- Explore seven fantastic locations offering the best dessert in Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains.
- Discover historic candy kitchens, retro soda fountains, artisan donut shops, and unique creperies.
- Many spots feature handmade treats, fresh local ingredients, and family-friendly atmospheres perfect for vacationers.
- From Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen's fudge to The Donut Friar's famous pastries, there's a sweet treat for every taste.
- Enjoy convenient access to these delicious destinations when staying with Hearthside Cabin Rentals.
Ready to indulge your sweet tooth while on vacation? When you visit Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains, you'll discover a delightful array of candy shops, bakeries, and creameries offering some of the best dessert around. We’ve compiled this guide of seven must-visit places for the best dessert in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, ensuring you find the perfect treat for every night of your getaway!
1. Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen
For classic, handmade fudge and taffy in Gatlinburg, Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is a must-visit, operating since 1950. This iconic shop has delighted visitors for decades by upholding traditional candy-making methods, providing a nostalgic and delicious experience for all ages. You can even watch skilled candy makers at work! Visitors can witness the enchanting process of:
- Fudge being prepared in gleaming copper kettles.
- Salt water taffy stretching and pulling on a mesmerizing machine.
- White-uniformed candy makers demonstrating their craft.
Whether you're craving a candy apple, cashew brittle, decadent chocolate-covered Oreos, or rich peanut butter fudge, you'll find an irresistible option here. Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen boasts two convenient locations directly on the Parkway, making it an easy stop during your downtown explorations.
2. Glades Soda Fountain
You can step back in time at Glades Soda Fountain, an authentic 1940s-style ice cream parlor located in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community. This charming spot offers classic ice cream creations, handcrafted with care and served by a friendly soda clerk in vintage attire. Here, you can order a wide array of classic ice cream treats, including:
- Sundaes: Traditional ice cream desserts with various toppings.
- Milkshakes: Creamy, blended ice cream beverages.
- Malts: Milkshakes made with malted milk powder for a distinct flavor.
- Floats: Ice cream served in a glass of soda.
- Phosphates: A classic soda fountain drink, often fruit-flavored with a tart kick.
Each of these delicious options is handcrafted by a cheerful soda clerk, who even dons a vintage paper hat for an authentic touch. Be sure to try their homemade root beer, it's highly recommended and truly fantastic!
3. The Donut Friar
One of the most celebrated spots for the best dessert in Gatlinburg is The Donut Friar, a cash-only donut shop nestled in The Village Shops. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth pastries, it's a popular destination for early risers and anyone seeking delicious, fresh-baked goods. Highlights from The Donut Friar’s menu include:
- The rich Bavarian cream donut.
- Light and flaky chocolate eclairs.
- Sweet apple pillows.
- Freshly baked cinnamon bread.
The Donut Friar opens bright and early at 5 a.m. each morning. Remember to stop by an ATM before your visit, as The Donut Friar is exclusively a cash-only business.
4. Smoky Mountains Creperie
Yes, you can find fantastic crepes right here in the Smoky Mountains! Smoky Mountains Creperie is renowned as one of the best spots for dessert in Gatlinburg. They expertly churn out custom-made crepes with a variety of options. Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers' markets, ensuring flavors you won't forget. This creperie offers:
- Sweet Crepes: Filled with fruits, chocolate, whipped cream, and other sugary delights.
- Savory Crepes: Packed with cheeses, meats, and vegetables for a meal.
These crepes are an excellent choice if you're seeking something delicious and a bit different from the usual dessert options found in the Smoky Mountains. They also serve a selection of beverages including coffee, soft drinks, and refreshing lemonades.
5. The Apple Barn Village
The Apple Barn Village truly is the ultimate place to go for all things apple! This charming shopping complex is uniquely located right beside a vibrant apple orchard, providing a farm-fresh experience for dessert lovers. You'll find a number of stores within the village where you can enjoy mouthwatering apple-infused desserts. For example, the Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store is famous for its delightful offerings:
- Warm, flaky fried apple pies.
- Irresistible apple cinnamon donuts.
- Traditional old-fashioned apple stack cakes.
- Of course, their signature fresh apple cider.
Other sweet spots to explore within The Apple Barn Village include the Apple Barn Candy Factory, which crafts various confections and the Apple Valley Creamery, serving up delicious ice cream.
6. The Old Mill Square
The Old Mill Square is absolutely overflowing with delicious desserts! At The Old Mill Candy Kitchen, guests can discover some of the area's finest chocolates, rich fudge, and tempting caramel apples. If your craving leans towards ice cream, head over to The Old Mill Creamery to sample their renowned Banana Pudding Ice Cream or their delightful Salted Caramel Ice Cream. For a truly unforgettable experience, we highly recommend trying the famous pecan pie at The Old Mill Restaurant. It's so incredibly good that the restaurant serves over 700 slices of this pie every single day!
7. SugarBaby
SugarBaby offers a fun and vibrant atmosphere on the Parkway, serving a wide variety of indulgent and creative treats, making it another must-visit stop for the best dessert in Gatlinburg. This sweet shop is perfect for those seeking unique drinks, loaded ice cream, and colorful confections. Their menu includes:
- Classic scoops of ice cream.
- Thick, creamy milkshakes.
- Fluffy cotton candy.
- Trendy boba tea.
- A range of creative and unique drinks.
Whether you prefer a traditional scoop of your favorite flavor or a custom creation loaded with exciting toppings, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy at SugarBaby. Plus, it’s an easy and convenient stop while exploring downtown.
FAQ: The Best Dessert in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains
Where can I find unique dessert experiences in Gatlinburg?
For unique dessert experiences in Gatlinburg, consider Smoky Mountains Creperie for custom sweet or savory crepes made with fresh, local ingredients. Another great option is Glades Soda Fountain, which offers a nostalgic 1940s soda fountain experience with classic sundaes, malts, and homemade root beer, perfect for a step back in time.
What are some cash-only dessert places in Gatlinburg?
One notable cash-only dessert place in Gatlinburg is The Donut Friar, located in The Village Shops. This beloved establishment is famous for its delicious, freshly baked donuts, eclairs, and cinnamon bread, and operates exclusively with cash payments, so be sure to plan ahead!
Are there any dessert spots in Gatlinburg that offer apple-themed treats?
Absolutely! The Apple Barn Village is the ultimate destination for apple-themed treats in the Smoky Mountains. Situated next to an apple orchard, it features the Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store, known for its fried apple pies, apple cinnamon donuts, and apple stack cakes, as well as the Apple Valley Creamery.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
When you stay with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you'll be conveniently located near all these spots for the best dessert in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. We pride ourselves on offering a wide selection of accommodations to fit every group size and budget.
Our cabins range from cozy 1 bedroom cabins perfect for a romantic getaway to expansive 26 bedroom lodges ideal for large family reunions or group events. We are confident we have the perfect property for your next memorable getaway in the Smokies! To start planning your sweet escape and discover your ideal cabin, browse our fantastic selection of cabins in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains today!
