You never quite outgrow your favorite childhood snack — you might just crave a version that has a slightly more grown-up flavor palate. These five sweet dishes provide just that, incorporating the sugary, youthful flavors we know and love into handmade bites that will delight even the most discerning taste buds.
Ted’s Tarts
Ted’s Bulletin
The folks at Ted’s Bulletin took Pop Tarts, a childhood favorite, and made them even better. This signature item is baked in-house with a flaky dough and packed with fresh fillings; options include strawberry, brown sugar and cinnamon, and a rotating seasonal option. The sweet treats are finished with a hearty coating of glaze for a final product that’s as pretty as it is tasty. Multiple area locations
Fruity Pebble Pancakes
Cafe Kindred
Bright, colorful, and sugar-sweet, Fruity Pebbles are a saccharine reminder of childhood. Cafe Kindred takes the cereal and incorporates it into another mouthwatering (and more filling) breakfast, where the rainbow rice flakes are embedded into fresh, fluffy pancakes. 450 N. Washington St. Ste. F, Falls Church
PB&J Doughnut
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
Nothing goes better together than peanut butter and jelly. Astro makes a play on the timeless combination with this signature sweet. A classic square yeast doughnut is filled with strawberry jam and coated in peanut butter glaze. Chopped peanuts top off the decadent creation for a little added crunch. 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington
Cedar Plank Chocolate Brownie S’mores
Smokecraft Modern Barbecue
Have fond memories of roasting marshmallows over a crackling flame? Smokecraft uses the classic s’more as inspiration for this dessert. It takes cedar plank–smoked brownies and tops them with chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate-orange ganache, then tops it off with a melty scoop of vanilla ice cream. 1051 N. Highland St., Arlington
Cookies and (Oat) Milk
MidnighTreats
You’d be hard-pressed to find a treat as nostalgic as a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie. The ones at this bakery are massive, gooey, and vegan. Dunk your cookie in chocolate, strawberry, or plain oat milk. Multiple area locations
Feature image of Cedar Plank Chocolate Brownie S’mores from Smokecraft Modern Barbecue by Rey Lopez
This story originally ran in our October issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
