7 Best Dessert Spots in Austin for a Sweet Treat

Written By Ijaz Malik

Indulge Your Cravings

Austin is a haven for dessert lovers, offering a variety of indulgent and unique sweet treats that cater to all tastes. Whether you're a fan of classic confections or enjoy exploring innovative flavors, the city's dessert scene promises to satisfy your cravings with both local and international delights. Discovering the top dessert spots in Austin will enhance any visit to this vibrant city, ensuring memorable and flavorful experiences.

So, what makes Austin's dessert spots stand out? The answer lies in the diversity and creativity found at these establishments. From charming bakeries to trendy dessert cafes, each spot offers a distinct taste of sweetness that reflects the city's dynamic culinary landscape.

1) Amy's Ice Creams

Amy's Ice Creams is a must-visit dessert destination in Austin. With multiple locations across the city, it has become a local favorite known for its creative and flavorful ice creams.

Founded in 1984, Amy's offers over 350 rotating flavors. Each visit to Amy's provides a unique experience with specialty creations like Mexican vanilla and Guinness-flavored ice creams.

The shop is also famous for its "crush'ns," a variety of mix-ins like candy, cookies, and nuts, that are hand-smashed into your ice cream. This provides a personalized touch to each order.

Amy's playful and lively atmosphere, coupled with excellent customer service, makes it the perfect spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy a sweet treat.

Address: 1301 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: +1 512-992-0666
Website: amysicecreams.com

2) Lick Honest Ice Creams

Lick Honest Ice Creams prides itself on using pure, wholesome ingredients. Their commitment to avoiding artificial colors, flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and preservatives sets them apart.

Established in 2011, Lick offers an array of creative flavors. Visitors can sample unique combinations like Goat Cheese, Thyme, & Honey or Dark Chocolate, Olive Oil, & Sea Salt.

Despite some mixed reviews on flavor depth, the creativity and quality of ingredients remain consistent. It's a must-visit for those seeking innovative, artisanal ice cream with a focus on natural ingredients.

Contact Details:

3) Dolce Neve Gelato

Dolce Neve Gelato, located on East 5th Street, is a must-visit for anyone in Austin seeking a refreshing and flavorful dessert. Known for its artisanal gelato, Dolce Neve offers a range of unique and traditional flavors that rotate frequently, ensuring something new on each visit.

Using whole ingredients such as milk, sugar, egg yolk, and cream, Dolce Neve maintains a lower fat content compared to regular ice cream. This makes it a healthier choice without compromising on taste. Their dedication to quality and authenticity is evident in each scoop.

Patrons often praise the friendly service and inviting atmosphere. With convenient opening hours that extend into the evening, Dolce Neve is perfect for a late-night treat or an afternoon cooldown. Whether dining in or taking out, the experience is always delightful.

Address: 1109 E 5th St, Ste 170, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: +1 512-992-0666
Website: dolcenevegelato.com

4) Gourdough's Big. Fat. Donuts.

Gourdough's Big. Fat. Donuts. is a standout in Austin's dessert scene. Housed in a vintage Airstream Trailer on South Lamar, this spot is known for its inventive and indulgent donut creations.

Each donut at Gourdough’s is a masterpiece, from the Mother Clucker topped with fried chicken and honey butter to the Funky Monkey with grilled bananas and brown sugar. These creations aren't just donuts; they are full-fledged dessert experiences.

Originally starting as a food truck, Gourdough’s has grown in popularity and even expanded to a brick-and-mortar location known as Gourdough’s Public House. Despite this growth, the quality and creativity in their offerings remain unparalleled.

The Austin community has embraced Gourdough’s, and its unique approach to donuts continues to draw in locals and tourists alike for a delightful sweet treat.

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5) Sugar Mama's Bakeshop

Sugar Mama's Bakeshop stands as a beloved fixture in Austin's dessert scene. Known for its vintage vibes and modern flavors, this bakeshop offers a wide array of treats, including cupcakes, mini-pies, and other baked goods.

With locations in South Austin and East Austin, Sugar Mama's Bakeshop caters to both locals and visitors. Their baked creations are crafted with quality ingredients, ensuring each bite is a delight.

The bakeshop is particularly famous for its cupcakes, which come in various flavors and are perfect for any sweet tooth. Their commitment to consistent quality has earned them loyal customers over the years.

