Chicago's Favorite Dessert Spots for Families

Gina I. said:  The theme? Sugar! Where else can you get away with ice cream for dinner? The Sugar Factory features a delicious assortment of sweet & savory cuisine, including their enormous signature drinks (also available without alcohol), chocolate martinis, and more. The menu offers everything from pancakes and waffles to salads and burgers. But the real star is the actual dessert menu with colorful, sprinkled, gourmet treats...every kid's dream come true!

Gina I. said:  Do-Rite Donuts might not boast as many fancy flavors as some of the other donut shops, but what they do, they do-rite! Generously sized and reasonably priced, you won'd find a better old fashioned donut anywhere! What sets them apart is that they are one of the few places you can find vegan and gluten-free Donuts. And watch out, they will close early if they run out of donuts to be sure to plan accordingly.

Gina I. said:  With close to 40 amazing donut varieties on the menu, it's hard to choose! Their specialties include everything from pistachio glazed, blueberry fritter and coconut cream to chocolate buttermilk bar, lemon curd, and glazed orange old fashioned. You really can't go wrong! Be sure to try their famous dough boy's best! We like the peanut butter banana pocket.

Vanessa M. said:  Ask anyone in the Northwest suburbs where to get the best local donuts, and they'll unanimously say, "Spunky Dunkers". They may say "Spunky Dunkers" another few times just because is fun to say! With all the classics like Boston cream, chocolate iced Bavarian, blueberry cake, and vanilla iced rings, and seasonal specialty donuts such as pumpkin, cherry cake, and peanut butter n' jelly, Spunky Dunkers will satisfy your sugar cravings. Their coffee is top notch too!

Chrissy OGorman said:  Bent Fork bakes handcrafted cookies, cakes, pies, brownies and more. They are a small batch, all butter bakery, that makes every item with love daily!

Kristy Pepping said:  Deerfield's Bakery is a family business that has lasted over 5 generations! Their first bakery was opened in Germany in 1886. After immigrating the family set up in Chicago and now have several locations in the Chicago Suburbs. They still use old world recipes and bake everything from scratch daily. Deerfield's offers everything from bread to bagels to cakes to cookies. They have a book of designs you can look through for inspiration or you can simply tell one of their team members what cake you would like created.

For the gluten-free kids in your life, this bakery is a gift to party-throwers everywhere! Specializing in gluten-free baking, this bakery offers beautiful cakes for all types of occasions, with customization and tastings available.

This no-frills shop all the way in Roseland is worth the trek. The owner, Buritt Bulloch, works in the front window of the shop and customers get piping hot donuts straight from being frosted. The apple fritter is a must, but be prepared to share this gigantic masterpiece. Please note it's cash-only and it is not recommended to eat in, as lines are long and the shop can get crowded.

Kathleen O'Donovan said:  Sugar Fixe offers breakfast pastries, tarts, cookies, cupcakes, little dessert cakes, pastries, macarons and celebration cakes. I'm proud to say that I've tried almost all their sweets and everything has been perfection -- especially the macarons!! Their location is bright, the coffee is great, and the seats are comfy.

Kelly R. said:  This was our go-to place for cupcakes when we lived in the neighborhood. The award-winning treats are baked from scratch throughout the day. Molly's is known for the center-filled cupcakes, or you can create your own cupcake combination that they will make right in front of you. I love that a portion of their profits is donated directly to schools in the community.

Erin P. said:  This place has been serving Chicagoland for over 40 years. They carry a full line of doughnuts, doughnut holes (or, as my kids call them, "doughnut balls"), and sweet rolls. They also make a 10″ round raised doughnut that can be decorated for any occasion. (Must be ordered one day in advance.)

Erin P. said:  Doughs Guys is a great bakery with fun and delicious cupcake flavors! They also make great birthday cakes to match almost any party theme that you have in mind! They have two main locations and several smaller outposts at local Metra stations -- perfect for the parent on the go!

Gina I. said:  Established in 1930, Weber's Bakery is one of Chicago's oldest bakeries. Everything is baked from scratch using the finest ingredients. So, whether you get the banana split torte, a hand decorated birthday cake, or their famous buttermilk poundcake, you won't be disappointed! Be sure to try their carrot cake! As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of carrot cakes, I can confidently say this is one of the best!

Gina I. said:  A classic donut shop, Dat Donut is famous for its giant glazed donuts (Big Dat) and reasonable prices. They also make a nice variety of hearty breakfast sandwiches. Best of all, they are open 24-hours, so you can satisfy your donut craving anytime day or night!

Kristy Pepping said:  Smallcakes offers cakes, cupcakes and ice cream. If you are looking for a specialty cake, they can create any design you desire. Or if you want custom cupcakes, they offer mini sized cupcakes or full size. They also carry gluten-free options. Want a few cupcakes, but do not want to wait? They have pre-made cupcake options baked daily: salty caramel, chocolate, vanilla and a stuffed cupcake. Many locations throughout Chicago.