7 Memphis Dessert Spots That Deserve a Standing Ovation

Memphis isn’t just famous for blues music and barbecue—this city knows how to satisfy your sweet tooth too. From classic donut shops to artisan gelato parlors, the dessert scene here is bursting with flavor and creativity.

Whether you’re craving a late-night sugar rush or hunting for the perfect Instagram-worthy milkshake, these seven spots will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds).

1. Gibson’s Donuts

Picture this: it’s 2 a.m., and you’re craving something sweet and comforting. That’s where Gibson’s Donuts swoops in like a sugary superhero. This Memphis institution has been serving up hot, fresh donuts since 1967, and locals swear by their melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

What makes Gibson’s truly special is their commitment to simplicity done right. Every donut is made fresh daily using traditional recipes that haven’t changed in decades. The glazed donuts practically dissolve on your tongue, while the chocolate-covered varieties satisfy even the most intense cocoa cravings.

Open 24 hours on weekends, Gibson’s has become the go-to spot for night owls, shift workers, and anyone who believes that donut emergencies are real.

2. Muddy’s Bake Shop

Walking into Muddy’s Bake Shop feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen—if your grandmother happened to be a pastry genius with seriously creative flair. Founded by a former music industry professional who traded tour buses for mixing bowls, Muddy’s has captured hearts across Memphis with desserts that taste like home.

Their cupcake selection changes regularly, featuring flavors ranging from classic red velvet to adventurous combinations like lemon lavender. The banana pudding has achieved cult status among locals, layered with real vanilla wafers and topped with fluffy meringue. Don’t overlook their cookies, which arrive thick, chewy, and loaded with mix-ins.

3. Sweet Noshings

Remember when candy stores felt magical? Sweet Noshings brings that childhood wonder back to life with shelves lined with every sweet treat imaginable. This charming shop combines old-fashioned nostalgia with modern favorites, creating a dessert destination that appeals to all ages.

The candy selection is nothing short of spectacular. Gummy bears, saltwater taffy, vintage chocolates, and imported treats fill glass jars and bins throughout the store. Kids go wild for the pick-your-own-mix options, while adults rediscover forgotten favorites from their youth.

Sweet Noshings also offers gourmet popcorn in flavors like caramel cheese blend and birthday cake, perfect for movie nights or gifts.

4. Milk Dessert Bar

If you think milkshakes are just ice cream and milk blended together, Milk Dessert Bar is about to blow your mind. These aren’t your average shakes—they’re towering masterpieces loaded with cookies, brownies, cake slices, and candy, all balanced precariously on top of thick, creamy shakes.

Each creation is designed for maximum wow factor. The menu features flavors like Birthday Cake Explosion, Cookies and Cream Overload, and seasonal specials that push creative boundaries.

Milk Dessert Bar understands that dessert should be fun and shareable. Most shakes are big enough for two people, making them perfect for dates or friend outings.

5. Frost Bake Shop

When your celebration deserves something extraordinary, Frost Bake Shop delivers edible art that tastes as amazing as it looks. Specializing in custom cakes and beautifully crafted desserts, Frost has become Memphis’s go-to bakery for weddings, birthdays, and events that demand perfection.

The decorating skills on display here are seriously impressive. Buttercream flowers look garden-fresh, fondant details are flawlessly executed, and color matching is spot-on. But Frost doesn’t sacrifice flavor for beauty—their cakes are moist, flavorful, and made from scratch using premium ingredients.

Beyond custom orders, Frost offers daily selections of cupcakes, cookies, and seasonal treats available for walk-in purchases. The staff takes time to understand your vision and offers helpful suggestions without being pushy.

6. Zio Matto Gelato

Authentic Italian gelato in downtown Memphis? Absolutely, and it’s every bit as good as what you’d find in Rome. Zio Matto Gelato brings true Italian tradition to the South Main area, crafting small-batch gelato using imported ingredients and time-honored techniques.

The difference between gelato and regular ice cream becomes crystal clear with your first spoonful. Gelato has less air whipped in, creating a denser, silkier texture that intensifies flavor. Zio Matto rotates flavors regularly, offering classics like pistachio and stracciatella alongside creative options like lavender honey and seasonal fruit varieties. They also serve dairy-free sorbets that are equally impressive.

7. La Michoacana

Forget everything you think you know about popsicles and ice cream—La Michoacana is here to introduce you to a whole new world of frozen treats. This authentic Mexican paleteria serves paletas (fresh fruit popsicles) and traditional ice cream flavors that you won’t find anywhere else in Memphis.

The paletas are made with real fruit, resulting in bright, natural flavors that taste like summer in frozen form. Options range from classic mango and strawberry to more adventurous choices like tamarind and cucumber-chili. The texture is refreshingly different from American popsicles—creamier and more substantial.

La Michoacana also offers other Mexican sweets and treats, including fresh fruit cups topped with chili powder and lime—a sweet-spicy-tangy combination that’s addictively good. Prices are incredibly affordable, making it easy to try multiple flavors.