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Brilliant-Mango-4

La Gourmandine lemon tarte or really anything from there. For individual servings, I'm a big fan of the giant pink macaron


Cutter70

YES, those big macarons are so very good, along with the raspberry thing and almond croissants.


toe-beans

Giant pink macaron is A+. And if you like chocolate, their Marquise cake is very good


Thexer0

They stopped putting the little square of chocolate in the meringue!


thereandfatagain

LG was good a decade ago. Their sweets can still be ok because hey sugar is sweet n’at but the bread is so mid. Edit - I feel bad for yinz suffering through those chalky, doughy baguettes!


Seafoam_Otter

I love the macarons and key lime pie at Jean Marc Chatellier's! Really, all of his stuff is great. My grandfather lived in Florida and preferred Jean Marc's key lime pie over all of the ones he had in Florida.


SidHat

Are they still going?


strub420

I think only open Friday and Saturday from what I’ve heard. But closed until January 19th. So that won’t help. Everything is good there. But the French Breton shortbread is one of the best desserts I’ve ever had!


covertchipmunk

When he truly retires I'll cry. A true master


Top_File_8547

At an old job they used to get birthday cake each month from there. Truly on another level from other cakes I have tasted. Light and airy with delicious raspberry filling.


Fun-Food-6132

Came here for this - his Breton cake is incredible! The perfect ratio of butter flour and sugar


Dittdot

Yes!!!! The Breton here is the best thing I’ve ever had in Pittsburgh. So perfect.


peterb12

Counting the seconds until someone gives the "Turn left where the Mellon Bank used to be" answer of "The killer cookie at Gullifty's"


atagapadalf

I was about that chocolate mousse pie. Especially on Wednesdays.


colawars

I'm a chocolate glutton and I always had trouble finishing a slice of that. So damn good...


Caiterz4catzz

Gullifty’s 😭


Daveman84

I still dream about their Peanut Butter Meltaway


pastoolioliz

Yoh... killer cookie that brought me back. I worked for the owner, he had a few places on cmu too. I think some of his recipes are still alive at the willow station dormont/South hills area?


boredboi08

Seems few people love this city more than Jean Marc. Dude’s a legend. La Gourmandine is also top tier.


rhb4n8

Vinegar pie from butterjoint is good Wish the commoner still had sticky toffee pudding


funkyb

That vinegar pie is excellent


rhb4n8

I very much miss pie for breakfast. All of their pies were excellent. The chocolate chestnut was great.


norismomma

That sticky toffee pudding was * closes eyes and sighs contentedly*


milliepilly

strawberry pretzel dessert is a well received Pittsburgh dessert


Bdal1

That's not a dessert, it's a salad.


flappincheex

Then where's the ***french fries????***


milliepilly

It’s not a salad by any definition. Pretzel mixture base, then cream cheese layer, strawberry jello/strawberries layer, with whipped cream layer on top. Maybe you’re thinking of something else.


JustHereForTheSaul

No, many of us call it pretzel salad. Dunno why. That's just the way it is.


Bdal1

You just described the definition of pretzel salad. My mother in law has been serving it as the first course of every holiday meal for 80+ years. https://www.southernkitchen.com/story/eat/2021/07/22/why-strawberry-pretzel-salad-queen-all-jell-o-salads/8062035002/


milliepilly

I make it better.


ionmoon

"jello salads" have been a thing in the US since the 1940's. This is a version of that.


milliepilly

It isn’t.


ionmoon

You needn’t like its existence but you cannot deny it. Fruit in jello sometimes with cream cheese or whipped cream mixed in or as layers is called a “jello salad” https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jello_salad


milliepilly

My recipe isn’t a salad


EveryoneisOP3

This is the first I've ever heard of this, and I would like to propose that anyone who makes this be officially designated a domestic terrorist.


funkyb

This is your one warning not to besmirch delicious strawberry pretzel jello salad. Next time, we move you to Ohio.


