Tallahassee Welcomes New Dessert Haven: More Than Pudding
Where: 3020 W. Pensacola St., Tallahassee
What: Grand opening of More Than Pudding dessert shop
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Who: Owned by Artesa Anderson, a self-taught baker and entrepreneur
Why: To offer a unique twist on traditional desserts and create a new dining location in the city
New Dessert Destination in Tallahassee
Tallahassee has just become a little sweeter with the exciting launch of More Than Pudding, a dessert shop dedicated to transforming the classic banana pudding into a gourmet experience. Located on West Pensacola Street, the shop celebrated its grand opening on December 7, inviting locals and visitors alike to discover a delightful array of frozen puddings.
Owner Artesa Anderson emphasized the shop’s unique take, stating, “It provides a southern classic, which is banana pudding, and just takes it to the next level.” The dessert shop offers a creative variation of the traditional banana pudding by incorporating Biscoff cookies and cookie butter, departing from the usual vanilla wafer and whipped cream.
A Flavorful Experience Awaiting Customers
More Than Pudding boasts a selection of 22 different flavors, allowing customers to indulge in decadent frozen treats. To mark the opening, the shop hosted a special event where attendees could sample the delicious treats, participate in a photo booth dubbed the “Buzzy Booth,” and sip on beverages from Lucky Goat Coffee.
Anderson’s journey into the world of desserts began years ago. Initially, she launched Sweet Boozy Cakes, a shop in Railroad Square known for its alcohol-infused desserts. Anderson noted the popularity of her puddings at the first shop, leading her to expand this concept into its own dedicated location.
Innovative Pudding Options
The puddings at More Than Pudding come in various enticing flavors that go beyond the traditional. Options like Cookie Monster, Bourbon Peach Cobbler, and Strawberry Cheesecake add an exciting twist to the dessert experience. Customer favorites include the Dirty Red Velvet, which combines cheesecake pudding with red velvet pieces and crushed Oreos, and the Key Lime Pie featuring fresh baked pie.
One standout flavor, the Banana Foster, highlights Anderson’s creativity, featuring cookie butter, white chocolate sauce, and caramelized bananas. Customers can choose from several sizes, including a kiddie cup priced at $4.50 and a large cup for $10.
Quality and Customer Satisfaction
Quality is a top priority for Anderson. She recalls a devoted customer whose love for the pudding led Anderson to freeze her portion to ensure the freshness of the bananas. “She said that is the best thing she has ever tasted,” Anderson remarked, showcasing the dedication she has for her craft.
Anderson aims for More Than Pudding to become a staple in Tallahassee, with hopes of expanding her offerings beyond the capital city. She wants customers to be so captivated by the flavors that they keep coming back for more, eager to try different variations.
An Encouraging Atmosphere for All
From her early days of baking with her aunt to perfecting her skills for family gatherings, Anderson’s passion is evident. One of her most cherished moments is witnessing customers enjoy their first taste, often leading to what she calls the “double lick,” where customers savor the pudding, licking their spoons multiple times.
With More Than Pudding now open, Tallahassee residents can embark on a flavorful adventure, sampling innovative and classic desserts alike in a friendly atmosphere.
