Where to Find the Best Dessert in Gatlinburg

Anyone with a sweet tooth will certainly not be disappointed when they visit Gatlinburg, TN! Our Smoky Mountain city is filled with fudge shops, creameries, bakeries, and other delicious destinations. To help you make the most of your next vacation, we have put together a guide to six places where you can find the best dessert in Gatlinburg.

1. Aunt Mahalia’s Candies

Aunt Mahalia’s Candies has been a can’t-miss stop in Gatlinburg for over 75 years! This beloved fudge shop makes old-fashioned candies using the same tried and true techniques the store has employed since it opened in 1939. Some of the most popular treats available at Aunt Mahalia’s include the candy apples, fudge, rock candy, saltwater taffy, divinity, and chocolate covered cherries. Aunt Mahalia’s has two convenient locations in downtown Gatlinburg.

2. The Donut Friar

The Donut Friar is an institution in Gatlinburg! Located in The Village, this amazing donut shop serves a variety of melt in your mouth pastries. Visitors come from far and wide to taste The Friar’s Bavarian cream donuts, eclairs, chocolate crullers, apple pillows, and freshly baked cinnamon bread. Perfect for early risers, The Donut Friar opens each morning at 5 a.m. Be sure to bring cash with you, because the shop does not accept credit cards.

3. Carmelcorn Shoppe

The Carmelcorn Shoppe is another place that serves some of the very best dessert in Gatlinburg. A fixture of downtown Gatlinburg since 1961, this wonderful shop is famous for its signature caramel popcorn, which can be ordered with or without peanuts. Other sweet popcorn varieties at the Carmelcorn Shoppe include toffee and kettle corn. Of course, guests who are looking for a savory snack can munch on traditional buttered popcorn or white cheddar corn.

4. Glades Soda Fountain

Visiting Glades Soda Fountain is like stepping back in time! This unique ice cream parlor in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is modeled after the old-fashioned malt shops of the 1940s. Guests can enjoy a variety of classic ice cream dishes, including sundaes, milkshakes, floats, phosphates, and malts. All of the delightful desserts are handcrafted by a friendly soda jerk.

5. Heavenly Delights Cafe & Bakery

Considered a hidden gem in Gatlinburg, Heavenly Delights Cafe & Bakery is definitely worth a visit. This great restaurant and bakeshop has built a devoted local following for its homemade cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, and “dessert shooters”. The “shooters” are tiny portions of classic desserts like strawberry shortcake or key lime pie that are served in a shot glass. Heavenly Delights Cafe also offers a variety of tasty sandwiches and salads, making it a great place for lunch.

6. Kilwin’s

Whether you’re in the mood for fudge, candy, or ice cream, you can’t go wrong at Kilwin’s! This excellent shop boasts 40 flavors of ice cream, freshly baked waffle cones, and irresistible Mackinac Island fudge. Guests can even watch the Kilwin’s staff make their signature treats, such as caramel apples or taffy. If you’re not sure what to order, ask for some free samples to see which items you like the most.

Final Thoughts

Who do you think has the best dessert in Gatlinburg? Let us know in the comments below!