Taste Test

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

South County may be a chocoholic's haven

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Although South County’s farms are brimming with the best fall fruits, we decided to stray from traditional tarts and pies for a dessert that’s always in season: chocolate. But strip a classic dish of its typical flour and what happens? Unexpectedly wonderful things. They say the best things in life are free, but we think they may have meant flourless. 

Livin' La Vida Cocoa


Packed with a range of cocoa contents, the Coast Guard House’s flourless cake offers a trifecta of textures for the chocolate connoisseur. A dark, brownie-like cake serves as a base under a layer of mousse that is light in both texture and flavor. Both are topped with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate plaquette that helps port-wine soaked cherries and a house-made pistachio nougat extend the sweet experience. 40 Ocean Road, Narragansett. 789-0700, www.thecoastguardhouse.com 

Nobody Knows the Truffles I’ve Seen


Jamestown’s Slice of Heaven is true to its name with its straight up fudgy, wheat-free offerings. Their chocolate cake, topped with a delicate, but bold, layer of ganache and light dusting of powdered sugar, reminds us of the lush inside of a truffle. Obviously crafted with quality dark chocolate, we love the subtle crunch of sugar crystals that tops this one’s brownie-batter consistency. 32 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown. 423-9866, www.sliceofheavenri.com

A Frosted Fête 


After trying Sweet Cakes Bakery’s mocha buttercream frosted cake, we understand why it’s “Auntie’s favorite.” This crowd-pleaser impressed us with its size and multi-tiered structure. The thick, but not overly sweet, cake houses an almost weightless mousse for a dark, smooth dessert. Finished with a dusting of Belgian cocoa, we agree this decadent dish hits all the right notes. 1227 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale. 789-5420, www. sweetcakesbakeryri.com 

Balanced Bites


Like a traditional black forest cake, Vesta Bakery’s version uses the sweetness of brandied cherries and fresh whipped cream to cut each densely delicious layer. Unlike most gluten-free goods, this one has a fluffy texture that’s characteristic of a traditional cake and an airier base that dark and milk chocolate lovers can agree on. Dressed in a layer of chocolate ganache, this sponge cake offers the perfect texture – and grants you enough room – for a solid dollop of ice cream. 47 Railroad Avenue, Westerly. 348-7055, www.vestabakery.com 

Photography by Veatsna Sok 

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