Delectable Local Desserts

Desserts can be a sweet, lasting memory of an extraordinary travel experience. When the hosts of Newsweek’s Fast Women podcast travel, we don’t leave finding the best pastries in town to chance. Instead, we ask the locals which restaurant, shop or stand makes the very best; the hotel concierge is often a great resource, too. From coffee cake at Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery in California to milkshakes at Diesel Créme in South Africa or Sacher Torte at the Café Sacher in Austria, the sweet treats on this list are some of our favorites around the globe—and well worth a trip to discover. EILEEN FALKENBERG-HULL AND NICOLE WAKELIN

Milkshakes at Diesel & Crème

BARRYDALE, SOUTH AFRICA

This vintage diner and motel along South Africa’s version of Route 66 has delightfully creamy milkshakes that serve as a perfect sweet treat and stopping point as you head out for a day east of Cape Town. Switch up your usual order and meringue or rum raisin and blueberry.

01

Seven Sisters Butter Ring Coffee Cake at Olsen's Danish Village Bakery

SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA

Layers of almond and custard filling combine *with traditional coffee cake to make a heavy pastry weighing several pounds. Get yours fresh from the bakery and travel home with it-it's good for days after purchase and can be reheated in the oven.

02 Buttermilk Pie at Greenwood Grocery

GREENWOOD, TEXAS

The key to acquiring this smooth but tangy buttermilk pie is getting to Greenwood, near Dallas, early in the day. Sold commonly by the slice rather than an entire pie tin at a time, it's so good you won't want to share slices. Bring cash.

03 Beavertails at Mont

Tremblant

QUEBEC CITY

Right next to the ski slopes of Mont Tremblant is a pastry shop that sells fried whole wheat dough goodness with a taste similar to an American funnel cake, topped with fresh fruit, drizzle, sprinkles, a smear of chocolate or a host of other options.

04 Churros and Chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés

MADRID (See previous spread)

05 Afternoon Tea at The Langham