And so they say that nothing says pure lovin’ like something from the oven. It is no secret that we all have a soft spot for something with sugar, spice and everything nice. with some goodies and treats.
After all, desserts usually are the best part of any meal — a lovely time to share those sweet nothings.
If I had the sheer talent of the fun Italian femme Giada de Laurentiis, the sultry Brit babe Nigella Lawson or my pastry chef brother Chris, I would definitely whip up all kinds of desserts for me and my loved ones, of course.
But for now, I am just going to share the best sweet treats, which I truly enjoyed eating, too.
Banapple Banofee Pie
A to-die-for treat for caramel lovers, this gem of a pie from bakery and cafe Banapple at Katipunan is loaded with two layers of dulce de leche, thick slices of bananas drenched with a hint of calamansi on top of a buttery graham cracker crust. Plus, the whipped cream is garnished with dark chocolate — a treat that is meant for you and only you to indulge alone.
Bellini’s Orange Cake
The best thing about Cubao X, formerly Marikina Shoe Expo is the Italian restaurant Bellini’s. With a truly moist orange cake, expect a thick slice of butter cake topped with candied citrus rinds that will leave you with a zesty feeling. Take a moment to contemplate the divine.
Amici Gelato
From the first branch in Don Bosco to the second branch in Tomas Morato, Amici makes the ultimate gelato. All 20-plus flavors and pistachio being my favorite flavor are made with the fresh ingredients whipping up an amazing display of Italian ice cream. With so many to choose from, there’s no telling when you’ll stop ordering another scoop.
Bizu French Macaroons
Sink your teeth into a taste of France. Bizu’s macaroons are almond based egg white cookies that are lightly infused with a variety of essences. Two cookies are sandwiched with a flavored cream. Flavors include pistachio, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, lemon and even ube.
Classic Confections Nono’s Chocolate Oblivion
Since most women have a weak spot for chocolate, it always seems like a cure for PMS and gloomy days. Named after Baba Ibazeta-Benedicto’s dad, this is considered to be the quintessential chocolate cake. Expect layers of chocolate cake and ganache texture with walnut praline and dusted with cocoa powder for the most uplifting chocolate fix of all time.
Xin Tian Di Chocolate Buchi
A traditional Chinese dessert is given a modern twist at Crowne Plaza Hotel. The freshly-cooked sesame-covered glutinous balls with chocolate filling are deep fried into a puff leaving a crispy crust.
Kozui Mango Cream Anmitsu
The next time the occasion calls for something sweet and icy cold, try Kozui’s mango cream Anmitsu. The Japanese version of our very own halo-halo contains shaved ice topped with mango, green tea jelly, sticky dango balls like malagkit balls, sweet azuki beans, taro jam and green tea ice cream.
Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Doughnuts
When you step inside the green and white doors at Krispy Kreme, the fragrance of hot doughnuts lures you even further into buying a few dozens. Well, the original glazed doughnuts are light, airy and best eaten fresh of the doughnut-making machine. There is no doubt you’ll be licking your lips and fingers all the way home.
Lolo Dad’s Cafe Declension of Mango and Mascarpone Cheese
For fine dining fever, Lolo Dad’s Café in Malate features an amazingly plated dessert that is too pretty to eat. Declension of mango and mascarpone cheese is served with pistachio ice cream, puff pastry and caramel sauce. Enough about fad diets, this is worth every calorie.
Sonja’s Cupcakes
Sonja Ocampo definitely created the cupcake craze in Manila with her visually striking and tasty treats. Her quaint and pretty store in Serendra is the perfect place where you can get your cupcake exactly the way you want it. My favorite from Sonja’s Cupcakes is red velvet vixen, a traditional Southern red cake made with cocoa and cream topped with cream cheese icing.
Next time you order dessert, just think that all you need is love, sweets and harmony.