Local chocolate shops and restaurant owners are breathing new life into a Buffalo mainstay: These treats, desserts and drinks are all sponge-candy inspired.
Sponge candy caramel cannoli
A multiple-year winner at the Taste of Buffalo, Panaro’s creates cannoli using Parkside Candy’s original sponge (small $2, large $4). Smooth filling mixed with the crispy honeycomb bites make for a perfect textural combo that you just need to taste.
571 Delaware Ave., Buffalo
October Storm sundae
Jerk's October Storm sundae | Sweet twists on a Buffalo classic | Buffalo Magazine
The October Storm starts with basic vanilla ice cream, but adds toppings — sponge candy, maple syrup, and a drizzle of sweet loganberry — that are oh-so Buffalo ($4.50).
People are also reading…
523 Main St, Buffalo; 368-2888
Sponge candy bar
The chocolate experts at Fowler’s worked hard to create something new, turning those old familiar sponge blocks into a milk chocolate bar chock full of sponge pieces ($2.49). It’s the perfect way to enjoy the classic treat on the go.
Various locations
Sponge candy cheesecake
Panorama sponge candy cheesecake | Sweet twists on a Buffalo classic | Buffalo Magazine
Panorama on Seven, housed in the HarborCenter Marriott, offers sponge candy cheesecake covered in a chocolate shell and topped with broken sponge candy crumbles and a drizzle of caramel sauce ($10) — nicely introducing the local delicacy to the hotel’s out-of-town visitors.
95 Main St., Buffalo
Sponge candy ice cream
Lake Effect is known for having some out-there, unusual flavors — including those that highlight local delicacies. Large broken chunks of Platter’s milk chocolate sponge are mixed into the maker’s special blend to create texture for a final result that’s absolutely mouthwatering (one scoop is $3.50, two is $4, three is $4.50).
Various locations
Sponge Candy Stout
Resurgence sponge candy stout | Sweet twists on a Buffalo classic | Buffalo Magazine
Resurgence has invented some creative beer flavors in its day, but this one may take the cake: Imperial Sponge Candy Stout, brewed with sponge candy from Watson’s Chocolate ($6/pint). With a hint of caramel and sugar, this beer is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
1250 Niagara St., Buffalo
Sponge candy revisited
Want the original candy – but with a flavor twist? Here are three new versions of the classic.
Peanut butter
Adding another rich ingredient – peanut butter — to the already decadent dessert gives sponge candy a new flavor ($21/lb.).
3100 Transit Rd., West Seneca; 656-9585
Orange chocolate
Watson’s famous original sponge candy is a regional favorite, and what could be more Buffalo than orange-chocolate flavored sponge candy? ($12.50-$22.95)
Various locations
White chocolate
With a sweeter flavor than milk chocolate sponge and a hint of vanilla, this is a different take on your everyday sponge ($9.50-$17.95).
1096 Hertel Ave., Buffalo
