Locals Recommend These 10 Virginia Dessert Spots Worth Saving Room For

Virginia’s dessert scene is a sweet lover’s paradise, packed with charming bakeries, ice cream parlors, and confectioneries that locals can’t stop raving about. From handcrafted pastries to melt-in-your-mouth chocolates, the Old Dominion State offers a delicious variety that will satisfy any craving.

Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Richmond, wandering through the coastal towns, or enjoying the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find irresistible treats around every corner. Get ready to discover the most beloved dessert destinations that Virginians swear by and visitors absolutely adore.

1. Charly’s Bakery, Norfolk

Stepping into Charly’s feels like being wrapped in a warm hug from your favorite grandma. The aroma of fresh-baked bread and buttery croissants greets you at the door, instantly making your mouth water.

This family-owned gem has been a Norfolk staple for years, earning a devoted following among locals who know good pastries when they taste them.

The display cases are a visual feast, showcasing colorful macarons, glossy fruit tarts, and decadent chocolate eclairs that look almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.

Their signature item is the almond croissant, which features flaky layers stuffed with sweet almond paste and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar. One bite and you’ll understand why people line up before opening time on weekends.

Beyond the pastries, Charly’s also whips up custom cakes that are absolute showstoppers for birthdays, weddings, and any celebration worth remembering. The bakers here take pride in using quality ingredients and traditional European techniques that elevate every creation.

It’s not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about experiencing craftsmanship in edible form.

Located at 1419 Colley Avenue, this cozy bakery invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Grab a seat by the window with a latte and a pastry, and watch the neighborhood come to life.

The friendly staff makes everyone feel like a regular, even if it’s your first visit.

Whether you’re treating yourself after a long week or picking up dessert for a gathering, Charly’s delivers happiness on a plate. The quality never wavers, and the charm never fades.

It’s the kind of place that turns casual visitors into lifelong fans, one delicious bite at a time.

2. The Scoopery, Roanoke

Imagine a place where ice cream dreams come true, and you’ve just imagined The Scoopery. Tucked away in downtown Roanoke, this cheerful parlor scoops up happiness in every cone.

Bright colors, playful decor, and the sound of laughter create an atmosphere that feels like a mini vacation from reality.

What sets The Scoopery apart is its commitment to small-batch, handcrafted flavors that rotate with the seasons. Spring might bring lavender honey, while autumn ushers in pumpkin spice and apple cider sorbet.

They’re not afraid to experiment, and their creativity keeps locals coming back to see what’s new. Classic flavors like vanilla bean and chocolate fudge are always available for purists, but the adventurous options steal the spotlight.

Every scoop is made in-house using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. You can taste the difference in the rich, creamy texture and the vibrant flavors that pop with authenticity.

Toppings range from house-made hot fudge to crunchy cookie crumbles, allowing you to customize your creation exactly how you want it.

The Scoopery sits at 106 South Jefferson Street, making it a perfect stop after exploring the local shops or catching a show at the nearby theater. Families gather here on warm evenings, couples share sundaes on date nights, and solo treat-seekers indulge without guilt.

The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, no matter who you are or what you’re celebrating.

Staff members are genuinely enthusiastic about their product, offering samples and recommendations with a smile. Their passion is contagious, turning a simple ice cream run into a memorable experience.

When you leave with a cone in hand and a grin on your face, you’ll already be planning your next visit.

3. Gearharts Fine Chocolates, Charlottesville

Chocolate lovers, prepare to have your world rocked. Gearharts isn’t just a candy shop; it’s a temple dedicated to the art of fine chocolate.

Walking through the door feels like entering a luxurious wonderland where every piece is a miniature masterpiece. The sleek, modern interior showcases their creations like precious jewels, and honestly, they deserve that treatment.

Founded by a husband-and-wife team with serious pastry credentials, Gearharts combines European techniques with innovative American flair. Their truffles are legendary, featuring unexpected flavor combinations like balsamic strawberry, bourbon caramel, and espresso sea salt.

