Oscar Party Dessert Ideas

On Sunday night, much of America will be crowding around the television to watch all the glitz and glamour of the Academy Awards. While celebrities and their dates attend the Oscars in Hollywood, make your friends feel like stars by hosting your own Oscar party on this side of the hill.

Here are our suggestions for great desserts to bring to your viewing party:

Let's face it, cupcakes are not just for kids anymore. They are the ideal serving of cake that can be eaten without a fork. If you're looking for beautiful party cupcakes, head to Coral Tree Cafe in Encino. The cupcakes are pricey at $5.95 a pop, but the chocolate butter cream, red velvet and mini apple pie flavors are worth it.

This signature dessert is a rich, golden cake swirled with ribbons of cinnamon, topped with crumbly cinnamon streusel and powdered sugar. As you're brewing a cup of coffee for your guests, put out this coffee cake with a stack of plates. It's a quick, easy and oh-so-good dessert.

What's not to love about a layered, flaky, buttery, and nut-filled pastry? The Baklava Factory in Encino has a huge selection of baked goods: cookies, cakes, breads and, of course, baklava. You can mix and match whatever baklava flavors you want for $9.99 a pound and bring home a tray for your Oscar party.

Make tuxedo chocolate-covered strawberries to match Oscar attendees' attire. Select your favorite brand of white or dark chocolate from your neighborhood grocery store. Then buy plump strawberries and let them dry completely after washing. Melt the chocolate over medium heat in a double boiler. (If you buy fondue chocolate, just follow the directions on the package). When the chocolate has melted, hold the strawberry by its stem end and dip it into the chocolate. Place on parchment paper to set. To get really fancy, drizzle more chocolate on top.