Here at Enthusiastic About Life, we are huge fans of all sorts of different food. As I travel the United States, I love seeing the variety in desserts. Check out all of my favorite desserts and let me know which spot sounds the best!
Arizona
Alebrijes Cafe and Grill
If you’re looking for a delicious Mexican dessert on the west side then you need to check out Alebrijes Cafe and Grill in Litchfield Park. It’s such a hidden gem!! I can’t believe I had never heard of it before but it was so good, I’m already planning on going back. I had the churros with coconut ice cream and that combination was heaven! The dessert is huge so make sure to share!
Amadio Ranch
Amadio Ranch has the best homemade pies! My favorite is a tie between the pecan pie and the cinnamon roll cheesecake.
Their bourbon pecan pie is also incredible!
Angel’s Trumpet Ale House
Did you know that Angel’s Trumpet Ale House has a rotating selection of flavors of pop tarts? We tried the french toast pop tarts and they were incredible!!!
Bites Donuts Food Truck
Bites Donuts Food Truck had the most delicious tiny donuts! Soooo good and dangerous because they’re so tiny and it’s super easy to eat 30 of these.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouses
If you’re craving a pizookie, then I highly recommend BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse. I love their white chocolate macademia nut pizookie!
Blooming Donuts
If you’re in Tolleson and craving some delicious donuts, check out Blooming Donuts! Make sure to get there early as they do sell out pretty often.
Bosa Donuts
I love Bosa Donuts. All of the donuts are so flaky and soft and had the perfect amount of icing. If you bring a box of these donuts into the office, you will probably get promoted.
Buca di Beppo
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant has delicious Italian dinner but the best part of it was hands down the dessert! This Colossal Brownie Sundae was literally heaven.
Churn
I tried the ice cream at Churn in central Phoenix and yes we are in the single digits of the food bucket list which means I’ve been wanting to try this place since at least two years ago. It was AMAZING. No wonder everyone raves about it. I always get the smores sundae. My friend Yamille got the strawberry shortcake sundae. Mine was delicious and the marshmallow fluff was just heaven.
Cibo Pizzeria
Cibo Pizzeria is definitely one of my favorite places. Super cute restaurant and once we took a quick look at the dessert menu, we knew we had to get dessert! We tried the fruit and nutella crepes even though we were so stuffed and they were both so good!
I also tried the tiramisu and although it doesn’t look like your typical tiramisu, it was delicious!
Costco
Anyone who knows me, knows I love everything about Costco. I LOVE their dessert! The fudge sundae was amazing!
Creamistry
If you’re craving delicious ice cream with several flavor combinations, I recommend Creamistry in Scottsdale!
Crepe Bar
If you are craving something sweet you need to check out Crepe Bar in Tempe! I had the dessert crepe with strawberries, chocolate and whipped cream. So simple yet so satisfying!
Crescent Ballroom
Craving something sweet? Check out these tasty donuts with a side of nutella at one of my fave spots : Crescent Ballroom! Their dinner is delicious as are their cocktails, and last night I learned their dessert is also great!
Different Pointe of View
My friend Ashley and I celebrated our 2nd year work anniversaries/surviving another year in the real world by checking out Different Pointe of View Restaurant! I had the devil’s delight which was a slice of devil’s food cake with walnut filled caramel, toasted marshmallows and crispy pearl ganache. So delicious, plus the view of the valley is amazing!
Federal Pizza
These donuts were so good and the sauces on the side were even better!
Freddy’s
Of course Freddy’s is on the food bucket list because of the infamous custard! DELICIOUS!
Four Peaks Brewing Company
Believe me when I say that I am just as surprised as you to find that one of my favorite desserts comes from a brewery, but when you really think about it…alcohol and cake are two of my favorite things so it’s really not that surprising (haha). If you like beer and tiramisu, then you NEED to try the famous STOUTamisu from Four Peaks Brewing Company. The STOUTamisu looks like your traditional tiramisu except that there is alcohol in it. It’s a delicious expresso soaked chocolate sponge cake with lady fingers and chocolate marscarpone cream. Now where is the alcohol, you ask? IT’S IN THE LADY FINGERS and it tastes delicious!
