New Orleans Sweets and Desserts: the Best Websites to Order from

When you think of New Orleans, you may think Mardi Gras, French Quarter, and of course, the cuisine. But while crawfish boils and red beans and rice may be the first thing that comes to mind, the locals know that the distinctive sweet treats made and grown here may be one of our best kept secrets. Read on to learn just where you can order these fabulous treats to enjoy at home.

Gambinos Bakery

This local bakery has been in business for 50 years, delivering delicious treats all over the country. The bakery offers many different items, most notably, their king cakes. Plain or filled, there are different packages to choose from, some containing beads, cups, and info on the history of Mardi Gras.

Gambinos is also famous for their incredible cakes and pastries. From carrot to red velvet, to petit fours and cookies, there is plenty to choose from. My pick is the doberge cake, a butter cake with custard filling. Too delicious to resist!

King Cake packages start at 38.00, and the Kris Kringle, a similar pastry, is available during the holiday season. The bakery ships via Fed Ex with dry ice, and you can check them out at: gambinos.com

Cajun Pecan House

Located outside the New Orleans area, this treasure features authentic Cajun sweets and gifts (Certified Cajun stamped on all products). The Pecan House offers King Cakes, made a little differently from others, and with a delicious pecan filling. You can order freshly shelled pecans, plain or roasted with different spices and flavors.
I think the Cajun Pecan Pie is a must order. Baked in a flaky shell, loaded with pecans and sweet filling, it is both authentic and truly affordable ($12.49). You can also check out their tea cookies, pralines, fruitcakes, jellies, jams, and cookbooks. Beautiful gift baskets are available, and custom designed for your needs and budget. cajunpecanhouse.com

Hubig Pies

Originally a bakery business started in Texas, the only one to survive was luckily, here in New Orleans. These fantastic fried fruit pies are a staple in grocery stores throughout the area, and for good reason. Available in many flavors, from apple to sweet potato, the pies are great for breakfast, dessert, or just a snack. Made fresh daily from local ingredients, but are now available online to ship anywhere in the U.S. You may purchase them by the case, either in one flavor or a mulitpack ($25.00 for a case of twelve). The website also offers a virtual tour of their historic factory, photos, and fun items like the Hubig logo on tees and onesies. My pick is the apple flavor, but I would suggest purchasing the mulitpack to discover your favorite! hubigs.com

Roman Candy Co.

A totally different breed than saltwater, this local taffy is a beloved childhood favorite for many New Orleans. In the 1890s this confection was produced and sold in New Orleans by Sam Cortese, the original Roman Taffy Man. Since 1915, mule-drawn carts have toted these taffy candies all over town. When Sam Cortese died in 1969, his grandson, Ron Kottenmann took his place in the taffy cart. Today Ron keeps the tradition alive by pulling the taffy from the same hook and using his grandfather's recipe.

Available in three different flavors, these sweet taffy candies are a treat for kids of all ages! Each order comes with 12 sticks of taffy, available in vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. You may also order a mulitpack ($7.00). http://romancandy.gourmetfoodmall.com/

Louisiana Satsuma Oranges

Probably the best orange in the world, these beauties are super sweet, easy to peel, and contain very little seeds. Related to the mandarin, Satsuma oranges are small like tangerines, with a skin that ripens from green to yellow to orange, but are delicious to eat when yellow. Since Satsuma season is only from October to February, you can only order them at that time. Whether as a snack or in a salad, a case of Satsumas make a lovely and healthy gift for friends and family.

Simon Citrus Farms in Vermillion Parish, Louisiana, is a great place to order your Satsumas. While you may think an orange is just an orange, one taste will totally change your mind! satsumafarm.com

New Orleans is not just a seafood, Cajun and Creole land of spicy goodness. You certainly have a lot to choose from in the sweet department. And now that you're hungry, get online and order some of these yummy treats!