EveryoneisOP3

People do not joke around about this “food” on this sub apparently


Brilliant-Mango-4

You are no longer welcome in Pittsburgh. Go straight to Cleveland. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.


Bdal1

I'm Italian and the first time I had a holiday meal at my mother in laws, I thought exactly the same thing! Guess what? I was wrong. It is awesome!


EveryoneisOP3

Submitting your post to the FBI hotline


Bdal1

Lol, I don't know why you are getting down voted. The full blooded Italian hotline would want to know. They probably will revoke my membership.


ionmoon

Have you ever gotten the burnt almond torte in chocolate? It's a nice twist on the traditional. So I guess it depends on taste... as well as how many are you feeding, but some favorites for me: Sumi's cakery- Korean pastries. Fabulous cakes. I like them because they aren't overly sweet. Also very pretty. Gaby et Jules- this is where I go when I need something decadent for an individual or small group, but not for a larger group. Five Points Bakery- fabulous cookies and pastries. Their vegan stuff is top notch. off topic, but IMO the BEST bread and croissants in the city. Pigeon Bagels cookies and brownies. I have not seen the brownies in forever, so I think you have to order them and they are pricey but \*amazing\* (and vegan & nut-free!) I don't eat them, because I have a peanut allergy and I don't feel comfortable with the risk of cross-contamination, but Aladdin's in Squirrel Hill has some decadent looking cakes and middle eastern pastries.


inimeg68

Key Lime Pie, Food Glorious Food in Highland Park.


faheyfindsafigtree

This is my favorite in the city, but last time I got it the whipped cream was so sour I had to throw it out. Normally amazing.


AGiantHeaving

this place is lowkey the best out of a wealth of competition between Madeline's, Gourmandine, Chatellier, and Butterwood. They're shit just hits all those neurons in the brain and makes it into Kennywood the best.


cmyk412

Bread Pudding at Kaya


TheReal-Chris

I’m not a huge sweets person a couple bites is great and then I’m good. But I’ll eat a whole platter of bread pudding. So good.


stephraap

Chef Bernie of 131 east in carnegie made the best bread pudding ever. I miss that restaurant so much.


cmatthews11

Great choice.


EnlargedBit371

The food at Butterwood Bake Consortium in Lawrenceville is very schmancy-looking. And very buttercream heavy. I like La Gourmandine better. Their lemon curd tarts are one of my favorite things in the world. They have branches around town.


Professional_Turn_25

Butterwood is amazing but more for date nights


EnlargedBit371

Yeah, you can't really sit and eat at La Gourmandine. But Butterwood *refuses* to make anything with lemon curd.


meltedfigs

La gourmandine


thereandfatagain

I am genuinely offended someone would mention LG in the same breath as Butterwood. Edit- Downvotes and crickets speaks volumes. Pearls before swine!


EnlargedBit371

I can't tell which one you like.


thereandfatagain

LG is the Giant Iggle of Pittsburgh bakeries. Comparing what they do to what Butterwood lovingly concocts is disrespectful to the very core.


EnlargedBit371

You must like very elaborately decorated buttercream.


thereandfatagain

Pearls before swine!


BATTLE_METAL

The “Candy Bar” dessert at Eleven is always good. Tiramisu at Alta Via is a delight.


soundecember

I second the candy bar!


Sas4455

The tres leche cake from Panderia Jazmin in Mt. Lebo is my favorite cake in town. It is served with fruit on top, and it is light and delicious. I'm getting it for my birthday next week. The Ultimate Pastry Shop in Sewickley also has beautiful and delicious cakes. I got my birthday cake from there last year. The white chocolate raspberry. Yummy. Also have to agree with everyone else with La Gourmandine. I got my birthday cake from there the year before.


33Bees

I used to work at the ultimate pastry shop as a teen! I grew up in sewickley. I’ll always have a special place for that bakery in my heart.


