Missouri’s back roads and small towns hide some of the sweetest secrets around.
From thick frozen custard served upside down to warm bread pudding drowning in sauce, these under-the-radar dessert spots serve up comfort in every spoonful.
Whether you’re craving creamy treats or homemade pies, these local favorites are absolutely worth going out of your way to find.
1. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Since 1929, this legendary roadside stand has been flipping custard upside down to prove just how thick their famous “concretes” really are.
The original location keeps that classic walk-up vibe alive, where locals and travelers line up for a taste of St. Louis history.
Order the All Shook Up or Cookie Dough concrete for a spoon-bending, rich experience that rivals any fancy pudding. The custard’s dense, creamy texture makes every bite feel like a celebration. It’s no wonder people plan entire road trips around a stop here.
2. The Fountain on Locust
Step back in time at this Art Deco soda fountain where nostalgia meets creative dessert magic.
The retro atmosphere alone makes this spot feel like a hidden treasure, but the real draw is the inventive ice cream creations that go way beyond basic sundaes.
Their Ice Cream Martinis, available with or without booze; deliver pure decadence in a glass. Each spoonful is smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. The vintage charm combined with modern flavor twists creates an unforgettable dessert experience that captures the spirit of old-fashioned American parlors.
3. Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Ice Cream
Small-batch perfection defines every scoop at this St. Louis gem, where custard gets the artisan treatment. The dense, velvety texture sets these creations apart from ordinary ice cream, and the inventive flavors, some spiked with spirits; add an adventurous twist.
Seasonal custard flavors rotate regularly, but the classic Butter Pecan remains a crowd favorite for good reason. Each bite delivers that signature creamy richness pudding lovers crave.
The attention to quality ingredients and texture makes every visit feel special, whether you choose naughty or nice.
4. Sheridan’s Frozen Custard
Fresh custard made daily is the cornerstone of this beloved Midwestern tradition that started right here in Kansas City.
The walk-up window keeps things simple and authentic, letting the quality of their thick, creamy custard do all the talking.
Try the Raspberry Cheesecake or Turtle creations for desserts so dense they could compete with any gourmet pudding. The texture is impossibly smooth, and the flavors are perfectly balanced between sweet and rich. Locals have been making special trips here for years, and one taste explains why this place has earned such devoted fans.
5. Custard’s Last Stand
Family-run since 1989, this Lee’s Summit treasure represents everything great about community dessert spots. Nothing fancy, nothing pretentious; just incredibly fresh frozen custard made with care and served with genuine hospitality.
Their signature thick concretes and sundaes are what keep people coming back season after season. The custard’s texture is absolutely perfect, hitting that sweet spot between ice cream and pudding.
It’s the kind of place where everyone knows the owners, and newcomers immediately understand why locals consider this their special spot worth driving across town for.
6. Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
Bold flavors and ultra-creamy textures make this Kansas City shop a must-visit for adventurous dessert lovers. Small-batch production means every flavor gets careful attention, resulting in ice cream so rich it practically melts into silk on your tongue.
Goat Cheese & Apricot might sound wild, but it delivers sophisticated sweetness that surprises everyone. The Brownie Batter option satisfies chocolate cravings with dense, fudgy goodness.
Each unique combination pushes flavor boundaries while maintaining that essential creamy comfort pudding fans appreciate. It’s creativity and quality blended into every memorable scoop.
7. Andy’s Frozen Custard
The birthplace of a custard empire still operates in Springfield, serving the same quality that launched a phenomenon. While Andy’s has expanded across multiple states, the original location maintains that authentic quick-stop, drive-thru charm that started it all back in the day.
The James Brown Funky Jackhammer combines peanut butter and banana in a tribute to classic comfort desserts like banana pudding.
Fresh custard elevates familiar flavors into something extraordinary. It’s fast, delicious, and perfectly embodies Missouri’s road food tradition of simple excellence worth planning your route around.
8. Lambert’s Cafe
Famous for hurling dinner rolls across the dining room, this Sikeston institution saves its best surprise for dessert. The high-energy, roadside atmosphere makes every meal feel like an event, but smart visitors save room for the grand finale.
Their legendary bread pudding arrives in massive, family-style portions, swimming in warm sauce that soaks into every comforting bite.
It’s Southern hospitality on a plate; sweet, generous, and absolutely unforgettable. The sheer size and homestyle perfection make this dessert alone worth the detour, even if you skip the throwed rolls entirely.
9. The Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery
Tucked in the tiny historic town of Kimmswick, this bakery draws crowds for desserts that tower with hometown pride. The charming small-town setting adds to the appeal, making every visit feel like discovering a delicious secret.
While the Levee High Apple Pie gets most of the fame, insiders rave about the Banana Cream Pie and homestyle Bread Pudding.
Each slice delivers old-fashioned comfort with layers of creamy, dreamy filling. Southern hospitality and down-home baking traditions combine here to create desserts that taste exactly like grandma’s kitchen smelled on Sunday afternoons.
10. The Pie Place
Just off the highway in Lebanon sits this highly-rated local treasure where home-baked pies rule the menu.
The atmosphere screams comfort food, with that welcoming small-town vibe that makes strangers feel like regulars immediately. Pies here often feature incredible custard bases or creamy fillings that satisfy like the best homemade pudding you’ve ever tasted.
Each slice showcases simple, quality baking without fancy frills; just honest-to-goodness deliciousness. It’s the perfect pit stop for travelers craving something sweet and genuine, where every bite tastes like it came straight from a home kitchen.
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