Baskin-Robbins, Others Roll Out New Desserts

Baskin-Robbins named Winter Chocolate Marshmallow its flavor of the month, joining several chains that have recently introduced new desserts.

The Dunkin' Brands subsidiary is offering the dessert, made of hot-chocolate flavored ice cream with a whipped cream ribbon and marshmallow dough, at participating restaurants throughout its more than 2,500 U.S. units during November.

"Winter Chocolate Marshmallow is part of a popular growing dessert lovers' trend for frozen hot chocolate treats," Dunkin' Brands executive chef and vice president of innovation Stan Frankenthaler said in a press release.

At Yogurtland, a 160-unit self-serve yogurt chain based in Anaheim, Calif., three limited-time options are available in November as part of its rotation of 16 sweet and tart flavors. Two of the flavors are new: Chocolate Hazelnut and Cranberry Raspberry Tart. A third, peppermint-flavored Snowflake Mint, is being brought back for the month.

Cold desserts aren't the only ones making their way on to menus this winter.

Pizza Inn, a 300-unit chain based in The Colony, Texas, has introduced the Buttered Cinnasugar Pizzert.

The layered dessert of cinnamon cookie dough and icing is one of two winners of the pizza chain's national competition among franchisees and employees to develop new items.

The other is a grilled cheese pizza, served on a thin New York crust and topped with a grilled cheese sauce and a mix of mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses.

Contact Bret Thorn at bret.thorn@penton.com.
Follow him on Twitter: @foodwriterdiary