Futuro Coffee
If you’re looking for an artsy and modern coffee spot with delicious Mexican inspired coffees, then I highly recommend Futuro Coffee in downtown Phoenix! I particularly enjoyed this banana bread and roasted coconut pastry!
Galeto
Galeto is an all you can eat Brazilian steakhouse but I highly recommend that you leave some room for dessert when you visit because their chocolate layer cake is incredible!
Gino’s East
I know I’ve mentioned before that I’m a huge fan of the deep dish pizza at Gino’s East but have I ever told y’all that their dessert is also amazing!? Their Cinnamon Sugar Beignet Balls are out of this world and even though I was super full from the pizza, I still ate them all.
Grateful Spoon Gelato
If you’re looking for tasty gelato, look no further than Grateful Spoon in Phoenix! They’re located inside of La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria so it’s the perfect dessert after an amazing pizza!
Hielitos Gourmet
I recently discovered Hielitos Gourmet Laveen and I am in love!
A hielito means “little ice” in Spanish and is basically a frozen treat with so many flavors to choose from. We tried the fresas con crema (strawberries and cream), cappuccino and oreo. If you’re on this side of town, definitely check them out.
You can order via message on Instagram or Facebook!
House of Tricks
I loved the delicious lemon pie gelato from one of my favorite restaurants: House of Tricks! Their gelato is amazing and so is the rest of their food.
La Estrella
If you want award winning pan dulce (sweet bread), definitely check out La Estrella in Tucson! Literally all of the pan dulce was amazing! My personal faves were the cuernitos and the glazed donut. Highly recommend!
Lamar’s Donuts
My favorite donut shop in Arizona is definitely Lamar’s Donuts. They have the best flavors including classic and unique and each donut is always so good!
Luci’s at the Orchard
If you want a huge and delicious cinnamon roll, you need to stop by Luci’s at the Orchard!
Miel de Agave
If you’re looking for a delicious cookie and ice cream dessert then you need to check out Miel de Agave in downtown Phoenix.
Miracle Mile Deli
Miracle Mile Deli has amazing sandwiches but their carrot cake is also incredible! The slices are huge and so worth the calories!
Panaderia La Central
If you are in the West Valley and looking for some delicious pan dulce (sweet bread), check out Panaderia La Central! They have a huge selection of different breads along with coffee, smoothies and other meals.
North Italia
The banana coffee cake was incredible! It has dark rum butterscotch, caramelized banana, and crème fraîche. It had so much flavor!
Nothing Bundt Cakes
I love Nothing Bundt Cake! They have so many delicious flavors including my favorite confetti! The frosting is amazing and the cake is so soft! I love that you can get a free Bundtlet (a mini Bundt cake); valid for two weeks for your birthday. Sign up for their eClub.
Oregano’s
If you’ve never had a pizzookie (pizza cookie) from Oregano’s, stop what you’re doing and go! It’s so delicious!
Marcellino Ristorante
This delicious dessert (Panna Cotta) from Marcellino Ristorante IS SO FREAKING DELICIOUS. It’s perfect for a date.
McFate Brewing Company
Nothing says holidays to me like a huge, delicious slice of my favorite dessert: cheesecake! If y’all haven’t made it out to McFate Brewing Company, do it soon! Their beer is good and so is their dessert!
Mis Raices
If you’re looking for a coffee shop inspired by Mexican flavors then I highly recommend Mis Raices and they also have dessert! Their concha muffins are super cute but also delicious!
Novel Ice Cream
Novel Ice Cream is super cute and they have so many flavors!! I got the Fat Elvis which consists of bacon, banana and peanut butter. SO GOOD!!! They’re also famous for the Lesley Knope: a waffle ice cream sandwich that my sister tried and it’s very filling and delicious!
