Do It, Eat/Drink, So Tampa

The largest dessert festival in America returns to Tampa in 2023

January 19, 2023
• By Andrew Harlan

January 19, 2023
• By Andrew Harlan

Dessert Wars returns to Tampa on September 23. The largest traveling dessert festival in America makes its triumphant return to the Florida State Fairgrounds for one of the sweetest celebrations in the state. If you can’t wait until September, just start counting down the days until The Florida State Fair this February, and the upcoming Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival.

This enchanting celebration of all things sweet typically consists of a who’s who in the Tampa Bay region baking scene. Spots from South Florida and Central Florida also tend to make appearances at the event. Dessert Wars is a celebration of the “foodie” lifestyle, featuring over 50 dessert vendors vying for the title of Dessert Champion. The event features a wide array of desserts ranging from cupcakes, cookies, ice cream and doughnuts. Tickets aren’t on sale just yet but we’ll update the post once they go live. Visit the Dessert Wars website for updates on the event.

Cake by previous Dessert Wars winner Synergy Sweets

Those interested in potentially participating in the event as a competitor can apply online. In 2020, the people’s choice award-winner was The Dessert Spot by Toffee To Go. In 2021, Synergy Sweets, The Yard Milkshake Bar, Pudding Queen, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Meli Greek Street Donuts took the top 5 spots on the judge’s list. In 2022, Meli’s Greek Street Donuts took home the top prize.

Dessert Wars will outfit the Florida State Fairgrounds in September, so let’s hope for slightly cooler temperatures and a deluge of delicious delicacies.

Fulfill your sweet tooth with these local dessert hotspots

Dessert lovers in Tampa should be sure to hit up the Harry Waugh Dessert Room at Bern’s Steakhouse for Baked Alaska. Hello Sweetness just recently opened its doors and it lives up to its name with amazing crepes on the menu. On the hunt for gluten-free, vegan desserts? HaleLife Bakery just opened a brand new bistro in Carrollwood. Need desserts delivered to your door? Cookie Munchers is delivering cookies the size of hub caps near the University of South Florida. In 2019, Yelp put out its own list of the top dessert spots in Tampa so be sure to check that out.

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Andrew Harlan

Andrew Harlan is the Editor of thatssotampa.com. Follow him on Twitter @harlanyoungII and Instagram @harlanyoung. Send tips and potential stories to info@thatssotampa.com.