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Best Summertime Desserts In South Florida

South Florida is known for its tropical fruits. Often, you can find mango trees flourishing in the typical South Florida garden. So it makes sense that these South Florida staples would become a welcome ingredient in the region's tastiest desserts. Check out some of these summertime desserts that feature strawberries, kiwis, mangos and guava and be prepared to taste the fruits of South Florida summer.

knaus berry farm
(source: http://www.redlandriot.com/Knaus.html)

Knaus Berry Farm
15980 S.W. 248th St.
Homestead, FL 33031
(305) 247-0668
www.knausberryfarm.com

When you first hear the name, immediate thoughts of California's Knotts Berry Farm and roller coasters pop into mind, but that's not what you're getting. Despite the name similarities, the only thing these two farms have in common are the berries. You can purchase and pick fresh strawberries at this Homestead hideaway in addition to a variety of freshly made baked goods made from the berries that populate the land. Choose from blueberry or cherry fruit cheesecakes, key lime pies and pineapple upside down cakes along with unbelievable fruit smoothies and shakes. Like Knotts Berry Farm, there's always a line out the door but you can be sure that the food at Knaus Berry Farm is well worth the wait.

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Phil's Berry Farm
13955 S.W. 248th St.
Homestead, FL 33032
(305) 905-2284
www.facebook.com/PhilsBerryFarm

Miami normally conjures up images of the big city and the beach. That's why many are surprised to find out that there are farms tucked away in the outskirts of town that cater to those fond of southern charm and fresh-picked ingredients. At Phil's Berry Farm in Homestead, you can walk past a life-sized cow statue and into a red barn to taste a strawberry smoothie made fresh from strawberries picked from Phil's Farm. All of the ingredients are fresh and with one sip, you're guaranteed to forget you're in South Florida, even if it is for only a moment. Chances are, the South Florida heat will snap you back to reality.

banana cafe
(source: http://www.bananacafekw.com/)

Banana Café
1215 Duval St.
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-7227
www.bananacafekw.com

Banana Café of Key West prides itself on only the freshest ingredients and its fruits are no exception. It only serves the freshest fruits in its daily baked pastries and the flavors that come out are as unique as the restaurant itself. Sample foods like the apple tart or key lime custard pie as well as the signature banana flambée. It's a taste of the tropical in the most tropical of locations.

Related:  Best Frozen Yogurt In South Florida

ice box cafe
(source: twitter.com/iceboxcafemiami)

Ice Box Cafe
1855 Purdy Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-8448
www.iceboxcafe.com

The Ice Box Cafe knows a thing or two about desserts. This New York-to-Miami transplant has had its cakes featured on Oprah's Best Cakes In the Land and it just opened a new location in the Miami International Airport. The cake shop includes raspberry chocolate mousse cake and the devine dessert menu features a strawberry caramel cake not to mention its deep dish key lime pie. Add on a delectable meal to accompany your sweet tooth and you're in business. Stop in for a fresh bite today.

todo frio
(source: http://www.todofrio.net/)

Todo Frio
2715 S.W. 37th Ave.
Miami, FL 33133
(305) 442-1907
www.todofrio.net

While in sunny South Florida, you're going to want try a creative summertime concoction. Look no further than Todo Frio. It has two summertime sweets that will delight your tastebuds. The sizzling pineapple features three flavors of ice cream (mango, guava and cocoa) on top of a pineapple half and topped with hot guava syrup while the seductive strawberry dessert features three scoops of strawberry or coconut ice cream between and covered by real strawberries. then topped with hot guava syrup. It's just the summertime surprise you were looking for.

Related: Best Ice Cream Shops

Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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