That post-burger sweet tooth craving? You’re definitely not alone! While fast food joints are typically known for their burgers, fries, and crispy chicken, their dessert offerings have quietly become something to celebrate. In 2023, the world of fast-food sweets is brimming with delightful surprises, pushing beyond basic ice cream cones and predictable cookies. From reinvented classics to innovative creations that are taking social media by storm, the options for indulging your cravings have never been so vast and tempting. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey as we explore the definitive list of the best fast food desserts in 2023, guaranteed to satisfy your sugar cravings and leave you pleasantly surprised.
This isn’t just a random selection of treats; it’s a curated compilation based on real-world factors. We’ve considered taste, of course, but also the value you get for your money, the ingenuity behind each confection, and the general buzz—or lack thereof—around each product. This guide aims to highlight those sweet treats that offer the best bang for your buck and deliver a genuinely delightful experience. Fast food desserts are stepping up their game, and it’s time you knew about it.
A Taste Test Triumph: What Makes a Fast Food Dessert Stand Out?
Before diving into the delectable details, it’s important to understand the criteria used for selecting these champions. The world of fast food has its own unique set of expectations, and a dessert must not only taste great but also deliver on several key fronts.
First and foremost, taste is paramount. We’re talking about more than just sugary sweetness. We’re looking for well-balanced flavor profiles, satisfying textures, and an overall sense of deliciousness that lingers long after the last bite. Does it deliver on its flavor promise? Does it satisfy the intended craving? These are the questions that determine the final rating.
Value is another crucial factor. Fast food is generally prized for its affordability, so a dessert has to offer a reasonable portion size for the price. Is it a steal? Or are you better off making a similar dessert at home? The sweet spot lies in finding a dessert that provides a generous helping of happiness without breaking the bank.
Innovation deserves recognition. In a world where everyone is trying to stand out, a fast-food dessert that introduces unique ingredients, blends surprising flavors, or puts a clever spin on a classic is bound to catch our attention. Originality is rewarded here, offering something fresh and exciting to entice the taste buds.
Finally, popularity and reviews play a part. Customer feedback offers valuable insights into which desserts are generating excitement and building a loyal following. Social media buzz, online ratings, and the overall sentiment of the public are taken into account to gauge the genuine enthusiasm surrounding these treats.
The Elite Eight: Exceptional Fast Food Desserts to Devour in 2023
Let’s cut to the chase and unwrap the best fast food desserts of 2023, the ones you absolutely must try!
The Creamy Classic: Dairy Queen’s Oreo Blizzard
Restaurant: Dairy Queen
Description: The Oreo Blizzard is a simple yet incredibly satisfying concoction: creamy vanilla soft serve blended with generous chunks of Oreo cookies. It’s a textural masterpiece, offering the smooth coolness of the ice cream alongside the satisfying crunch of the cookies.
Why it’s great: The Oreo Blizzard has consistently earned its place as a fast-food dessert staple. The combination of creamy soft serve and the distinctive chocolate-and-cream flavor of Oreo cookies is irresistible. Its greatness lies in its consistency. You know what you are getting every single time. The portion sizes are generous, and the price is reasonable, making it a fantastic value. It’s a comforting classic that never disappoints.
Pros: Widely available, customizable with other mix-ins, consistent quality, great value.
Cons: Can be very sweet, high in calories.
(Image of Oreo Blizzard here)
The Fruity Delight: McDonald’s Baked Apple Pie
Restaurant: McDonald’s
Description: McDonald’s Baked Apple Pie is a warm, flaky pastry filled with a sweet and slightly tart apple filling, seasoned with cinnamon and spices. The crust is crispy and golden brown, offering a delightful contrast to the soft and gooey interior.
Why it’s great: It may not be a showstopper in terms of innovation, but the Baked Apple Pie delivers on comfort and simplicity. The combination of warm apple filling and the flaky crust is incredibly comforting. It offers a pleasant change of pace from the often-overly-sweet desserts, providing a balanced sweetness with a hint of tartness. This is a classic dessert that transcends generations.
Pros: Affordable, warm and comforting, readily available, consistent quality.
Cons: Can be very hot, filling can sometimes be too sweet.
(Image of McDonald’s Baked Apple Pie here)
The Chocolate Extravaganza: Wendy’s Chocolate Frosty
Restaurant: Wendy’s
Description: The Wendy’s Chocolate Frosty is a unique frozen dairy dessert with a texture that falls somewhere between a milkshake and soft serve. It has a distinct malty chocolate flavor that sets it apart from other chocolate ice cream options.
Why it’s great: The Chocolate Frosty is a beloved classic for a reason. Its unique texture and the subtly malty chocolate flavor makes it incredibly addictive. It’s the perfect accompaniment to Wendy’s salty fries, creating a satisfying sweet-and-salty combo. The Frosty also holds its shape well, making it ideal for dipping. It’s a simple yet iconic dessert that has stood the test of time.
Pros: Unique texture and flavor, perfect for dipping, widely available, relatively affordable.
Cons: Can be too thick for some, not as intensely chocolatey as some might expect.