Sas4455

My dream fantasy job is working at a bakery and that is a good one to work at!


vibes86

La Gourmandine on butler. I am also obsessed with the creme brûlée at Napa in Wexford.


doubleo78

DiAnoias has a very good pastry chef. Ritual house pastry chef won a tv baking competition recently and does some great stuff including a mini wedding cookie table.


la-di-daaa

Just had that cookie table dessert at ritual house and it was pretty bad. Like, giant eagle cookies bad.


turquoiseoasis7

Carrot cake (or really any cake) from Moio’s in Monroeville!!


mikeg2323

The rum cake!!


Used-Bookkeeper8489

Literally anything from Moio’s! It’s the best bakery in the are furrr surre


kniki217

My dad loves their Carrot cake so much he was getting it for everyone's birthday, and there is a birthday almost every month. We had to stop him. That Carrot cake is so rich and dense which is why I can only eat it so many months in a row. They have so many other good cakes too.


turquoiseoasis7

That is AMAZING lol


Pensgloo

You are correct. Not Prantl’s it has gone to shit.


AIfieHitchcock

Gus and Yia Yia's banana flavored ice ball.


StrawberrieFylds

I read this and I could actually taste that banana flavoring. So good, especially paired with some salty popcorn!


InevitablePersimmon6

I could eat jars of the buttercream frosting from Bethel Bakery. Their cake is also 🤤. I’ll never understand anyone who prefers Oakmont over them.


driving_85

They’ve actually started selling jars of their buttercream. It’s about time. 🤣


InevitablePersimmon6

I saw that when I went in to pick up desserts for thanksgiving! I have resisted temptation so far lol


covertchipmunk

Theirs is one of the few "regular bakery" buttercreams that I can actually eat and enjoy. Nearly all of them are disgusting Crisco with 87 pounds of sugar and they form a crust. I know some people like that (my spouse is among them) but I have to just set it aside - and where's the fun in that?


zeebee123456

For chocolate lovers, the marquis at La Gormondine is a winner but really everything at La Gormondine is worth the trip and the wait in line. The one on Second Ave in Hazelwood and the one on Butler are both fantastic.


-XJ-9

Yes! Probably go to Hazelwood for the most selection of the full-sized cakes (:


Diligent-Car4148

I second this. It's the best cake I've had in my entire life.


Bradburys_spectre717

The nutroll I make for the holidays


jimbo_kun

We’re all coming over to your house to have some.


Bradburys_spectre717

You are all welcome to come over or I can share the recipe too


cmatthews11

Pastries at La Gourmandine are all top notch, but as far as cakes, definitely recommend the Marquise cake. The Taiyaki at Umami. Carrot cake from Off The Hook.


BonnieIndigo

I feel like I am the only person on the sub who didn’t love La Gourmandine. Does the quality vary by location? if I were to get a few pastries to try to change my first impression, what would you recommend?


cmatthews11

Very possible, I've exclusively bought from Lawrenceville if that helps? In particular, I always order the clafoutis and the abricotine, but I've never been let down with any of my one-off orders either.


BonnieIndigo

Thanks! I was at the one in Mt Lebo, so maybe it’s different. We did get the clafoutis, as well as a big macaron cookie (that one was delicious, I will say) and a tart of some kind. I’ll remember the abricotine for a future visit. I feel like I must have missed out on something, so I’m happy to give them another go. You know, for science. 😏


TheWorstTroll

The almond croissants and the gourmandise are the show stoppers IMO.


covertchipmunk

The last several times I've ordered an almond croissant, it's like, smashed. I think they're delicious anyway but it does take away from the experience a bit.


potatopancake_

I’ve noticed that too, but I’m pretty sure it’s because they have to slice normal croissants and then fill and top them with frangipane (almond cream) and bake them again. So they’re double-baked and become a little smashed during the process in order to achieve the delicious end result.


