You might want to skip the sit-down sweets and opt for something truly homemade instead.
Here’s Why You Should Think Twice Before Ordering Dessert at Restaurants
Updated Feb. 23, 2024
There are a multitude of reasons people love restaurants, like the service, outstanding food and bustling atmosphere. I go out to eat to try brand-new food I never would have thought to make at home. Not only that, restaurants can be a treat after a week of cooking. We all deserve a break once in a while, you know?
But there’s something you should know—skip buying dessert.
You heard us right! But it’s not for the reason you think.
Why Shouldn’t I Order Dessert at a Restaurant?
Why, you ask? According to Reddit user AhBenTabarnak, most restaurants don’t make that pie, cheesecake or molten lava cake with ice cream. Instead, restaurant owners purchase frozen desserts from wholesale food companies at a fraction of the price listed on the menu. That means the New York-style cheesecake you crave so dearly might actually be available just down the road at your grocery store for a lot cheaper.
Some diners may argue that you’re not just paying for the food, but also the service and the clean-up crew afterward. While that may be fine for some, others are looking for a cheaper or truly homemade option.
This is one only of many secrets chefs won’t tell you!
Do Restaurants Want Us to Order Dessert?
It depends. If you’re at a busy spot with people waiting for a table, the restaurant (and your server) will earn more if you make room for the next group to order dinner. And most restaurants don’t profit much from desserts in the first place.
“It’s hard to make money on desserts in the restaurant business today. I don’t think many [restaurants] benefit when people order them anymore,” says economics professor Tyler Cowen in The Washington Post.
If you’re in a restaurant on a slow night, or a place that’s known for its homemade desserts, then dig in. Otherwise, we recommend baking up your own apple pie, serving it with vanilla ice cream and calling it a wonderful night in!
See what other secrets restaurant owners wish you knew.
Our Best Restaurant-Inspired Desserts
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Chocolate MousseOur favorite chocolate mousse recipe makes a light, fluffy, rich showstopper of a dessert.
Traditional CheesecakeLooking for an easy cheesecake recipe that’s luscious on the palate and super simple to make? This one’s exactly that—just 20 minutes of prep and no water bath needed. This one’s perfect to make ahead of time and bring to a gathering.
Coconut Chiffon CakeToasted coconut adds visual appeal to this tall and impressive cake. With an airy texture and heavenly coconut-ginger flavor,it's a lovely end to meals throughout the year.
Cherry Upside-Down Bread PuddingI've always loved bread pudding, and I enjoy fixing this for my family on a chilly day. You could use a different flavor of pie filling and omit the chocolate chips to make a completely different dessert. It's always delicious! —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
Chocolate CheesecakeEveryone’s a chocolate lover when it comes to this chocolate cheesecake. It melts in your mouth, and it’s very smooth and fudgy. For a fun taste twist, spoon cherry or strawberry topping over each slice right before serving. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
Key Lime Cream PieI am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It's so cool and refreshing—perfect for any summer potluck or get-together. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, and everyone asks for the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida
Mocha Baked AlaskasMake these baked Alaskas ahead of time—you can torch the completed desserts and freeze them up to 24 hours before serving. —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
The Best Bananas FosterGet ready to impress your guests with this classic bananas Foster recipe.
Chocolate Bread PuddingHumble chocolate bread pudding is given the luxe treatment with a semisweet chocolate custard and creamy whipped cream. It's the perfect end to a weeknight meal or a fancier dinner with friends.
Red Velvet CakeOur red velvet cake recipe is traditionally southern with light, tender, ruby-red cakes held together with a rich vanilla frosting.
Favorite Banana Cream PieHomemade banana cream pie is my mom’s specialty, and this dreamy dessert has a wonderful banana flavor. It looks so pretty, and it cuts easily too. —Jodi Grable, Springfield, Missouri
Carrot Cake with Pecan FrostingMy husband constantly requests this homey, old-fashioned version of carrot cake. The frosting is still tasty even without the pecans. —Adrian Badon, Denham Springs, Louisiana
Triple Chocolate Mousse CakeOur triple chocolate mousse cake is a treat that impresses without fuss. With a sweet cookie crust and layers of bittersweet, milk and white chocolate mousse, this dessert is easy to make and loved by all.
Classic Creme BruleeMy favorite dessert is this creme brulee recipe. Recently I was at a party where the guests finished preparing their own desserts by "broiling" the sugar on their portions with a small torch. What a great idea! —Joylyn Trickel, Helendale, California
Flourless Chocolate TorteHere's the perfect dessert for chocoholics—like me! I bake this melt-in-your-mouth torte all the time for special occasions. For an elegant finish, dust it with confectioners' sugar. —Kayla Albrecht, Freeport, Illinois
Irresistible Coconut Cream PieMy husband and I grow 500 acres of wheat on the farm his family homesteaded in 1889. I grind my own flour and love to use it in this recipe. The easy pat-in crust has a rich grain flavor. It’s irresistible filled with old-fashioned coconut cream and topped with a fluffy meringue. —Roberta Foster, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
Frozen Grasshopper TorteI first made this minty cool torte for a ladies' meeting at our church. I’m still making it, and the compliments keep coming. —Elma Penner, Oak Bluff, Manitoba
Moist Chocolate CakeThis moist chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania
Brownie Affogato SundaesWe can’t resist brownie sundaes. I combined an affogato (coffee-based beverage) idea with a brownie to get this decadent sundae that mixes it all in there: warm, cold, sweet and salty. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Apple PieBaking apple pie from scratch is a fall baking tradition we treasure. Perfect your technique with our apple pie recipe, full of all the tips and tricks you'll need.
Blueberry CheesecakeThe swirls in this blueberry cheesecake are made with a couple tablespoons of simple blueberry sauce. Save the rest of the homemade sauce for serving.
Six-Layer Coconut Cake with Lemon FillingI found this recipe when going through my grandmother's old files. It was originally made with an orange filling, but using lemon pudding in the filling makes it easier to prepare. It is simply the best. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsvlle, Virginia
Grandma's Old-Fashioned Strawberry ShortcakeMy grandma topped this treat with homemade vanilla ice cream. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Make-Ahead TiramisuThis variation of the popular Italian dessert is so easy to assemble. It's convenient, too, since you can make it the day before your dinner party or potluck. —Linda Finn, Louisville, Mississippi
Originally Published: December 31, 1969
