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Statewide Food 2

10 Favorite Desserts in Arkansas

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We have a plethora of fantastic desserts here in The Natural State.  Arkansas-known, respected and loved food writer The Mighty Rib lists his 10 Favorite Desserts in Arkansas from his travels over the past couple of years.

Cheesecake at The Pantry (Little Rock)

Fortunately for me, I do not have to travel far for the cheesecake at The Pantry. This somewhat traditional version is highlighted by one divine twist, a crisp, brûléed topping. Breaking through that top layer with a fork is instant satisfaction.

Coconut Cream Pie at The Whippet (Prattsville)

The meringue on this pie is so light and fluffy. Just make sure to sit near a window and gander at the natural light shining through it. The buttery, hand-formed crust and sweet coconut filling also set this pie apart from many others.

Caramel Pie at Charlotte’s (Keo)

Another pie? Yes, folks, this is Arkansas and we love our pie. At Charlotte’s in Keo, you’d be wise to not only arrive early but also order your caramel pie immediately after sitting down. The mountain-high confection sells out fast, and for good reason.

Salted Caramel Cookie at House of Wylie (El Dorado)

When at House of Wylie, you’ll be tempted to try other cookies. They have a nice collection sitting right on the counter, but the star of the show is the salted caramel. It’s both crispy and chewy, massive in size, and an ideal balance of salt and caramel.

Strawberry Pie at Oliver’s Bistro (Mountain View)

I’m guessing Oliver’s strawberry pie is a seasonal offering, so make sure to keep an eye on the restaurant’s chalkboard near the front. If this pie is available, order it. The light cream cheese filling is topped with a strawberry-laden gelatin and a heavy dollop of cream.

Pecan Pie at Soul Fish Café (Little Rock)

Did you really think this list would not include a pecan pie? Good luck finding a restaurant version better than Soul Fish Café. The crunchy top layer of crushed pecans is what vaults this pecan pie over the competition.

Fried Peach Pie at Morrison’s (Hot Springs)

While I love Morrison’s fried peach pie, truth be told, I could have easily listed any of the pies coming out of this pristine Hot Springs’ food truck. These perfectly fried, hand-held desserts are all loaded with ample filling, creating the ideal ratio of fruit-to-crust.

Chocolate Tres Leches Cake at Table Mesa (Bentonville)

Before a few weeks ago, I’d never even heard of a chocolate tres leches cake, much less tried one. If I’ve captured your attention, then head to Bentonville’s Table Mesa and order a hunk of this ganache-coated, soaked cake. Also, like everything else at the restaurant, the portion of cake is huge.

Bread Pudding at Maddie’s Place (Little Rock)

Sometimes the best desserts are the simplest of ones, like Maddie’s bread pudding. The dense, carb-loaded, meal-ender is drowned with a heavy pour of sugary syrup.

Concretes at The Original Scoop Dog (North Little Rock)

For those unfamiliar, a “concrete” is a creamy frozen custard that often includes a variety of mix-ins. At The Original Scoop Dog in North Little Rock, the options are endless, as are the smiles after taking one bite.

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Kevin Shalin is a food writer living in Little Rock with his wife, Sara, and two daughters, Natalie (12) and Sydney (7). He started his own blog, The Mighty Rib, seven years ago while living in Houston. Six months later, he began writing for Eating Our Words, a Houston Press food blog. After a year in Boston, he moved to Little Rock, where he’s been for almost five years. During that time, he’s written for Little Rock Soiree, Rock City Eats, Treatsie, and Bourbon and Boots.

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2 responses to “10 Favorite Desserts in Arkansas”

  1. Tom Smith says:

    Try Backyard BBQ pies in Magnolia

  2. […] of dessert, all the meal-enders seem to be scratch-made, so save a little stomach space for confections like […]

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