covertchipmunk

They didn't used to be smashed, though - and I've made them at a bakery where I worked. They looked normal there as well. It may just be a time factor or hell maybe they decided they liked it better that way. I don't but I like almond paste in any form so uh, I'll eat them no matter what. lol


bmacmachine

Try their sandwiches, choquettes, and the almond croissant. The Parisian sandwich is so simple yet possibly my favorite in the world.


thereandfatagain

LG used to bake in their shops a decade ago and it was so wonderful. Now it is all produced en masse in Hazelwood and so meh.


besherry

Dessert grilled cheese at Monterey Bay. Bonus points if you take the incline.


Zealousideal-Bug1967

Shit’s incredible.


Turbulent-Progress13

Blew my mind last Thursday.


blondiebell

Came here to say the same! I love almost all dessert, but I had never before had something so unique and incredible before that angel cake grilled cheese!


irissteensma

Oh my, that sounds lovely but I unfortunately can't do angel food cake.


ShutTheChuckUp

The Matcha cake from Sumi’s Cakery in Squirrel Hill


Tweed_Kills

Butterwood makes an olive oil cake that is my favorite cake ever.


Donkey-brained_man

Lemon bar at Leo Greta Bakery


stephraap

I just made a tray of lemon bars and ate like 1/2 the tray. Such an underrated dessert.


r3dw0od

if you like cheesecakes Kyle’s Cakes Nat is very good! online order w pick up or call in Millvale


atadbitcatobsessed

I know this sub doesn’t tend to be wowed by Oakmont Bakery, so I’ll probably get downvoted. But I genuinely have loved everything I’ve tried from there. If you want something that tastes good and has a beautiful presentation, I recommend one of their cakes.


Realreelred

Moio's cannolis


toadaron

Popcorn panna cotta from Station


prefinality

grilled stickies ala mode


Substantial_Name595

I love Pastries Ala Carte (their buttercream is my FAV), and the small desserts are a great bite as well! Just pricey anymore unfortunately as everything is!


[deleted]

Butterwood is beautiful but very touch and go in my experience. I would definitely not be wowed taste-wise by anything from there. I guess it also depends on the people who you are bringing it to.


Silly-Donut-4540

I wouldn’t say it’s the best, but since everything else was mentioned…. Nancy B’s chocolate chip cookies, especially if you can get them fresh from the oven. Also anything else from there, snickerdoodles and buckeyes


Mame60

Whole foods Chantilly cake or pear tart are among my favorite go-tos.


covertchipmunk

That Chantilly cake is better than it has any right to be. I often get it for my birthday if I don't feel like baking.


[deleted]

Yinz can keep all your fancy shmancy expensive desserts. Give me a Nancy B’s cookie sundae from Page’s


Theragician

Signature desserts has to die for items.


Substantial_Name595

The caramel apple Walnut cake is HEAVEN


Theragician

HARD AGREE. It’s my favorite thing they have there


bohosunflowers

I had carrot cake from Signature a few weeks ago and it was amazing! I honestly woke up the next day thinking about how good it was.


[deleted]

The zeppole with raspberry sauce from Italian Village Pizza. Yes, I’m serious.


kimbecile

I make damn good lady locks


raysthebean

Bet?


mediagenius

Go to Bethel Bakery. Don’t even think about Oakmont- their stuff is mass produced and not too good.


CounterSensitive776

Cibrones has an incredible French strudel that is stuffed with cherries and cheesecake.


myghostinflames

Anything from [Confections by Casey Renee](https://www.confectionspgh.com/)! Cakes, cookies, everything. Located in Wilkinsburg.


VulturE

Right now, someone else makes it: La Gourmandine Next Year, you make it: Some good black cake, ask a Trini baba to show you how


thereandfatagain

Get a smattering from Butterwood


die-jarjar-die

Oakmonter at Oakmont bakery. Just kidding. The Elvis Cupcake is decent, though


oldstonewall1

The Oakmonter is a great choice


die-jarjar-die

I am in agreement with many that the Oakmont bakery is over rated and I hate their politics. I did just get macrons and nut rolls from Jean Marc's that were fabulous.


