This year has been a notable one for having terrific desserts. I’m talking dessert medleys in many cases with  contrasting but complementary taste sensations and dramatic presentations. Chefs at the top restaurants have definitely taken the dessert course up several notches. Here are my picks for the best desserts of 2014 in Miami restaurants (no special order). Note that if you’d like to read reviews of all these restaurants, check past blogposts. And love to hear any dessert faves you’d add to the list.

Pot of Gold— banana pudding with milk chocolate mousse, candied peanuts and whipped cream – Lure Fishbar

Bacon ice cream popsicle with dark chocolate – 15 Steps at the EdenRoc

Pineapple upside down parfait – Bourbon Steak

Warm chocolate pudding smores with bourbon popcorn brittle – Prime Fish

Bombolini, Italian donuts with Nutella cream – Cavalli Restaurant

Mocha fondant with caramel ice cream – Pied a Terre

Vacherin –meringue, berries ice cream, whipped cream, vanilla and raspberry coulis – The Restaurant at The Setai

S’mores cinnamon ice cream, caramelized bananas, marshmallows and graham crackle crumble – Red the Steakhouse

Fiery salty caramel chocolate tart, a flaming confection with dark chocolate sorbet, marshmallow,and rum – Morimoto

Chocolate chip cookies – Zak Wynwood Bakery and Cafe

Photo of Prime Fish dessert courtesy of www.zagat.com