Each piece is handcrafted with precision, resulting in a silky smooth texture and a flavor explosion that lingers long after the last bite.

But truffles are just the beginning. Their chocolate bars, made from ethically sourced cacao, come in varieties that range from classic dark to adventurous inclusions like candied ginger or roasted almonds.

Seasonal specialties keep the offerings fresh and exciting, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Gift boxes are beautifully packaged, making them perfect for impressing someone special or treating yourself because you absolutely deserve it.

You’ll find this chocolate haven at 2006 Commonwealth Drive, nestled in a charming area that invites leisurely exploration. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate, ready to guide you through the selection process or share the story behind each creation.

They understand that buying chocolate here is an experience, not just a transaction.

Gearharts has earned national recognition, but they remain deeply rooted in the Charlottesville community. Locals consider it a point of pride, a sweet secret they’re happy to share with visitors.

Once you taste their chocolate, you’ll understand why Virginia is quickly becoming known for more than just history and scenery.

4. Sugar Shack Donuts, Richmond

Donuts are serious business at Sugar Shack, and one look at their creative lineup will tell you everything you need to know. This Richmond favorite has turned the humble donut into an art form, with flavors that push boundaries while respecting the classics.

The vibe is fun, funky, and unapologetically bold, much like the donuts themselves.

Their menu reads like a greatest hits album of dessert innovation. You’ll find options like French toast donuts topped with maple glaze and candied bacon bits, s’mores donuts loaded with marshmallow fluff and graham cracker crumbs, and even vegan varieties that taste just as indulgent as their traditional counterparts.

Every donut is made fresh daily, ensuring maximum fluffiness and flavor in every bite.

What really makes Sugar Shack special is their commitment to creativity without sacrificing quality. They use premium ingredients, real fruit purees, and house-made glazes that set them apart from mass-produced alternatives.

The result is a donut that feels like a treat, not just empty calories. You can taste the care in every layer, every topping, every thoughtful detail.

With multiple locations across Richmond, including the original spot at 3407 West Cary Street, Sugar Shack has become a cultural landmark. People plan their mornings around a Sugar Shack run, and weekend lines stretch out the door as eager fans wait for their fix.

The atmosphere inside is lively and energetic, with bright colors and upbeat music setting the tone for a great start to your day.

Whether you’re a donut purist or an adventurous eater, Sugar Shack has something to make your taste buds dance. They’ve mastered the balance between nostalgia and innovation, creating a space where everyone feels welcome.

Grab a box to share, or keep them all to yourself. We won’t judge.

5. The Pie Chest, Staunton

Pie is comfort food at its finest, and The Pie Chest understands this on a soul-deep level. Nestled in the heart of Staunton, this charming bakery specializes in pies that taste like home, no matter where you grew up.

The rustic interior, complete with vintage touches and cozy seating, invites you to relax and indulge in a slice of pure happiness.

Their pie selection rotates with the seasons, showcasing the best fruits and flavors each time of year has to offer. Summer brings luscious peach and mixed berry pies, while fall highlights apple crumble and sweet potato varieties that warm you from the inside out.

The crusts are buttery and flaky, made from scratch using time-honored techniques that grandmothers everywhere would approve of.

Beyond fruit pies, The Pie Chest also offers decadent cream pies, chess pies, and specialty creations that surprise and delight. Their chocolate chess pie is a local favorite, rich and fudgy with a hint of sweetness that never feels overwhelming.

Each pie is baked fresh daily, and they often sell out by afternoon, so early birds get the best selection.

Located at 1 Byers Street, The Pie Chest occupies a historic building that adds to its old-fashioned charm. The staff greets customers like old friends, offering samples and suggestions with genuine warmth.

It’s the kind of place where you linger a little longer than planned, savoring not just the pie but the entire experience.

Whole pies are available for pre-order, making them perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something homemade and heartfelt. Locals know to order ahead for Thanksgiving, as The Pie Chest’s pumpkin and pecan pies are in high demand.

