Lucuma Cheesecake

Within this authentic South American hideaway, discover a creamy New York-style cheesecake flavoured with the juicy pulp of the Peruvian superfruit, lucuma. The toothsome dessert is prepared on a graham cracker crust and drizzled all over with homemade dulce de leche sauce.  Brasa & Pisco, $6, 8347 Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota, 941-870-4992.

Argentinian Sweets

Embrace the sweet culture of Argentina at this happening pastry shop with traditional treats such as Alfajores de Maicena (cookie sandwiches)—chocolate or vanilla cookies filled with dulce de leche and covered in shredded coconut—and Milhojas (thousand leaves cake), a multi-layered cake made of puff pastry, dulce de leche icing and shaved almonds. Argentinian Pastry, Alfajores- $2/one, $8/box of 8, Milhojas- $7.50/slice, $45/whole cake, 3608 Webber St., Sarasota, 941-960-0069.

Dulce de Leche Filled Churros

The sweet smells alone will bring you to your knees as you enter this hidden Mexican bakery. But for a real wave of euphoria, grab some tongs and bag as many Churros as possible—cinnamon-sugary goodness on the dough’s crispy outside competes with creamy dulce de leche filling in a heated battle for top contender of saccharine delight.  Acapulco Tropical Bakery, $1/each, 3525 1st St. East Suite A, Bradenton, 941-744-1034.