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Got a Sweet Tooth? Florida’s Hottest Summer Spots Will Satisfy Your Craving

by Ashley Vaccarino

Photograph by Ashley Vaccarino

florida desserts

Diet? What diet? The Salty Donut will keep your sugar craving at bay. (Photo: The Salty Donut)

It should almost be required that we give in to our sweet tooth when traveling. After all, calories don’t count on vacation, right? No one will be more appreciative of this diet change than your kids – zero complaints guaranteed when it comes to extra dessert!

As you travel through Florida, pay a visit to these must-try sweet spots on your next visit to the Sunshine State.

The Salty Donut, Miami

Tucked into the heart of Miami is The Salty Donut Artisanal Donut Shoppe, or more recognizably, a cute, artsy little food truck and coffee bar surrounded by picnic tables and the brightly colored graffiti walls of Wynwood.

These rich pastries are worth the wait, which is proven by the crowds lining up before the shop even opens at 11 a.m. Be sure to try the Oreo Cookie Donut Holes, or be more daring and enjoy the Maple + Bacon Brioche Donut.

Another favorite is the Baked Banana Nut Donut, which is drizzled with caramel glaze that’s so good you’ll never believe it’s vegan, gluten free and under 100 calories!

Nearby sweet retreat: JW Marriott Marquis Miami just a few minutes south in downtown Miami.

Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant, Dania Beach

florida desserts
Get an old-timey ice cream fix at Jaxson’s. (Photo: Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant)

For ice cream-loving kids, head a little further up the east coast to Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant in Dania Beach. Here you’ll find old-fashioned candy treats from your childhood, walls adorned with American automobile license plates, and the “Kitchen Sink” banana split basin.

This oversized treat is only offered to parties of four or more, though I’m pretty sure it could easily feed four families!

The gargantuan desserts alone are reason enough to visit, but Jaxson’s is also a great place to bring the kids for lunch, even if it’s just to see the look on their faces when the “mile-long hot dogs” are served.

Nearby sweet retreat: Hollywood Beach Marriott less than 10 minutes east.

Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe, Key West

You can’t visit Key West without having some of the best key lime pie in the world. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe near the southernmost point of Florida serves up some of the best, and kids are sure to get a kick out of their Belgian Dark Chocolate Key Lime Pie on a Stick.

Silly kids aren’t pie lovers? No worries, as there are plenty of other fun ways for the little ones to tart it up. I recommend the key lime cookies, jelly beans, salt water taffy and gourmet cake.

Norman Love Confections, Naples

florida desserts
Pristine chocolates by Norman Love Confections will tempt your taste buds. (Photo: Norman Love Confections)

At Norman Love Confections, just a truffle or two will suffice and make sure kids get their chocolate fix. Located in several Naples locations, including the Sea Salt Restaurant, the divine gourmet chocolates include decadent flavors like Mint Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Marshmallow, Tiramisu and Bananas Foster.

These heart-shaped, multi-colored, painted sweets are truly edible art, so ask your kids to take a look and appreciate their beauty before tossing them down the hatch.

Nearby sweet retreat: Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa just a short drive south of Naples.

Mickey Mouse Cake Pops at Disney World in Orlando

Cake pops have never been cuter or sweeter than at Walt Disney World. I guarantee the little ones will love the multi-colored Minnie and Mickey Mouse-shaped pops, which are highly addictive.

The chocolate and sprinkle-covered cake pops – with marshmallow ears and a vanilla, chocolate or red velvet center – are sure to bring smiles all around. Pick one (or five) up at at the Main Street Confectionery and Storybook Circus Tent in the Magic Kingdom.

Nearby sweet retreat: Orlando World Center Marriott less than two miles away.