Sweet Swing
There’s a new fan favorite at the plate this Reds season—and it’s not in the lineup. Starting June 11, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is offering a dessert as clever as it is charitable. The limited-time, handcrafted treat, created by in-house Pastry Chef Melissa Luong, blends local baseball passion with gourmet flair. And here’s the real pitch: 20% of the proceeds go to the Reds Community Fund, a nonprofit that provides thousands of young athletes with opportunities through baseball and softball programs across Greater Cincinnati.
Each dessert is shaped like a baseball, made entirely from white chocolate and decorated with meticulous, hand-piped stitching. But it’s not just for show. The stitch color is your flavor cue:
Red stitching: Strawberry shortcake
Yellow stitching: Lemon curd with white chocolate mousse
Brown stitching: Oreo chocolate mousse
The edible baseball sits atop a mound of chocolate cake crumbs, mimicking infield dirt. It’s nostalgia, sports, and pastry all rolled into one.
A Local Twist with a Lot of Heart
Chef Melissa Luong, who joined Hard Rock with a passion for both culinary creativity and community impact, said the goal was to craft something fun, unique, and undeniably Cincinnati. “This dessert is more than just a sweet bite,” she noted. “It’s a nod to summer nights at the ballpark, our city’s rich baseball culture, and the youth whose lives are changed by the Reds Community Fund.”
And don’t expect the lineup to stay static. True to the season’s energy, new flavors will rotate throughout the summer. Coming attractions include black raspberry chocolate, caramel, blueberry, pineapple, tiramisu, and cannoli—each one designed to surprise and delight returning fans.
Where to Get It
The desserts are available exclusively at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the casino’s premier fine dining restaurant known for its dry-aged cuts and impeccable service. It’s the perfect way to end a meal—or start one—while doing something good for the community.
About the Reds Community Fund
Founded in 2001, the Reds Community Fund (RCF) has become one of the most respected charitable arms in Major League Baseball. The RCF runs year-round programming focused on youth baseball and softball, education initiatives, and neighborhood development. Its flagship facility, the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy, provides underserved kids with access to coaching, equipment, and mentorship.
Whether it's reviving baseball diamonds in urban neighborhoods, hosting clinics for young pitchers, or helping students with after-school programming, the Reds Community Fund touches thousands of lives annually.
Sweet Treat, Serious Impact
So whether you're a die-hard Reds fan, a dessert lover, or someone who just likes to support a good cause, this is a pitch worth swinging at. Get your glove on one of these edible baseballs before they disappear—one bite at a time.
More information, reservations, and menus are available at hardrockcincinnati.com.