Once you taste their handiwork, you’ll never settle for store-bought again.

6. Kilwins, Virginia Beach

Kilwins is where nostalgia meets indulgence, creating a dessert destination that appeals to kids and adults alike. Located along the bustling Virginia Beach boardwalk, this sweet shop offers everything from hand-paddled fudge to creamy ice cream and gourmet chocolates.

The moment you walk in, the smell of fresh waffle cones and caramel apples transports you straight to childhood summers.

Their fudge is made right before your eyes on a marble slab, a mesmerizing process that draws crowds to the window. Flavors range from classic chocolate and peanut butter to seasonal specials like pumpkin spice and peppermint bark.

Each piece is thick, rich, and impossibly smooth, melting on your tongue in the best possible way. It’s the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes and savor every second.

Ice cream enthusiasts will find plenty to love here too. Kilwins scoops premium ice cream in a rainbow of flavors, all served in their signature waffle cones that are baked fresh throughout the day.

Toppings include house-made hot fudge, caramel sauce, and crunchy nuts that add texture and extra sweetness. Sundaes are built to impress, towering creations that are almost too pretty to eat.

The shop is located at 2208 Atlantic Avenue, right in the heart of the action. After a day at the beach or a stroll along the boardwalk, stopping at Kilwins feels like the perfect reward.

The cheerful atmosphere and friendly service make every visit feel special, whether you’re a tourist or a local who stops by regularly.

Kilwins also offers beautifully packaged gift boxes filled with chocolates, caramels, and other confections, ideal for taking a taste of Virginia Beach home with you. Their commitment to quality and tradition shines through in every product, making them a beloved fixture in the community.

7. Whisk Creperie Cafe, Leesburg

Crepes are the ultimate versatile dessert, and Whisk has perfected the art of making them irresistible. This cozy cafe in Leesburg serves up both sweet and savory crepes, but it’s the dessert options that steal the show.

Thin, delicate, and filled with luscious combinations, each crepe is a little piece of heaven folded into a perfect package.

The Nutella and banana crepe is a crowd favorite, featuring rich chocolate hazelnut spread paired with fresh banana slices and a dusting of powdered sugar. For something more decadent, try the berry compote crepe with whipped cream, a symphony of tart and sweet that dances across your palate.

Seasonal specials keep things interesting, incorporating ingredients like caramelized apples, toasted pecans, and spiced pear.

Whisk’s interior is charming and intimate, with rustic wooden tables and soft lighting that creates a relaxed, European cafe vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in with a good book, a crepe, and a cup of coffee, losing track of time in the best way possible.

The open kitchen lets you watch the crepe-making process, a skillful dance of batter, heat, and precision.

You’ll find Whisk at 9 South King Street, tucked into historic downtown Leesburg. The location makes it a popular stop for both locals grabbing a quick treat and visitors exploring the area’s charming streets.

The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, always ready to recommend the perfect crepe based on your mood and preferences.

Whisk also caters events and offers takeout, so you can enjoy their crepes wherever you are. But there’s something special about eating them fresh off the griddle in the cozy confines of the cafe.

It’s an experience that feels both simple and indulgent, a reminder that sometimes the best pleasures in life are the uncomplicated ones.

8. Crumbl Cookies, Multiple Locations

Crumbl has taken Virginia by storm, and for good reason. These oversized cookies are thick, soft, and packed with flavor, making them the ultimate indulgence for cookie lovers.

With locations popping up across the state, including spots in Arlington, Richmond, and Virginia Beach, Crumbl has become a go-to destination for anyone craving a sweet fix.

What makes Crumbl unique is their rotating weekly menu, featuring four specialty flavors alongside their signature milk chocolate chip and sugar cookie. One week you might find cookies and cream, while the next brings s’mores or lemon glaze.

This constant rotation keeps customers excited and coming back to see what’s new. Each cookie is generously sized, perfect for sharing or savoring over multiple sittings.

The cookies are baked fresh daily and served in their iconic pink boxes, which have become instantly recognizable. The texture is spot-on, with crispy edges giving way to a soft, gooey center that melts in your mouth.

