Looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth in Tampa Bay? Well, look no further because the Florida Gulf Coast delivers with its expansive selection of confectionaries, bakeries, and shops offering artisan ice creams, lavish pastries, and decadent homemade desserts.
Whether you’re on vacation or just passing through, check out these locations for delicious desserts in the Tampa Bay area.
Chill Out at Chill Bros Scoop Shop
When this set of siblings – including Patton, Maximilian, Hadley, and Nash Chillura – was in grade school, they whipped up the idea to start an ice cream shop and serve the best homemade ice cream around. Fast forward a few decades, and these same siblings have educated themselves on what it takes to make this dream a reality. Originally opened in historic Ybor City, Chill Bros – affectionately named after the family name Chillura – now welcomes guests at four brick-and-mortar locations and via Uber Eats – that’s right you can get their handcrafted ice cream delivered. They proudly serve homemade ice cream and toppings – all made in-house – including flavors like Mad Vanilla Bean and Double Down Oreo. Stop in for yourself to experience the chill vibes and irresistible flavors of this Tampa Bay staple.
Experience the Magic of Desserts by Toffee to Go
Family owned for decades, Toffee to Go serves Florida and beyond via small-batch toffee treats shipped all over the country. While in Tampa, however, you can experience these fresh toffee-inspired desserts for yourself. Desserts by Toffee to Go is located on Bay to Bay Blvd. and serves up their in-house toffee confections, including pies, cakes, dessert bars, and so much more. As a bonus, they’re open through traditional dinner time hours, making it easy for you to stop in after your meal for a mouthwatering Tampa staple. Plus, their toffee is gluten-free and Kosher-certified!
Bake’n Babes Do it Best
Located inside Tampa’s ultra-hip lounge lofts, Bake’n Babes’ Armature Works location offers baked treats, ice cream, and shakes that are sure to satisfy. No matter what kind of dessert you’re craving, you can’t go wrong here. Plus, you can even get a Pup Cup for your four-legged friends. Locals especially love their Sleazy Brownie™ (layered with cookie dough, brownie batter, and Oreo), CBD-topped cookies (featuring 16mg of organic CBD oil), and Babe Shakes™ (served with your choice of cookie mixed in). After you’ve picked up your Bake’n Babes treats, it’s just a short walk to the Hillsborough River, where you can sit and enjoy your delicious dessert by the water!
No Math Required at Chocolate Pi
This funky shop is located in the Rivercrest area and passersby can stop in for a browse of decadent pies, macarons, and cakes so creative you’ll be tempted to photograph them all. Their specialty is “retro-style” buttercream cakes, all of which taste as though the recipe includes three heaping tablespoons of love and care. Chocolate Pi’s unique macaron flavors include ingredients like fan-favorite cereal pieces, sprinkles, and so much more. Visitors can also order specialty coffee drinks to round out their experience – coffee plus cake equals happy vacationers.
Fairytales Come True at The Cake Drip
This dreamy shop will have you doing double takes at both the desserts and decor. The Cake Drip is a unique boutique experience in Hyde Park Village. Their mission? “Offering you the dream experience in our alluring fairytale interior design and a fun menu like no other!” Stop in for sweet confections, including custom chocolate bars, DIY cakes, and even chocolate-tasting flights. You can book a table online, and locals recommend stopping in for the brunch experience, which includes sweet treats, teapots, and even champagne!
Gigi’s Cupcakes
Tucked away on Neptune Blvd. in South Tampa, this bakery is serving up decadent and stylish cupcakes that are almost too pretty to eat (we said almost). Established in 2008, Gigi’s serves up a delicious (and not so nutritious) rotating menu of cupcakes in a wide range of flavors. Bite into the sweet Apple Cream Crumb topped with an apple caramel. Sample the Gooey Salted Praline with sticky pecans. Or, enjoy the classic Wedding Cake with buttercream frosting and pearl sprinkles.
