Get ready to savor the sweetness of Key West as us locals do. When visiting our beautiful island, it’s not just about the sunsets and sea adventures, it’s also about tasting the unique flavors that our local kitchens can whip up, particularly, our desserts. From key lime pie to coconut patties, this article invites you on a delectable journey through the popular local desserts in Key West.
Key Lime Pie
There’s something about Key West that fosters a vivid uniqueness in the culture, and nowhere is this demonstrated more tangibly than in the dessert scene. Case in point, the Key Lime Pie.
History of Key Lime Pie
We’re all familiar with this tangy yet sweet pie, but did we ever stop to ponder its origin? Originated in this very community of Key West, Florida, the Key Lime Pie is named after the small Key limes that are native to the Florida Keys. By the early 20th century, it had become a hallmark of the Key West food culture. Legend suggests it was first prepared by “Aunt Sally,” the cook of Key West’s first millionaire William Curry.
Traditional Preparation of Key Lime Pie
What makes a Key Lime Pie so special? It’s three basic elements: a filling of Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks; a crust usually made of crushed graham crackers; and a topping of whipped cream or meringue. The preparation is straightforward too. Mix the ingredients, pour it into the pie shell and bake until it sets.
Best Places to try Key Lime Pie in Key West
When in Key West, one must try the Key Lime Pie. Some of our favorite spots include Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe, Blue Heaven, and the Key Lime Pie Factory. They serve exemplary versions of this classic dessert that engage all your senses.
Cuban Pastelitos
Key West’s proximity to Cuba results in a unique culinary fusion, particularly apparent in delights like the Cuban Pastelitos.
The Influence of Cuban Cuisine in Key West
Cuban food has left a significant stamp on Key West’s gastronomic scene. Enticed by the distinctive flavors and hearty recipes, locals have embraced Cuban dishes in their kitchens, and the pastelito is a perfect example.
The Making of Cuban Pastelitos
Pastelitos are Cuban pastries filled with either sweet or savory ingredients. They’re made by filling puff pastry with flavors like guava, cheese, or meat, then baked until golden. The pastelitos are usually enjoyed with a strong cup of coffee, forming a quintessential Cuban snack.
Where to find Cuban Pastelitos in Key West
Taste this Cuban-Floridian fusion at places like Sandy’s Cafe, Ana’s Cuban Cafe or the Cuban Coffee Queen. Each place serves these flaky delights fresh out of the oven, filling the air with the delectable aroma of baked pastry.
Tropical Fruit Smoothies
Then we have the refreshing Tropical Fruit Smoothies, a staple in the sun-drenched environs of Key West.
Key West’s Abundant Tropical Fruits
Key West is a wonderland of tropical fruits. From mangoes, papayas, coconut, to the unique mamey sapote and guanabana, the island produces an array of fruits that locals love to turn into refreshing smoothies.
Popular Smoothie Recipes
The classic Key West smoothie is typically a blend of ripe fruits, yogurt, or milk, together with a dash of Key lime juice for a bright, refreshing twang. Popular choices include Mango Banana, Pineapple Coconut, and the iconic Key Lime smoothie.
Best Smoothie Bars in Key West
If you’re after the best smoothies in town, we’d suggest a visit to places like Smoothie Shuttle, Date & Thyme, and The Green Pineapple. Here, they aren’t afraid to experiment, offering not just fresh fruit blends but also variations with added superfoods and vegan options.
Homemade Ice Cream
When it comes to cooling down in the tropical heat, there’s nothing better than a scoop of homemade ice cream.
The Ice Cream Tradition in Key West
Ice cream is a thing of nostalgia and comfort, and in Key West, it’s a sweet tradition steeped in local flavors. Some parlors have been serving their homemade scoops for decades, each with their distinctive concoctions.
Favorite Local Flavors
On the flavor front, expect to find the usual chocolate and strawberries, along with more tropical choices. Key Lime Pie, Coconut, and Pineapple-Mango Scoops are much loved among locals and tourists.
Ice Cream Parlors to visit
Nothing beats the heat quite like a scoop from locally loved parlors like Key West Ice Cream Factory, Flamingo Crossing, and Mattheessen’s. These traditional spots serve incredible flavors that are churned fresh daily.
Let’s move on to a boozy delight called Rum Cake.
Rum Cake
Rum Cake is a heady combination of cake and local rum, making it the perfect indulgence for those who enjoy their desserts with a bit of a kick.
