15 Hidden Florida Spots Where Desserts Steal The Show
Florida isn’t just about beaches and theme parks, it’s also home to some of the most incredible dessert spots you’ve probably never heard of.
From handcrafted ice cream to cookies the size of your face, these hidden gems serve up sweet treats that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Whether you’re a local looking for your next sugar fix or a visitor wanting to explore beyond the tourist traps, these fifteen spots prove that the Sunshine State knows how to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Get ready to discover where dessert dreams come true in the most unexpected corners of Florida!
1. Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream – Orlando
Tucked away on Corrine Drive, this family-owned parlor has been scooping happiness since 1985, long before artisan ice cream became trendy.
Every flavor gets made fresh in small batches using real ingredients—no artificial anything here. The line out the door isn’t just for show; locals know this place serves up creamy perfection that puts chain stores to shame.
Try their signature Chocolate Peanut Butter or go wild with seasonal flavors like Key Lime Pie. The portions are generous enough to share, but you probably won’t want to.
Kids go crazy for the bubblegum flavor, while adults appreciate the sophisticated options like salted caramel pretzel. The vintage atmosphere adds to the charm, making every visit feel like stepping back to simpler times.
Address: 3114 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
2. Night Owl Cookies – Orlando
When midnight cravings hit, most folks settle for whatever’s in the pantry—but not in Orlando.
Night Owl Cookies understands that cookie emergencies don’t follow a nine-to-five schedule. Their massive, warm cookies come loaded with everything from classic chocolate chips to creative combos like cookies and cream.
Each cookie weighs about a quarter pound and stays soft for days, though good luck making them last that long. The late-night hours make this spot a lifesaver for college students, night shift workers, and anyone who believes cookies taste better after dark.
The staff bakes fresh batches throughout the night, so you’re always getting that just-out-of-the-oven experience. Milk comes served in cute glass bottles, because dunking is serious business here.
Address: 11325 University Blvd, Orlando, FL 32817
3. Key West Key Lime Pie Company – Key West
Forget everything you think you know about Key lime pie—this place wrote the book on it.
Located right on Greene Street, this little slice of heaven serves the most authentic version of Florida’s signature dessert. The recipe stays true to tradition with real Key lime juice, creating that perfect balance between tart and sweet.
You can grab a slice to enjoy on their patio or take a whole pie back to share with friends who’ll never stop thanking you. The chocolate-dipped frozen version on a stick makes the perfect treat while strolling through Key West’s historic streets.
They also offer variations like Key lime pie fudge and cheesecake for those who want to explore beyond the classic. Every bite transports you deeper into island paradise.
Address: 511 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040
4. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe – Key West
With two locations in Key West, Kermit’s has become synonymous with Key lime everything, and they’re not messing around.
This family-run business has been a staple of the Key West dessert scene for decades, perfecting the art of turning Key limes into pure magic. Beyond their award-winning pies, they create Key lime cookies, taffy, salsa, and even BBQ sauce for those who want to take the flavor home.
The shop feels like a tropical wonderland where everything’s painted in cheerful yellows and greens. Free samples flow generously, letting you taste before committing to your favorites.
Their frozen Key lime pie on a stick has achieved legendary status among visitors and locals alike. The staff shares recipes and stories, making every visit educational and delicious.
Address: 200 Elizabeth St & 335F Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
5. Gideon’s Bakehouse – Orlando
Walking into Gideon’s feels like entering a gothic fairy tale where cookies reign supreme and bigger is always better.
These aren’t your grandmother’s cookies—each one weighs nearly half a pound and comes packed with premium ingredients that justify the wait. The dark, moody atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the warmth of fresh-baked goods.
Lines form early because they make limited quantities daily, ensuring maximum freshness and quality. Flavors rotate monthly, with permanent favorites like Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch and Triple Chocolate Supreme always available.
