Bright Bites: Fresh Fruit Takes the Spotlight in Spring Desserts

by Katelynn Mouton

As warmer days arrive, local dessert menus are beginning to bloom with the bright, refreshing flavors of spring. Fresh strawberries and other seasonal fruits are taking center stage in sweet treats across the area.  

If you’re taste buds are calling for something light, colorful and perfectly in season, check out one of these local favorites: 

The Bekery – 2040 E. Walnut St., Lake Charles 

Daily, fresh-baked treats are a signature of The Bekery. This spring, consider peeking into their bakery case and trying a Blueberry Biscuit, stuffed with blueberries, or a Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish, topped with fresh strawberries. Stop by for breakfast, brunch or lunch and save room for a berry Danish or apple croissant.  

The Coffee Connection – 207 W. Second St., DeRidder   

If you find yourself in the Piney Woods of DeRidder, plan a stop by the Coffee Connection for their Chocolate Coffee Chia Parfait. Prepare to experience rich chocolate, bold coffee, creamy Greek yogurt, fresh strawberries and a crunchy almond granola. If you’re dreaming of a summer vacation, be on the lookout for The Coffee Connection’s vacation in a bowl. Check out the Pina Colada Sorbet or the Coconut Sorbet and transport yourself to a tropical island. Fresh acai bowls are also often featured on The Coffee Connection’s menu. 

Doughnut Hole – 2314 Ryan St., Lake Charles 

Move over cupcakes and donuts, there’s a new treat stealing the spotlights. The cronut (the irresistible hybrid of croissant and donut) is whipping up a flavor frenzy on local menus. Stop by Doughnut Hole for a strawberry cream cheese or strawberry shortcake cronut. Each is topped with fresh strawberries. The Coco Lemon Explosion is filled with bright lemon cream, sweet coconut flake and buttercream, providing a tropical experience for your taste buds. Also on the menu are Strawberry Matcha Bliss and Blueberry Cream Cheese Dream. 

LuLu’s Specialty Snocones and More – 2735 Country Club Rd., Lake Charles 

Move over king cake and other holiday flavors, the Gentilly Dream Snoshake and Gentilly Snocone with Cream have arrived. Both selections feature Gentilly cupcakes and fresh fruit. If sweet and tart is a little more your style, consider a Strawberry Cream Lemonade or Brazilian Lemonade, or spice things up with a Watermelon Refresher with Tajiin. 

Pronia’s Deli and Bakery – 3101 Kirkman St., Lake Charles 

For this local favorite, spring time puts lemons and strawberries in the spotlight. Pronia’s aims to have fun with their flavors by whisking up cake slices featuring flavors like lemon blueberry and coconut with strawberry (Tiger’s Blood). Pronia’s Champagne Cake topped with fresh strawberries is a mainstay and other cakes stealing the show include pineapple, coconut pineapple and white chocolate strawberry. By ordering ahead, you can also secure homemade sweet dough pies filled with strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, lemon chess and coconut. 

Twanie’s Terrific Treats – 206 W. 11th St., Lake Charles 

Twanie’s is known for dreaming up decadent concoctions that highlight fresh fruit. With a menu that is ever evolving, it is worth following along to see what they are serving up weekly. Past highlights include Apple Pie Cheesecake and Lemon Blueberry Lovers cookies and cheesecake. Twanie’s menu changes weekly, and they sell out fast, so this is one you will want to check for frequent updates.