Ah, dessert… the unsung hero of the American south. You’ll be hearing a lot about fried chicken and catfish, heaps of mashed potatoes, and fried green bean casserole come November, but where are our iconic desserts?! Unless you want to count banana pudding, sometimes Tennessee can appear extremely lacking in the sweets department, which is entirely and horribly untrue. These epic desserts can be found in Nashville, and each one is better than the last.
1. Seasonal Milkshakes (The Grilled Cheeserie)
The Grilled Cheeserie has grown from a single food truck to a local chain of grilled cheese makin' and milkshake slingin' restaurants. Their milkshake bar is incredible, and you can either choose to make your own indulgence or choose from one of the delicious seasonal shakes. We'd go with the latter for the full experience, of course.
2. Banana Split (Hemingway's Bar & Hideout)
Hemingway's is still fairly new to the Nashville scene, but they sure know how to honor your childhood! Their delicious banana split is ensconced in sprinkles and a hefty pile of bananas, making this a sweet treat that will hearken back to the good ol' days. Address: 438 Houston St., Suite 160
3. Decadent Milkshakes (Soda Parlor)
The East Nashville based Soda Parlor serves everything from scoops of ice cream to the most decadent shakes you've ever seen. You see all that candy on there?! They take their job seriously, and you can choose from a list of floats, Moonshakes or Waffle Mondaes - which is a nice little twist on a sundae, served atop a waffle. Yum! Address: 966 Woodland St.
4. Coconut Cake (Adele's)
Adele's is known for their decadent meals and incredible dining space, but their coconut cake served with fresh lemon zest demands NOT to be ignored. Perfectly creamy, dense, and brilliant on the taste buds, this is 100% your dessert if you make it out. Address: 1210 McGavock St.
5. Muffins (Dozen Bakery)
Dozen Bakery makes a mean muffin, folks. They provide the baked goods for quite a few eateries in the area and have their own storefront in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. We'd recommend their blueberry muffins on a regular day, but if there's something seasonal - like these blackberry almond muffins - snag one, too! Address: 516 Hagan St. #103
6. Cast Iron Cinnamon Rolls (Killebrew Coffee)
Killebrew Coffee is tucked away in the Thompson Hotel in Nashville's Gulch neighborhood, and they serve up the most incredible treat: a cast iron cinnamon roll. Served in a mini - you guessed it! - cast iron pan, these decadent pastries are sure to sate your sweet tooth. Address: 401 11th Ave. S
7. 100-Layer Donuts (Five Daughters)
Five Daughters gave New York's Dominique Ansel a run for his money when they decided to meet the cult-favorite cronut with their own 100-layer donuts. With vegan options available and a whole slew of new and seasonal flavors, every trip to this fabulous local donut shop is varied and different. Plus, they've expanded from their original space in Franklin to multiple spots throughout Nashville, making it ever-easier to indulge.
8. Ice Cream Cones (Jeni's)
Although Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is an Ohio-based company, their first location out-of-state was in Nashville, and it quickly expanded to TWO locations in the span of a few years. Elevated ice cream flavors can be served in a cup or freshly made waffle cone, and it's a scream for the whole family.
9. Cake Pops (Nashville Sweets)
Nashville Sweets is a specialty bakery tucked away in East Nashville that does a fantastic job providing cakes, cupcakes, and cake pops for various weddings and special events throughout the area. You can indulge with a quick visit to the store, but we'd recommend falling in love with their cake pops - they're downright incredible and you can make a specialty order or just head down quick to the storefront for your fix. Address: 803 Woodland St.
10. Tiramisu Cream Puff (Folk)
The newly opened and highly vibe-y Folk in East Nashville serves up a solid dessert menu, but their Tiramisu cream puff takes the cake. There's no better way to finish off your Neapolitan pizza pie than with a nod to its homeland of Italy, and this decadent treat does quite well. Address: 823 Meridian St.
11. Brunch Donuts (Pastaria)
Pastaria, the famed St. Louis eatery that opened their doors right here in Nashville, serves brunch with a side of donuts. Simple, delicious, and sweet as can be, a donut and pizza pairing seems straight out of our childhood dreams. Address: 8 City Blvd.
12. Specialty Cakes (Triple Crown Bakery)
Triple Crown Bakery doesn't sacrifice looks for flavor and their delicious, whimsical cakes elevate everything from a first birthday party to a wedding. Located in Franklin, we highly recommend them for not only their cake but also their darling storefront that looks straight out of a movie. Pop in for any number of freshly baked pastries or make an order for yourself. Address: 735 Columbia Ave.
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