Sweet Summer in St. Landry Parish

There's no better way to beat the Louisiana heat than with something sweet. At these bakeries, cafés, and restaurants all across St. Landry Parish, you can find summertreats to satisfy your sweet tooth. From snowballs to cakes and cookies, there's something for everyone. Here are some local favorites.

Lou's Bakery in the historic steamboat town of Washington has snowballs year-round, in addition to classic candies, hand-dipped chocolates, tasty syrup cakes, and baked goods made fresh daily. Try a snowball covered in Chantilly cream and fresh fruit that's topped with creamy condensed milk. The bakery is located on the town's main street dotted with historic houses, some of which date back to the 1800s. Stop by the Washington Museum and grab a walking tour brochure so you can check out all that the town has to offer.

In historic Grand Coteau, you can find an eclectic little café with pastries and food that are made with locally sourced ingredients. The Hive Market makes its own New Orleans-style snowballs with all-natural and organic syrups that are seasonally curated. Try a hibiscus cantaloupe-flavored snowball stuffed with coconut condensed milk or a strawberry jam snowball stuffed with vanilla ice cream. Their menu can fluctuate, so check their social media to see what's cooking.

Grand Coteau is also the only place in the world where you can get gateau na-na, a dessert based on a Gateau Breton pastry from the northwest of France. Find it at the Kitchen Shop where you can shop for all sorts of kitchen supplies, gifts, as well as sweet and savory treats ranging from sweet dough pies to crawfish pies and – of course – the gateau na-na.

At Arpeggios Lounge & Event Center in Opelousas, you've got to try their award-winning sweet potato and pecan tart with a bourbon cream topping. If you're looking for something more traditional, their classic New York style cheesecake is served with your choice of strawberry, caramel or chocolate sauce and topped with whipped cream. If you stop in during one of their famous jazz nights, make sure to try one of their custom cocktails.

Cankton Café 613 Cajun Foods is more known for their expertly-seasoned, seafood boils and local musicians that bring Cajun and country sounds to the prairie. However, they have a secret weapon of flavor for those with a sweet tooth. Order their banana split featuring vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream, peanuts, sprinkles, and a cherry on top.

Made famous by their stunning selection of cheesecakes, SugarCoated in Eunice is a local favorite for all things sweet. In addition to their homemade cheesecakes they have tons of cookies. Try flavors like their cookies n' cream made with a combination of Oreos, white, and milk chocolate chips or their soft, chewy cake batter cookies. Their best-selling Lagniappe Cookie is made with chocolate chips, caramel, pretzels, and topped with sea salt. Recently, they've added ice cream and Italian ice to their list of expertise. Get a few scoops of your favorite flavor topped with their selection of candies and sprinkles.

Whether you want a quick and classic snowball from a drive-through, snowball stand or a dessert that you'll want to savor, St. Landry Parish has got you covered. Check out more great places to eat here.