Nashville may be famous for live music and honky-tonks, but Music City also has an impressive dessert scene that deserves attention. From giant milkshakes and handmade donuts to boozy ice cream and classic Southern sweets, Nashville offers dessert options for every kind of sweet tooth. Whether you’re exploring downtown after dinner or searching for the perfect afternoon treat between sightseeing stops, there are plenty of delicious places to satisfy your cravings.
Five Daughters Bakery - 5th and Broadway
One of the city’s most popular dessert destinations is Five Daughters Bakery. Known for its famous “100 Layer Donut,” this family-owned bakery has built a loyal following among locals and tourists alike. The 100 layer donut is a rich hybrid of a croissant and donut that takes several days to create. Rolled in sugar, filled with cream, and topped with glaze, it’s one of the most talked-about desserts in Nashville.
The bakery also offers gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free options, making it friendly for a variety of dietary preferences.
Legendairy Milkshake Bar - 3rd Avenue
If over sized milkshakes loaded with toppings sound more appealing, then Legendairy Milkshake Bar should definitely be on your list. Located downtown, this colorful dessert spot specializes in gourmet “Freakshakes” topped with cookies, candy, brownies, and other over-the-top creations. Visitors can order signature milkshakes or build their own custom dessert masterpiece.
The shop also offers vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, helping ensure almost everyone can join in on the fun.
The Baked Bear - Division Street
Ice cream lovers should also check out The Baked Bear on Division Street. This dessert shop allows customers to create custom ice cream sandwiches using freshly baked cookies and premium craft ice cream. The ability to mix and match cookies, brownies, ice cream flavors, and toppings makes every dessert feel personalized.
Tipsy Scoop Nashville – East Nashville
For a more adult-oriented dessert experience, Tipsy Scoop Nashville in East Nashville offers something truly unique: boozy ice cream. The shop serves alcohol-infused ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, and cocktails with flavors containing up to 5% ABV. Visitors can enjoy creative frozen treats inspired by cocktails and liquors while still having access to alcohol-free options for kids and non-drinkers.
Goo Goo Cluster Shop - 3rd Avenue
Another Nashville classic is the famous Goo Goo Cluster. First created in Nashville in 1912, the Goo Goo Cluster is considered the first mass-produced combination candy bar. The original Goo Goo Cluster blended peanuts, marshmallow nougat, caramel, and milk chocolate into one sweet treat.
Visitors can stop by the Goo Goo Cluster Shop downtown to learn about the candy’s history and sample different varieties. It’s both a dessert stop and a little piece of Nashville history.
Cotton & Snow – Assembly Food Hall
For those looking for lighter or more refreshing desserts, Cotton & Snow inside Assembly Food Hall serves Hawaiian shaved ice, cotton candy, and local ice cream. Their shaved ice is made with real fruit purees, cane sugar, and filtered water, creating an especially smooth texture that stands out from traditional snow cones.
They also offer boozy and nonalcoholic versions for visitors looking for a fun twist.
Paris Baguette & D’Andrews Bakery – Church Street
If pastries and baked goods are more your style, Paris Baguette and D'Andrews Bakery are excellent choices. Paris Baguette offers handcrafted cakes, pastries, breads, and coffee in a cozy café atmosphere.
D’Andrews Bakery is known for its house-made pastries, sandwiches, macarons, and French-inspired desserts. The bakery was a James Beard Awards finalist, making it a favorite among food lovers.
Mattheesen’s - 2nd Avenue
Another local favorite is Mattheessen's on 2nd Avenue. This family-owned dessert shop serves homemade cookies, fudge, key lime pie, and ice cream using recipes that have been perfected over decades.
Whether you want a gourmet donut, handcrafted pastry, giant milkshake, shaved ice, or a boozy frozen dessert, Nashville has no shortage of sweet options. Music City may attract visitors with concerts and nightlife, but its dessert scene is quickly becoming an attraction all on its own.