Universal Orlando’s highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, opening May 22nd, will feature a wide array of exciting attractions — along with a tempting selection of sweet treats spread throughout its distinctively themed lands. With the park’s soft openings and previews now in progress, I’ve had the chance to sample a few of the dishes firsthand. Based on my visits, here’s a quick rundown of three Epic Universe desserts that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Butterbeer Crêpe at Café L’air De La Sirène
I’m one of those nuts who sips on Hot Butterbeer all year long. But, I think I’ve found my new go-to Butterbeer option! Once you step through the Wizarding World portal at Epic Universe, you’re traveling back into 1920s Paris within the Ministry of Magic. Might as well don your Hogwarts House beret and savor a Butterbeer Crêpe! This truly magical dessert is served fresh at Café L’air De La Sirène. Once it arrives to your table, you won’t be able to resist the stacked warm crêpes filled with rich butterscotch sauce, topped with Butterbeer whipped cream, fresh strawberries and a shortbread cookie.
The whipped cream on top tastes just like the foam off of a fresh cup of Butterbeer. All of the flavors combined tastes just like a glass of Butterbeer (plus strawberries; how can you go wrong?).
For $19.99, it is quite the indulgent dessert option. You could easily split this between 2-4 people to cut down on the individual cost (and calories), but honestly, there’s no shame in enjoying this all on your own. Don’t visit Epic Universe without trying this unique destination treat!
DK Crush Float at The Bubbly Barrel
I fell real hard for this tropical dessert. You can find the DK Crush Float at The Bubble Barrel quick-service stand in the Donkey Kong Country section of Super Nintendo World. The menus weren’t up on the stand when we ordered, but we paid $18.99 for the dessert, which also includes the souvenir cup and spoon. (It’s also available without the souvenirs for $10.99)
This refreshing treat features a creamy pineapple & banana soft-serve base inside a waffle cone bowl. It’s topped with crunchy Butterfinger pieces, banana-caramel popcorn, and golden star sprinkles — and it all sits atop a banana-flavored beverage. It may sound like a little much, but trust me, it all blends together well and just works! It’s not sickly sweet as one might imagine with all that banana, and is really refreshing on a hot Florida day. I couldn’t tell what exactly was inside the soft-serve, but it looked and felt like cake pieces throughout (no complaints here!).
Red Velvet Death at Das Stakehaus
The vampire-themed quick-service restaurant within Dark Universe will make any Halloween Horror Nights fan’s heart skip a beat. There are some good, highly-themed dishes to review here, but let’s start things off on a sweet note.
The Red Velvet Death is a coffin-shaped red velvet cake, naturally tinted a deep blood-red using beets. This creative twist on the classic dessert not only delivers striking color but also introduces a hint of earthy flavor to elevate the taste.
Adding to its macabre presentation, the cake is adorned with chocolate crumbs and puffed rice cereal designed to resemble maggots. This moist cake is filled with a rich cream cheese frosting in the center. If you’re a red velvet fan, you’ll love this! It’s eerie. It’s charming. It’s DELISH… down to the last bite.
There you have it; three sweet treats to add to your Epic Universe planning list. I do have a few more I’d like to try on my next visit, I’ll report back with my epic findings!