Toppings and mix-ins are plentiful, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor. Whether you prefer classic combinations or adventurous creations, Crumbl delivers.

The stores themselves are sleek and modern, with open kitchens that let you watch the baking process in real time. It’s satisfying to see the cookies come together, fresh and warm, right before your eyes.

The minimalist design keeps the focus on the product, and the efficient service means you’re in and out quickly, cookies in hand.

Crumbl also offers delivery and curbside pickup, making it easy to satisfy your craving without leaving home. Their app lets you track the weekly flavors and place orders ahead of time, a convenient feature that loyal fans appreciate.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself on a random Tuesday, Crumbl makes it easy to add a little sweetness to your day.

9. Homestead Creamery, Wirtz

Farm-fresh ice cream hits differently, and Homestead Creamery proves it with every scoop. Located in the scenic countryside near Wirtz, this family-owned dairy farm produces ice cream using milk from their own cows.

The result is a product that’s incredibly fresh, creamy, and full of natural flavor that mass-produced ice cream simply can’t match.

Homestead offers a variety of classic and creative flavors, all made in small batches to ensure quality. Vanilla bean, chocolate, and strawberry are always available, but seasonal options like pumpkin spice, peppermint stick, and fresh peach keep things exciting.

You can taste the difference that fresh, high-quality ingredients make, and it’s a game-changer.

Beyond ice cream, the farm also produces milk, butter, and other dairy products, all available for purchase at their on-site store. Visiting Homestead feels like stepping back in time to a simpler era, where food was made with care and enjoyed without rushing.

The pastoral setting adds to the experience, with rolling hills and grazing cows creating a picturesque backdrop.

The creamery is located at 42 Homestead Creamery Lane, a bit off the beaten path but well worth the drive. Families love visiting to see the farm animals, enjoy a cone, and soak in the peaceful rural atmosphere.

It’s a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life, a reminder of Virginia’s agricultural roots.

Homestead Creamery ice cream is also sold in select stores throughout the state, but nothing beats getting it fresh from the source. The friendly staff, charming farm setting, and unbeatable quality make this a destination worth planning a trip around.

Bring the kids, bring your camera, and bring your appetite for some of the best ice cream Virginia has to offer.

10. Baked Cravings, Alexandria

Cupcakes reign supreme at Baked Cravings, where every flavor is a miniature celebration. This Alexandria bakery has perfected the cupcake formula, balancing moist cake with luscious frosting in combinations that range from traditional to totally unexpected.

Walking into Baked Cravings feels like entering a candy-colored dream, with display cases full of beautifully decorated treats that look almost too good to eat.

Their signature red velvet cupcake is a must-try, featuring rich cocoa cake topped with tangy cream cheese frosting that’s perfectly balanced. Other popular flavors include salted caramel, lemon raspberry, and cookies and cream, each one crafted with attention to detail and quality ingredients.

Seasonal specials keep the menu fresh, with flavors like pumpkin spice in fall and strawberry lemonade in summer.

What sets Baked Cravings apart is their commitment to making everything from scratch. No mixes, no shortcuts, just pure baking skill and passion.

The result is a cupcake that tastes homemade in the best possible way, with layers of flavor that develop with each bite. Frosting is piped generously but not excessively, allowing the cake itself to shine.

Located at 1025 North Fillmore Street, Baked Cravings has become a neighborhood favorite and a destination for cupcake enthusiasts from across the region. The cozy interior invites you to stay awhile, perhaps with a cupcake and a cup of coffee, enjoying the simple pleasure of a well-made dessert.

The staff is warm and welcoming, treating every customer like a valued guest.

Custom orders are available for weddings, birthdays, and other special events, with options for personalized flavors and decorations. Baked Cravings has built a reputation for reliability and excellence, making them the go-to choice when you need dessert to impress.

So grab a cupcake, find a comfy spot, and let yourself indulge in a little sweetness. You’ve earned it.