Dessert Wars is a touring dessert festival that visits major cities across America. It’s stopped in Tampa several times, and two of the most decorated dessert hubs in Tampa Bay have taken the top honors: Synergy Sweet and Meli Greek Street Donuts. Both will compete at the Dessert Wars National Championship taking place in Atlanta, GA on December 2.
At the Cobb Galleria Centre, the National Championship will showcase the top 48 dessert vendors from across the country as they battle it out for the People’s Choice and Judges Championship. Fans in attendance will be able to sample from all 48 competitors and cast their vote for the People’s Choice winner.
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Tampa’s Synergy Sweets was the People’s Choice Champion at the 2023 Tampa Dessert Wars event. If you smell what (Synergy Sweets owner) Shonnika Denise is cooking.
Synergy Sweets wows audiences at Dessert Wars
For Denise, it’s just another one. Visitors were enchanted by the baker’s guava cheesecake, pumpkin s’mores cupcakes, and cookie butter toffee cupcakes. In a crowded field of sugary delights, Synergy Sweets always manages to stand out.
Her passion for baking comes from her family. It’s the memories tied to the food that brings people together that fuels Denise to continue serving the Tampa area. In 2013, she enrolled in the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, and it’s there that she realized the possibilities that baking offered.
You can learn more about custom orders on the bakery’s website. Follow Synergy Sweets on Instagram for updates on new specials.
Meli brings the art of Greek Donuts to Tampa Bay
Meli Greek Street Donuts has to serve up some of my all-time favorite treats in Florida. Tarpon Springs native Irene Manglis is frying up glorious treats for all of the Sunshine State — her menu offers a unique spin on her grandmother’s loukoumades (aka authentic Greek donuts) recipe. 
The airy, fluffy, and oh-so-sweet Churr’ all I need donuts are wonderful Greek twists on churros. The Boston Boozy Donuts are Stuffed with Baileys infused custard, drizzled chocolate & finished with a chocolate Irish creme whip. Find where Meli is popping up next on their website and Instagram.
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