Sugar Mama's Bakeshop maintains a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for casual hangouts or special occasions. Whether you're indulging in a cupcake or trying one of their signature pies, you're sure to find something you love.

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6) The Baked Bear

The Baked Bear is renowned for its customizable ice cream sandwiches. This dessert spot allows visitors to choose from a variety of freshly baked cookies, brownies, and more as the base for their delicious ice cream creations.

The shop is located at 211 Walter Seaholm Dr, Austin, TX 78701, and is known for its wide selection of unique and classic ice cream flavors. Patrons can mix and match different cookie flavors, such as snickerdoodle and funfetti, with ice cream options including bear batter and mint chip.

Moreover, The Baked Bear offers catering services, perfect for events and parties. Their friendly staff ensures that each visit is a memorable experience, enhancing the charm of this dessert haven.

For more details, refer to their website: The Baked Bear.

Contact details:

  • Address: 211 Walter Seaholm Dr, Austin, TX 78701

  • Phone: +1 512-717-8231

  • Website: thebakedbear.com

7) Sweet Ritual

Sweet Ritual is a vegan ice cream shop that has garnered a dedicated following in Austin. They serve a variety of creative, dairy-free ice creams made from almond, coconut, cashew, and other plant-based ingredients.

Their menu features a whimsical array of flavors like Toasted Coconut, Salted Caramel, and Cubano Coffee. Each scoop is crafted with care, making it a favorite spot for those seeking delicious vegan treats.

The vibrant, welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal place to enjoy a scoop or two with friends or family. Sweet Ritual proves that indulgence doesn't need to compromise dietary choices.

Visit Sweet Ritual at 4631 Airport Blvd #125, Austin, TX 78751, United States. For more information, call +1 512-666-8346 or visit their website at sweetritual.com.

Why Austin is a Dessert Lover's Paradise

Austin boasts an incredible variety of dessert spots, driven by rising dessert trends and rich cultural influences that make it a top destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Rising Dessert Trends

Austin's dynamic food scene has embraced trends such as Korean-style shaved ice, mini pies, and gourmet crème brûlées. At Bar Peached, visitors can indulge in Bingsu—a Korean-style shaved ice topped with an array of delicious toppings that offer both unique textures and refreshing flavors.

Notably, dessert places like Tiny Pies have popularized miniature, hand-held versions of traditional desserts, offering a dozen flavors, including apple, pecan, and chocolate. These trends highlight Austin's ability to blend convenience with sophistication, catering to both lovers of classic sweets and those seeking new taste experiences.

Cultural Influence on Sweets

Austin's diversity significantly impacts its dessert offerings. The city’s mix of cultural influences results in a wide array of irresistible sweets, from classic American treats to international delicacies.

For instance, Nuha's Sinful Desserts on Barton Springs Road features an eclectic mix of flavors and presentations influenced by global culinary traditions. Additionally, traditional Southern desserts like mile-high layer cakes and shareable apple pies can be found at local restaurants, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage.

This fusion of traditions ensures a vibrant and ever-evolving dessert landscape that continues to attract and delight dessert enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Tips for Choosing the Best Dessert Spot

Choosing the best dessert spot involves considering dietary preferences and evaluating online reviews to ensure a satisfying experience.

Considering Dietary Preferences

When picking a dessert spot, it's crucial to consider dietary restrictions and preferences. Look for places offering vegan, gluten-free, or sugar-free options.

Bar Peached, for instance, serves Korean-style shaved ice that can cater to diverse dietary needs. Restaurants like 1886 Café & Bakery may have varied menus that also provide healthier alternatives without compromising taste.

Check if the dessert spot accommodates allergies or specific needs. Calling ahead or checking their website can save time and ensure everyone in your group can indulge safely. Creating a list of potential places and what they offer can simplify this process.

Reading Online Reviews

Online reviews provide insight into potential dessert spots. Platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, and TripAdvisor offer user feedback on taste, quality, and service. Look for consistent positive comments about specific desserts.

Tiny Pies, for instance, is frequently praised for its flavorful hand-held pies, indicating strong customer satisfaction.

Pay attention to recent reviews to ensure the current quality of service and offerings. Reviews often highlight unique items or specialties, guiding you to the best treats available.

Reading detailed reviews can also reveal hidden gems or new spots, enhancing your dessert experience in Austin. Verified ratings and a history of excellence are strong indicators of a top-notch dessert destination.

Ijaz Malik
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