Organ Stop Pizza
If you want cheap ice cream that is still really good and comes with a show, check out Organ Stop Pizza! I had the oatmeal cream pie ice cream and it was tasty!
Pie Snob
I tried the classic apple pie with some of the creamiest ice cream at Pie Snob and it was so good! I’ll definitely be back plus it’s a super cute bakery.
Peterson’s
If you want delicious ice cream and you happen to be in downtown Gilbert, then I recommend Peterson’s! It’s a really cute ice cream shop that’s been around for a long time. I love their ice cream, I had the chocolate and peanut butter and it was so good!
Postino’s
Yes that is salted caramel being poured over the Vanilla bean ice cream sundae! And yes it also has chocolate and corn nuts and pretzel sticks and yes it was PHENOMENAL. You all need to make a stop at Postino Annex in Tempe this weekend and grab some dessert!
Raspados y Tortas Los Diablitos Locos
My mom and I tried the mexican desserts at Raspados Y Tortas Los Diablitos Locos on 83rd ave just off of the I-10! Wow just wow. I got the coco preparado and it was so good! My mom’s dessert was hands down the best. She got piña loca (crazy pineapple) and not only does it look beautiful, it was full of flavor.
Raspados Neza
I finally got a chance to try Raspados Neza after months of my sister recommended this place and her recommendation did not disappoint. This place is AMAZING. Apparently after every spoonful I kept saying ‘mmm’ because it was so good and i didn’t even realize it! My sister had to point it out to me haha but definitely recommend this place! I had the mango and chilli raspado and it was heaven.
Rigatony’s
Rigatony’s has amazing pasta, and their dessert is also so good!
Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard
I went to Rita’s and tried the Swedish Fish Gelati that literally tasted like Swedish Fish. It was amazing. Do yourself a favor and find a Rita’s near you now!
Scooptacular
Scooptacular has the BEST strawberry cheesecake ice cream, they are active in their community, they have been donating ice cream to the schools in the area and they just have the most polite employees ever. I highly recommend!
Snowtime
If you want a delicious frozen treat, you need to check out Snowtime! I had the Sweet Sunset treat which comes with strawberries, mango, and housemade strawberry puree! It’s so different than ice cream, it’s so good!
Songbird Coffee
Songbird Coffee in downtown Phoenix has delicious coffee with indoor and outdoor seating! I loved their coffee cake!
Sunrise Donuts
I ordered my nephew a giant donut from Sunrise Donuts for his birthday and they threw in some donut holes just because! I’ve been wanting to try this donut shop for a while because they’re right in my neighborhood. The donuts are DELICIOUS, their customer service is amazing and I can’t wait to go back.
Sweet Bites Raspados and More
I finally had the chance to try Sweet Bites Raspados and More in Laveen! A coworker recommended this place to me and when I stopped by and mentioned that he recommended them, they knew who he was! I guess he’s a regular but seriously y’all if you’re craving something sweet like a delicious ‘cheesecake crepe’ that is literally a cheesecake on top of a crepe, then stop by! The owners are so nice and they have a huge variety of sweet treats!
Sweet Republic
I got to go to Sweet Republic: Artisan Ice Cream and try the ice cream there! It was delicious! Thanks for recommending this place Irene, it was delicious and there are so many different flavors to try.
Tres Leches Cafe
If you want delicious coffee drinks with amazing flavors then I highly recommend Tres Leches Cafe! I love their Cafe Horchata iced latte! They also have tasty sweet bread and a super cute interior.
Tratto
Tratto has incredible Italian food and their dessert is amazing! I loved their peach cake with ice cream. There was so much flavor!
Tourist Home All Day Cafe
If you are looking for a good spot to grab a quick coffee and the most delicious churro donuts in the world, then you need to stop by Tourist Home in Flagstaff! Make sure you get there early because they do sell out!
