13 places in Birmingham to find “a little treat”

Reading time: 8 minutes

Person enjoying sweet treat in sun
Alabama Sawyer Bench Pyramid at Jeni’s. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Always looking for a reason to celebrate your awesomeness with a special sweet treat? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve rounded up 13 delicious places in Birmingham to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Read on to see some of our favorites.

1. Cannella Gelato

IMG 4808 13 places in Birmingham to find "a little treat"
Best. gelato. ever. (Grace Garrison / Bham Now)

Want to take a quick trip to Italy? Canella Gelato allows you to immerse yourself in European culture right here in The Magic City. All flavors are made with all natural ingredients, sourced as locally as possible and change weekly.

Sweet tip: Located on beautiful, historic Morris Avenue, grab a cone to go and explore the cobblestone-paved streets.

2. Doodle’s Sorbets and Italian Ice

Doodles
Doodle’s Italian ice offers an exciting experience. (Riley Campbell / Bham Now)

Doodle’s Italian Ice in Birmingham brings a refreshing twist to the traditional frozen treat. Offering a vibrant selection of fruity, smooth and flavored Italian ice, it’s the perfect way to cool off while enjoying a burst of sweetness.

Sweet tip: Mix up your next meet-up and hang with friends on the adjacent lawn. Sunshine and snow cones…the perfect sunny Spring combo.

3. Tiramisu at Amoré

Amoré tiramisu is a true indulgence for dessert lovers. Topped with a dusting of cocoa powder, this Italian classic is a heavenly finish to any meal.

Sweet tip: Sure, we’re all about treating yourself, but sometimes good things come in pairs. This upscale restaurant is also ideal for your next date night.

4. Insomnia Cookies

Aycock twins in front of Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies is a favorite for Birmingham workers in search of a treat. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Insomnia Cookies is where late-night (or any time!) cravings meet warm, freshly baked indulgence. Whether you’re enjoying a classic chocolate chip or trying one of their signature flavors, each cookie is soft, gooey and packed with irresistible sweetness.

Sweet tip: They always have the iconic cookie choices like peanut butter, sugar and the previously-mentioned chocolate chip, but we love their monthly and seasonally rotating options: A toasty S’mores cookie sounds spot-on for a chilly Spring evening!

5. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

holding ice cream cone
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream takes scoop-lovers to the next level with their unique flavors. (Bham Now)

Jeni’s is definitely one of my top picks in town—perfect for an after-dinner treat with friends or a quick post-class snack. Don’t miss the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake on your next visit!

Sweet tip: In addition to cones and cups, Jeni’s offers pints to go for when cravings strike unexpectedly.

6. Milky Way Brownie Bar

Millky Way Ice Cream Bar
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Milky Way Brownie Bar offers 21 different flavors of ice cream, which you can use to build-your-own brownie-centric sundaes, milkshakes and more. Plus, it’s all homemade right here in Birmingham.

Sweet tip: As of publishing time, Milky Way is offering 10% off purchase price for anyone with a current student I.D.

7. Bruster’s Ice Cream

Welcome Bruster's Real Ice Cream to Trussville. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream has ALL the flavors. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Bruster’s Ice Cream’s three Birmingham locations boast a plethora of ice cream, sorbet and sherbet options—with sugar- and dairy-free varieties, too.

Sweet tip: Many Bruster’s locations offer a fun twist on the classic banana split: On Thursdays, you can bring your own banana and get half off the cost of your split! It’s the best way to enjoy a custom-made, delicious treat while saving a little extra. Check your spot to see if they participate.

8. Churro Station

Churro Station is Alabama’s first “churreria”, or churro shop. (Grace Howard / Bham Now)
Churro Station is Alabama’s first “churreria,” or churro shop. (Grace Howard / Bham Now)

Churro Station at The Summit in Birmingham serves up the perfect snack for churro lovers! Freshly made and crispy, these warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated bits of fried dough are a must-try. Whether you’re grabbing one on the go or enjoying it with a sweet dip, Churro Station delivers a tasty, indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Sweet tip: Sure, you can grab the classic cinnamon-infused treat, but consider exploring some palate-expanding options with fillings like Nutella or Bavarian cream, toppings like crushed Oreos or rainbow sprinkles—or even in an ice cream sandwich.

9. Bendy’s Cookies & Cream

Bendy's Cookies & Cream ice cream
Bendy’s is where ice cream and cookie-lovers unite. (Patience Itson / Bham Now)

A creamery where you can choose a fresh-baked, homemade cookie to pair with your ice cream? We’re all for it. My go-to combo at Bendy’s is sweet cream ice cream with a double-chocolate cookie. You can thank me later.

Sweet tip: In addition to their two locations below, Bendy’s has a food truck making the rounds (submit a request on their site for your next big event!) and offers ice cream cakes and specialty dessert ordering, too.

10. Mountain Brook & Edgewood Creameries

Mountain Brook Creamery, small business, Mountain Brook
Mountain Brook Creamery is a cool place to go on a hot day. (Cindy Martin)

This set of two neighborhood-centered ice cream shops—Mountain Brook Creamery in Mountain Brook Village and Edgewood Creamery in Homewood—are the perfect spots for ice cream lovers looking for a cozy, local treat where you’re bound to find a friend or neighbor waiting in line next to you. With a variety of rich, creamy flavors made from the freshest ingredients, every scoop feels like a little piece of heaven.

Sweet tip: These two creameries are active supporters of their respective communities. Find them often hosting local sports and booster nights—for a sweet indulgence you can feel good about!

11. Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe

Bluff Park Ice Cream 2 scaled 1 13 places in Birmingham to find "a little treat"
Bluff Park has a tip-top ice cream shop (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Tucked at the top of Bluff Park, this charming creamery is the perfect spot for your next cold treat craving. Grab your friends and treat yourselves to one of their 30+ delicious base and seasonally-rotating flavors. It’s hard to beat their premium peach ice cream when it’s in season—or the hilariously-named Exhausted Parent that pairs bourbon-spiked espresso with bittersweet chocolate chunks.

Sweet tip: Got a dietary consideration to take into account? They’ve got that covered with dairy-free, low-sugar, kosher and gluten-free tasty treats.

12. K & J’s Elegant Pastries

k&j's
That line-up…a visual treat in itself! (K&J’s Elegant Pastries)

From delicate pastries to mouthwatering milkshakes and cakes, every treat is crafted with precision and care. Whether you’re looking for a special dessert for an event or just want to indulge in a little something sweet, K & J offers an elegant selection that’s sure to impress.

Sweet tip: Chef Kristal Bryant is known for creating desserts that are equally as beautiful as they are tasty. Be sure to try one of her special cupcakes (we love the red velvet, or the strawberry is perfect for spring!).

13. Capella’s Desserts

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Capella Pizzaria has amazing gelto and cannolis. (Grace Garrison / Bham Now)

Capella Pizzaria isn’t just known for its delicious pies—don’t miss out on their creamy, authentic gelato or their housemade cannoli! After enjoying a perfect slice, treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of their rich, handmade gelato in a variety of mouthwatering flavors. It’s the perfect way to cap off your meal and indulge in a little extra sweetness.

Sweet tip: Take the cannoli…to go! Try the pistachio or chocolate chip for the perfect combo of creamy-crunchy texture-filled goodness.

Did we miss your favorite sweet treat spot? Let us know @Bhamnow.

Grace Garrison
Grace Garrison
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