While I do love those little 2-bite desserts from Vin you have pictured none stand out in my mind as really great.

I do LOVE the caramelized banana cream pie at Ruth's Chris. And you have to go get some pine nut roll from Tio Pepe's. I considered making it my wedding cake but it doesn't look so appealing (don't let the look scare you, it is WONDERFUL). The red velvet cake at Sugarbakers is the best I have had in the city. Can't think of a darn thing at Vaccaro's that doesn't taste good (you could down some sugar in that place).

Since we are talking sweets... has anyone tried the new Yia Yia's Bakery on Philadelphia Road in Rosedale? It just opened and I have heard good things but have not checked it out myself yet.

This is a woman who knows her sugar. I love that.

I'm not a huge sugar fan but my BF is, and he keeps taking me back to Fractured Prune doughnut shop. There is one on Harford Road, and also one in Halethorpe, I think. BF likes all the sugary goodness you can have on your doughnut, and I like the fact that they are served warm.

Now we're talking.

You have to go to Patisserie Poupon on E. Baltimore St. This authentic French bakery makes amazing and beautiful treats, desserts, and pastries - including a Napolean with caramel on top, but don't pass up their strawberry cake or a chocolate croissant if available.

I hate bringing a chain restaurant into the conversation, but Cheesecake Factory has the best strawberry shortcake concoction (you thought I was going to say cheesecake, didn't you?) that I have ever feasted on!

(Elizabeth, I just emailed you and then realized maybe I should just post/comment instead.)

The Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake at Morton's Steakhouse.

To die for -- served warm, with vanilla ice cream and raspberries, with a warm oozing chocolate center. Worth every penny! I always save room for it, not eating all my steak.

I also love Morton's upside down apple pie with its yellow raisins. Yum!

Vacarro's gelato.

Simon's bakery in Cockeysville has the best real butter-laden sugar cookies that I can remember next to those my mother used to make. They are available year round. A simple but delicious pleasure.

Sweet Dreams Pastry Shop in Annapolis is pretty darned good when unable to dine at Cynthia's in Severna Park. Both places are owned and worked by professional pastry chefs, the former at Sweet Dreams arriving from Kinkead's in Washington DC. The Washington Post featured a nice write up on Sweet Dreams about six months ago as to its elegant deserts. Notwithstanding, I believe a simple test of a bakery is in its plain chocolate chip cookie. The one at Sweet Dreams passes with flying colors.

Wockenfuss Candies has the best chocolates in town. The truffles in their homemade chocolates line are amazing and their gormet truffles are also killer. You also can't miss with the Baltimore Caramel Fudge. YUM!

the berger cookie: 1/2 inch of cookie, full inch of rich chocolate covering... how can one resist? they are especcially yummy if you keep them frozen =)

Canoli at Vacarro's (duh!) and Baklava at the Black Olive...If you have room, add a scoop of their homemade Baklava Ice Cream!

The key lime pie at OceanAire is super tart and fabulous, Brasserie Tatin makes a lemon curd Tart with dark chocolate that is an absolutely perfect combination (and the profiteroles!), and BonJour Bakery on Falls Rd always has beautiful individual pastries and berry tarts. Also - the almond croissants at Napoleon in Fells are can't miss!

The mini doughnut stand at the farmers' market under the JFX is an delicious and cheap sweet treat.