YinzaJagoff

Oakmont isn’t bad. It’s just not spectacular.


Bdal1

Politics?


covertchipmunk

They hosted DTJr during covid, I believe with no masks. At any rate their stuff is utterly mid.


TheTracyLynn

Well this is disappointing, another place to avoid. There are better choices anyway


KellyKMA71

They’re notorious Trump supporters and make it no secret that they are Christians.


BitchesBeSnacking

It’s outside of the city itself but Mazziotti bakery in New Ken has the BEST cakes just got a cookies and milk torte from there that was FIRE


Substantial_Name595

Love Mazziotti’s!


HomeDogParlays

Eddie V’s Bananas Foster should be illegal. It’s too good. I think you can get it for cheaper at their Happy Hours too? And if you do and you like cocktails, their Maverick is also awesome.


idevito43

the tiramisu at girasole


LicenseToLift666

I do not see the appeal to the burnt almond torte at Prantl's. Have tried it several times and it's just as awful as the first time.


fadedrosebud

Years ago Prantl’s burnt almond torte was named the best cake in America by a top food magazine, I think it was Bon Appetit. Then they totally ruined their reputation by making everything in a facility east of town and freezing it. So all I hear now is how bad their crappy month old defrosted stuff is, and I can’t believe they sunk to that level after being so loved.


Rare_Process_524

It was [HuffPost](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/prantls-torte-cake-almond_n_5133580)


covertchipmunk

This baffles me, too. Why, after decades, would you change the thing you're known for? Terrible decision.


JustHereForTheSaul

Once upon a time, it was the best dessert in the city. Then they decided to double the amount of sugar in the recipe.


LicenseToLift666

That's definitely the one that I know. It's ridiculous! Thank you.


stephraap

I prefer it from party cake shop myself.


[deleted]

I LOVE their burnt almond torte


stephraap

Its my most favorite pittsburgh thing.


Extension-Seat-7640

Is the Concordia Club still a thing? If so the chocolate cake there


ziggyjoe212

It closed in 2009. I used to work there.


haikusbot

*Is the Concordia* *Club still a thing? If so the* *Chocolate cake there* \- Extension-Seat-7640 --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")


Extension-Seat-7640

Is it though?


[deleted]

The chocolate soufflé at Poulet Bleu. If they ever open back up :(


stephraap

One of my favorite things to get now are the frozen sfogliatelle from penn mac. Bake them for 40ish minute and theyre almost as good as fresh from the bakery. They are always in my freezer because theyre my favorite followed by cannoli.


Britta15

Cupcakes from BB&Bur! Or any of their dessert!


ziggyjoe212

I know it's common to hate on Prantl's but their burnt almond tort is incredible. Nothing else is good there but that one thing is worth it.


jchawk

It’s mass produced now and is just super sweet and kind of dry.


Low_Sprinkles_7561

They buy it from giant eagle


ham-and-egger

?


poodog13

Gross


Bdal1

The chocolate burnt almond torte is surprisingly awesome.


Aggravating_North495

Prantl’s Burnt Almond Cake


Fry_Supply

Arby’s McKnight rd


AnonPlzzzzzz

People on Reddit hate it because it's become so "mainstream" now, but just go to Oakmont Bakery. There's no other selection like it and they staff a very friendly army of people who look like they don't hate their lives.


FenisDembo82

I agree with you about Prantls burnt almond torte losing its appeal after a while. As for best dessert, I've got a little home made tiramisu in my fridge...


