READ MORE FROM OUR “BEST DESSERTS” FEATURE HERE.
1. Cherry Strudel from Austria, Germany
AGGIE’S BAKERY & CAKE SHOP | 7328 W. GREENFIELD AVE., WEST ALLIS
Stretchier than puff pastry and lighter than shortcrust, strudel crust has an elasticity that results in flaky layers in which you can lose yourself. The perfect fruit filling is sweet-tart, chunky and doesn’t overwhelm the crust.
2. Tiramisu from Italy
SCARDINA SPECIALTIES | 715 E. LOCUST ST.
When the ratio of sweetened mascarpone cream to marsala wine/coffee-soaked ladyfingers is tipped in the cream’s favor, this trifle-like creation will destroy one’s self-control.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Rosewater Tres Leches Cake from Latin America
QAMARIA YEMENI COFFEE CO. | 4818 S. 76TH ST., GREENFIELD
Featuring a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk – evaporated, whole and condensed – the cake is characteristically very moist but not soggy, topped with a thin sheet of whipped cream frosting. The twist is the cake’s pink hue and delicate rosewater flavor – popular in the Middle East.
4. Gulab Jamun from India
BOMBAY SWEETS | 3401 S. 13TH ST.
These little caramel-hued doughnut holes are soaked and served hot in a cardamom-infused sugar syrup that intensifies their candy-like sweetness.
5. Pistachio Baklava from around the Middle East
TAQWA’S | 4651 S. 27TH ST., GREENFIELD
The crushed pistachios, sticky syrup and flaky phyllo dough make this pastry such a satisfying textural bite, typically eaten in small servings and wonderful with coffee, especially bold Turkish coffee.
6. Egg Tart from China
LUCKY BAKERY & BBQ | 11078 W. NATIONAL AVE., WEST ALLIS
A flaky puff pastry crust cups the smooth, sunshine-colored custard filling of this mini confection, a not overly sweet dish often served at dim sum.
