Save the best for last with these eight delicious desserts to enjoy as winter begins to wind down but bikini season is still a long way off.
Boxwood Caramelized Honey Crisp Apple Pie
Boxwood’s version of apple pie is baked with a topping of Highwood Crossing oats and finished with a chokecherry drizzle. This is the kind of pie that gets stolen off of window ledges while cooling. Just saying… (340 13 Ave. S.W., 403-265-4006)
Brava Bistro Dark Chocolate Tart
Calling all chocolate lovers: A rich chocolate filling inside a buttery, Oreo crust and topped with espresso whipped cream. What more could you ask for? (723 17 Ave. S.W., 403-228-1854)
Cucina Warm Apple Thyme Tart
A beautiful finish to a lovely meal here falls on the shoulders of this rustic tart filled with tender apples, fresh thyme and finished off with some cinnamon-infused chantilly cream. Pairs perfectly with a light snowfall. (515 8 Ave. S.W., 587-353-6565, eatcucina.com, @EatCucina)
Divino Bistro Pumpkin Flourless Cake
This rich pumpkin mousse-meets-cake dessert offering with chocolate ganache and pumpkin seed crumble is so delicious, it’s almost worth skipping your main course just so you can validate ordering two. Almost. (113 8 Ave. S.W., 403-234-0403)
Home Tasting Room Lemon and Vanilla Rice Pudding
A love for rice pudding may be a niche love, but, nonetheless, a sweet finish like this after dinner at Home Tasting Room is perfect for a chilly February evening. (110 8 Ave. S.W., 403-262-8100)
NOtaBLE Spiced Ginger Coffee Cake
A slice of this warm coffee cake comes accompanied with rum raisin ice cream (made by Village Ice Cream) and a toffee-like sauce. (4611 Bowness Rd. N.W., 403-288-4372, notabletherestaurant.ca, @NotableCalgary)
UNA Pizza Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine
If Reese’s Pieces are any indication, chocolate and peanut butter have been soulmates for quite some time. Try this chilled, perfect pairing served with homemade marshmallow and roasted peanuts. (618 17 Ave. S.W., 403-453-1183, unapizzeria.com, @UnaCalgary)
Vintage Chophouse Vintage Baked Alaska
This “vintage” dessert never gets old. Shortbread, vanilla ice cream, chocolate pearls and strawberry sorbet are wrapped in a meringue then torched to toasty perfection. Almost too beautiful to eat. (322 11 Ave. S.W., 403-262-7262, vintagechophouse.com, @VintageChopHous)