The cookies stay incredibly soft for days thanks to their special technique, though most people devour them immediately. Coffee cake slices also deserve attention, offering a different but equally spectacular sweet experience.
Address: 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
6. Amorette’s Patisserie – Lake Buena Vista
Fancy desserts don’t have to be intimidating, and Amorette’s proves it with pastries so beautiful you’ll hesitate before taking that first bite.
This Disney Springs gem brings French pastry techniques to Florida, creating edible works of art that taste even better than they look. The signature petit cakes come individually sized, letting you indulge without committing to a full-sized dessert.
Watch pastry chefs work their magic through the glass-walled kitchen, turning chocolate and cream into masterpieces. Macarons stack in rainbow towers, while éclairs glisten under perfect lighting.
The Mickey-shaped dome cakes have become Instagram famous, featuring layers of mousse and sponge cake in various flavors. Everything from the croissants to the tarts showcases impeccable craftsmanship and premium ingredients.
Address: 1536 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
7. Se7en Bites – Orlando
Southern comfort meets modern bakery at this charming spot that serves breakfast, lunch, and desserts worth writing home about.
The dessert case overflows with towering cakes, fruit pies, and cookies that remind you why grandma’s kitchen always smelled so good. Everything gets baked from scratch daily using recipes that balance tradition with creative twists.
Their biscuits have achieved cult status, but save room for dessert because the cakes rotate seasonally and disappear quickly. The red velvet cake stands tall with cream cheese frosting, while fruit cobblers showcase Florida’s seasonal produce.
The casual atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re dressed for brunch or just rolled out of bed. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the staff treats everyone like family.
Address: 617 N Primrose Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
8. Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop – Miami
A real Miami firefighter turned his passion for baking into this beloved neighborhood bakery that’s heating up the dessert scene.
Derek’s story adds extra sweetness to every bite, he learned to bake during downtime at the firehouse and eventually opened his own shop. The menu is best known for its pies, cakes, cheesecakes, and cookies, with cupcakes also making frequent appearances.
Everything from the brownies to the cookies shows the care and attention of someone who truly loves what they do. The shop maintains that small-batch quality even as word spreads about these incredible treats.
Fire truck decorations and firefighter memorabilia create a fun atmosphere that kids absolutely love. The community has embraced this spot as their go-to for birthday cakes, special occasions, and Tuesday afternoon pick-me-ups.
Address: 2545 N Miami Ave Bay 1, Miami, FL 33127
9. Azucar Ice Cream Company – Miami
Cuban flavors meet frozen desserts at this Little Havana treasure that’s redefining what ice cream can be.
Traditional Latin flavors like guava, mamey, and café con leche transform into creamy scoops that taste like childhood memories for some and exciting discoveries for others. The shop pulses with energy, music, and the kind of authentic atmosphere you can’t fake.
Abuela Maria flavor combines cream cheese ice cream with guava swirls, creating a combination that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. Even classic flavors get elevated with fresh ingredients and careful preparation.
The staff happily offers samples, encouraging experimentation with unfamiliar flavors. Seasonal specials showcase tropical fruits at their peak, turning each visit into a new adventure.
Address: 1503 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
10. The Salty Donut – Miami
Donuts have evolved beyond breakfast pastries at this artisan shop that treats each ring of dough like a blank canvas.
Small-batch production means flavors rotate frequently, keeping regulars coming back to see what’s new. The maple bacon donut started a trend, but creative options like guava and cheese or brown butter and salt push boundaries even further.
They source ingredients locally when possible, supporting Florida farmers while ensuring peak freshness. The dough gets made in-house and proofed overnight, creating that perfect texture that’s crispy outside and fluffy inside.
Vegan options don’t compromise on flavor, proving that dietary restrictions shouldn’t mean missing out on amazing donuts. The industrial-chic space invites you to linger over coffee while contemplating your next donut choice.
