Day 24: Columbus' Best Desserts

I may be a fan of Whole30 and axing sugar from my life for extended periods of time on occasion, but that doesn't change the fact that I still love a good dessert. Cakes. Pies. Cupcakes. Brownies. Cookies. I have a t-shirt that says "Abs are great but have you tried donuts?" Donuts make for good desserts as well in my book.

I am by no means a dessert connoisseur. It's not like I've scoured every square inch of my city to taste-test every sweet treat it has to offer, but I certainly have taste-tested my fair share, and there are definitely some favorites in there. 

So, if you're ever in the city and want my recommendations on where to go for some stellar desserts, here's my line-up, in no particular order:

Chocolate Cafe - Just go straight for the salted caramel brownie. Absolute heaven. The Reese's Peanut Butter Chunk cookies are pretty stellar too. And they always drizzle warm milk chocolate on top of both options.    

Golden Delight Bakery - Go for their trademark fresh strawberry cake. This is a long-standing family favorite, first discovered at a high school graduation party back in 2002. Most major family occasions have involved this cake. Light. Airy. Fresh. You can't go wrong.

Cap City Diner - Don't even ask questions, just order the chocolate-covered peanut butter pie. It's not an exaggeration to say that this pie has brought tears to my eyes on occasion. When I went to celebrate a milestone birthday, this was the dessert of choice.

Just Pies - Without a doubt, the best pumpkin pie I've ever had in my life. Also the best apple, dutch apple, strawberry rhubarb, and Buckeye pies I've ever had in my life. They used to have a bakery near where I lived. It was a hazard to my health. They made a variety of sizes, one of which was a small 'baby' pie of sorts, only 5 inches or so in size. So dangerous. They had a sign hanging in the store once that said "Every pie is personal if you just believe in yourself." That pie was, no doubt, personal.

Harvest Bread Co - This technically isn't a dessert, I suppose, but it's sweet enough to qualify as one in my world. And this place also technically isn't native to Columbus, but who cares. Go for the Xtreme Cinnamon Swirl. Your taste buds will thank you.

Nothing Bundt Cakes  - Also not native to Columbus, but again, who cares. Carrot cake. Definitely carrot cake here. And if you love cream cheese frosting, this place is your new home.

Katalina's Cafe - Home of the famous pancake balls. I mean, what? Again, technically not a dessert, but again, who cares. Get the pancake balls filled with Nutella. But make sure you eat them all because they do not make great leftovers. (They also used to have these Brown Betty Biscuit Balls, which were amazing, but upon looking at their menu, it appears they don't serve them anymore?! I am mildly distressed over this.)

Whole Foods - Best cupcakes in town. Go for the chocolate peanut butter. (Although, full disclosure, the last time I went, the cupcake I had was terrible. I'm hoping that was a one-off.)

If you're a Columbus native, any other recommendations you'd throw on your own list?

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If you venture outside the walls of Columbus, I also offer this favorite:

Levain Bakery - I'm not sure there are words. You can practically wring the grease out of these things, but they are oh-so-good. Perfect combo of crispy outside and gooey inside. I first discovered them last summer while on a trip to DC.