This week was my dear friend Brittany’s birthday, and for her birthday dessert (it’s a house church tradition!) she requested I make the Applebee’s Blondie with Maple Butter sauce. I happily obliged, as it is one of my all-time favorite restaurant desserts.
I mean, come on, I LOVE to bake, so most of the time if I want a dessert, I just make it. But there are a few available at your everyday chain restaurant that are worth the calories. So – my humble list of favorites.
Tiramisu from Olive Garden. I know this Tiramisu recipe is likely as authentic as the numbered menu at your local Mexican restaurant, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious in my opinion. Light fluffy cream over espresso-soaked ladyfingers with a dusting of bitter cocoa to top it off. Mmm.
Walnut Blondie with Maple Butter Sauce from Applebees. The inspiration for this post, a warm, moist walnut blondie served on a hot skillet with the most decadent maple butter sauce. And, of course, ice cream.
Torta di Chocolate from Olive Garden – Touted as their “no sugar added” option. HA! This is a joke – it is one of the most calorie and fat-laden dessert items on the menu, so don’t feel healthy for ordering it, ok? But do feel good for making an incredible dessert choice. Smooth, creamy dark-chocolate torte served with a vanilla creme sauce and strawberries. Yes, please.
Ice Cream Taco from Chili Willie’s – I realize this isn’t a chain at all. In fact, it’s a pretty delicious one-off local restaurant. But the fact is, their ice cream taco is so good, I would be remiss if I left it off my list. If you live in or around Huntington, WV, or are just driving through, do yourself a favor and eat here. And order this. You will thank me. A cinnamon-sugar taco shell filled with sweet cinnamon ice cream, topped with real whipped cream, honey, almonds, and chocolate chips. Oh, and a cherry.
Cookies and Cream Milkshake from Chick-Fil-A – I do not eat fast food frequently. With one exception – Chick-Fil-A. Also known as Yum-Yum-Yum. And of all the fast food dessert options, Chick-Fil-A’s milkshakes are to-die for.
Petite Vanilla Bean Scones from Starbucks. Little bite-sized bits of fabulousness. Perfect with a hot latte, and the perfect size for a sweet little bite without breaking the calorie bank.
Honorable Mention: Olive Garden’s Lemon Cream Cake – the underdog of the Olive Garden dessert lineup, this cake is surprisingly light and de-licious. Chick-Fil-A’s Lemon Pie – made with a flaky crust and real meringue.
So what did I miss? What are your favorite restaurant desserts?
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