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Photo courtesy of Detroit Cookie Company
Sweet cravings can strike at any moment, and Metro Detroit is full of tempting spots ready to satisfy. From gourmet cookies and ice cream bars to handcrafted pies and creative cheesecakes, local bakeries and dessert shops keep their menus fresh while spotlighting fresh flavors. Below are some must-visit dessert destinations, each offering its own spin on classic treats and specialty items, all while adding an extra dose of charm.
Ice Cream City
8101 Vernor Highway, Detroit
47323 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township
Ice Cream City offers an array of icy delights from paletas (popsicles) and mangonadas to waffles and mini pancakes topped with fruit and cereal. Customers can try the Limon Nada, Fresa Nada, or Mangonada, each blending tangy sorbet (lime and mango) with chamoy sauce and diced fruit for a refreshing treat. Traditional ice cream scoops, sundaes, and even choco bananas add variety, making this spot a go-to for those looking to beat a sunny day with vibrant, colorful desserts.
SISTER PIE
8066 Kercheval Ave, Detroit
Sister Pie pairs nontraditional flavor combinations with rustic baking techniques while highlighting local Michigan produce, offering seasonally rotating goodies. “Sister Pie is a bright corner bakery in Detroit’s West Village on the east side of town,” shares the Sister Pie Team. “Each day, we serve pies, cookies, breakfast, and lunch…We strive to test the limits of our creativity while challenging and pleasing the palates of Sister Pie enthusiasts.” With regular menu updates, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy, but current pie choices include Salted Maple, Malted Lime, and Milk Chocolate Chess, for examples of the flavor combinations you could find. Muffins, scones, and savory hand pies also rotate throughout the year, making Sister Pie a great spot for a treat, no matter the time of day.
220 Merrill
220 East Merrill Street, Birmingham
At 220 Merrill, dessert takes center stage with shareable creations that elevate any night out. The Classic Milk Chocolate Soufflé is served warm with vanilla bean gelato and fresh berries, while the 24 Carrot Gold cake layers carrot cake, coconut, pecans, and pineapple under cream cheese icing. Those seeking a showstopper can opt for the over-the-top Make a Wish Sundae, complete with brownies, ice cream, and even a piece of funfetti cake. The menu also features Baked Alaska, Cookie Butter Tres Leches, and Crème Brûlée Cheesecake, rounding out a lineup where sweet indulgence meets restaurant flair.
Bombshell Treat Bar
2688 Coolidge Highway, Berkley
Bombshell Treat Bar launched in 2020, initially focusing on events before opening a storefront in Berkley last year. “From the beginning, our mission has been to bring joy to the community through exceptional sweets and the best customer service experience possible,” shares owner Jill Kasle. The menu spotlights scratch-made desserts like hand-churned ice cream bars, including flavors such as Mint Cookie and Strawberry Sorbet, along with Belgian chocolate treats. Crowd-pleasing favorites include the Campfire Dreams Ice Cream Bar (Madagascar vanilla ice cream, milk chocolate shell, with toasted marshmallow fluff, chocolate sauce, and graham cracker) and the Knot Again Hot Pretzel Sundae (salted soft pretzel, soft serve, caramel and chocolate sauce, toffee bits, and Oreo cookie crumble). Check out this spot for indulgent hot chocolate, chocolate treats, and custom ice cream bars the next time you’re in Berkley.
DETROIT COOKIE COMPANY
23421 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale
25600 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores
Detroit Cookie Company opened in 2015 and quickly gained a following for its rotating cookie flavors and inventive confections. “We provide the best cookies, coffee, carbs, and memories! Each month we feature 3 new flavors,” shares owner Lauren Roumayah, beyond the over 25 flavors that are available daily. Fan favorites include the PB Volcano topped with creamy peanut butter and a chocolate coating, and XL Cookies that live up to their name. Beyond cookies, the menu also includes brownies, blondies, ice cream, and weekend-only cinnamon rolls that are worth waking up for.
Lil Daddy’s Cheesecakes
52 Cherry Street, Mount Clemens
Lil Daddy’s Cheesecakes specializes in unique cheesecake options, from basic slices like plain or Birthday Cake to rotating specialties like Cannoli, White Chocolate Blueberry, and Coconut Cream Pie. Other cheesecake desserts include Stuffed Croissants, Bars (like Banana Pudding and Strawberry Chocolate Pistachio), Nachos, and Dunkers (bite-sized cheesecake with dipping sauce). Whether you prefer a classic Oreo slice or something loaded with toppings, Lil Daddy’s Cheesecakes provides endless ways to enjoy rich, creamy desserts.
FOR THE LOVE OF SUGAR
100 Erskine Street, Detroit
Located in downtown Detroit, For the Love of Sugar is a bakery café known for cakes by the slice, macarons, cookies, and more. “My love for sugar helped construct me into the cake connoisseur I am today,” shares owner Manal Hussein. Signature items include The Matilda Cake, a rich chocolate cake with black chocolate buttercream, and the Triple Berry Cake filled with Bavarian cream and berry jam. Beyond the cakes, you can also find gluten-free and vegan options for your favorite cookies and brownies. For special events, the custom cakes offered here are an excellent choice for all celebrations, combining artistry with delicious sweets.
Momma’s Dessert Bar
56752 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township
Momma’s Dessert Bar (located inside Momma B’s Pizzeria) delivers a playful approach to sundaes, floats, and soft-serve creations. Stacked banana splits, giant sundaes in mini bathtubs, and sweet treats like the Peanut Butter Blitz with peanut butter, chocolate, and Reese’s cups reflect the shop’s sense of fun. For extra indulgence, the Big Momma challenge features 15 scoops of ice cream topped with hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, and more. Options like Ice Cream Spaghetti, Hot Fudge Cream Puffs, Dirt Sundaes (soft serve with crushed Oreos and gummy worms), and more ensure that there’s a dessert option for everyone.
Whether you yearn for a freshly baked cookie, a towering slice of chocolate cake, or a decadent ice cream creation, Metro Detroit’s dessert scene covers an impressive range of cravings. From artisanal bakeries to playful ice cream bars, local spots infuse their menus with both classic and delectable creations.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on September 27, 2023, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.