Vecina
If you’re looking for a fun Mexican dessert, then look no further than Vecina. I loved the concha ice cream sandwich!
The Vig
The Vig had amazing brunch and they also have a secret delicious dessert menu!
Vovomeena
VOVOMEENA
If you’re looking for a great breakfast spot in Phoenix, I recommend Vovomeena! They’ve been around for a while and for good reason! I loved their coffeecake!
Zero Degrees
If you’ve never had a frozen mango and chilli drink (mangonada) go directly to Zero Degrees and place an order to go! I had the watermelon one and it was delicious!
California
Donas
Donas is the cutest donut shop in Downey, California! I tried the chocolate mazapan donut and it was DELICIOUS! Swipe to see how Instagrammable this spot was! It is now a must stop whenever I drive to LA!
Fixins Soul Kitchen
If you’re craving the most delicious red velvet cake then I highly recommend Fixins Soul Kitchen near the Los Angeles Convention Center! The cream cheese frosting is to die for!
French’s Cupcake Bakery
Doesn’t this double chocolate cupcake look amazing?! Thank you to Girl On the Move fellow blogger Girl on the Move Blog for her amazing Orange County bucket list (#GOTMocbucketlist) that led me to French’s Cupcake Bakery! Such a sweet and mouth watering cupcake.
Lappert’s
If you want some delicious and unique ice cream, definitely check out Lappert’s in Palm Springs. They have so many flavor combinations and are known for their date milkshake. I loved this flavor that was chocolate, marshmallows and chocolate chips!
Love and Salt
Love and Salt has amazing food and their basque cheesecake was just as amazing!
Public School
I had a delicious short rib and then shared a birthday cookie sandwich with nutella, bacon, and vanilla ice cream.
Pure Cupcakes
If you’re a fan of cupcakes, I highly recommend Pure Cupcakes! They are so delicious and they have a ton of variety, plus they also have dairy free and gluten free options! This was great back when I thought I was lactose intolerant lol.
The Tantalum
Excuse me while I go take a 10 hour nap after the most delicious dessert I’ve ever had in my life. It was SO RICH and creamy and heaven in my mouth. Chocolate cake with strawberries, chocolate and cream. I loved The Tantalum in Long Beach!
Colorado
High Point Creamery
Today, we are featuring the BEST birria tacos, quesatacos (cheesy tacos) and consommé (birria soup) I’ve had in Phoenix!
Seriously it was DELICIOUS and I can’t wait to go back to Unos Tacos
Florida
Cuba Libre
If you are looking for delicious flan, then look no further than Cuba Libre in Orlando!
This tiny piece was so rich and incredible! It had dulce de leche, whipped cream and a vanilla cookie!
Sloan’s Ice Cream
Sloan’s ice cream was so good! I loved everything about the ice cream and the cone was amazing. The shop was also super cute!! I’m a sucker for chocolate ice cream and they have the best flavor combinations!
Hawaii
Leonard’s Bakery
When visiting Hawaii, you absolutely have to eat a malasada…a pastry with sugar on the outside that comes from Portugal.
I was told that the best malasadas on the island could be found at Leonard’s Bakery and can confirm that this is true! Make sure to be prepared to wait in line as they are very popular.
Ireland
Dublin
If you know me, you’ll know that I’m not a coffee drinker so this is the closest I will ever get. I had Irish coffee cheesecake in Ireland on a rain day back in December and it was absolutely delicious!
Maine
The Holy Donut
Today I am wishing I was back in Maine specifically for the scrumptious potato donuts from The Holy Donut! That’s right, these donuts are made with potatoes and before you ask…no they don’t taste like potatoes. The Holy Donut geniuses added mashed potatoes to their donuts as an experiment and found out that it gave the donuts a delicious moist texture that makes them melt in your mouth. Yes they are delicious, unique, and the texture is a lot more rich than a cake donut and it’s even more filling. My favorite was the the dark chocolate with cinammon sugar pictured here! Make sure you check them out the next time you are in Maine!
