National Dessert Day: Here are 11 of the best desserts in the Pittsburgh area

PITTSBURGH — Oct. 14 is National Dessert Day, the ultimate holiday for people with a major sweet tooth.

So, we put together a list of some of the best treats in the Pittsburgh area! There are so many to choose from, but we got the help from our team at Channel 11 to get 11 of our favorites (in no particular order).

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You can click on each dessert item to go to the business' website for more information!

The Oakmonter - Oakmont Bakery (Oakmont)

Oakmont Bakery is one of the most well-known and popular spots in western Pennsylvania -- featuring tons of fresh, homemade treats to satisfy dessert lovers. Its most famous item is The Oakmonter, a combination of cheesecake, fudge and cake. First, the bakery throws down a New York style cheesecake, then adds a thick layer of fudge icing. Next, a layer of moist, dark chocolate cake completes the inside. The entire cake is then enrobed in a layer of Oakmont’s milk chocolate frosting. It’s worth the trip no matter where you are around the city.

Burnt Almond Torte - Prantl’s Bakery (Shadyside and Greensburg)

Henry Prantl’s Burnt Almond Torte has been named the Best Cake in America by the Huffington Post, the “Best of Weddings Cakes” by the Knot in 2018, and the “Best Cake In Pennsylvania” by the Food Network in 2018 and continues to be a Pittsburgh tradition today. Prantl’s is known for its Almond Torte, and for good reason. You can get the cake in various sizes -- and also vanilla or chocolate!

Jake’s Shake - The Milkshake Factory (Multiple locations)

The Milkshake Factory has been a staple of Pittsburgh since 1914, and its delicious flavors are reason enough to grab one on the go. Milkshake Factory features customizable shakes, and recently collaborated with a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins to create one of its most popular shakes: Jake’s Shake. Named for Pens' forward Jake Guentzel, it is a chocolate shake with hot fudge, cookies & cream and brownies, topped with whipped cream and a chocolate “59”. To top it off, they are half off the day after Guentzel scores in a game!

Macarons - Jean-Marc Chatellier’s French Bakery (Millvale)

The macarons at Jean-Marc Chatellier’s French Bakery are absolutely incredible! The bakery, located in the heart of Millvale on North Avenue, is known for its macarons -- with good reason. These gluten-free meringue-like “cookies” are made with almond flour, and the ganache-based fillings are infused with natural flavors. Assorted flavors available daily include Vanilla Bean, Salted Caramel, Strawberry, Raspberry, Pistachio, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Nutella and Mango Passion Fruit.

Chocolate Chip Cookies - Nancy B’s Bakery (West Homestead)

In 2013, this bakery won ‘best chocolate chip cookies’ when voted on by our viewers! Order one cookie or by the dozen ... these thick treats will have you coming back for more. Now, there’s more than just chocolate chip at Nancy B’s, including M&M, oatmeal raisin and peanut butter. The bakery asks that you call ahead just to make sure they have exactly what you’re looking for.

Donuts - Dana’s Bakery (Homewood)

This small bakery has been serving the community for 35 years, and people rave about their famous butter crust rolls and cake donuts. Don’t bother looking for a website, just drive over and see for yourself. The low prices and quality ingredients make you want to come back. Every treat at Dana’s is special, but our team can’t get enough of their donuts.

Novelty Cake with Buttercream Icing - Bethel Bakery (Bethel Park and North Strabane)

Bethel Bakery is known around the South Hills of Pittsburgh for its buttercream frosting, so it’s no surprise that their cakes are so popular. The bakery recently expanded to a location in North Strabane, so you can order any dessert online and pick it up curbside!

Bananas Foster - Out of the Fire Café (Donegal)

Out of the Fire Café is a family-owned BYOB upscale-casual eatery known for its steak and salmon, but its desserts are equal to the task. And what is better in dessert form than bananas? The vanilla bean ice cream and warm French toast just puts you in a lovely place after a nice meal. Some people may say it’s breakfast, but the ice cream puts that argument to bed.

Banana Split Donut - Peace, Love and Little Donuts (several locations)

Peace, Love and Little Donuts is one of those places where nothing you get is bad. Their unique donuts (yes, they’re smaller in size but pop in flavor) are good in one or two bites -- or just get a dozen and worry about the calories later! One of our favorite flavors is the Banana Split Donut, with chocolate chips and a cherry on top. With every bite you can taste the warm donut, subtle flavor of frostings and the shop’s crazy selection of “Funkadelic” toppings.

Beignets - fl.2 Modern American (Downtown)

Floor 2 is located inside the Fairmont Pittsburgh, and it has a lunch dessert menu. One of the best treats there is a French/New Orleans specialty: beignets (pronounced ben-YAYs). They are fresh-made little bites of deliciousness, served warm with banana chocolate, fig, and a dot of orange marmalade. Sprinkled with a bit of powdered sugar, it’s just the pick-me-up needed to get you through the day.

Smoked Chocolate Pudding - El Lugar (Northside)

Looking for something different? The excellent Smoked Chocolate Pudding from El Lugar at Federal Galley is incredibly good. Break through the burnt fluff to reveal a layer of crumbled graham, then enjoy a rich chocolate pudding. Another great pudding option at Federal Galley is the Butter-Squash pudding at El Lugar’s sister restaurant Provision PGH (they’re both owned and operated by Stephen Eldridge and Susan Cope).

Banana Cream Pie - Eleven (Downtown)

Another Pittsburgh restaurant with sneakily good desserts is Eleven, nestled on Smallman Street. Their banana cream pie is one of the tastiest items on the dessert menu, especially if you are a fan of pudding. It features banana pudding, vanilla wafer and dulce de leche mousse.

Giant Cinnamon Rolls - Oram’s Donut Shop (Beaver Falls)

When comparing an Oram’s donut to a regular one, you should notice that Oram’s is much, much larger. The cinnamon roll -- the best-selling donut at Oram’s -- is often twice the size! After just one taste, you will fall in love with the glaze and rich flavors that come from the old-fashioned recipe.

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