10 Desserts in Manila That We Buy for Ourselves

(SPOT.ph) Nothing brings a smile to our faces faster than a fudgy chocolate cake or a slice of gooey, fruity pie. We did not make this up, it's actually science. Sugar—that ingredient in desserts that make it taste good—stimulates the brain by releasing the neurotransmitter dopamine, responsible for that feeling of well-being we get when somebody pays us a compliment or we receive a reward.

So while desserts might be a favorite gift to give to someone—or the preferred potluck contribution of those who don’t cook—sometimes we feel like doing ourselves a kindness by ordering that cake for ourselves. And really, why not? If we were raised to be independent, self-sufficient individuals, we should definitely be responsible for our own happiness.

Have we justified it enough for you? Now all you have to do is pick from this list which one to order when you feel the need to practice self-love.

Also read: 
The Best Chocolate Cakes You Can Get Delivered Right Now 
10 Great Cakes That Will Never Go Out of Style

These are the best desserts in Manila that you deserve right now:

Creme Brûlée Cake from The Pastry Cart

If you have tried ordering their most popular cake (in fact, any cake on their roster) during any major holiday, you will know that getting a coveted slot is like winning a hard-fought battle. True fans, however, know that they have 6-inch, personal sized versions of their cakes that can be pre-ordered throughout the year. Why wait for Christmas or your birthday? You deserve that Creme Brûlée Cake (starts at P1,300/six inches) now.

For orders, contact 0916-745-7729 (Pasig), 0905-283-2413 (Quezon City), or 0956-702-2094 (Makati). You can also check out The Pastry Cart's Instagram page.

That Cheesecake at El Born

It is not a burnt Basque cheesecake, but according to executive chef David Amoros, the El Born Cheesecake (P395) is how cheesecake should be. Delicately flavored, creamy yet airy—El Born's winning cheesecake makes for the perfect ending to the Catalan feast guests enjoy at the MItsukoshi BGC restaurant. Still, many regulars come solely for the cheesecake and some coffee, and others pre-order a whole cake to be enjoyed at home.

El Born is at 2/F Mitsukoshi BGC, 8th Avenue corner 36th Street, Bonifacio Global City.

Classic Chocolate Cake from Cipriano Sans Rival

While their pistachio-studded sans rival make for impressive gifts (especially for the titas and lolas), home baker Kris Alcantara Mendoza’s Chocolate Cake (starts at P425/4.5 inches) is something you would want to keep for yourself. Aside from the obvious feel-good nostalgia it brings, it is one of those things that taste better after a day or two in the ref. The cake is more moist, and the icing is thicker and fudgier.

For orders, visit Cipriano Sans Rival's website.

Banana Pudding from M Bakery

The American import is a favorite Thanksgiving dessert, but M Bakery has made their Banana Pudding (starts at P155/small) accessible all year round in easy-to-store and transport pints. The rich, gooey texture with the tropical aromas of fresh bananas makes it the perfect treat for when you are Netflix and chilling, or pretty much anytime you need something comforting and delicious.

See a list of M Bakery branches.

Strawberry Tres Leches from Flour Pot Manila

Chef Rhea Sycip’s cakes are not only delicious but incredibly Instagrammable, and this tray cake is no different. Even Mexicans who have tried it admit that it is better than their mamas’ (que horror!), and it feels great knowing we have access to the best. Moist cake soaked in milk and topped with airy whipped cream and sweet strawberries… how can you even think about sharing?

For orders, send a message to Flour Pot Manila's Facebook page.

Cakes by the slice from Gng. Bukid

Like many good things, this bakery grew its following selling cakes and breads in the weekend markets starting as far back as 2004. Now, they have a commissary at La Fuerza along Chino Roces extension and their loyal followers can check in to see which cakes are available to order by the slice. On rotation now are drool-worthy confections such as pineapple upside-down cake, fudge cake, cashew torte, and walnut cardamom cake, among many other interesting flavors.

For orders, send a message to Gng. Bukid's Instagram page.

French Apple Pie from The Kitchen at 2002

Are there days when your body screams for pie? Mine does, and when that happens I know I have a sympathetic friend in home baker Marga Marquez who makes an incredible French Apple Pie (P1,300/eight inches) with a cheesy, crumbly top that always hits the spot. Pro tip: Ask about her Fluffernutter Pie—it’s basically a banana cream pie on steroids.

For orders, send a message to The Kitchen at 2002's Instagram page.

Surprise Chocolate Cupcakes from Homemade by Roshan

Best known for her exquisitely-made tortes and decadent, moist cakes, Roshan Gopaldas Samtani is a reliable favorite for special occasion cakes. But for those days when you just want a commitment-free pick-me-up, her Chocolate Cupcakes (P1,450/box of 12) are sure to turn that frown upside-down. Moist cake that is chocolate-frosted with a shower of sprinkles, plus that custard surprise in the middle—it's a timeless bestseller for a reason.

For orders, visit Homemade by Roshan's website.

Assorted Pastry Box from MelC patisserie

Award-winning pastry chef Melissa Lim aptly calls what she makes in her patisserie “the world’s most affordable luxury good,” and we enthusiastically concur. Just like gazing upon beautiful art or an intricate piece of jewelry, her pastries are sure to bring a bit of glamour to your day. A box of her whimsical pastries look like something straight out of a dream, and what’s even better is that they taste incredible.

MelC Patisserie is at LG/F Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, Makati City.

Guiltless Chocolate Dream Cake from Le Sucre Lab

For the insulin-challenged— you’re always on our mind and we don’t want you to miss out on the fun. Known for their tin cakes filled with creamy, rich confections, LSL’s sugar-free version of their chocolate dream cake (P775) tastes almost too good to be true. You still get that deep chocolate flavor, the luxurious mouthfeel, and yes, the good vibes.

See a list of Le Sucre Lab branches.

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