Address: 50 NW 24th St Ste 106, Miami, FL 33127
11. OddFellows Ice Cream Co. – Tampa
Born in Brooklyn but perfectly at home in Tampa, OddFellows brings experimental ice cream flavors that challenge everything you thought you knew about frozen desserts.
Cornbread ice cream sounds weird until you taste it, then suddenly it makes perfect sense. Their philosophy embraces the unexpected, turning ingredients like olive oil, chorizo caramel, and burnt honey into surprisingly delicious scoops.
Classic flavors also appear on the menu for those not feeling adventurous, but the real magic happens when you step outside your comfort zone. The shop’s quirky decor matches the playful approach to flavor development.
Seasonal offerings showcase local ingredients, creating limited-edition flavors that become cult favorites before disappearing. The staff’s enthusiasm for their product is contagious, making every visit feel like a fun experiment.
Address: 718 S Village Cir, Tampa, FL 33606
12. The Glass Knife – Winter Park
Sophistication meets neighborhood charm at this Winter Park bakery that’s earned a reputation for pastries that rival anything you’d find in Paris.
Two locations mean more people can access their incredible croissants, tarts, and cakes without the drive. The attention to detail shows in every layer of their pastries, from perfectly laminated dough to precisely piped cream.
Morning buns sticky with cinnamon sugar sell out early, while afternoon brings fresh batches of éclairs and fruit tarts. The macarons come in rotating flavors, each one crispy outside with that signature chewy center.
Birthday cakes can be custom ordered, transformed into edible masterpieces that taste as good as they photograph. The bright, airy space encourages lingering over coffee and pastries while watching the world pass by outside.
Address: 276 S Orlando Ave & 212 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
13. Sweet Pete’s Candy – Jacksonville
A restored chocolate factory now houses this candy wonderland where nostalgia and innovation create sweet magic across multiple floors of confectionery bliss.
Watching candy makers work through viewing windows turns shopping into entertainment as they pour, pull, and shape treats before your eyes. The building itself tells stories, with original features preserved alongside modern candy-making equipment.
Classic candies line the shelves next to creative new flavors, ensuring something for every generation. The chocolate-covered pretzels achieve that perfect sweet-and-salty balance that keeps hands reaching back into the bag.
Seasonal offerings transform the shop throughout the year, from heart-shaped chocolates to candy canes made on-site. The shop also hosts classes and special events that give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at candy making.
Address: 400 N Hogan St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
14. The Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops – St. Augustine
Forget everything you remember about childhood popsicles—these gourmet frozen treats elevate the concept to art form using fresh fruit and creative combinations.
With two locations in historic St. Augustine, The Hyppo brings refreshment to tourists and locals exploring the nation’s oldest city. Each pop gets handcrafted using real fruit, herbs, and other natural ingredients without artificial colors or flavors.
Flavors range from straightforward strawberry to adventurous combinations like coconut mojito or raspberry basil. The pops freeze solid but melt perfectly on your tongue, releasing layers of flavor with each bite.
They offer dairy-free and vegan options, making these treats accessible to almost everyone. The bright cart and friendly staff make stopping for a Hyppo part of any St. Augustine adventure.
Address: 48 Charlotte St & 70 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
15. Claude’s Chocolate – St. Augustine
European chocolate-making traditions find a home in America’s oldest city at this boutique chocolatier that takes its craft seriously without taking itself too seriously.
Claude creates small-batch chocolates using Belgian techniques and premium ingredients sourced from around the world. Each truffle gets hand-rolled and decorated, making every piece a tiny work of edible art.
The shop’s intimate size means you’ll likely meet Claude himself, who loves sharing stories about chocolate origins and flavor profiles. Seasonal collections reflect holidays and local events, keeping the selection fresh and exciting.
Gift boxes make perfect souvenirs, letting you share a taste of St. Augustine with friends back home. The dark chocolate sea salt caramels have achieved legendary status among chocolate lovers who make pilgrimages specifically for them.
Address: 6 Granada St, St. Augustine, FL 32084