A Dessert Lover’s Guide
New Orleans is a dessert lover’s dream, offering a delightful array of sweets that are deeply intertwined with the city’s rich cultural heritage. Every dessert here carries a story of tradition, flavor, and indulgence, making each bite a memorable experience. Here’s a guide to some classic New Orleans desserts that you simply cannot miss.
Bananas Foster, Credit- Paul Broussard & NewOrleans.com
Bananas Foster
A New Orleans original, Bananas Foster is a spectacular dessert that combines flambéed bananas with a rich sauce made from dark rum, sugar, and spices, all served over ice cream. This iconic dish was created at the renowned Brennan’s Restaurant in 1946, and it remains a favorite, with the restaurant using 35,000 pounds of bananas each year to keep up with demand!
Cafe Du Monde beignets, Credit- Paul Broussard & NewOrleans.com
Beignets
Often referred to as “French doughnuts,” beignets are a beloved treat brought to Louisiana by the Cajuns. These square pieces of dough are fried to perfection, creating a slightly crispy, slightly doughy pillow that’s generously dusted with powdered sugar. Enjoy beignets alongside chicory coffee at the legendary Café Du Monde, or explore the many other variations available throughout New Orleans, including savory beignet options.
Boucherie- Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding, Credit- Justen Williams, 343 Media & NewOrleans.com
Bread Pudding
Once a humble way to use up stale bread, bread pudding has evolved into a staple dessert on New Orleans menus. The dish is made by soaking bread in a mixture of milk, eggs, and sugar before baking it to golden perfection and topping it with a sweet, often bourbon-based sauce. Local chefs have put their own twist on this classic, adding ingredients like white chocolate, pecans, and even Krispy Kreme doughnuts. For a taste, head to places like Boucherie, Commander’s Palace, or Café Reconcile.
King Cake, Credit- Joyce Bracey & NewOrleans.com
King Cake
Traditionally enjoyed during Mardi Gras, King Cake is a must-try any time of year in New Orleans. Available at spots like Haydel’s Bakery and Sucré, King Cake is essentially a giant cinnamon roll adorned with icing in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. Recently, bakeries have taken creative liberties with the classic, offering versions made from babka, croissant dough, and even savory ingredients. And don’t forget the hidden plastic baby inside—if you find it, tradition says you’re responsible for buying the next King Cake!
Aunt Sally’s Pralines, Credit- Paul Broussard & NewOrleans.com
Pralines
A true New Orleans classic, pralines are a sweet treat made from Louisiana-grown pecans coated in a creamy mixture of sugar and butter. These rich, indulgent candies are a staple in the city, and you can find them wrapped and ready to enjoy at shops like Aunt Sally’s Pralines, Loretta’s, and Leah’s Pralines.
Sno-ball, Credit- Justen Williams & NewOrleans.com
Sno-Balls
A summer favorite in New Orleans, sno-balls are a refreshing twist on the typical snow cone. Made from finely shaved ice, sno-balls have a soft, snow-like texture that absorbs the syrup, ensuring the flavor is evenly distributed throughout. With countless flavors to choose from—ranging from wedding cake to margarita—sno-ball stands are a bustling hub during the hot months. For an extra treat, try your sno-ball “stuffed” with soft-serve ice cream or drizzled with condensed milk.
Roman Candy – Audubon Zoo, Credit- Paul Broussard & NewOrleans.com
Roman Candy
For a taste of New Orleans history, try Roman Candy, a chewy taffy available in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors. Made and sold by the Cortese family since 1915, Roman Candy is still offered from the original mule-drawn wagon that travels around the city. Look for it near the Audubon Zoo, where you can purchase long, thin sticks of this nostalgic candy wrapped in wax paper for just a dollar.
Each of these desserts is a delicious piece of New Orleans’ culinary history, offering a sweet taste of the city’s vibrant culture and traditions.
Family at Cafe du Monde, Credit- Zack Smith Photography & NewOrleans.com
