Regardless of your feelings for or against Valentine’s Day, there’s certainly something to be said for gigantic desserts that are made for sharing. After all, what’s better than a little bit of dessert? A lot of dessert! Whether you’re celebrating with a loved one tonight, going on an anti-Valentine’s Day crusade, or ignoring it altogether, check out these dishes for a special shareable treat.
Rootbeer & Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake (with liquid nitrogen!) at Blue Inc.
Rootbeer and Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake at Blue Inc. Photo by Daisy.
Ok, this one’s actually on the small side and not specifically meant for two, but there’s no dessert more inherently shareable than a classic milkshake. At Blue Inc., you might as well order two different flavors (try the strawberry & honey-dipped donut in addition to the classic root beer shake) and share them both. You’ll get a fun show along with your tasty treat; liquid nitrogen adds a dramatic effect.
“Made with liquid nitrogen, a mystical, wizardly woosh of tingling, cold, bubbly air swarms around you and before you know it, you’ve got a shake that’s anything but – it’s frozen solid!” writes Daisy. ”The kitchen was kind enough to split the shake into two glasses for my dining companion and I, and return with additional liquid nitrogen to enhance the effects. Once the mist clears and the shake melts enough to be pierced with a spoon, a thick, smooth, clay like substance is flooded with liquid lying underneath and within, proving this milkshake that strays far off the beaten path, works.”
Other top Boston milkshakes include the Oreo frappe at UBurger, the salted caramel shake at 5 Napkin Burger, and the frappe at Toscanini’s.
Grand Dessert for Two at Sel de la Terre Long Wharf
Grand Dessert Sampler at Sel de la Terre Long Wharf. Photo by Daisy.
A giant plate full of miniature versions of the entire dessert menu? Sign me up. ”Each and every one of the dessert menu offerings sounded amazing so we figured why not try them all?” writes Daisy. ”The sampling proved a worthwhile choice with more than enough bites to satisfy three people.”
The top-rated dessert of the bunch is the maple goat cheese mousse, according to Daisy, who writes that it was “as inventive as they come.” She also rates highly the flourless chocolate decadence cake (sounds perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day treat, doesn’t it?) and the chai tea panna cotta.
Sharing at Max Brenner. Photo by Rachel L. Blumenthal.
Max Brenner must rake in a fortune on Valentine’s Day; along with Finale Desserterie & Bakery, it is certainly one of Boston’s most dessert-focused dining destinations. Get ready for a complete chocolate overload if you go here. Nearly any dessert on the menu could probably be comfortably shared, but the appropriately-named “sharing” is perhaps the best option. From chocolate sponge cake to chocolate fondue to chocolate wafer balls, this sampler plate packs a sugary punch.
While the sharing plate does have a small portion of fondue, true fondue fans might want to opt instead for the classic European chocolate fondue, meant for two. You get to choose two different chocolates (from white, milk, or dark), and it comes with a selection of fruits and sweets for your dipping pleasure.
Are campfires more your style? Try the urban s’mores, also meant for two.
If you don’t mind heading into uncharted territory, there are a number of other shareable desserts around town that have yet to be rated on Tasted Menu. Why not try them and be the first to leave a review? We’ve got our eyes on the chocolate caramel tryst and the dessert sampler at Finale Desserterie & Bakery, the banana split for two and the waffle sundae for two at Johnny’s Luncheonette, and the Mistral assiette for two.
