The Gooey Butter Cake

When we began our journey into shaved snow, one flavor sat at the very top of our wish list: Gooey Butter Cake. Born right here in St. Louis, this iconic dessert is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a piece of the city’s culinary identity. We knew that if we were going to bring it into snow form, we had to capture everything people love about it: the rich, buttery flavor, the tender cake bite, and that unmistakable gooey finish. The challenge was honoring the original while reimagining it in a lighter, colder form that still tasted unmistakably St. Louis.

Our first attempt started with a brown butter snow. It was undeniably delicious and deeply rich, but something was missing—it didn’t quite say “Gooey Butter Cake.” We invited our customers to try it, and the feedback confirmed what we were already thinking: amazing flavor, but not quite the classic they knew and loved. After three thoughtful iterations, refining and adjusting each time, we finally landed on a flavor that truly captured Gooey Butter Cake in an entirely new form.

We often welcome guests from out of town who have never experienced traditional St. Louis foods or desserts. While we always encourage them to try the original, our Gooey Butter Cake snow offers a glimpse into the classic while elevating it to new heights. Our take is topped with vanilla wafer crumbs, house-made whipped cream, salted caramel sauce, and condensed milk, all layered over fluffy snow. And of course, we never leave off the essential touch: real Gooey Butter Cake bites—because some traditions are simply too good to leave behind.

Fitz's Cardinal Cream

One of the very first places I ate when I moved to St. Louis was Fitz’s on the Delmar Loop. “The Loop,” as locals call it, is home to many beloved restaurants and true St. Louis originals, including Peacock Diner and Blueberry Hill. From the start, it felt like a snapshot of the city’s food and culture coming together in one place.

With its glowing neon sign, Peacock Diner has long been an absolute gem and St. Louis staple. It delivers a classic diner atmosphere paired with a comfortably familiar menu. While this iconic experience is sadly coming to an end, its place in St. Louis food history is firmly cemented. For those still looking to dive into another Loop institution, Blueberry Hill remains a must-visit—known not only for its food, but for its deep roots in St. Louis music culture, hosting a wide range of artists and genres over the years.

But at the end of the day, we’re here for flavor—and Fitz’s always delivers. Their one-of-a-kind facility-meets-restaurant experience lets you enjoy dishes like their famous buffalo cauliflower while watching root beer being brewed and bottled right there on site. It’s that combination of creativity, transparency, and bold flavor that makes Fitz’s such a St. Louis original—and exactly the kind of inspiration we love to draw from.

Speaking of inspiration, my very first sip at Fitz’s was their Cardinal Cream. With notes of light cherry and vanilla and a sweet, fizzy finish, it instantly stood out. We knew we wanted to capture that flavor—but in a new, cool way.

Even as a small dessert shop, we were met with nothing but warmth and enthusiasm from the Fitz team. They were genuinely excited to see us experiment with their craft soda and syrups, and even came out to give their stamp of approval on our final creation. Not only are we the first to transform Cardinal Cream into shaved snow, we’re also the first to freeze it down to negative 50 degrees.

While most collaborations simply use the finished soda, we take a step back and work directly with Fitz’s craft syrups. The result is a super-concentrated burst of that signature Cardinal Cream flavor in every scoop—bold, nostalgic, and reimagined through snow. Not only does Fitz capture the St. Louis spirit in flavor and creativity, they also embody the very first impression I had of the city. Being from the South, I’m used to that “Southern nice” attitude—but St. Louis, and Missouri in general, take it a step further. There’s a genuine sense of neighborly warmth, support, and understanding here, and the Fitz team perfectly reflects that welcoming spirit.

So if you find yourself in the Central West End (get directions), come join us for a “sip” of something new and crafted with love—our take on Fitz’s Cardinal Cream. Think of it like their iconic root beer floats, but in a lighter, fluffier, and completely reimagined presentation!