses its harmony. Small bites are all you need; savoring this delicacy is the only true way to take in such a magnificent creation. (Steve Shuler)
Churro with Mexican Dipping Chocolate at Forty Two: This was a perfect dessert: warm churros in what amounts to a very thick hot cocoa. Only problem is I have only found it on the menu once. (Greg Henderson)
Chocolate Fudge Brownie Pie at Honey Pies: I don’t often do pies, but when I do, I go to Honey Pies. So far, I haven’t met a pie from there that I didn’t like, but the Chocolate Fudge Brownie is rich, decadent and everything your taste buds could ever want. (Becca Bona)

Oreo Cream Pie at Brown Sugar Bakeshop: It’s America’s favorite cookie reinvented. Gone are the overly saccharine tones of the sandwich cookie; instead, this luxurious cream pie is whisper light, with far greater balance than its namesake ever achieves. Brown Sugar likes to mix up its menu, but I hope for your sake this recipe is one they keep coming back to. (SS)
Snickers at Table 28: Deconstructed candy bars are the perfect mix of nostalgia and good dessert making. This one hit all the right notes. (GH)
Chocolate Sack at Samantha’s Tap Room and Wood Grill: A dessert that is literally gift-wrapped in chocolate, the dish comes with fresh fruit and nuts on the inside. If you’re planning on ordering one, be sure to have a friend or two along to make sure no crumb is left uneaten. (BB)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie at Maddie’s Place: Sure, it’s been around for a while, but it bears mentioning that this is one of the best pies in town. Don’t mock its small size; the amount of flavor and range here makes this dessert great for sharing. Or, you know, you could just send your friends away and enjoy it all by yourself. (SS)

Red Velvet Chicken and Waffle from Ceci’s Chicken and Waffles: Although not technically a dessert, the soul food from Ceci’s is legit. You can order waffles in all sorts of flavors, but the red velvet is hands-down the best combination of sweet to go with a fresh waffle, in my opinion. (BB)
Toasted Marshmallow Sundae at Loblolly Creamery: Ok, this one you really do want to share. The quick scorch done on the countertop gives this ice cream sundae the nostalgia of eating s’mores around the campfire. That it includes Loblolly’s excellent ice cream and brownie only sweetens the experience. (SS)
Tiramisu Cake at Skye’s Little Bistro (by Amanda Ivy): If there was a breakout pastry chef this year, it was Amanda Ivy. She regularly makes desserts for Skye’s Bistro, The Fold, Raduno, as well as her main gig at The 1836 Club. This cake was a different take on a traditional tiramisu cooked up for Skye’s and was absolutely amazing. (GH)