One of the most whimsical new desserts of the year is Grandma Doreen’s Dessert Dog, which swaps out the traditional hot dog for something much sweeter. Vanilla ice cream from Minnesota Dairy Lab is sandwiched between slices of Grandma Doreen’s Coffee Cake—a beloved family recipe from Elgin, Minnesota—then skewered on-a-stick. It’s finished with strawberry rhubarb jam, whipped cream, sprinkles, and cinnamon toast-flavored crisps. The combination feels nostalgic yet playful, with a local story baked right into the recipe.

Review: A quirky, homegrown dessert that balances nostalgia with fairground fun. The coffee cake adds a warm, comforting flavor, while the jam and whipped cream make it feel indulgent without being too heavy. It’s the kind of treat that makes you smile before you even take the first bite.

Lulu’s has once again reimagined the Minnesota classic cheese curd with an Italian-inspired twist. Their Caprese Curds are fried to golden perfection, then served over a bruschetta-style mix of tomatoes and basil, finished with balsamic glaze and paired with crostini for scooping. It’s indulgent but feels refreshing at the same time, offering a lighter take on a fair staple while still delivering that signature cheesy pull.

Review: A clever Italian-inspired twist that proves cheese curds can be elegant too. The fresh tomatoes and basil cut through the richness, making this a curd you could actually keep eating without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a dish that bridges fair comfort with restaurant-quality flavor.

Fluffy’s is known for outrageous creations, and this year’s Hot Honey Jalapeño Popper Donut might be their boldest yet. The yeast-raised donut is frosted with jalapeño cream cheese, topped with bacon crumbles, pickled jalapeños, and drizzled with sticky hot honey. It’s messy, fiery, sweet, and savory all at once—a bite that surprises you every time. Vegetarians can order it without bacon and still enjoy the sweet-spicy flavor combo.

Review: A sweet-spicy adventure that delivers a flavor punch with every bite. The jalapeños bring real heat, while the honey keeps things balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a daring creation that will divide crowds—but if you like bold flavors, this is a must-try.

Over at Dino’s Gyros, Athena’s Whipped Feta offers a welcome contrast to the fried food overload. Creamy feta is whipped until smooth and topped with schug, a Middle Eastern herb sauce made with jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro, then finished with toasted wild rice for crunch. It’s served with seasoned, deep-fried pita bread perfect for scooping. The dish is tangy, herby, and vibrant, showcasing how fair food can be both fresh and satisfying.

Review: Bright, flavorful, and textural—proof that fair food can be refined. The whipped feta is smooth and luscious, while the schug adds a vibrant kick that wakes up your palate. It’s a dish that feels gourmet without losing its fairground accessibility.

Chimney cakes arrive at the fair this year straight from Hungarian street markets. These spiral pastries are baked on a rotisserie until crisp outside and soft within, then filled with ice cream and layered with spreads like Nutella or caramel. Toppings range from crushed Oreos to sprinkles and frosted flakes, making each cone a fully customizable treat. The mix of warm pastry and cold filling is an experience in itself, and it’s just as fun to eat as it is to watch being made.

Review: A European street treat turned fairground star—warm, sweet, and endlessly customizable. The contrast of textures makes every bite interesting, while the toppings let you make it as decadent or playful as you like. It’s both a comfort food and a showstopper dessert.

At Shanghai Henri’s, Southern comfort gets a State Fair makeover with Pimento Cheese Puffs. These flaky, deep-fried pastries are filled with a blend of cheddar, mayo, and pimento peppers, and served with a side of pepper jelly for dipping. The combination of melty cheese, smoky peppers, and tangy-sweet jelly makes them snackable yet bold, and their small size makes them perfect for sharing while exploring the International Bazaar.

Review: Golden, cheesy, and addictive—a bite-sized comfort food that’s hard to put down. The pepper jelly brings just enough sweetness to keep things from being too rich, while the pastry stays perfectly crisp. It’s a snack you’ll want to order “just to share” and then end up keeping for yourself.

The Donut Family has taken the fair’s iconic mini donuts and cranked the indulgence all the way up with their Death by Chocolate creation. These warm, cinnamon-sugar donuts are glazed in chocolate, drizzled with more chocolate, and topped with chocolatey garnishes for good measure. It’s sugar overload in the best possible way—sticky, rich, and impossible not to finish even when you swear you’ll only have one.

Review: A chocoholic’s fantasy—messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth the sugar rush. The layers of chocolate make this feel more like a full dessert than a snack, but that’s part of its charm. It’s over-the-top in the best fair food tradition.

This colorful treat brings back the nostalgia of birthday parties with its playful mix of textures and flavors. Scratch-made cake batter cookie dough is dipped in a crunchy cake confetti shell, then topped with rainbow sprinkles and served on a stick. It’s sweet, crunchy, and festive—a dessert designed to be photographed just as much as eaten.

Review: Sweet, crunchy, and colorful—like a birthday celebration you can carry in one hand. The contrast of soft dough and crispy shell makes it satisfying, while the sprinkles keep it lighthearted and fun. It’s the ultimate Instagram-worthy snack of the season.

Sara’s Tipsy Pies has taken the humble pie crust and turned it into a star. These flaky strips are coated in cinnamon sugar and paired with whiskey-flavored caramel dipping sauce, though you can request a vegan version of the caramel if needed. It’s cozy, comforting, and endlessly snackable, offering all the flavor of pie without the commitment of a full slice.

Review: Sweet, buttery, and snackable—a cozy comfort made portable. The dipping sauce adds a grown-up twist, but the tidbits are just as good on their own. It’s the kind of snack you’ll keep eating until you realize the bag is empty.

Baba’s has become a State Fair favorite, and their Fawaffle might just be their most brilliant idea yet. Falafel batter is pressed in a waffle iron, creating a crispy base topped with tahini butter, hummus, cherry tomatoes, mint, shatta, and sesame seeds. It’s hearty, plant-based, and loaded with flavor, offering a colorful and satisfying meal that’s both fun and innovative.

Review: Innovative, filling, and packed with Middle Eastern flavor—a plant-based standout. The waffle shape makes it easier to eat on the go, while the toppings are fresh, creamy, and herby all at once. It’s proof that vegetarian options can be just as indulgent as their meaty counterparts.