Unearth The Voyage
Austin is known for its live music, vibrant culture, and amazing food scene, but the dessert options here are truly something special. From creative donut shops to award-winning bakeries, the city offers sweet treats that will satisfy every craving. Whether you love traditional cakes or adventurous flavors, these 13 desserts showcase why Austin has become a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth.
1. Churro Sundae at Churro Co.
Warm, crunchy churros fresh from the fryer, generously coated in cinnamon sugar and piled high in a bowl. Add a scoop of creamy ice cream melting over the top, followed by your choice of sweet drizzles like caramel or chocolate.
That is the magic of this sundae, where hot meets cold in perfect harmony. The contrast between the crispy exterior and soft interior of the churros paired with ice cream creates an amazing texture experience. Every spoonful brings warmth, sweetness, and pure satisfaction.
This dessert is big enough to share but tasty enough that you might not want to!
2. Red Velvet Cake at Bakery Lorraine
Walking into Bakery Lorraine feels like stepping into a Parisian patisserie, with glass cases displaying beautiful pastries and macarons in every color imaginable. Their red velvet cake stands out as a customer favorite with its deep crimson layers and impossibly fluffy cream cheese frosting.
Each slice is moist without being heavy, and the frosting tastes like sweetened clouds. Beyond the red velvet, you will find an impressive selection of French pastries and macarons that are almost too pretty to eat.
Located in the Domain NORTHSIDE, this bakery combines French elegance with Texas hospitality for an unforgettable dessert experience.
3. Texas Two Step Frozen Banana at Bananarchy
When the Texas heat becomes unbearable, nothing hits the spot quite like a frozen banana from Bananarchy. The Texas Two Step takes a frozen banana and transforms it into a decadent treat by coating it in rich chocolate.
Then comes the fun part: crunchy pecans, sweet toffee bits, and a generous peanut butter drizzle that adds both flavor and texture. This dessert manages to feel indulgent while still being based on fruit, which somehow makes it feel a little less guilty.
Holding this treat on a stick makes it easy to enjoy while strolling through Austin on a sunny afternoon.
4. Vegan Cupcakes at Capital City Bakery
Capital City Bakery proves that vegan desserts can be just as delicious and creative as traditional ones. Their cupcakes come in inventive flavors like lavender lemonade, which tastes like spring in cupcake form, and classic chocolate that is so rich you would never guess it is dairy-free.
The texture is perfectly moist, and the frosting is smooth and sweet without any weird aftertaste. Even people who eat everything rave about these cupcakes because they are simply that good. Whether you follow a vegan diet or just want to try something different, these treats will surprise you.
They also rotate seasonal flavors regularly!
5. Mochi Donuts at Bom Bakeshop
Forget everything you know about regular donuts because these treats are in a league of their own. Bom Bakeshop creates these adorable ring-shaped pastries with a texture that is both airy and chewy, thanks to rice flour in the dough.
Flavors rotate seasonally, but favorites include earl grey lavender for a floral kick, matcha strawberry for fruity brightness, and lemon brulee with its caramelized sugar topping. You will find them at various pop-ups and local markets around Austin.
Each bite delivers a satisfying bounce that regular donuts just cannot match. The creative flavor combinations make them Instagram-worthy and delicious at the same time.
6. Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Bars at Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop
Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop brings Southern charm to Austin with these incredible bars that combine three of the South’s favorite ingredients: bourbon, chocolate, and pecans. The bars have a buttery crust that provides the perfect foundation for the gooey, nutty filling.
A hint of bourbon adds sophisticated depth without being overwhelming, making these bars taste grown-up and comforting at the same time. The chocolate melts on your tongue while the pecans add a satisfying crunch in every bite.
These treats are sweet, rich, and impossible to resist. One square might not be enough once you taste how perfectly balanced these flavors are together!
7. Pineapple Upside Down Cake at Canje
Canje has earned awards for its innovative Caribbean cuisine, and their dessert menu is no exception. The pineapple upside down cake takes a classic American dessert and gives it a tropical makeover with bold, exciting flavors.