Massachussetts
Bernie’s Home Made Ice Cream
Bernie’s Homemade Ice Cream in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts is seriously some of the tastiest ice cream I’ve ever had, it was so creamy! Check out my Vineyard Haven Instagram highlights to see more.
Minnesota
Can Can Wonderland
While having a blast at Can Can Wonderland, I skimmed their menu and saw Cheddar Cheese Ice Cream. I stopped in my tracks and literally thought to myself ‘that can’t taste that great’ but I was wrong, so so wrong. The description below this menu item says ‘try it, you’ll love it’ so I had to. And wow, it was an interesting combination but I loved it and couldn’t stop eating it. I would definitely buy it again!
Izzy’s Ice Cream
I loved loved loved Izzy’s Ice Cream because every purchase comes with a free ‘Izzy scoop’ which is that tiny sample scoop on top! I had the Dessa’s Existential Crisis (whiskey, amaretto, pecans and cashews) and chocolate/peanut butter Izzy scoop.
Sweet Martha’s Cookies
Does the Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar look familiar? You may have seen these famous cookies on viral videos all over the internet. These cookies are meant to be shared and they are AMAZING.
Montana
Granny’s Gourmet Donuts
If you ever find yourself in Bozeman, Montana I highly recommend you check out Granny’s Gourmet Donuts! The maple donut with pecans, absolutely incredible!!!
Nevada
Lemongrass
If you’re craving amazing Thai food in Las Vegas, then I highly recommend Lemongrass in the Aria hotel! I had the most delicious mango sticky rice dessert there and would love to go back.
Canaletto
If you’re craving delicious Italian desserts and you’re near The Venetian hotel, I recommend you check out Canaletto.
Milk Bar
Milk Bar has the best ice cream, cookies and cakes and you can find them at The Cosmopolitan as well!
New Mexico
Bowie’s Bakery
Buzzfeed told me that the best pan dulce in El Paso could be found at Bowie’s Bakery…so naturally we went to Bowie’s Bakery. It was definitely the best pan dulce I have ever tasted. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Frontier Restaurant
My first stop in Albuquerque, New Mexico was Frontier Restaurant, a 40+ year old restaurant knowns for its super large and super cheap sweet rolls! Yes it’s delicious and yes I ate it all!
Golden Crown Panderia
If you want to try the best bakery items in Albuquerque, I highly recommend Golden Crown Panaderia!
They have the most delicious pastries and tasty coffee! I forget the names of these but the one on the left tasted like cinnamon sugar Heaven and the one on the right was a guava and cream cheese flaky pastry.
Both were delicious!
Puerto Rico
Chocobar Cortes
I had the most delicious hot chocolate in Old San Juan today!
Ponce
I had the most delicious mani (peanut) ice cream while exploring the streets of Ponce, Puerto Rico. And yes, it was a little hot so my ice cream started melting 
Tennessee
Donut Distillery
I stopped by Donut Distillery and tried the Whiskey Glaze, The Homer D’ohnut, and the Reese’s Cup mini donuts! They were all so good and I gotta say, I’m a fan of the mini donuts because you can try multiple flavors! My fave was The Homer D’ohnut because of the sweet and tasty frosting.
Baltimore
The Rusty Scupper
The Rusty Scupper also had AMAZING desserts. We all shared the creme brulee , smith island cake, and bread pudding. Everything was delicious, highly recommend!!
Michigan
Apple Fritter Donut Shop
I had the BEST apple fritters in the USA. I tried the apple fritters at the famous Apple Fritter Donut Shop in Michigan! So flaky and delicious and worth waking up at 7am for sure!
Cedar Point
While vacationing and having a blast at the roller coaster capital of the world: Cedar Point I was told that I needed to try a Michigan delicacy: an elephant ear! It’s basically the east coast’s version of a funnel cake. It was DELICIOUS and amazing and I want more. It tastes like a funnel cake, churro and Mexican pastry buñuelo mixed all in one!
