St. Louis Desserts: Sweet Treats You Should Try

By
Chrystal Nicolas
Updated
A close-up of a St. Louis style pie with colorful fruit and whipped cream, displayed on a rustic wooden table.

The Iconic Gooey Butter Cake You Can’t Miss

When it comes to St. Louis desserts, gooey butter cake is a true local legend. This rich, buttery cake is known for its unique texture, which is both dense and creamy, making it a delightful treat for any sweet tooth. Originating in the 1930s, this cake was accidentally created by a baker who mixed up the ingredients, and boy, did it turn out delicious!

Desserts are the fairy tales of the kitchen—a happily-ever-after to supper.

Sharon Cohen

You can find gooey butter cake in various flavors, from classic vanilla to intriguing variations like chocolate or pumpkin. Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is simply unforgettable. Many bakeries in St. Louis have their own twist on this classic, so don’t hesitate to sample a few and find your favorite.

Whether enjoyed at a local café, bakery, or even during a special event, gooey butter cake embodies the spirit of St. Louis sweets. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a piece of the city’s culinary history. Don’t leave without indulging in this sweet staple!

Savor the Flavors of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is an iconic spot that locals swear by, and for good reason! This creamy, velvety custard is a summer staple in St. Louis, often enjoyed in generous portions under the sun. The shop has been serving up frozen treats since the 1920s, making it a beloved tradition for generations.

A slice of gooey butter cake on a plate, set in a cozy café atmosphere with warm lighting.

What sets Ted Drewes apart is not just the custard itself, but the endless combinations of flavors and toppings. From classic chocolate to seasonal specialties, each swirl can be customized to satisfy your cravings. Don’t forget to try the famous 'concrete'—a thick, spoonable treat that’s so dense it can be turned upside down without spilling!

Gooey Butter Cake: A Local Delight

This rich, buttery cake is a must-try dessert in St. Louis, known for its unique texture and delicious flavor.

Visiting Ted Drewes isn’t merely about the dessert; it’s an experience filled with nostalgia and community. As you indulge, you’ll find yourself surrounded by laughter, chatter, and the joy of shared memories, making it a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Don’t Forget About St. Louis Style Pie

St. Louis style pie is another dessert that proudly represents the city’s culinary scene. This pie is characterized by its unique crust made from a blend of crushed crackers, which gives it a delightful crunch. The most popular variety is the St. Louis-style pizza pie, featuring a gooey cheese topping that is simply irresistible.

There’s nothing quite like a cupcake—it’s like a little hug in a wrapper.

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While some may think of pizza when they hear 'pie,' here the term refers to a delicious dessert version. Often filled with fruit or cream, these pies are perfect for those craving a slice of something sweet after dinner. It’s a great way to experience the local flavors in a comforting, familiar format.

Whether you enjoy a slice at a family gathering or a local diner, St. Louis style pie is a must-try for anyone wanting to dive deeper into the city’s dessert offerings. Each bite captures the essence of St. Louis, blending tradition with taste in a delightful way.

Explore Unique Treats at The Chocolate Bar

For chocolate lovers, The Chocolate Bar in St. Louis is a dream come true. This charming shop specializes in artisan chocolates, offering a wide array of handcrafted confections that are as beautiful as they are delicious. From rich truffles to chocolate-dipped strawberries, each treat is crafted with care and precision.

What makes The Chocolate Bar stand out is their dedication to quality and creativity. You can find unique flavor combinations that range from classic to adventurous, such as lavender-infused dark chocolate or spicy chili chocolate. These treats make for perfect gifts or a special indulgence for yourself.

Ted Drewes: Iconic Frozen Custard

Ted Drewes offers a nostalgic experience with its creamy frozen custard, customizable flavors, and famous 'concrete' treat.

Visiting The Chocolate Bar is more than just a shopping trip; it’s an opportunity to explore the world of chocolate in an inviting atmosphere. Sampling their creations can transport you to a world of rich flavors and textures, making it an essential stop on your St. Louis dessert journey.

Indulge in the Sweetness of St. Louis Bread Co. Cookies

St. Louis Bread Co., also known as Panera Bread, offers more than just delicious sandwiches and salads; their cookies are a hidden gem. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect sweet treat to accompany your meal. With flavors like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and seasonal specialties, there’s something for everyone.

What’s great about the cookies at St. Louis Bread Co. is their commitment to using quality ingredients. Each cookie is baked fresh daily, ensuring that you receive a warm, delightful dessert every time. Pair it with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.

Enjoying a cookie from St. Louis Bread Co. is a simple pleasure, but one that captures the essence of comfort food. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best treats are found in the most unexpected places, and these cookies are definitely worth a try!

Experience the Delight of St. Louis Style Ice Cream

St. Louis style ice cream is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, known for its rich, creamy texture. This ice cream is often made with a higher fat content than traditional varieties, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel that melts beautifully. You can find this indulgent treat in numerous local shops, each offering their own unique flavors.

Popular flavors often reflect local favorites and seasonal ingredients, ensuring that there’s always something new to try. Whether it’s a scoop of chocolate pretzel or a fruity sorbet, St. Louis-style ice cream is sure to please your palate and cool you down on a hot day. It’s a perfect treat for families, couples, or anyone looking to satisfy their sweet cravings.

Explore Unique Local Desserts

St. Louis boasts a variety of unique desserts, from artisan chocolates to cupcakes, showcasing the city's vibrant bakery scene.

Trying St. Louis style ice cream is an adventure in flavor and texture, inviting you to explore the local dessert scene. Each scoop tells a story of creativity and passion, making it an essential experience during your visit to the city.

Sample the Sweetness of Local Bakeries’ Cupcakes

If you're a fan of cupcakes, St. Louis has a vibrant bakery scene that offers a plethora of flavors and styles. Local bakeries pride themselves on creating beautifully decorated cupcakes that not only look good but taste even better. From classic vanilla and chocolate to unique flavors like red velvet and salted caramel, the options are endless.

What makes these cupcakes special is the emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and creative combinations. Many bakeries also offer gluten-free or vegan options, ensuring that everyone can indulge in these sweet treats. Plus, the artistry that goes into the designs makes them perfect for celebrations and special occasions.

Multiple cups of frozen custard with toppings, set in an outdoor sunny environment with people enjoying desserts.

Visiting local bakeries for cupcakes is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it's also about supporting the community. Each cupcake is a labor of love, representing the hard work and creativity of the bakers. So, gather your friends and sample a cupcake (or two) while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of St. Louis.