Discover the best Florida Dessert Cafes for cozy evenings, from historic candy kitchens to artisan bakeries and waterfront cafés.
While much of the country hides from winter, Florida evenings offer cool breezes, lighter crowds, and the perfect excuse for a late-night dessert run.
Across the state, cozy cafés, historic bakeries, and modern patisseries glow a little brighter after sunset.
From Key West dessert shops to Miami artisan bakeries and St. Petersburg waterfront restaurants, these are the best Florida dessert cafes that turn an ordinary night into something unforgettable.
1. Mattheessen’s Candy Kitchen
📍 Location: 419 Duval Street, Key West, FL
Must-Try: Key Lime Fudge
Step into a nostalgic treat landmark in the heart of Key West. This classic candy kitchen tempts with old-fashioned sweets, house-made fudge, and vibrant saltwater taffy. Perfect for sweet strolls down Duval Street on cool February nights.
2. The Glass Knife
📍 Location: 276 S Orlando Avenue, Winter Park, FL
Must-Try: Chocolate Babka Slice
Known for its artisan pastries and elegant café vibe, The Glass Knife is one of the most beloved French-inspired bakeries near Orlando. Their rich chocolate babka is legendary — a must for anyone exploring Winter Park’s charming downtown.
3. Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop
📍 Location: 2545 N Miami Avenue, Miami, FL (Wynwood)
Must-Try: Brookie (Brownie + Cookie Combo)
In Miami’s artistic Wynwood district, Fireman Derek’s transforms classic cookies into masterpieces of gooey goodness. The brookie is a crowd favorite — warm, rich, and perfect with a cup of coffee.
4. Paciugo Gelato Caffè
📍 Locations in Florida: Multiple locations including Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, and South Florida
Must-Try: Pistachio Gelato (made with Sicilian pistachios)
Authentic Italian gelato requires precise techniques, controlled temperatures, and carefully sourced ingredients — and Paciugo Gelato Caffè brings that genuine Italian gelato experience to Florida. Originally founded in Dallas, this beloved chain expanded while maintaining the traditional standards developed alongside Italian gelato masters.
5. Kilwins
📍 Florida Locations: Naples, Sarasota, Orlando, St. Augustine, Destin, Key West, and more
Must-Try: Original Chocolate Fudge (handmade on marble slabs)
This beloved Michigan-based brand has been serving handcrafted sweets since 1947, when Don and Katy Kilwin opened their first store. Today, Kilwins brings that same nostalgic charm and commitment to quality to multiple Florida dessert shop locations, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists.
6. The Salty Donut
📍 Location: 6022 S Dixie Highway, South Miami, FL
Must-Try: Guava and Cheese Donut
The South Miami outpost brings gourmet donuts closer to home. The guava and cheese donut — inspired by Latin flavors — is juicy, tropical, and unforgettable.
7. Hellas Restaurant & Bakery
📍 Location: 785 Dodecanese Boulevard, Tarpon Springs, FL
Must-Try: Loukoumades (Greek Honey Donuts)
At Hellas, authentic Greek desserts take center stage. These warm honey-drizzled loukoumades are light, sweet, and a must when exploring the historic sponge docks.
8. Cafe de Paris Bakery
📍 Location: 2300 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Rocks Beach, FL
Must-Try: Classic Raspberry Macaron
This beachfront bakery blends Parisian technique with Gulf Coast charm. Their delicate raspberry macarons prove that French pastries belong by the sea.
9. The Boardwalk Grill
📍 Location: 204 Johns Pass Boardwalk East, Madeira Beach, FL
Must-Try: Classic Key Lime Pie
With ocean views and breezy boardwalk vibes, The Boardwalk Grill pairs scenic sunsets with iconic Florida desserts. Their Key lime pie strikes the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
10. The Library
📍 Location: 600 5th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL
Must-Try: Chocolate Sphere with Caramel Reveal
For dessert as elegant as the setting, The Library delivers plated perfection. The interactive chocolate sphere dessert — melted tableside with warm caramel — is equal parts artistry and indulgence.
Final Bite
Sometimes it’s not the destination — it’s the dessert.
From historic candy kitchens to modern patisseries and waterfront restaurants, these are the best dessert cafes in Florida to visit this winter.
Which one will you try first?