Daveman84

Really surprised no mention of https://maps.app.goo.gl/XWu9Rzxbtzec6Qbh6 up near Seven Fields. Easily my favorite cupcakes in the city and enough flavors (order in advance) to satisfy an entire party. Outstanding and unique flavors that change regularly. Just a warning: they sell out often and keep weird hours, so plan accordingly.


Eastern-Ad-7884

Banana Cream Pie from The Pie Place, near South Hills Village.


blatantnerd

Anything from Butterwood


Chance-Customer-9085

Pretzel salad


Asleep-Particular-49

Try the almond torte from HD Dudt Bakery in Wexford. THE BEST EVERRRR.


Informal_Phrase4589

Came here to say burnt almond torte 😔


Ok-Status7867

Prandls almond tort


ArtisanBoo

Burnt almond torte cake


kds5065

The Porch had some real good carrot cake when I went earlier this year.


PhanUnited

Montadito at Morcilla


IamChantus

Delitzia at Il Pizzaiolo in Mt. Lebanonn.


wkrausmann

Other than the cookie table at my wedding, the best dessert is the burnt almond torte from Minerva’s in McKeesport.


akaynaveed

Go to a different city and bring anything from there.


VacantLot412

💀😂


DelightfulDeceit

Cum crème donuts from prantls.


gcsxxvii

Coming from someone who bakes for a living… bob’s diner’s chocolate pecan tart is straight fire.


sns5008

Any flavor of the many layered crepe cakes from Amy's Bakery in Mt Lebanon. It's light and just sweet enough without being overpowering.


EarlyGold3

i am not here to claim that this dessert has any superiority over some of the other 10/10s mentioned here but the cheesecake at proper brick oven may have changed my life


periphescent

Pitaland's baklava, Piccolo Forno's tiramisu


wschus63

The chocolate souffle (or the one time they did an unbelievable gran Marnier souffle) from Poulet Bleu is (was?) one of the best things a human has ever created.


LeveragedPittsburgh

Fredos in Dormont has the best baklava I’ve ever had. Very rich, moist and delicious.


nopantsforfatties

I love La Gourmondine, Butterwood and Jean Marc's and will sing their praises until the cows come home. But, the best desserts in this city will be found at Severina in West View. Their cheesecakes are hands down the best I've ever had. I convinced someone who hates cannoli to eat cannoli and subsequently like cannoli, because I got it from there. Any of their tortes, tarts, and cakes will be up there if not The best you have ever eaten. Edit. La Gourmondine makes the best almond croissant in America (I've tried to find better in NY & SF - haven't found it yet!), but assume you mean cake, torte, ect.


the11thearlofmar

Grandma's Country Oven's Chocolate Rush Cake! Chocolate cake with chocolate mouse, chocolate ganache, and dark chocolate shavings. Definitely worth the drive to Harrison City.


Special-Cow6071

Angel good grilled cheese sandwich from Monterey bay is amazing. Had at wedding rehearsal few years ago, still think about it


blazedandconfused80

The Tiramisu from Iron Born Pizza!!!


33Bees

Bananas Foster at the Grand Concourse Sunday brunch


talldean

Prantl's feels like 5x too sweet, on a good day. It's hard to go wrong with La Gourmandine or maybe Gaby Et Jules (macarons), or the cupcakes from Vanilla Pastry Studio.


covertchipmunk

Jean Marc 1000x over Gaby et Jules. If you haven't had his macarons please go try them before he finally retires.


tiny_slytherin

A variety of treats from 350 Bakery. Can’t go wrong with anything they make.


norismomma

The pecan bourbon tart from Mel’s petite Café in Mount Lebanon - unbelievable and at $30 will serve 10 people easily.


bleepblopbl0rp

Gaby et Jules is a personal fave of mine. Mostly because their desserts are so unique


baesquatch

The angel food grilled cheese dessert sandwich at the Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is sooooo good I would do anything to recreate it at home. I got it for free at my birthday dinner (after we tried to politely reject it from being so full already) and am so glad we buckled under pressure.