The Best Desserts of 2017

We at Rock City Eats eat quite a lot around town. But in comparing notes for this week’s Best of 2017 series, we found that maybe we aren’t consuming as many desserts as we are drinks and savory dishes. That’s a shame, and something we will be doing better at going forward, because Arkansas has some excellent desserts and great chefs behind them. So here’s to 2018 and getting our sweet tooth on.
Still, we did find ten sweet dishes from this year that really stood out to us for their creativity and execution. Here are the Top Ten Desserts of 2017 from Rock City Eats.
Banana Pudding at Honey Pies – Honey Pies has been making strides over the last year with renovations and additional offerings for the menu. The banana pudding could easily be overlooked in lieu of a pie, but give it a try next time you’re in. It’s outstanding. (Sara Edwards Neal)
Green Chile Ice Cream at Loblolly Creamery – For someone who is not a huge sweets person, this hit exactly the right spot for me. It uses roasted green chiles from Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Company in Paris, Ark., for a spicy and sweet combo. It is unlike any ice cream I have had, and it was wildly addicting. (Greg Henderson)
Ginger Molasses Cookies at Mylo Coffee Co. – Eating this cookie at any time of the year makes me feel like it’s Christmas time. They somehow took the best parts of gingerbread cookies and gingersnap cookies and made a new ginger cookie that beats both the originals. (Sara Slimp)

Sopapilla Cheesecake at The Fold – This one is a breathtaker. Imagine a creamy, slightly tangy cheesecake with fried crumbles on top. Then top it off with Arkansas honey and fresh whipped cream, and you have one of the best desserts I’ve eaten in a long time. Owner Bart Barlogie told me this one is so good, it’s hard to keep the staff from digging in before the customers can even order it. (Steve Shuler)
Lemon Drop Cookies at Dempsey Bakery – These cookies are soft, chewy, and have a gooey lemon center. The lemon flavor is bold without being sour, and the cookie isn’t overly sweet. I always request them for birthdays, holidays or anytime I’m craving a lemon treat. (Sara Edwards Neal)
Coconut Cream Pie at The Pizzeria – There are few people in town who know pies better than the Pittmans, who own The Pizzeria. Honestly, all of their pies are top notch, but this one stood out. It’s not nearly as sweet as a traditional coconut cream, but they use coconut milk along with coconut flakes for a top to bottom fantastic dessert that will not put you into a diabetic coma. (Greg Henderson)
Cheesecake at The Pantry – Everything about this cheesecake is perfection. Perfectly crisp top, flavorful graham bottom, creamy cheesecake middle … it’s just incredible. (Sara Slimp)

Fried Beer Holes at Blue Canoe Brewing Company – Sometimes, simple really is best. There is nothing difficult about these golden fritters, but the way the crispy shell gives way to a sweet, fluffy center that just melts on your tongue is something that will stick with you. (Steve Shuler)
Sesame Balls at Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co. – These have become a regular staple every visit. These rice flour pastries are coated with a crunchy sesame seed outside contrasted with and a gooey black bean paste center. They’re warm, lightly sweet and the perfect finish to your meal. (Sara Edwards Neal)
Golden S’mores at Honey Pies – This one was created special by Saige Anderson of Honey Pies (at the time) for Arkansas Food Bank’s empty bowls event. I always like it when people try to reimagine classic things like S’mores. This one contained the traditional marshmallow and graham cracker inside a chocolate dipped bar, then sprinkled with gold flakes just because. (Greg Henderson)
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