More than just rollercoasters, Orlando is a wild ride for your taste buds too - especially if you have a sweet tooth. From restaurants within the theme park resorts to eateries in the suburbs of the city, you can find a slice for every appetite, and we can help you get there. Discover Orlando's best places for candy and dessert below, let's start planning your foodie adventure.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, Universal CityWalk
Starting with a firm favourite,
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium has garnered quite a reputation over the years - and for good reason. Firstly, there’s the setting. More like entering Willy Wonka’s factory than a family restaurant, it is the perfect place to devour some tasty treats. But most importantly, it is one of the best places for desserts in Orlando.
Highlights include the S’mores Sundae (a twist on the typical American snack) and May Contain Nuts (a sundae topped with peanut butter cups). The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is also famed for its unique shakes. Nothing says Florida quite like a Key Lime Pie shake, but you may also want to sample their Bacon Brittle shake, which truly is as strange as it sounds.
Voodoo Doughnut, Universal CityWalk
If Homer Simpson lived in Florida, you can bet he’d be a regular at Voodoo Doughnut. In fact, they even have a doughnut in his name. With over 50 artisan flavours to choose from, including 25 vegan options, there is something for everyone. You can sample their famed Bacon Maple Bar and Voodoo Doll, or brave The Ring of Fire. Yet be warned, this doughnut, topped with a dash of red chilli pepper, is not for the faint-hearted. And if you can’t decide on cereal or doughnuts, Voodoo Doughnut has you covered with the Oh Captain, My Captain offering, a Cap’n Crunch topped vanilla frosted ring.
Gideon’s Bakehouse, Disney Springs
This Gothic themed bakery in the heart of
Disney Springs holds an incredible selection of intricately crafted cookies and cakes. Taking over 24 hours to prepare, quality is in every bite. It is flavours like Pistachio Toffee and Coffee Cake that make Gideon’s Bakehouse a popular spot. Still, if you simply can’t make a decision, why not give the Limited Edition a try> With a different flavour every month, it’s in the hands of the Bakehouse gods which one you’ll get. Look out for the new Cookie Butter Butterscotch Cookie.
Honeydukes, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Shelves and shelves of colourful candies await you at the legendary Honeydukes shop. Pose for a customary photo in front of its wonky green doors, then stock up on your favourite Harry Potter treats, from Fizzing Whizzbees to Chocolate Frogs, and, of course, Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans (you may want to exclude Earwax and some other nasties though). Afterwards, you'll be ready to wash down all the sweets with a delicious pint of Butterbeer at the nearby Three Broomsticks Inn.
Amorette’s Patisserie, Disney Springs
A list of the best places for candy and desserts wouldn't be complete without a Disney-themed option. And among Disney's many magical pastry shops, there's arguably none better than Amorette’s Patisserie. Specializing in character inspired pastries, it is the place to go if you want to see Mickey and the gang in cake form. And, if you’re feeling inspired, you can even decorate your own character cake. Traditional pastries are also on offer, including eclairs, cheesecakes, and crepes just to name a few.
Uncle Julio’s, International Drive
Then again, who said you had to go to
Walt Disney World to see some magic? At Mexican restaurant Uncle Julio’s, sorcery comes as a side with their Chocolate Pinata dessert. You will be in awe as servers deliver a giant chocolate ball suspended in mid-air to your table. After a few hits with the designated sticks, a feast of churros, chocolate, strawberries, and pineapple comes crashing down. All that’s left to do is tuck in and enjoy.
Insomnia Cookies, Various Locations
If you arrive in Florida a little jet lagged and sleeping late, Insomnia Cookies is here to help. With deliveries until 3am, warm, soft cookies can be ordered whenever the craving for something sweet calls. As well as all the cookie classics like Chocolate Chunk, Peanut Butter Chip, and M&M, they also have a wide selection of cakes and ice cream. Or you may wish to go for the Big Dipper combo pack – 4 classic cookies with your choice of buttercream, cream cheese, or chocolate cookie butter icing for dipping.
The Glass Knife, Winter Park
If you’re looking for a little luxury for dessert, look no further than The Glass Knife. Here you will find food almost too pretty to eat. The key word being
almost. Top picks at this classy spot include the Chocolate Onyx Pastry, the Crème Brulee Doughnut, and the Strawberry Chocolate Cream Puff. Originally Inspired by "a loving mother and hobbyist baker whose talents transformed her baking into a true creative profession", The Glass Knife prides itself on being the icing on the cake for friendship.
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Step back in time to the 1950s at the
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop. From its décor and vibe to its menu, every candy and dessert comes soaked in nostalgia. Picture tucking into eight scoops of ice cream dripping with nearly every sauce and topping you can remember. It's possible by ordering the Kitchen Sink. Whatever you order, you can do so to the sweet sound of golden oldies on the vintage jukebox.
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