You’ve Never Tasted Anything Like These 8 Unique Desserts In Arizona
Who here has a sweet tooth? If you’re like me, the only thing that can perfectly end any meal is a sweet treat. But, instead of ordering just any dessert that you could find in any standard diner or restaurant across the country, you should consider trying something more Southwest in origin. If you’re not sure where to start, below is a list of some of the best Arizona desserts to get you started.
Found across Latin America, any buñuelos you find in Arizona will probably be served more Mexican-style, which also happens to highly resemble another item on our list: fry bread. A little thinner and crispier than the fry bread you are used to eating, buñuelos are often found in panderias and a few modest restaurants across Arizona.
While chocolate tamales might not sound particularly appetizing to those who haven't tried them, they are truly a delectable treat. Those who crave a sweeter version of this steamed, corn-based favorite will definitely want to give it a try. Other sweet flavors incorporate various combinations of fruit and nuts and are quite delicious as well.
While dates may not be indigenous to Arizona, the western side of the state that creeps into the c-word (California) has a couple of large, well-known date farms. You can find plenty of different date foods and confections but a surprisingly good favorite? Date shakes. The simplest recipe calls for milk, dates, ice, and maybe a touch of cinnamon blended into a silky drink.
You will find fry bread in just about every Indigenous home across the states but the Navajo have taken ownership of its creation. Following the Long Walk and during internment at Hwéeldi (Bosque Redondo), the people were given rations of food otherwise unfamiliar to them: flour, salt, lard, coffee, and other foods not a part of their diet. Out of that experience came fry bread. Puffy, golden, and a hint of chewy, fry bread can be used for both sweet and savory dishes. One of the best ways to eat it is also the simplest: piping hot, drizzled with honey. Your best opportunities to get the most fresh and tasty fry bread at at reservation restaurants for sure.
If the Southwest had its own version of pecan pie, this could be it. Using pine nuts (pinon's) instead of pecans, the recipe comes together quite similarly to the Thanksgiving classic. While you may associate them more with pesto, the rich buttery taste of pine nuts definitely makes for a perfect dessert.
Typically, you will find this delightful flavor in the form of a jelly, candy, or mixed in drinks. You can find the jelly and candies in most tourist shops or small markets. Drinks can be found in select restaurants, as can sorbet, the perfect treat to cool you off on a balmy Arizona day.
Cross a puff pastry with fry bread, and what do you get? A sopapilla! Many consider these fried squares Arizona's dessert of choice, even though some may consider them more prominent in New Mexican cuisine. It doesn't matter though; they are still perfect hot and covered in something sweet, like honey, powdered sugar, or agave nectar for the more health conscious.
Sweet, moist, and incredibly light, tres leches cake is basically a sponge cake soaked in a milk mixture. There are tasty versions to be found in some supermercados but we recommend checking the menu at local Mexican restaurants and bakeries for the best versions available.
Have you tasted any of these desserts? Let us know which of the best Arizona desserts is your absolute favorite! If you are now hankering for some good frybread, you’ll want to gas up the car and hop on the road for our best frybread in Arizona road trip.
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Address: Arizona, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Arizona Dining
October 11, 2022
Sara Dager
Are there any good hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Arizona?
The best way to find out how locals eat is to dine at a hole-in-the-wall. While they may not look like much from the outside, these spots usually have a loyal following that loves the menu and staff. There are a few great hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Arizona that we think you shouldn’t miss. For some of the best Mexican food in Arizona try Carolina’s in Phoenix. With a motto like “best tortillas in town,” it’s hard to go wrong! Also in Phoenix is unbeatable Native American food at the Fry Bread House. Just make sure not to skip out on a heaping order of their namesake.
Which coffee shops in Arizona can’t be missed?
Some of the best coffee shops in Arizona serve up the perfect brew alongside delightful pastries and breakfast sandwiches. If you want to get your caffeine buzz in a hip setting, try Coffee Cartel in Tempe. Nestled between a huge thrift store and a comic book shop, you can sip your brew while reading your new purchases. Or for something totally out of the box, try the Wizard of Oz themed Coffee shop, Brick Road in Tempe. The interior features gorgeous murals related to the iconic film, and the menu is absolutely packed with themed drinks and food. We recommend sipping on the hyper-caffeinated flying monkey coffee or trying one of their personal croissant pizzas.
What are the best bakeries in Arizona?
If you are on the hunt for the best bakeries in Arizona, there are a few that we think really fit the bill. At It’s A Divine Bakery in Cave Creek Arizona, you will find some of the most authentic European baked goods on this side of the pond. This spot is packed to the gills with pies, cakes, strudels, cannolis, and even home-baked bread! And if you visit on a hot day, definitely don’t skip out on their delectable gelato. Or you can hop over to Wickenburg and visit Bedoian’s Bakery and Bistro for massive cake and pie slices and tons of pastries. Don’t forget to ask about the weekly dessert special!
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Address: Arizona, USA
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Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
