A Decadent Debate: Finding the Best Applebee's Dessert
For many, a trip to Applebee's isn't complete without a grand finale of a sweet treat. The dessert menu, though not massive, offers a compelling mix of warm, decadent, and refreshing options. While subjective, one dessert, in particular, has garnered significant attention and high praise from both customers and food critics.
The Reigning Champion: Triple Chocolate Meltdown
Often cited in reviews as the ultimate Applebee's dessert, the Triple Chocolate Meltdown is a fan favorite for a reason. This dessert features a warm, rich chocolate cake with a gooey fudge filling that oozes out when pierced. It is then drizzled with more hot fudge and served alongside a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream. This contrast of warm, molten chocolate and cool, creamy vanilla is a major factor in its high ranking among critics. The depth of texture, from the soft cake to the rich filling, provides a delightful sensory experience.
However, it's important to note that customer experiences can vary. Some diners have reported inconsistencies in preparation, with reviews citing an overly dry cake or melted ice cream upon arrival. Despite this, when prepared correctly, its appeal is undeniable.
Warm & Nutty: Sizzlin' Butter Pecan Blondie
For those who prefer something other than pure chocolate, the Sizzlin' Butter Pecan Blondie is a strong contender. This dessert features a famous blondie sizzled and drizzled with a maple cream cheese sauce, then topped with vanilla ice cream and candied pecans. The warm blondie with the nutty pecans and sweet, tangy sauce offers a comforting and texturally exciting experience. Its temperature and flavor profile provide a cozy, autumn-like alternative to the Triple Chocolate Meltdown, making it a favorite for many.
A Shake to Remember: Oreo® Cookie Shake
Sometimes, the best dessert is one you can sip. The Oreo® Cookie Shake has a loyal following and was even brought back to the menu due to popular demand following a viral song mention. This drinkable dessert is a creamy concoction of vanilla ice cream blended with crushed Oreo® cookie pieces, finished with whipped cream and more cookie crumbles. It's a fun, nostalgic, and indulgent choice, especially for those who want a sweet treat that isn't a traditional baked good.
A Look at Other Tempting Treats
Beyond the headliners, Applebee's sometimes offers other popular items that appeal to different tastes:
- Cinnabon® Mini Swirls: These fried, golden-brown swirls are dusted with Cinnabon® cinnamon sugar, drizzled with caramel, and served with signature cream cheese frosting. They offer a taste of a classic cinnamon roll in a smaller, shareable format.
- Brownie Bite: A scaled-down version of a warm dark chocolate brownie with nuts, served with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. It's a perfect option for a quick, single-serving indulgence.
Which Applebee's Dessert is Right for You?
| Feature | Triple Chocolate Meltdown | Sizzlin' Butter Pecan Blondie | Oreo® Cookie Shake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Rich, decadent, molten chocolate | Sweet, nutty, buttery, caramel | Creamy vanilla with chocolate cookie |
| Temperature | Warm cake, hot fudge, cold ice cream | Warm blondie, cold ice cream | Cold, blended drink |
| Texture | Moist cake, gooey fudge, creamy ice cream | Gooey blondie, crunchy pecans, creamy sauce, ice cream | Smooth shake with chunky cookie pieces |
| Best For... | The ultimate chocoholic craving | Fans of nutty, caramel-flavored treats | Those who prefer a drinkable, nostalgic dessert |
| Notable Features | Iconic molten lava center, temperature contrast | Maple cream cheese sauce, candied pecans | Blended with real Oreo® cookies |
Conclusion: The Sweetest Verdict
Determining the absolute best dessert at Applebee's depends entirely on personal preference. However, the Triple Chocolate Meltdown, with its classic molten lava cake appeal and contrasting hot and cold elements, consistently stands out in reviews. For those who want to stray from chocolate, the Sizzlin' Butter Pecan Blondie offers a delicious, comforting alternative with a caramel-nut flavor profile. The Oreo® Cookie Shake provides a fun, drinkable indulgence perfect for a satisfying, rich finish. Ultimately, whether you crave a rich chocolate cake, a warm blondie, or a creamy milkshake, Applebee's has a dessert to cap off your meal perfectly.
For more insight into popular Applebee's menu items, see the Tasting Table review.
