It’s time to forget your New Years resolutions for a night (or morning) at our top four favorite Miami dessert spots.

Dental continuing education should always come with a hefty serving of fun in addition to all of the personal and career development. What could be more fun than sugar, sugar, and more sugar?

Best Desserts in Miami (AKA Bring on the Cavities)

When you visit Pankey, it would be a shame not to leave Key Biscayne at least once to explore mainland Miami. Not only does the city boast a fascinating assortment of culture, it’s also known for world-class cuisine.

But where to go and, most importantly, what restaurant(s) should you visit? Don’t worry, we’ll lead you on the path of dessert decadence:

1. A Simple Slice of Pie at The Dutch

Pie, you ask? Really? Oh yes. Choose the pie of your heart’s desire at this eclectic American-style bar, restaurant, and oyster room on Miami Beach. Salted lime, caramel apple, and banana cream pies are made fresh daily.

2. An Insane Milkshake at Bocas House

Whether you’re on Instagram or not, you will have to get a picture of your Bocas House milkshake to share with all close and not-so-close acquaintances. Their whimsical masterpieces like the Nutella and Golden Milkshakes are topped with everything from brownies to ice cream cones.

3. A Sophisticated Flourless Cake at Chef Sucre Cafe

This Coral Gables eatery is a foodie’s dream. Order the flourless chocolate cake (gluten free, for those wondering) and enjoy the lingonberry chutney prepared alongside chantilly cream. It’s an unforgettable dessert experience.

4. A Jaw-Dropping Deep Fried Oreo at Yardbird

Gone are the days when deep fried oreos were only considered festival fare. Yardbird turns the tables with this shocking dessert. It’s honestly a meal of its own, though you might find the other dessert offerings (mini nutella-filled beignets, bacon butterscotch cake, and more) difficult to pass up.

There are endless Miami desserts that could have made it onto this list, including our favorite Gelato right on Key Biscayne at Bertoni. If none of our choices suit your taste buds, go ahead and explore! The local fare is always full of surprises.

Pankey just so happens to be located on a beautiful island off the coast of Miami: Key Biscayne. For many, the Key is an ideal tropical escape. It’s small enough to walk around on foot, but large enough to accommodate many cuisine and activity options.

There are gorgeous beaches, world-class restaurants, stunning mansions, and luxury resorts spread along a five mile stretch of palm-tree dotted land. Connected to mainland Miami by the Rickenbacker Causeway, you’ll feel yourself entering a different world as you leave congested city streets for the laid back island vibe.

We’ve already given you some ideas for the best Cuban food to sample while you’re attending a CE course at Pankey. Now, we’ve put together a simple guide you can take advantage of to get the most out of your trip.

3 Things to Do in Key Biscayne

1. Go to the Beach

When we say go to the beach, there really are a hundred different ways you could do this on Key Biscayne alone. One of the best is to extend your stay at Pankey into a mini-vacation and book a room at the local Ritz-Carlton. They have a delightful beach to lounge on for a relaxing getaway.

2. Visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

This state park is gorgeous and fascinating, along with having a great beach. You can explore the historic lighthouse and learn more about the area’s thriving wildlife. You can also go kayaking, snorkel, hike, and much more.

3. Shop in the Sunshine

There are multiple locations on Key Biscayne to shop for upscale clothing or unique items. On top of that, stores tend to be nestled right next to incredible restaurants like Origins Asian Bistro. Key Colony Plaza is one example of the intimate, classy shopping centers scattered around the island.

What do you love about traveling for CE courses? Please leave your thoughts in the comments! 

New to the Key? Interested in expanding your culinary oeuvre? If you’re attending a Pankey course, you should add Cuban to your list of must-try Key Biscayne cuisine. 

Luckily, just across the street from the Pankey Institute is a small (but recently renovated & expanded) walk-up restaurant called ‘Oasis Cafe.’ Ordering at this local’s favorite can seem intimidating at first to those unfamiliar with Cuban cuisine, but it is actually a great experience.

The cafe is such a local institution it doesn’t have a sign, so we created a map to help you find it!

The food isn’t fancy, but it is real cuban food! You probably can’t go wrong with any selection, so it’s worthwhile to simply see what’s cooking today or ask for recommendations from the Oasis staff.

On the other hand, you could try out some of our favorites:

Pankey Favorites – Cuban Food at The Oasis Cafe

1. The Cuban Sandwich

This sandwich is not like other sandwiches. You either love it or your hate it. Cuban sandwiches are legendary for their salty-savory expansion on the traditional ‘ham and cheese.’ Trust us, they are on a whole new level.

Cuban sandwiches are filled with three different types of meat: ham, roasted pork, and salami. Pickles, mustard, and Swiss cheese add depth to the flavor profile. Everything is then squeezed between flaky, soft Cuban bread (a delight in its own right).

2. Cafe Con Leche or a Cortadito

Coffee with milk? It sounds simple, but a true cafe con leche from a Cuban establishment is a very specific type of drink made with strong cuban espresso. Despite not actually being food or ‘cuisine,’ cafe con leche is an essential part of a Cuban-inspired meal. If you like your coffee stronger, ask for a Cortadito.  Think of it as a smaller, more intense cappuccino. Get it the way the locals like it: “con azucar” (with sugar).

3. Empanadas

Empanadas are a savory pastry usually made with beef. They are universally adored for their reasonably doughy, deliciously fried exterior and flavorful insides. You won’t be able to stop at just one, we promise. They are filling, moist, and perfect for an on-the-go lunch.

4. Guava & Cheese Pastelitos

Think of fruity cheesecake filling in a warm, flaky, fresh-baked pastry. Its a delicious, authentic cuban pastry with a unique, islands flavor.  There are other flavors and even savory versions with meat, but we recommend you just ask for a “Guava & Cheese”.

5. Sweet Fried Plantains

“Maduros” as they are called are a delicious treat, often included with a meal as a side dish. Plaintains look like large bananas, but have a different flavor and texture.  Even if you don’t like bananas, you may like Maduros, which are fried (but not breaded). The sugars in the fruit are caramelized, and many like them slightly burnt.

How important is a satisfying local food scene to you when taking CE? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!