Milwaukee
Cold Spoons Gelato
I stopped at Cold Spoons Gelato and had the Roasted Almond AND the Caramel Sea Salt flavors. Both flavors were freaking amazing…my hat goes off to this place, it’s delicious and deserves to be on your food bucket list!
Nebraska
Jones Bros Cupcakes
If you know me, you know that I’m all about sweets and sugar and candy and CUPCAKES. While in Nebraska, I got the chance to try the cupcakes at Cupcake Wars Champions Jones Bros Co!!! Chocolate raspberry and basically heaven in my mouth.
New York
Juliana’s Pizza
Juliana’s Pizza not only has delicious pizza, it is also in a super cool location very close to the Brooklyn bridge. Their cheesecake was excellent!
Oregon
VooDoo Donuts 
I ate the famous donuts at Voodoo Doughnut! Crazy cool place with delicious donuts! I had the maple and bacon log (YUM) and Mariela had the voodoo donut! Cool place! Def coming back! Heaven in my mouth.
Rome
Piazza San Marco in Venice
I had the most delicious cannella (cinnamon) gelato in Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy and I don’t think I can ever have gelato anywhere else!
Texas
Bonjour Cupcakes
I tried the cupcakes at Bonjour Cupcakes near the Capitol building! Soooo good. I had the chocolate vanilla cupcake and my mom had the smores cupcake.
Toronto
Artic Bites
Who has heard of rolled ice cream!? I had seen videos of it online but never knew where to get it but luckily we found Arctic Bites in Toronto! They have freshly served hand crafted ice-cream rolls inspired and founded by the streets of Thailand.
I got the ‘Nuts for You’ ice cream that has peanut butter, nutella, peanuts, chocolate and chocolate sticks! Tell me that doesn’t sound amazing!
Virginia
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
If you’re craving delicious ice cream, I highly recommend Bruster’s Real Ice Cream in Virginia. They have so many different flavors and have fabulous customer service. I loved their blueberry cheesecake ice cream the best!
Washington
Crab Pot
Finally got a chance to eat at the famous Crab Pot Restaurant! Hands down, the BEST seafood I’ve ever had in my life. And don’t even get me started on the dessert, this chocolate pie was delicious!
Washington State
Top Pot Doughnuts
When planning this trip, I was told that I had to check out Top Pot Doughnuts and after one bite I know why! These donuts are DELICIOUS and so filling! This donut shop started in 2002 by two brothers and has since expanded and grown a huge following (it was packed when we went). I got my usual chocolate cake donut and almost went back for another one. Their donuts are hand forged aka made the old fashioned way.
Washington D.C.
Baked and Wired
This is the most delicious strawberry cupcake I’ve ever had in my life. No lie, it was so good. If you’re ever in DC, stop by Baked and Wired in Georgetown and grab a cupcake. They’re huge and full of flavor!
Compass Rose
If you’re looking for a place with several international desserts, then look no further than Compass Rose in DC. I had the cannoli and it was so delicious and so sweet!
Old Ebbitt Grill
I had the Butterscotch Blondie Sundae at The Old Ebbit Grill and it was FANTASTIC. Melt in your mouth delicious.
Vancouver
Granville Island Public Market
The most delicious strawberry donut I’ve ever had was in Vancouver, Canada! I picked up this tasty treat at Granville Island Public Market. 
Virginia
Bruster’s Ice Cream
If you’re craving delicious ice cream, I highly recommend Bruster’s Real Ice Cream in Virginia. They have so many different flavors and have fabulous customer service. I loved their blueberry cheesecake ice cream the best!
Feel free to check out the entire catalog of my Food Bucket List for category inspiration and email me or comment below asking me for more restaurant recommendations as I aim to please!
I hope you all enjoyed the list! Thank you all for reading, and stay enthusiastic!
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-Maira