Best Dessert Places in Austin TX
Sugars, sweeties, and honeys — If you've got a sweet tooth, you've come to the right place! If you thought Austin’s BBQ scene was bringing it, your mind is about to be blown wide open with what it has to offer you for afters.
From award-winning bakeries to artisanal ice cream parlors, from indulgent doughnuts to charming mini pies — this city is a sugar lover's paradise. To help you wash down those heaping piles of brisket and vegan barbecue wonders, we’re here to give you a sweet ride through Austin’s dessert scene. Let’s just hope you still have room to enjoy it!
Sugar Mama's Bakeshop
There’s no better place to start our saccharine adventure than with Sugar Mama's Bakeshop. This place is a dessert institution, and we're not just saying that. Mama’s won quite a few awards, and you know you’re in for a treat when you’re stepping into the sweet air of an award-winning bakery.
In fact, even stepping into Sugar Mama's is a treat itself. The sweet aroma of fresh baking, the cheerful staff, and the jaw-dropping display of cupcakes, cakes, and pies are just too hard to resist.
Speaking of cupcakes, you simply have to try their mini cupcakes. They come in a wide array of flavors, from classic vanilla to daring balsamic strawberry. And they're not just pretty to look at — one bite, and you'll be in dessert heaven.
Lick Honest Ice Creams
Let’s be honest — have you really visited Austin if you haven’t had a lick of Lick Honest Ice Creams? This is not just your typical ice cream shop.
Lick takes the classic frozen treat to a whole new level. We're talking about locally sourced, artisanal ice cream. All their ingredients come from local Texas farmers, and that makes every scoop of Lick ice cream like having a little bit of your favorite state in your mouth — but, like, in a tasty way.
They've got some flavors that may raise your eyebrows, but trust us — they're surprisingly good! Ever heard of Goat Cheese, Thyme & Honey? Or how about Roasted Beets & Fresh Mint? They might sound outlandish, but Lick Honest Ice Creams has a way of making them work.
Oh, and for all you darling vegan and dairy-free folks out there — this place is a dream come true. Lick's vegan ice cream options are every bit as creamy, flavorful, and indulgent as their regular offerings.
Gourdough's
It’s time to find your center and balance your chakras because we’re about to ascend to doughnut nirvana with a quick stop at Gourdough's. This place started as a food truck and is now an iconic dessert destination. And it's all thanks to their gargantuan, sinful, and absolutely delicious doughnuts.
Gourdough's is not for the faint-hearted. They've got doughnuts topped with everything from bacon to cream cheese icing to grilled bananas. But if you're ready for a real adventure, try the "Mother Clucker" — a doughnut topped with fried chicken and drizzled with honey butter.
Yes, it's over the top. Yes, it's an indulgence. And yes, you need it in your mouth right now.
Tiny Pies
If you’ve filled up on dinner in one of Austin’s many fabulous eateries, you may only be up for a tiny dessert. Hence the name Tiny Pies.
It's a family-run business that's reinventing the classic pie, one teeny-tiny bite at a time. Also, it’s incredibly freaking adorable, so that definitely helps.
But don't be fooled by the size. These mini pies pack a massive punch of flavor. Apple, cherry, lemon, and lavender — they've got all the classic flavors, but they're not afraid to mix things up.
Ever tried a Texas Two Step pie? It's a decadent combo of pecan pie and brownie pie, and it's just one of the many unique flavors you'll find in a tiny variety at this tiny pie shop.
Churro Co.
Let's trade the cozy bakery for the bustling food truck scene. Welcome to Churro Co., where they're doing magical things with the humble churro. Forget the basic cinnamon-sugar combo — here, they're challenging everything you ever thought you knew about churros.
How about a churro s'more, complete with graham cracker crumbs and toasted marshmallows? Or perhaps you'd fancy a churro sundae piled high with ice cream, whipped cream, and caramel sauce. It's a wild ride, but it's oh-so-worth it.
If you’re looking for a standout option, our favorite is a drool-worthy mash-up of perfectly cooked churros, bruleed marshmallows, graham cracker crumble, and Mexican chocolate sauce. It's like a camping trip in dessert form, minus the pesky bugs and that whole sleeping-on-the-ground nightmare. This is not your abuelita's churro, but we think she'd approve.
Bananarchy
Peel into our next spot: Bananarchy, where they're going bananas over, well, bananas! Now, if you're thinking this is just about fruit, you're in for a surprise. This whimsical food truck is taking the humble banana, dunking it in delectable coatings, and transforming it into a mouthwatering treat.
Imagine a ripe, chilled banana — covered in rich chocolate, rolled in a symphony of crunchy toppings like crushed cookies or sprinkles, and then drizzled with caramel or marshmallow. It’s seriously heaven on a stick.
The best part is you can build your own banana concoction! It's the perfect dessert for those hot Austin days when you're craving something sweet, refreshing, and just a little bit naughty. Just a little bit.
Because while it’s absolutely battered with sweet treats and textural delights, there is something almost healthy feeling about knowing there’s fruit at its core. Emphasis again on almost.
It's the kind of afternoon snack worth ditching your diet for, honeys.
Hayley Cakes and Cookies
If you want a bakery that's all about celebrating life's sweet moments, one cookie at a time, then Hayley Cakes and Cookies is where you should be. Hayley's creations are not just cookies — they're tiny works of art.
Each one is meticulously hand-decorated, and the result is a parade of delightful, Instagram-worthy treats. But don't you dare think these are all about looks! These cookies pack a flavorful punch that would make any sweet tooth swoon.
And let's not forget their cakes. From whimsical unicorn cakes to refined floral creations, each cake is a testament to Hayley's attention to detail and love for baking. Plus, they offer gluten-free and vegan options, so no one's left out of the cookie party!
Treat yourself to a cookie (or five). After all, desserts are like love — it’s nice to be loved by one person, but if you can multiply that by five cookies, it’s even better. That’s just math, right?
Crema Bakery and Cafe
Ready for another sugar rush? Our next stop is Crema Bakery and Cafe. Homestyle is the name of the game here — think pies, cookies, and scones, all made with that unmistakable touch of love. It's like your grandma's kitchen if your grandma was a world-class pastry chef.
Their menu is a delightful assortment of sweet treats, but it's their custom cakes that really steal the show. From elegant wedding cakes to quirky birthday creations, these bakers can whip up a masterpiece for any occasion. And yes, they taste as good as they look!
But here's an insider tip: you have to try their chocolate chip cookies. They're thick, they're chewy, and they're loaded with chocolate. It's a classic, yes, but when it's done right, it's a thing of beauty. And for our gluten-free friends, they've got you covered with an array of delicious gluten-free options.
Sweet Dreams, Food Lovers
And there you have it, darlings — a taste tour of the best dessert places in Austin. From the homey comforts of Crema Bakery and Cafe to the food truck fiesta at Churro Co., this city is a sugar-filled paradise.
So go forth, dessert lovers. Get out there and explore these sweet spots. Savor every bite, every lick, every sugary morsel.
Because, as with pretty much every kind of food Austin whips up, they don’t do anything halfway. If you’re looking for a sugar rush in the city tonight, you’re in luck — because Austin will deliver.
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