Highest-rated Dessert Shops in the Gainesville Area by Diners

Timolina // Shutterstock

Highest-rated dessert shops in the Gainesville area by diners

There's no denying that Americans have a sweet tooth—nearly 41% say they , according to a November 2024 YouGov survey.

One of the most popular desserts to dig into is ice cream. An from May 2024 found that just about all Americans (97%) love or like ice cream. The frozen confection has held a special place in the U.S. since the turn of the 19th century with the invention of insulated ice houses. By the mid-1800s, and sold to the masses. Soon, old-fashioned soda fountains started selling sundaes, milkshakes, and ice cream sodas, becoming a gathering place for young people. Today, more than 150 years later, those dessert options not only remain perennial top choices but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and community.

Over the years, Americans' dessert tastes have led to some other tasty trends, from of the early 2000s thanks to bakeries like Magnolia, Sprinkles, and Crumbs, to the self-serve that followed in the early 2010s via Pinkberry, 16 Handles, and Red Mango. Most recently, the 2020s have seen cookies sweep the nation, with chains like Insomnia and Crumbl stoking childhood memories, , and growing exponentially.

Today's desserts also go far beyond ice cream, cupcakes, and cookies. Many modern dessert shops are redefining the experience by fusing timeless recipes with multicultural flavors, offering creative twists such as matcha-infused cupcakes, horchata ice cream, and Basque cheesecakes that celebrate both tradition and innovation.

To keep up with the ever-evolving dessert trends, compiled a list of the highest-rated dessert shops in the Gainesville area based on diners' reviews on as of February 2025. Restaurants tagged as "desserts" on Yelp within a 10-kilometer radius of Gainesville were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may primarily serve other food items.

Whether indulging in a time-honored pie or exploring a fusion delight, the world of desserts remains as vibrant and diverse as the communities that enjoy them. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list or to find your next sweet treat!

You may also like: Highest-rated restaurants with outdoor seating in Gainesville by diners

#18. Crumbl - Gainesville

- Rating: 3.0/5 (22 reviews)
- Address: 3230 Southwest 35th Blvd. Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts
-

#17. Maude's Classic Cafe

- Rating: 3.1/5 (211 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 101 Southeast 2nd Place Ste 101 Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Desserts
-

#16. Wahoo Seafood Grill

- Rating: 3.4/5 (405 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3833 Northwest 97th Blvd. Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Seafood, Desserts, Breakfast & Brunch
-

#15. The Cheesecake Factory

- Rating: 3.4/5 (279 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2851 Southwest 35th Drive Ste 70 Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Desserts, New American, Seafood
-

#14. Gigi's Cupcakes of Gainesville

- Rating: 3.4/5 (103 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3524 Southwest Archer Road Ste 130 Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Cupcakes, Bakeries, Desserts
-

You may also like: How much house $1 million buys you in Gainesville

#13. Sonny's BBQ

- Rating: 3.6/5 (81 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2700 North Ne Waldo Road Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Barbecue, Desserts, Chicken Wings
-

#12. Insomnia Cookies

- Rating: 3.7/5 (26 reviews)
- Address: 1702 West University Ave. Ste B1 Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Food Delivery Services
-

#11. Bestea & The Loop Cake

- Rating: 4.0/5 (108 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3045 Southwest 34th St. Ste 20 Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Bubble Tea, Ramen, Desserts
-

#10. Midnight Cookies

- Rating: 4.1/5 (128 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3345 Southwest 34th St. Ste 1 Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Desserts
-

#9. Gyro Plus

- Rating: 4.2/5 (174 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2409 Southwest 13th St. Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Greek, Mediterranean, Desserts
-

You may also like: Most common languages spoken at home in Greater Gainesville and surrounding regions

#8. D'Lites Emporium

- Rating: 4.3/5 (84 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4216 Northwest 16th Blvd. Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Grocery, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts
-

#7. Le Macaron French Pastries

- Rating: 4.5/5 (22 reviews)
- Address: 4949 Celebration Pointe Ave. Ste 80 Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: French, Desserts, Coffee & Tea
-

#6. TeaStori

- Rating: 4.5/5 (163 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3550 Southwest 34th St. Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Desserts, Bubble Tea, Coffee & Tea
-

#5. The Hyppo

- Rating: 4.6/5 (103 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 214 Southeast 2nd Ave. Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Desserts, Specialty Food
-

#4. Jeremiah's Italian Ice

- Rating: 4.6/5 (35 reviews)
- Address: 3232 Southwest 35th Blvd. Gainesville, Florida
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Shaved Ice
-

You may also like: Lowest-paying jobs in Gainesville