A Tour of Some of Bartow’s Most Decadent Desserts
Photos by Landon Davis
From warm, family-run cafés to historic drive-ins and inventive new restaurants, Bartow’s dining scene is a celebration of flavor, tradition and heartfelt hospitality. And what would it be without memorable spots to satisfy the local’s sweet tooth?
We hit up some of the most delectable Bartow establishments that make eating dessert a delight, to show and tell about the part of the meal that some people insist you should eat first.
Zest
315 E. Summerlin St.
Zest feels as personal as it is flavorful. Now in its third year, the restaurant is run day-to-day by partner and pastry chef Cary Klimczak, whose love of baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen. Zest is a true scratch facility, built on the belief that quality in equals quality out, using premium ingredients like Vietnamese cinnamon and Mexican vanilla. Housed in a lovingly restored 150-year-old building, Zest honors Polk County’s citrus grove history through thoughtful design and citrus inspired desserts, all created through a collaborative, team driven approach that guests can truly taste.
Traditional Hungarian Nut Roll
A beautiful Eastern European dessert made in honor of Cary’s grandmother, from whom she learned much of her baking craft. This recipe brings old world tradition to the modern table.
Pink Champagne Cake
Light, celebratory and elegant, this cake adds a festive touch to the dessert menu and remains a crowd favorite.
Citrus Bread Pudding
Zest’s signature dessert, created as a tribute to Polk County’s historic orange groves. Bright, citrus forward and comforting, it reflects both the restaurant’s name and its roots. Served with vanilla sauce and whipped cream.
Chocolate Cannoli Cake
A decadent dessert inspired by classic cannoli flavors, blending rich chocolate with old world pastry influences.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
A rich, indulgent favorite that guests look forward to every Thanksgiving. So popular, many customers preorder it year after year as a holiday tradition.
Key Lime Pie
House-made and piled high with fresh whipped cream, this is perfectly balanced with bright citrus tang and a smooth, creamy filling on a buttery crust.
Sweet Magnolia’s
135 S. Central Ave.
Sweet Magnolia’s is a warm, family run café where comfort food and thoughtful details matter. Best known for its chicken salad and the beloved Triple Plate (chicken salad, egg salad and tuna salad on a bed of lettuce,) every meal comes with fresh sides and a signature mini cupcake that has become a guest expectation. Sweet Magnolia’s opened in 2015 in a space locals remember fondly. The café blends nostalgia, faith and heartfelt hospitality. Guests often say it feels more like home than a restaurant, and that is exactly the intention. The bakery shines with customer favorites like classic fruit cobbler served warm with ice cream.
Cherry Cobbler
A classic Southern dessert served warm, topped with cinnamon and paired with creamy vanilla bean ice cream for the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Peach Cobbler
Comforting and nostalgic, this cobbler features tender peaches baked to perfection and finished with vanilla bean ice cream and a touch of cinnamon.
Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft, rich, and indulgent, these gluten free cookies combine creamy peanut butter with chocolate chips, proving that gluten free can still be deeply satisfying.
Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes
Typically made to order for catering, these guest favorite cupcakes combine smooth cheesecake flavor with bright strawberry notes in a perfectly portioned dessert.
Red Velvet Cupcakes
A catering staple made to order, these moist, classic red velvet cupcakes are beautifully rich and remain one of Sweet Magnolia’s most requested desserts.
Patty’s Crumbs is a family-centric bakery where everything is made from scratch and every recipe carries intention. The business began in 2018 as a cottage food bakery popping up at events and farmers markets, before opening its brick-and-mortar location at the end of 2021. Entirely dedicated to gluten-free baking, Patty’s Crumbs has become a cherished space for guests who want desserts they can safely enjoy – without sacrificing flavor. More than a bakery, it’s a reflection of Liz’s love for her craft, her family and a legacy of entrepreneurship, right down to its name, inspired by her beloved dachshund Patty, whose story lives on inside the shop.
CINNAMON ROLL
Soft and tender, this gluten-free cinnamon roll is generously layered with fragrant cinnamon sugar and finished with a silky, indulgent glaze.
BANNANA PUDDING
The bakery’s signature favorite, these banana pudding cups are layered with fresh, housemade banana pudding, sliced bananas and gluten-free vanilla wafers.
Chocolate Cake
Layers of rich, moist housemade chocolate cake, smooth chocolate buttercream and a finishing drizzle of chocolate ganache. Deeply indulgent and unapologetically chocolate-forward, it’s a must for true chocolate lovers.
XL Cookies
The S’mores cookie is a classic chocolate chip base stuffed with gluten-free graham cracker and marshmallow, baked until perfectly gooey and finished with a Hershey bar on top. The Fluffer Nutter puts a playful twist on the classic sandwich—it is a soft, chewy peanut butter dough base stuffed with marshmallow fluff.
The Social Plate
315 E. Main St.
The Social Plate is an inviting café where comfort food and thoughtful details make every visit feel special. Since opening in July 2025, this cozy downtown Bartow spot has quickly earned a devoted following, blending approachable dishes with a welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel like part of the family. Known for attentive staff, freshly made meals, and a touch of playful charm in every dish, The Social Plate is as much about experience as it is about flavor. Guests often comment that it feels like a hidden gem, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a sweet treat.
Chocolate Cake
Moist, rich, and deeply satisfying, this classic chocolate cake is layered with smooth frosting that makes every bite a decadent indulgence.
Raspberry Chocolate Cake
Comforting and nostalgic, this cobbler features tender peaches baked to perfection and finished with vanilla bean ice cream and a touch of cinnamon.
Italian Cream Cake
Tender, light, and slightly tangy, this cake features delicate layers with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of coconut, delivering a
comforting and memorable dessert experience.
Mike’s Drive In
1055 S. Spessard Holland
@mikesdrivein55 on FB
Mike’s Drive-in has been a Bartow staple since opening in January 1970, with family ownership beginning in 1976. Known for its hamburgers, fried chicken, barbecue and seafood, the restaurant blends classic comfort food with community tradition. What truly sets Mike’s apart are its seasonal dinner shows featuring live impersonators and their classic car shows, both longtime local favorites. A mix of American classics with a few international flavors makes Mike’s dessert menu a great cherry on top of a memorable meal. Still family operated today, Mike’s continues to evolve while honoring its roots, offering guests not just a meal but an experience that reflects decades of history, hospitality and small-town charm.
Orange Phyllo Portokalopita
A delicate Greek dessert with layers of flaky phyllo pastry soaked in citrus syrup, paying homage to traditional flavors with a bright, zesty finish.
Bananas Foster Cheesecake
Creamy New York cheesecake topped with caramelized bananas and a touch of banana liqueur and 151 rum for a rich, indulgent flavor, combining indulgence with a classic dessert twist.
Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake
Cool, refreshing and minty, this milkshake blends creamy ice cream with chocolate chips for a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat.
Pecan Pie
A Southern classic, sweet and nutty with a buttery, rich filling, perfect for any season and a longtime favorite at Mike’s Drive-in.