(Image of Wendy’s Chocolate Frosty here)
The Cake Sensation: Chick-fil-A Chocolate Fudge Brownie
Restaurant: Chick-fil-A
Description: This rich, decadent brownie is made with a generous amount of fudge and chocolate chips. It’s moist, chewy, and intensely chocolatey, perfect for satisfying those intense chocolate cravings.
Why it’s great: Chick-fil-A’s dessert menu is surprisingly stellar, and this brownie is a standout. The rich, fudgey texture and intense chocolate flavor make it a truly indulgent treat. The brownie is perfectly balanced between sweet and slightly bitter, making it enjoyable without being cloying. This is a sophisticated brownie that’s worthy of a higher-end bakery but conveniently found at a fast-food restaurant.
Pros: Rich and decadent, incredibly chocolatey, moist and chewy texture.
Cons: Higher calorie count, may be too rich for some.
(Image of Chick-fil-A Chocolate Fudge Brownie here)
The Coffee Kick: Burger King’s Oreo Shake
Restaurant: Burger King
Description: Burger King’s Oreo Shake is a creamy shake blended with Oreo cookies and a shot of coffee. This is a dessert drink with a kick perfect for any coffee lover.
Why it’s Great: Coffee, Oreos, and Ice Cream! What more can you ask for? It combines the rich and strong taste of coffee to add the best boost to your day.
Pros: Unique flavor, the coffee adds a great kick.
Cons: Can be bitter, and may not be suitable for children.
(Image of Burger King’s Oreo Shake here)
The Pie Surprise: Popeye’s Strawberry Cheesecake Fried Pie
Restaurant: Popeye’s
Description: Popeyes’ Strawberry Cheesecake Fried Pie is a pocket-sized pastry that combines two beloved desserts: the classic strawberry cheesecake and a crispy fried pie. The flaky, golden-brown crust is filled with a creamy cheesecake filling with a swirl of sweet strawberry jam.
Why it’s Great: Popeyes is known for chicken, but its dessert is just as unique. It is the perfect combination of fried crust and cheesecake, what more can you ask for?
Pros: Unique flavor, warm crust, easily portable.
Cons: Too sweet for some, can be oily.
(Image of Popeye’s Strawberry Cheesecake Fried Pie here)
The Cookie Champion: Subway’s Chocolate Chip Cookie
Restaurant: Subway
Description: Subway’s Chocolate Chip Cookie is a soft, chewy, and slightly gooey cookie studded with generous chocolate chips. They are typically served warm, adding to their overall appeal.
Why it’s great: Subway’s Chocolate Chip Cookies often get overlooked amidst the sandwiches, but they are surprisingly delicious. The cookies are made with high-quality ingredients and are baked fresh daily, resulting in a soft, chewy texture and a rich buttery flavor. It’s the perfect simple dessert.
Pros: Freshly baked, soft and chewy texture, readily available.
Cons: Can be inconsistent depending on the location, may be too sweet for some.
(Image of Subway’s Chocolate Chip Cookie here)
The Frozen Fusion: Taco Bell’s Cinnabon Delights Coffee
Restaurant: Taco Bell
Description: The Taco Bell Cinnabon Delights Coffee is a delectable and indulgent beverage that combines the flavors of Cinnabon’s iconic cinnamon rolls with a creamy, caffeinated twist. It’s like having dessert and coffee all in one convenient cup.
Why it’s great: It delivers a harmonious blend of sweet and spice in every sip. This drink offers a comforting and indulgent experience that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while giving you a caffeine boost.
Pros: Combines 2 different flavor profiles, has coffee, easy to drink on the go.
Cons: Can be too sweet for those who prefer less sweet.
(Image of Taco Bell’s Cinnabon Delights Coffee here)
Honorable Mentions
While the desserts above are exceptional, several others deserve recognition. Burger King’s classic Hershey’s Sundae Pie offers a delightful chocolatey indulgence at a budget-friendly price. And for a lighter option, consider the fruit-filled smoothies at Jamba Juice, offering a refreshing and nutritious way to satisfy your sweet cravings. These didn’t quite make the top list, but are solid choices for those looking to explore the world of fast-food desserts.
Trending Tastes: Spotlighting Fast Food Dessert Trends in 2023
Several trends have emerged in the fast-food dessert scene in 2023. One noticeable trend is the rise of nostalgic desserts, with fast-food chains revisiting classic recipes and giving them a modern twist. The incorporation of premium ingredients, such as high-quality chocolate and locally sourced fruits, is also gaining traction. Additionally, we’re seeing more innovative flavor combinations, with fast-food chains experimenting with sweet and savory pairings, creating unique and exciting flavor profiles. Finally, limited-time offers are becoming increasingly popular, generating buzz and encouraging customers to try new and exciting desserts before they disappear.
A Sweet Farewell: Final Thoughts on the Best Fast Food Desserts of 2023
As we reach the end of our dessert exploration, it’s clear that fast food is no longer just about burgers and fries. The dessert menus at these establishments have evolved into havens of sweet delights, offering something to satisfy every craving and budget. From the comforting classics to the innovative newcomers, the best fast food desserts of 2023 are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the culinary world.
So, the next time you’re hitting up the drive-thru, don’t skip dessert! Let us know in the comments which of these sweet treats you’re craving to try first – or if you have a favorite we missed!
Your diet starts tomorrow!
