Decadent Dessert Spots in Sarasota County

Got a sweet tooth? Whether you’re craving a light, cold treat on a warm day or an over-the-top, decadent dessert in an intimate setting, and whether you’re in Venice or Siesta Key, Sarasota County has the perfect dessert spot. Celebrate National Dessert Day – or any occasion, really – at these amazing spots.

Sarasota

The Fat Donkey Ice Cream & Fine Desserts

The creative items on the menu at this downtown spot are a departure from the same-old, same-old, served with a side of humor. Choose from dozens of flavors, baked desserts served in a jar, “zonkeys” (soft serve layered with refreshing sorbet or water ice), a warm churro served alongside a scoop of ice cream and more.  1461 Main St.

Gelato Go

If you’re strolling St. Armand’s Circle, grab a scoop of icy gelato from Gelato Go. There’s also a University Town Center location if you’re near the Lakewood Ranch area – it's on the lower level in front of Dillard's. 14 S. Orange Ave.

Le Macaron

Also right on St. Armand’s Circle, find adorable little French pastries at Le Macaron. Expand your horizons with flavors like basil white chocolate, bubble gum and red velvet, or stick with favorites like lemon cream or praline. 362 St. Armands Cir.

Banyan Tree Chocolate & Café

While you can find a delightful lunch menu here, the main attraction at Banyan Tree are the decadent, almost-too-pretty-to-eat chocolates (keyword: almost) here, from truffles and bonbons to chocolate-covered strawberries and Oreos. Try their signature indulgence, Sarasota Seafoam, a light-as-air, chocolate-and-caramel masterpiece. 5170 Palmer Plaza Blvd.

Cupcakes A-Go-Go

With a name like Cupcakes A Go-Go, you know there’s going to be tasty fun in store, including seasonal flavors and mini cupcakes. Flavors range from blueberry lemon to s’mores and everything in between. The menu even includes vegan and gluten-free options, so everyone in your crew will be delighted to A-Go here.  2079 Siesta Drv.

Longboat Key

The Haye Loft Lounge & Dessert Room

We can’t talk about dessert in Sarasota County without mentioning The Haye Loft, a true local institution. Occupying the second floor of beloved local restaurant Euphemia Haye, this place is a date-night destination. Pair a dreamy dessert with a Scotch from one of the largest Scotch menus on the Gulf Coast, a creative coffee drink or a glass of fine wine. 5540 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

Siesta Key

Made in Rome Organic Gelato, Siesta Key

With exotic flavors like matcha, dragonfruit and activated charcoal as well as old favorites like chocolate and salted caramel, this spot serves up tons of flavors, including vegan and gluten-free options. And to prove Made in Rome lives up to its name, you’ll also find flavors like pane, burro e marmellata, inspired by the Italian breakfast favorite consisting of bread, butter and jam. 5204 Ocean Blvd.

Meaney’s Mini Donuts & Coffee House

As if your Siesta Key beach day couldn’t get any sweeter, this spot offers indulgent mini-donut creations. Meaney’s serves up sundaes, mini-donut “skewers” and other indulgent treats made with a variety of adorable mini donuts as well as ice cream and coffee via a walk-up ordering window. 205 Canal Rd.

Big Olaf Creamery

For about four decades, Big Olaf Creamery has been delighting locals and visitors alike, starting with its flagship Siesta Key location in 1982. The good stuff is made in nearby Pinecraft, Sarasota’s Amish community. Pick from dozens of flavors, from strawberry Italian ice to pumpkin. 5208 Ocean Blvd.

Venice

Venice Avenue Creamery

You can tell from the white-coated exposed brick you see when you first walk into Venice Avenue Creamery that this spot has style – and the creative spirit flows through to the shakes, sundaes and Greek yogurt infusions on the menu at this friendly downtown spot.  249 W. Venice Ave.

Croissant & Co.

Get cozy at this beloved downtown patisserie, where the namesake baked good dominates the menu with flavors ranging from raspberry/chocolate to peach/pear. But Croissant & Co.’s menu features favorites like macarons and meringues, cakes, mousses and tarts as well. You’ll also find fresh-baked baguettes and quiches as well as a delightful lunch menu. 323 W. Venice Ave.

Ciao Gelato

If you crave gelato and you happen to be in Venice, check out Ciao Gelato, a spot serving up a rotating menu featuring flavors like Ferrero Rocher, orange creamsicle and birthday cake. Find vegan, no-sugar-added and boozy flavors here, too, as well as excellent coffee and tea drinks. 3174 A W. Venice Ave.