Best Dessert Places for a Sweet Treat in Sarasota, Florida

If you have a sweet tooth in Sarasota, you're in luck. The city features a number of quality shops and restaurants that offer everything from pastries to cookies, to ice cream and cake. Here is a look at five of the best places to stop and get a sweet treat.

1. Pastry Art Cafe

For over three decades, Pastry Art Cafe, located at 1512 Main St, has been serving up homemade goodies for local residents and tourists alike. Desserts are their specialty which includes homemade muffins, cookies, scones, cheesecakes, and much more but they also have a number of breakfast and lunch offerings. In addition to the intimate dining area, the cafe also features a 60-seat patio so you can enjoy some of the Florida sunshine while you eat.

If you're having a party or event, you can take advantage of Pastry Art's catering service. Their hours are Monday-Saturday from 7 AM - 4 PM, and on Sundays from 8 AM - 3 PM.

2. The Fat Donkey

If you’re craving ice cream, then The Fat Donkey is the place to go! They have three locations throughout the state but their Sarasota shop is located at 1461 Main St. They have a large variety of ice cream flavors as well as ice cream sandwiches, churros or cookies with a scoop of ice cream, and various baked dessert jars. The Fat Donkey merchandise makes great gifts or souvenirs, as well.

You can get your ice cream fix at The Fat Donkey Sunday-Thursday from 12:30 PM - 10:30 PM and on Friday and Saturday from 12:30 PM - 11 PM.

3. Settimi's Gelato

Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream and it’s a very similar dessert to American ice cream that uses more milk and less cream. If you have a hankering for gelato, check out Settimi's Gelato, located at 367 St. Armands Circle. Settimi's offers a variety of gelato flavors, from vanilla made with Bourbon Madagascar pure vanilla beans to rum raisin, cappuccino, pistachio, and many more.

Settimi's Gelato is open seven days a week from 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM.

4. Kilwins

For all things chocolate, check out Sarasota's location for the chain shop Kilwins, located at 312 John Ringling Blvd. Kilwins offers mouthwatering treats such as fudge, turtles, toffee, truffles, clusters, caramels, creams, and more. They also serve original-recipe ice cream.

To enjoy Kilwins' vast variety of desserts, visit them Sunday-Thursday from 10 AM - 10:30 PM, or on Friday or Saturday from 10 AM - 11 PM.

5. Sarasota Bakehouse

If you're looking for a dessert to take home for a birthday, wedding, or even just to enjoy with friends (or by yourself!) one of Sarasota's newest cake offerings is Sarasota Bakehouse. Formerly known as Cupcakes A Go-Go, Sarasota Bakehouse is located at 2079 Siesta Drive. The store offers 22 varieties of cupcakes, as well as cakes, cake pops, and half-pound cookies. They also have a variety of vegan and gluten-free cakes and cupcakes for their customers.

To visit Sarasota Bakehouse and get a bit of the sweetness, stop by Monday - Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM, or on Saturdays from 10 AM - 4 PM.

If you're looking for a sweet treat in Sarasota, you're spoiled with choice. The region has numerous ice cream and pastry shops and bakeries offering delicious treats at affordable prices. If you're looking to make Sarasota, Florida your retirement home, come explore Sarasota Bay Club for a luxury, full-service community.