The Best Dessert Spots in Austin…
and a few sweet surprises outside the city, too.
One of my favorite things about living in Austin is how seriously we take our food—especially our desserts. Whether you're looking for a cool treat on a hot day, something decadent to share after dinner, or just an excuse to try a new neighborhood bakery, the greater Austin area has something for every kind of sweet tooth. Here's a roundup of some of my go-to dessert spots in the city and beyond.
In Austin:
🍦 Zed’s Ice Cream – East Austin
This East Side gem is doing soft serve right—with rotating seasonal flavors and topping combinations that somehow feel both nostalgic and totally new. Whether you're a vanilla purist or the kind of person who adds chili crisp and honeycomb to your cone, Zed’s has something to make you smile. Bonus: the vibe is great, and it’s an easy stop after dinner or a walk around the neighborhood.
🍰 Heaven’s Bistro Bakery – North Austin
If you haven’t been to Heaven’s yet, you’re missing out. Tucked away off Anderson Lane, this European-style bakery offers an insane selection of pastries, cakes, and tarts that are almost too pretty to eat (almost). The almond croissant is legendary, and their mille-feuille is worth driving across town for. It’s the kind of place where you grab one thing for now and a few things “for later” that never make it past the car ride home.
🥥 Thai Fresh – South Austin
Part Thai restaurant, part gluten-free bakery, and part ice cream parlor, Thai Fresh is one of the most unique dessert stops in town. Their housemade coconut milk ice creams are dairy-free but full of flavor—try the Thai basil or mango sticky rice versions for something different. And if you’re gluten-free, their baked goods are some of the best in the city, full stop.
Outside the City:
🧁 Baked n' Sconed – Hutto
This cozy bakery and coffeehouse is beloved by locals for their rotating scone selection, over-the-top cupcakes, and custom cakes. It’s a great place to grab a treat with your coffee or pick up something special for a weekend gathering.
🍨 All Things Kids / The Sweet Boutique – Georgetown
Located right on the square, this candy and dessert shop is part toy store, part ice cream parlor, and 100% fun. It’s especially great if you’ve got little ones in tow—or just want to feel like a kid again yourself. Their homemade fudge and colorful candy displays make it hard to leave empty-handed.
🍭 La Ola Pop Shop – Kyle
This colorful, family-owned paletería brings the flavors of Mexico to Kyle with handcrafted popsicles, ice cream, aguas frescas, and more. Whether you're in the mood for a creamy coconut paleta or something tangy like tamarind or mango-chile, La Ola hits the spot. It’s a fun, refreshing stop that’s well worth the drive.
🍪 Scout & Honor – Dripping Springs
This charming bakery and café in Dripping Springs is known for its beautifully crafted cookies, pastries, and creative seasonal desserts. Whether you’re sipping a latte or grabbing a box of treats to go, Scout & Honor delivers both style and flavor. It’s a must-visit if you're exploring the Hill Country.
JENN’s HOT TAKE:
No matter what part of town you're in—or what kind of dessert you're craving—there’s something sweet waiting for you in the greater Austin area. From soft serve on the East Side to popsicles in Kyle and everything in between, the treats are just one more reason why Austin is such a special place to call home.
And the best part? No matter where you choose to live, you’ll never be far from a great dessert.
Jennifer Carey
Realtor and Agent Success Manager at Open House Austin, real estate investor, and renovation enthusiast with Wimberley Airbnbs. She loves mid-century modern design, hiking Austin with her dogs, yoga and pilates, and has been enjoying gardening at her new home in East Austin🎶✨
