News

Taco Bell unveils dessert menu

An addition to the new Cantina Bell menu is being tested in North Carolina.

November 7, 2012

Taco Bell will introduce a new dessert menu nationwide Thursday, as well as two new products and two new items in test markets.

Stemming from popular demand, Taco Bell's new dessert menu includes a Churro, Cookie Sandwich and Caramel Apple Empanada. Each item will be available for less than $1.

• The Churro is Taco Bell's version of the Mexican donut, dusted in cinnamon sugar and served warm;
• The Cookie Sandwich includes two triangle-shaped chocolate chip cookies with vanilla cream filling in between; and
• The Caramel Apple Empanada is a crispy golden pastry pocket filled with chunks of warm apples in creamy caramel sauce.

While these new desserts are a permanent addition to the menu, Taco Bell will also introduce a Strawberry and Mango Crème Frutista Freeze for a limited time only.

XXL Steak Nachos and test items

Also as a result of consumer demand, Taco Bell will introduce the XXL Steak Nachos Thursday. The XXL Steak Nachos feature a triple portion of thick-cut steak, melted cheese, guacamole and pico de gallo piled on tortilla chips. They are priced at $5.99 for steak, or $4.99 for beef or chicken options.

The chain partnered with Chef Lorena Garcia to create the Cantina Bell menu, launched nationally in July. To explore extensions of that menu and to meet consumers' evolving taste palettes, Taco Bell will test a Cantina Bell Double Steak Quesadilla in Charlotte, N.C., beginning Thursday.

Featuring a double portion of Chef Garcia's new marinated tender braised steak along with real pepper jack cheese, the Cantina Bell Double Steak Quesadilla is priced at $4.99 with side of chips, reduced-fat sour cream and Cantina Salsa.

Finally, the Smothered Burrito will go to test in Dayton, Ohio. This burrito is filled with beef ($2.99), chicken or steak ($3.99), cilantro rice, and then smothered in red sauce and topped with melted shredded cheese.

According to a company press release, the Smothered Burrito gives consumers the "indulgence of a restaurant-style enchilada and the fillingness of a burrito all with the convenience of a QSR."

These latest menu offerings are in addition to the Doritos Tacos Locos introduced earlier. It has since become the most popular item launch in Taco Bell history.

Read more about food and beverage introductions.