5 Michigan Dessert Chains Worth A Treat & 5 That Truly Sweeten The Deal

Michigan may be best known for its Great Lakes and automotive legacy, but those aren’t the only things that make the Mitten State shine.

Tucked between its bustling cities and charming small towns are dessert spots that locals swear by and visitors can’t resist. From silky smooth custards to decadent cakes, warm donuts, and the world-famous Mackinac Island fudge, Michigan has a sweet tradition as rich as its history.

I’ve spent years crisscrossing the state in search of its most irresistible treats, and these 10 dessert chains stand out as must-visit destinations for anyone chasing the perfect sugar fix.

1. Olga’s Kitchen – Bread That Dreams Are Made Of

My first encounter with Olga’s Sweet Bread dessert changed my life! The pillowy soft bread, drizzled with honey and cinnamon, melts in your mouth like a warm hug on a cold Michigan day.

Founded in 1970 by Olga Loizon, this Michigan institution transformed Mediterranean-inspired cuisine into a statewide sensation. Their dessert menu featuring the famous Olga Bread reimagined as sweet treats remains unmatched.

The Snackers with honey sauce are simply irresistible – I’ve been known to order extra to take home when nobody’s watching!

2. Sanders Candy & Dessert Shops – Century-Old Sweetness

Stepping into Sanders feels like time-traveling to 1875 when Fred Sanders opened his first Detroit candy shop. The hot fudge cream puff nearly made me cry tears of joy the first time I tried it!

Sanders’ legendary Bumpy Cake – chocolate cake topped with buttercream bumps and poured chocolate ganache – remains a Michigan celebration staple. Generations of families have marked special occasions with these treats.

Their chocolate-covered caramels have a perfectly balanced sweet-salt ratio that keeps me coming back whenever I need a pick-me-up after a long day.

3. Guernsey Farms Dairy Ice Cream Shops – Creamy Michigan Legacy

Summer evenings in Michigan aren’t complete without a trip to Guernsey Farms! Their butter pecan ice cream (made from a 75-year-old family recipe) haunts my dreams in the best possible way.

The Northville-based dairy has been family-operated since 1940, churning out over 50 flavors that taste impossibly fresh. I once drove 40 miles just to get their seasonal Michigan Cherry ice cream during a craving.

Beyond scoops, their chocolate milk has won national awards and comes in glass bottles that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a simpler, sweeter time.

4. Kilwins – Fudge That Defines Northern Michigan

The heavenly aroma of Kilwins’ copper kettle fudge being made right before your eyes is practically the unofficial scent of Michigan vacations! Born in Petoskey back in 1947, this confectionery marvel has expanded while maintaining its small-town charm.

Their Mackinac Island Fudge ice cream changed my definition of indulgence. Watching the fudge-makers fold creamy chocolate on marble slabs feels like witnessing edible art being created.

Every summer up north, I make a ritual of enjoying their turtle caramel apples while strolling along the waterfront – a tradition I’ve maintained for fifteen glorious years.

5. Biggby Coffee – Michigan’s Own Coffee & Treat Empire

Born in East Lansing, Biggby transformed from a single shop called “Beaner’s” into Michigan’s answer to the national coffee chains. Their Teddy Bear latte (white chocolate, caramel, and cinnamon) saved me during countless all-nighters in college!

The bright orange cups have become a Michigan staple, with locals proudly carrying them as badges of home-state loyalty. Their muffins and cookies aren’t afterthoughts – they’re legitimately worth the trip alone.

My personal obsession is their Frozen Mocha Creme Freeze with extra whip, which somehow tastes better when enjoyed by one of Michigan’s lakes on a sunny day.

6. Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea – Ann Arbor’s Global Flavor Adventure

Sweetwaters began as a cozy Ann Arbor study spot but quickly captured hearts with its globally-inspired treats. Their Dragon Eye coffee (infused with caramel and vanilla) powered me through writing my entire thesis!

Founded by Wei and Lisa Bee in 1993, this Michigan gem blends Eastern and Western flavors in unexpected ways. The Napali Brew paired with their ginger lemon scone creates a taste combination that feels both exotic and comfortingly Midwestern.

During Michigan’s brutal winters, their steaming Imperial Teas in those signature blue mugs have warmed both my hands and spirit on countless snow-covered afternoons.

7. Custard Time – Frozen Perfection Year-Round

Michigan winters don’t stop true custard lovers! I’ve stood in snow flurries waiting for Custard Time’s velvety smooth treats that put regular ice cream to shame.

These regional gems maintain old-school custard machines that create a density and creaminess chain stores can’t match. The concrete mixers with Michigan-grown cherries transform a simple dessert into a transcendent experience.

Family-owned locations across the state each have their own special flavors, but all share that distinctively rich egg-based formula. My personal challenge is trying to eat their massive portions before melting occurs – a delicious race against time!

8. House of Flavors – Ludington’s Ice Cream Institution

House of Flavors isn’t just serving ice cream – they’re dishing up nostalgia with a cherry on top! The Ludington landmark has been manufacturing ice cream since 1948, with a retro diner that transports you straight back to simpler times.

Their Michigan Pothole flavor (chocolate ice cream with fudge chunks and asphalt-colored chocolate cookie pieces) perfectly captures our state’s humor about road conditions. The manufacturing facility produces over 30 million gallons of ice cream annually, yet maintains small-batch quality.

My family’s beach trips always end with their massive Pig’s Dinner sundae challenge – complete with siren sounds if you finish it all!

9. Cold Stone Creamery – Marble Slab Magic in Michigan

Cold Stone might be national, but Michigan locations embrace local flavors with particular enthusiasm! The theatrical ice cream mixing on frozen stone slabs never gets old, even after watching it hundreds of times.

Michigan cherry mix-ins get special treatment here, often featured in seasonal creations that celebrate the state’s fruit harvests. My signature order includes their sweet cream base with blueberries, graham cracker, and a touch of honey – a combination I’ve named “Great Lakes Bliss.”

Their singing staff members have embarrassed me on at least three birthdays, but the free ice cream makes the public serenade totally worth it!

10. Dairy Queen – Red Spoon Memories Across the Mitten

Dairy Queen’s red spoon signs have been Michigan summer landmarks since the 1940s! The upside-down Blizzard test still makes me hold my breath, even though I’ve never actually seen one fall.

Michigan’s seasonal DQ stands reopening is our state’s unofficial start of spring. Small towns across the state have locations that become community gathering spots, where Little League teams celebrate regardless of the game’s outcome.

My childhood was measured in Dilly Bars and Buster Bars, with the first DQ trip of the season being a sacred family tradition. Their cherry dipped cone remains the perfect road trip companion while exploring Michigan’s scenic routes.