Destination: Dessert

Where to find the best specialty pastries and tasty confections in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Patriotism meets pastries at American Dream Cakes 

Cakes, pastries, candy apples, oh my! Satisfying your sweet tooth is easy to do in Jacksonville, NC. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to meet a friend, a place to take the grandkids after dinner, or a quick escape where you can stop in for a treat, we’ve got you covered. Jacksonville, NC is home to an array of talented bakers and dessert makers, so save up your calories and enjoy these unique and tasty hotspots.

American Dream Cakes

While best-known for its stunning custom cakes, American Dream Cakes also offers ready-to-eat desserts with in its tastebud-tempting bakery case. This veteran-owned business is Onslow County’s longest operating family-owned bakery. Cream puffs, eclairs, cookies, brownies and more are baked daily onsite and available Tuesday through Saturday.

Gourmet cupcakes are baked daily at American Dream Cakes 

Blend Café

Made-to-order Belgian dessert waffles topped with combinations like brown sugar and maple or homemade cream cheese, stuffed strawberries and crumbled graham crackers make the Blend Café an ideal dessert stop. A wide array of fresh brews and smoothies complete their offering. Open seven days a week.

Dessert waffles are good any time of the day at the Blend Café 

Darel's Bakery & Sweets

Best-known for its unique doughnut-like filled croissants, Darel’s Bakery & Sweets is a can’t miss experience. Glazed, iced, and filled with fruit, chocolate or candy bar pieces, these one-of-a-kind creations are sure to please. You’ll also find fruit pies and seasonal treats here, plus coffee, ice cream and milkshakes. Open Monday through Saturday.

You've never tasted a croissant like these unique treats at Darel's Bakery & Sweets

Essential Sweets

Visit Essential Sweets and you’ll find a menu of specialty desserts ranging from pineapple upside-down cupcakes to carrot cheesecake, puff pastries and buckeye brownie bars. Specialty cakes like maple bacon and Reese’s® peanut butter are also crowd-pleasers. Open Tuesday through Saturday.

Essential Sweets is where carrot cake and cheesecake converge in deliciousness

Havana 58 Café 

Bakery treats make the perfect complement to Havana 58 Café’s menu of Cuban and Italian espresso and coffee. Fresh, handmade Spanish pastries are ready and waiting to be enjoyed seven days a week.

Espresso brownie with your coffee? Find it at Havana 58 Café

Liliana's Colombian Restaurant & Bakery

Que rico! The dessert selections here are unique and inspiring. Look for a variety of cakes as well as specialties such as flan and arroz con leche (rice pudding). Open Tuesday through Saturday.

Specialty cakes, flan and arroz con leche are favorites at Liliana's Columbian Restaurant & Bakery

The Milk Road

Offering delicious treats to go with its teas and freshly roasted coffee, The Milk Road is a true destination spot. The freshly made Liège Belgian waffles at this veteran-owned establishment are a perennial favorite. Open seven days a week.

Liège Waffles studded with pearl sugar are always on the menu at The Milk Road; muffins and pastry offerings change regularly

Nothing Bundt Cakes

From red velvet to key lime, there’s no shortage of flavors at this recognizable bakery. Order the full-size cake for a party. Can't agree on a flavor? Order the individual mini-Bundt cakes, and let everyone choose a flavor. Open Mondays and Wednesday through Saturday.

Dessert comes perfectly sized at Nothing Bundt Cakes

Sheryl's Candy Apple Creations & Dessert Bar

It’s easy to satisfy your sweet tooth at this creative dessert spot. Apples and strawberries are dipped in chocolate and covered in crushed candy bar and nut toppings to palate-pleasing effect. You’ll also find cookies, bonbons, candied pralines, apple nachos, and more on the menu. Open Wednesday through Sunday.

Enjoy dessert with child-like enthusiasm at Sheryl's Candy Apple Creations & Dessert Bar

Hungry, yet? Find more food stories: 

• Travel the globe right here in Jacksonville NC on our International Food Trail.
• Learn more about unique restaurants and enjoy a quick overview of our dining scene.
• For a quick overview See our list of favorite independent breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurants here.