Caramelized pineapple rings sit atop a moist cake that balances sweetness with a hint of tanginess. The fruit becomes jammy and intense during baking, creating pockets of concentrated flavor throughout each slice.
This dessert is perfect for anyone who wants to try something familiar yet adventurous at the same time. The presentation is beautiful, and the taste delivers on every level of deliciousness you could hope for!
8. Sourdough Ice Cream at Odd Duck
Odd Duck is famous for pushing culinary boundaries, and their sourdough ice cream is a perfect example of Austin’s creative dessert scene. Yes, you read that right: ice cream made with sourdough starter, which gives it a subtle tangy flavor that is completely unique.
The ice cream comes topped with crunchy pecan streusel, warm sautéed apples, and a surprising touch of fresh tarragon that adds an herbal note. All these components work together to create layers of flavor and texture that keep your taste buds guessing.
This dessert is unforgettable and showcases why Austin chefs are known for their inventive approach to food!
9. Kolaches at Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery
Kolaches are a beloved Texas tradition with Czech roots, and Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery makes some of the best in Austin. These soft, pillowy pastries can be filled with sweet fruit preserves or savory ingredients, making them perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
What sets Quack’s apart is their unbeatable buttercream frosting that adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness. The dough is tender and slightly sweet, providing the perfect base for whatever filling you choose.
Grab one with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up. These treats are comforting, delicious, and quintessentially Texan in the best way possible!
10. Vanilla Chiffon Cake with Lemon Filling at 85°C Bakery Cafe
If you prefer desserts that are light and refreshing rather than super rich, this cake from 85°C Bakery Cafe is calling your name. The vanilla chiffon cake is incredibly fluffy and airy, with a delicate crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
Sandwiched between the layers is a bright, tangy lemon filling that cuts through the sweetness and adds a citrusy zing. This Asian-inspired bakery specializes in cakes that are less sweet than typical American desserts, making them perfect for people who want something satisfying but not overwhelming.
Each slice feels elegant and refined, ideal for a sophisticated afternoon treat with tea or coffee!
11. James Cupcake at Sugar Mama’s
Named after someone special, the James Cupcake at Sugar Mama’s is pure chocolate indulgence from top to bottom. This cupcake uses premium French chocolate in both the cake and the frosting, creating an intensely chocolatey experience that serious chocolate lovers dream about.
The cake itself is moist and rich without being dry or overly dense. Then comes the chocolate buttercream frosting, which is smooth, creamy, and generously piled on top.
Every bite delivers deep chocolate flavor that satisfies your sweetest cravings. If you only try one cupcake in Austin, make it this one because it represents chocolate perfection in cupcake form!
12. The Campfire Churro at Churro Co.
Ever wished you could enjoy the flavors of s’mores in churro form? The Campfire Churro at Churro Co. makes that dream a reality with its clever combination of nostalgic camping flavors.
Fresh churros are tossed in crushed graham crackers instead of regular cinnamon sugar, giving them that familiar campfire taste. Then they are drizzled with rich Mexican chocolate sauce and topped with golden toasted marshmallows that add sweetness and texture.
The result tastes like summer nights spent around a fire, but in a convenient handheld dessert. This creative twist on churros shows why Churro Co. has become an Austin favorite for innovative sweet treats!
13. Masa Twinkie at Makado Simnombre
Makado Simnombre takes the classic American Twinkie and reimagines it with traditional Mexican ingredients to create something completely unique to Austin. The masa gives the cake a slightly earthy, corn-forward flavor that is different from anything you have tasted before.
Inside, you will find a creamy filling that balances the cake’s texture perfectly. This dessert represents the beautiful blending of cultures that makes Austin’s food scene so special and exciting.
It is both familiar and surprising at the same time, honoring tradition while embracing innovation. Trying this treat gives you a taste of how Austin chefs are constantly reinventing classic desserts with creative new twists!
