CtrCity’s Offbeat Sweet Treats

Ctr City’s diversity of delectable desserts will cause any sweet tooth savant to pause and figure out how to take it all in. Dare to go beyond the cheesecake as we highlight downtown Anaheim’s most sweetly scrumptious finds.

What may be out-of-the-ordinary for some can be traditional for others. At Adya you can try Ras Malai and Gulab Jamun, both traditional Indian sweets. And “the official dessert of Hungary” also known as Kürtöskalács, has a home right here in Anaheim at House of Chimney Cakes. Named for its cylinder shape and piping hot center, it consists of a crispy sweet bread with a light fluffy dough inside. Our local versions are capped with delightful toppings.

Try the Manino’s Tropical Fruit Sundae. It happens to be a vegan option but the real reason to try: it’s one spot outside of Disneyland where you can indulge in Pineapple Dole Whip. This tower of goodness also features toasted coconut shavings and is topped with fresh mango, strawberries, kiwi and strawberry guava sauce. Chim-chim-cher-ee!

But when it comes to vegan options, Healthy Junk takes the cake with their Bunny Love–a moist confection topped with fresh grated carrots appropriately timed for Easter.

For a totally different kind of bunny, The Blind Rabbit, speakeasy complements a refined menu and extensive drink list with seasonal desserts. Remaining on their winter menu (for now) is a Peanut Butter Panna Cotta: a chocolate ganache with a grape gelée corn flake pine nut crumble.

And consider not only the edible, but drinkable: Your liquid treat can be sugary and sweet or have unexpected kick. The Blind Rabbit’s Boy From Detroit cocktail made with rye whiskey, coffee infused Campari chocolate bitters, vanilla and cinnamon smoke is one way to bring some heat to your sweet tooth. Or try pairing beer and waffles from The Iron Press. A smooth stout like Modern Times Beer Black Coffee House Stout might be just what the Pressed Churro Waffle calls for: it’s a sugar coated churro, vanilla ice cream and nutella confection with maple drizzle. Or, you can have a beer (or two) as a standalone dessert like 21st Amendment’’s Hell or High Watermelon, a light fruit ale.

Don’t know where to begin? Take a stroll at our Street Sweet Dessert Festival taking place on April 6th from 5-9 PM on Center Street Promenade. Attendance is free and a sweet tooth is mandatory.