If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a craving for something extraordinary, you’re in for a treat. Tampa’s dessert scene is booming with indulgent, trendy, and downright delicious creations that will make any dessert lover swoon. From luxurious burnt cheesecakes to Instagram-worthy ginormous ice cream cones, Tampa has it all. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself, these decadent delights are sure to satisfy your sweetest desires.
Knafeh at Madent Al-Taybat Roastery
4241-A East Busch Blvd
Crunchy, buttery phyllo dough, cheesy filling, drizzled syrup, and crushed pistachio. If we had our choice, we’d have knafeh every day. This sweet and savory Middle Eastern dessert oozes goodness and fun, especially as you watch the knafeh puller cut through layers of dough and cheese to serve you a piece. Madent Al-Taybat Roastery serves knafeh and more in their market of nuts, spices, coffee, and sweets, from Turkish Delights and viral pistachio chocolate to baklava.
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Classic Flan at Flan Factory
1718 N Nebraska Ave
If you haven’t tried flan yet, a Latin American favorite, your first stop should be Flan Factory. This family-owned Cuban restaurant specializes in the silky, caramel-topped, melt-in-your-mouth custard dessert. Using high-quality ingredients and family recipes, Flan Factory keeps its menu fresh, authentic, and delicious. While Flan Factory rotates flavors weekly, you can never go wrong with their Classic Flan. Pair it with a Cafe Con Leche or Horchata Iced Coffee for a sweet afternoon treat.
Baked Alaska at Bern’s Steak House
1208 S Howard Ave
Of course we know Bern’s for their aged steaks and wines, but don’t forget their internationally famous dessert room. For those nights you want something truly extravagant, order their Baked Alaska. Made with macadamia nut ice cream, vanilla cake, toasted meringue, and blended liqueurs, prepare to be dazzled when your waiter flambés it tableside for you. Forget the steak–it doesn’t get more exciting than that!
Hungarian Chimney Cakes at Twisted Rolls Chimney Cake
12212 N 56th St
Cake and ice cream: we dare you to name a tastier combination. Twisted Rolls Chimney Cake is here to prove they belong together with their twist (pun intended) on the Hungarian delicacy, Chimney Cakes. With nine chimney cake flavors to choose from, chocolate lovers will delight in their Oreo cake or Hazelnut, or you can opt for something lighter with Fruity Pebbles or Coconut. Regardless of which flavor you choose, your chimney cake cone will then be stuffed with rich ice cream and sprinkled with irresistible toppings.
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Bake’n Babes’ Sleazy Sundae
231 E Davis Blvd
Located on Davis Island, Bake’n Babes is here to deliver indulgent sweet treats, from baked goods like cookies and brownies to ice cream and shakes. But the crème de le crème lies in their affectionately named Sleazy Sundae. In one cup, they layer vanilla soft serve, salted caramel, and warm, gooey brownie pieces together for the ultimate dessert. Our mouths are just watering thinking about it!
Triple Berry Poptarts at Elevenses Co
1001 East Columbus Dr
Remember the good old days of poptarts on the way to school? The flaky crust and fruity jam? Elevenses is here to give us back a little piece of childhood nostalgia. Available through online order, their Triple Berry Poptarts are made with the same buttery crust we know and love alongside a strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry filling, complete with a berry glaze. These homemade vegan treats are made from scratch and promise to put a smile on your face from ear to ear.
Gooey Toffee Bar at Toffee to Go & More
3251 W. Bay to Bay Blvd
Celebrating 22 years in Tampa, Toffee to Go & More is the destination for all things toffee. What began as a family holiday recipe has evolved through the years into a sweet spot for made-from-scratch toffee desserts, including their famous Gooey Toffee Bar. This bar layers crisp shortbread with rich toffee sauce, crowned with a scoop of ice cream. It wouldn’t be complete without more toffee drizzled on top. Stop in once for this gourmet treat, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more of their cakes, cookies, ice creams, pies, and more.
American Cookie Company’s Big Cookies
5226 S Dale Mabry
We’re all told to dream big, and at American Cookie Company, they took that to heart. Their sensationally big cookies are the perfect blend of chewy goodness with crunch on the outside but soft in the middle. You can order the classics, like Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, and Snickerdoodle White Chocolate, or go for something a little more unique, like Birthday Cake, Lemon, or Red Velvet. Put in a preorder for your cookies for pickup at The Bakery Box pop-up, or check their Instagram for other pop-up locations.
Rocca’s Burnt Cheesecake
323 W Palm Ave
You may know of Italian restaurant Rocca for many reasons: their caviar service, mozzarella cart, extravagant pasta, or its MICHELIN star. But put those thoughts to the side, because it’s time to put the spotlight on something sweeter–their burnt cheesecake. Light and airy, this limited quantity dessert is a menu staple that takes after its Basque heritage. It’s currently served with caramelized plantains for a burst of flavor. 
XL Croissants at Sucré Table
4048 W Kennedy Blvd
What’s buttery, flaky, and guaranteed to start off every morning right? Well, it’s croissants, of course. And at Tampa’s gourmet bakery Sucré Table, these tasty morning treats come in a new variety: XL. Pastry chef Brenda Villacorta not only whips up 5-star desserts at her bakery and café, but she also reinvents this classic pastry by making it jumbo size. Available as regular, almond, or pistachio, this beautiful reimagination of French patisserie will have you believing you’ve been transported right to Paris. 
Donuts at SuperNatural Food and Wine
305 E Polk St
Saturdays don’t get any better than with a cup of brewed coffee and a freshly baked donut. And at SuperNatural, a MICHELIN Guide-featured hotspot for deli sandwiches and natural wine, you can get both. Made fresh Tuesday through Saturday, come by while these cinnamon sugar sourdonuts last (and while they’re still piping hot). Doors open at 7:30am, and they’re quick to sell out. Flavors often change, but the great taste remains the same.
Giant Cones at Hampton Chocolate Factory
615 Channelside Dr
Okay, ice cream fanatics, it’s time to put your love to the test with Hampton Chocolate Factory’s Giant Cones. Thick, rich, and delicious, their 5-pound, 2-feet-tall cones are available by reservation only. This ice cream tower starts with two extra-wide waffle cones wrapped in melted chocolate. Once coated, the factory’s Certified Giant Cone Masters create a sky-high swirl of their World Famous Super Thick Soft Serve. Not sure if you’re ready for the cone experience? They also offer Giant Cup reservations. Either way, bring a friend for backup!
Kunafa by Kunafa King & Turkish Delights at Roasted 813
Roasted! is a candy shop in Temple Terrace featuring Halal-friendly treats, and an “island” of gummy treats. When you visit, make sure to get a cup of their frozen mint lemon drink. It’s one of the most refreshing spring/summer drinks I’ve ever enjoyed. The venue is also famous for its big outdoor markets/events, and they frequently bring in The Kunafa King to feed eager attendees. Follow the shop on Instagram for updates on new events.
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