Highest-rated dessert shops in the Indianapolis area by diners
There's no denying that Americans have a sweet tooth鈥攏early 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 Indianapolis area based on diners' reviews on as of February 2025. Restaurants tagged as "desserts" on Yelp within a 10-kilometer radius of Indianapolis 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!
#18. Fancy Fortune Cookies
- Rating: 2.9/5 (111 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5124 East 65th Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Desserts, Bakeries
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#17. The Cheesecake Factory
- Rating: 3.1/5 (848 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8701 Keystone Crossing Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Desserts, American, Seafood
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#16. Insomnia Cookies
- Rating: 3.2/5 (244 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 809 Broad Ripple Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
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#15. Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
- Rating: 3.5/5 (363 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 427 Massachusetts Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
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#14. The South Bend Chocolate Company
- Rating: 3.5/5 (214 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 20 North Meridian St. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Chocolatiers & Shops
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#13. Goodfellas Pizzeria - Mass Ave
- Rating: 4.0/5 (438 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 545 Massachusetts Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Pizza, Desserts, Salad
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#12. Aroma Indian Cuisine and Bar
- Rating: 4.2/5 (227 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 501 Virginia Ave. Ste 101 Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Indian, Desserts, Cocktail Bars
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#11. Fernando's Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine
- Rating: 4.8/5 (170 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 834 East 64th St. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Desserts, Brazilian, New Mexican Cuisine
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#10. Shapiro's Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.0/5 (1026 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 808 South Meridian St. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Desserts
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#9. Gordon's Milkshake Bar
- Rating: 4.1/5 (291 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 865 Massachusetts Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
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#8. Crumbl - Keystone Shoppes
- Rating: 4.2/5 (149 reviews)
- Address: 3329 East 86th St. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts
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#7. Nada
- Rating: 4.2/5 (2025 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11 West Maryland St. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Mexican, Cocktail Bars, Desserts
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#6. Sauce on the Side
- Rating: 4.5/5 (176 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 130 South Pennsylvania St. Ste 2 Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Salad, Desserts, Italian
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#5. LiftOff Creamery
- Rating: 4.6/5 (151 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 111 East 16th St. Ste 105 Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts, Shaved Ice
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#4. Calvin Fletcher's Coffee Company
- Rating: 4.7/5 (427 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 647 Virginia Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Desserts
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#3. LICK
- Rating: 4.7/5 (102 reviews)
- Address: 906 Carrollton Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts
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#2. MOTW Coffee & Pastries
- Rating: 4.7/5 (149 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4873 West 38th St. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Desserts
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#1. TeeJay's Sweet Tooth
- Rating: 4.8/5 (277 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8660 Purdue Road Ste 600 Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Donuts
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 241 metros.
