From milkshakes swirled with a bit of Sriracha spice to a cupcake so local it’s flavored with Coca-Cola, Atlanta’s dessert selections could satisfy even the pickiest of sweet tooth. So grab a spoon, fork or just use your hands and get ready to dig in.
Jeni’s Pistachio & Honey Ice Cream
Jeni’s flavors are always changing, but if you spy their version of pistachio ice cream in any of their Atlanta locations it’s a must. Made from roasted pistachios, honey and sweet cream, this scoop is perfect in any of Jeni’s signature trios.
Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand’s Cake Shake
Is it a cupcake? Is it a milkshake? It’s actually both! Delia’s blends a cupcake ─ either red velvet, chocolate or their weekly specialty flavor ─ with an ice cream base to create a concoction you have to eat with a spoon.
Hokulia Shaved Ice
While it may be getting a bit cold for Hawaiian shaved ice, the more than 50 flavors found at the Hokulia’s shack near Little Five Points are worth a bit of a chill. Choose from traditional favorites like lime and mango to out-there options like cake batter and horchata, a traditional Latin-American drink usually featuring rice and cinnamon.
The Cookie Studio’s Whoopie Pies
This is not a simple whoopie pie you’d pick up from your nearest Kroger. The Cookie Studio’s whoopie pie is like a mad scientist combination of the normal whoopie pie and two giant, rich cookies. Try it in chocolate, red velvet or, for a limited time, pumpkin.
Miss D’s Pralines
After Hurricane Katrina forced her to relocate to Atlanta, Dionne Gant, aka Miss D., started crafting classic treats like praline pecans, popcorn and more. It’s the perfect snack for popping in your mouth as you wander through Sweet Auburn’s Curb Market.
Sugar Shack’s Peanut Butter Bar
This rich, fudgy brownie topped with a layer of sweet, creamy peanut butter and chopped peanuts is described as “sort of like heaven.”
Pallookaville’s Sriracha Milkshake
Have a craving for something sweet and spicy? The Sriracha milkshake from Pallookaville is the perfect combination. The sweet milkshake infused with swirls of Sriracha is sure to give your taste buds a kick!
The Lil Tart Bakeshop’s Tarts
The pinnacle of pastry in Atlanta can be found in one of the Lil Tart Bakeshop’s stands which are slowly popping up around the city. The shop does savory treats well, but this is a dessert list – so we have to point out the deliciousness of the weekend-only cinnamon-sugar morning bun or their brown butter almond cake.
The Varsity’s Frozen Orange
It’s an Atlanta classic that you’ve probably already tried, but is a staple dessert for the city. The V’s frosted orange, or F.O. if you want to sound like a local, is the perfect way to wash down a chili dog or sip on while you stroll the streets or ride the MARTA.
Miller Union’s Ice Cream Sandwich
If you’re feeling fancy, go grab some dinner at Miller Union. But you have to get their homemade ice cream sandwiches. A few flavors to try include chocolate pecan crunch, sweet corn and brown sugar ginger snap. You won’t be sorry.
Lotta Frutta’s Cremolata
Any fruit-lover is going to go crazy for Lotta Frutta. If you look at the menu feeling overwhelmed with so many choices of fruity goodness, just go with the cremolatta. An awesome combination of bananas, grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, papaya and strawberries topped with a homemade, vegan crema made with coconut milk and Mexican vanilla will make you jump for joy.
King of Pops’ Popsicle
Everyone has seen the little King of Pops stands around town, but have you tried one yet? If not, do it. They’ve got an Arnold Palmer, caramel apple and a blackberry ginger lemonade popsicle that will blow your mind.
West Egg Cafe’s Coca-Cola Cupcake
Who doesn’t like Coca-Cola? And who doesn’t like cupcakes? Put ‘em together, and whatd’ya got? An award-winning Coca-Cola cupcake you have to order in advance because apparently, they’re so good that they fly off the shelves.
Cake Hag’s Doughssant
A dough-what?? A doughssant, of course! Get on over to Cake Hag to try this croissant-ish creation complete with Madagascar vanilla bean pastry cream and brandied peaches. Yum.
White Windmill’s Red Bean Bun
It’s a little unconventional for a dessert, but the red bean bun is one of their most popular eats, so popular that they normally run out of them fast. Try something new for once.