The Story behind Key West’s Rum Cake
Rum Cake is a product of the Caribbean, and its popularity in Key West testifies to the island’s cultural connections to the region. The widespread presence of rum and a tradition of rum smuggling during Prohibition make rum cakes a natural fit for Key West’s culinary scene.
How Rum Cake is Made
The standard recipe for a Rum Cake involves soaking a rich, buttery bundt cake in a glaze made of butter, sugar, and plenty of rum. The result is a sweet, moist, and potent confection that’s sure to please.
Famous Rum Cake Shops in Key West
Experience the finest Rum Cakes in town at the Key West Rum Cake Company or the famous Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe. These establishments have been delighting locals and tourists alike for years with their versions of this boozy dessert.
Next in the line is Fresh Fruit Pies, a nod to the local fruit bounty.
Fresh Fruit Pies
Featuring a spectrum of ripe, juicy fruits encased in a tear-away crust and topped with heaps of cream, fruit pies are a celebration of local produce.
Use of Local Fruits in Desserts
Key West’s wide range of tropical fruits find their way into many local desserts, pies being the most popular choice. Bakers utilize locally sourced ingredients, resulting in pies bursting with a fresh, tropical taste.
Varieties of Fresh Fruit Pies
From the locally loved Key Lime Pie to others featuring ripe bananas, juicy pineapples, or even sweet papayas, there’s a fresh fruit pie for everyone’s palate.
Bakeries known for Fresh Fruit Pies
Get a taste of these delicious pies from establishments like The Pie Lady, Blue Heaven, and The Key West Key Lime Pie Company. Not only do they bake the pies to perfection, but also source all their fruits locally for maximum freshness and flavor.
Next up is probably the most unique local dessert – Pink Shrimp Donuts.
Pink Shrimp Donuts
A quirky fusion of sweet and savory, Pink Shrimp Donuts are something you probably won’t find anywhere else, making them an absolute must-try during your visit.
The Unique Taste of Pink Shrimp Donuts
The Pink Shrimp Donut is an exotic and adventurous blend of sweet, frosted donut dough with high-quality, locally sourced shrimp. This unlikely pairing results in a distinctive taste that’s as unique as Key West itself.
Process of Making Pink Shrimp Donuts
These unusual treats are made by incorporating diced pink shrimp into the donut dough, which is then fried until golden and garnished with a light glaze. The result is a salty-sweet delight, just like Key West’s vibrant personality.
Best spots for Pink Shrimp Donuts
Taste these unique donuts at spots like Glazed Donuts and Sweets Bakery. You’d be amazed at how well the sweetness of the dough complements the savoriness of the shrimp.
Chocolate-Dipped Key Lime Pie on a Stick
This innovative dessert takes the classic Key Lime Pie to new heights by combining it with the crowd-pleasing chocolate.
Innovation in Traditional Desserts
We’ve all heard of chocolate-dipped strawberries, but chocolate-dipped Key Lime Pie? That’s something absolutely original. It’s a testament to the innovative spirit of Key West’s culinary scene, marrying tradition with novelty.
Steps in Making Chocolate-Dipped Key Lime Pie
A slice of Key Lime Pie is put on a stick and dipped in a bath of molten chocolate. Once the chocolate forms a hard shell, the dessert is ready to be enjoyed – a mix of creamy, sour, sweet, and bitter all in one bite.
Best Places to try this treat
Try this heavenly treat at places like Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe or the original creator’s place, Sweet Pete’s Candy. These spots showcase how classics can be elevated with a splash of creativity.
Lastly, let’s dive into the creamy goodness of Flan Cubano.
Flan Cubano
As a perfect way to round-up this culinary journey, let’s talk about Flan Cubano – a little piece of Cuba in Key West.
The Blend of Cuban and Key West Cuisine
Just as the Cuban sandwich has found a home in Key West, so has the Flan Cubano. This creamy custard dessert epitomizes the blend of American and Cuban cultures that’s unique to Key West.
Recipe of Flan Cubano
Flan is essentially a caramel custard made by baking a mix of eggs, sugar, and milk until it sets. It’s then topped with a layer of sweet caramel and served chilled.
Restaurants offering Flan Cubano
Get your fix of this creamy delight at places like El Siboney Restaurant, Cuban Coffee Queen, or Roostica Wood-Fire Pizzeria. You’d fall in love with the creamy texture and sweet caramel goodness of this dessert.
And that’s a wrap of our sweet journey. So, when in Key West, make sure you try these regional favorites. After all, life is too short to skip dessert, right?
