BY TPS STAFF

New Orleans is world-famous for its cuisine, and while beignets often steal the spotlight when it comes to sweet treats, the city has a lot more to offer for dessert lovers. From classic Southern staples to innovative takes on sugary delights, here are some of the must-try sweet treats in New Orleans that go beyond the beignet.

1. Bananas Foster at Brennan’s

Invented in New Orleans in the 1950s, Bananas Foster is a dessert that exemplifies the city’s love for indulgence. This flambéed treat is made with bananas cooked in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum, then served over vanilla ice cream. Brennan’s, where the dish was first created, still serves the iconic dessert prepared tableside with plenty of flair. Watching the dish go up in flames before you dig in makes it as much of a visual experience as a culinary one.

Where to Try It: Brennan’s, 417 Royal Street
Why You’ll Love It: A New Orleans classic with a dramatic presentation.

2. Pralines at Loretta’s Authentic Pralines

A staple of Southern sweets, pralines are a must-try when visiting New Orleans. These confections are made with sugar, butter, and pecans, creating a rich, nutty candy with a crumbly texture. Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, located in the French Market, is known for making some of the best pralines in town. Beyond the traditional praline, Loretta’s also offers variations like chocolate and coconut pralines, as well as praline-filled beignets for those who want the best of both worlds.

Where to Try It: Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, 1100 North Peters Street (French Market)
Why You’ll Love It: Classic pralines with a variety of flavors​.

3. Doberge Cake at Debbie Does Doberge

A New Orleans birthday party isn’t complete without a Doberge cake. This multi-layered cake, usually with six or more layers, is filled with either chocolate or lemon custard and covered in a buttercream or fondant icing. Debbie Does Doberge has become synonymous with this local delicacy, offering slices of this decadent dessert in both traditional flavors and more adventurous varieties like red velvet or Irish cream.

Where to Try It: Debbie Does Doberge, 4921 Freret Street (Bakery Bar)
Why You’ll Love It: A multi-layered, custard-filled cake with innovative flavors.

4. Bread Pudding at Commander’s Palace

Bread pudding is a Southern staple, and New Orleans elevates this dish to an art form. Commander’s Palace, one of the city’s most famous restaurants, serves an indulgent Creole bread pudding soufflé that’s a twist on the traditional version. Made with rich custard-soaked bread, this dessert is baked into a fluffy soufflé and topped with warm whiskey sauce. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience the city’s take on a comfort food classic.

Where to Try It: Commander’s Palace, 1403 Washington Avenue
Why You’ll Love It: An upscale twist on a comforting Southern classic​.

5. Snowballs at Hansen’s Sno-Bliz

For a refreshing treat to beat the New Orleans heat, grab a snowball from Hansen’s Sno-Bliz. These fluffy, shaved-ice treats are served with homemade syrups in flavors ranging from the traditional (strawberry, vanilla) to the more unique (cream of nectar, satsuma). Opened in 1939, Hansen’s has become a summertime tradition for both locals and tourists. Don’t forget to try one with a scoop of condensed milk or ice cream for an extra layer of decadence.

Where to Try It: Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, 4801 Tchoupitoulas Street
Why You’ll Love It: Cool off with one of the best snowballs in town​.

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These sweet treats offer just a taste of the incredible desserts you can find in New Orleans. Whether you’re looking for a traditional favorite or something with a modern twist, the city has no shortage of indulgent delights to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, next time you’re in the Crescent City, make sure to venture beyond beignets and sample some of these iconic sweets.