Best Desserts in Kansas City
Kansas City’s dessert scene is as vibrant as its barbecue, offering something sweet for every palate. From artisan bakeries and chic cafes to classic diners and dessert bars, the city is full of indulgent options.
Favorites like Betty Rae’s Ice Cream draw crowds with unique, handcrafted ice cream flavors, while André’s Confiserie Suisse is beloved for its Swiss chocolates and delicate pastries.
Messenger Coffee’s freshly baked treats and Christopher Elbow Chocolates’ luxurious confections also add to the city’s diverse offerings.
McLain’s Bakery
Established in 1945, McLain’s Bakery stands as a Kansas City institution, representing over 75 years of baking excellence. This family-owned establishment began in Waldo and has expanded to multiple locations across the metro area, including Overland Park and downtown Kansas City.
McLain’s is particularly famous for their Cup Cookies – a unique creation that has become a local legend. The bakery combines traditional recipes passed down through generations with modern techniques, creating an irresistible blend of old and new.
Their bright, airy cafes offer both grab-and-go options and comfortable seating for those wanting to savor their treats on-site.
| Category | Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cookies | Cup Cookies | Signature sugar cookies with buttercream | $3.50 |
| Chocolate Chip | Classic house-made recipe | $2.95 | |
| Snickerdoodle | Cinnamon-sugar coated | $2.95 | |
| Cakes | Chocolate Layer Cake | Rich dark chocolate with ganache | $38.00 |
| Vanilla Bean Cake | Madagascar vanilla with buttercream | $35.00 | |
| Carrot Cake | With cream cheese frosting | $40.00 | |
| Pastries | French Macarons | Assorted flavors | $2.75 each |
| Croissants | Plain, chocolate, almond | $4.50 | |
| Cinnamon Rolls | House specialty | $4.95 |
Dolce Bakery
Nestled in the heart of Prairie Village, Dolce Bakery brings European-inspired artisanal baking to Kansas City. Founded by pastry chef Erin Brown, this charming bakery has earned a reputation for its meticulous attention to detail and use of premium ingredients.
Each recipe is tested and refined countless times before making it to the display case. Dolce particularly shines with its seasonal offerings, adapting its menu to showcase the best local ingredients available throughout the year.
The bakery’s warm, intimate atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for both special occasions and everyday indulgences.
| Category | Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature Cakes | Italian Cream Cake | Coconut, pecans, cream cheese frosting | $45.00 |
| Red Velvet | Classic recipe with cream cheese | $40.00 | |
| German Chocolate | Traditional pecan-coconut filling | $42.00 | |
| Bars & Brownies | Berry Crumble Bars | Seasonal fruit, butter crumb | $4.50 |
| Salted Caramel Brownies | Dark chocolate with caramel swirl | $4.25 | |
| Lemon Bars | Shortbread crust, lemon curd | $4.00 | |
| Seasonal Pies | Apple Streusel | Dutch-style with butter crumb | $28.00 |
| Cherry Lattice | Tart cherries, hand-woven top | $30.00 | |
| Seasonal Berry | Changes with availability | $32.00 |
André’s Confiserie Suisse
A slice of Switzerland in the heart of Kansas City, André’s has been delighting customers with authentic Swiss confections since 1955. Founded by André and Elsbeth Bollier, who brought their Swiss training and traditions to Missouri, this elegant establishment offers an unparalleled European pastry experience.
The third-generation family business maintains strict adherence to traditional Swiss techniques while incorporating local flavors. Their chocolate-making process follows centuries-old Swiss methods, using imported Swiss chocolate and local cream to create their famous truffles.
The tea room offers a refined dining experience that transports visitors to a classic European café.
| Category | Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolates | Swiss Truffles | Dark, milk, white varieties | $3.50 each |
| Chocolate-Dipped Fruits | Seasonal selection | $2.95 each | |
| Pralines | Assorted nuts and fillings | $3.25 each | |
| European Pastries | Opera Cake | Almond sponge, coffee buttercream | $8.50 |
| Napoleon | Layered puff pastry, cream | $7.95 | |
| Eclairs | Classic chocolate or vanilla | $5.95 | |
| Special Items | Quiche Lorraine | Savory breakfast pastry | $6.95 |
| Fruit Tarts | Seasonal fresh fruit | $7.50 | |
| Macarons | Swiss-style, various flavors | $2.95 each |
Best Regards Bakery
Located in Overland Park, Best Regards Bakery combines innovative flavors with classic baking techniques. Owner Robert Duensing brings his engineering background to the art of baking, resulting in perfectly crafted pastries that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
The bakery is known for its experimental approach to traditional favorites, creating unique combinations like their famous Cookie Butter Cake. Their open kitchen concept allows customers to watch the baking process, adding an educational element to the experience.
The bakery also offers baking classes and special holiday workshops throughout the year.
| Category | Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature Items | Cookie Butter Cake | Speculoos cookie butter layers | $35.00 |
| Birthday Cake | Funfetti with rainbow sprinkles | $32.00 | |
| Chocolate Truffle Cake | Dark chocolate ganache | $38.00 | |
| Breakfast Pastries | Croissants | Plain, almond, chocolate | $4.25 |
| Morning Buns | Cinnamon-sugar rolled | $4.50 | |
| Scones | Variety of flavors | $3.95 | |
| Cookies | French Macarons | Rotating flavors | $2.75 each |
| Shortbread | Classic butter cookies | $2.50 | |
| Monster Cookies | Loaded with mix-ins | $3.50 |
Ashleigh’s Bake Shop
A newer addition to Kansas City’s bakery scene, Ashleigh’s has quickly established itself as a go-to destination for custom cakes and breakfast pastries. Founded by pastry chef Ashleigh Luna, this bakery brings a fresh, modern approach to traditional baking.
Their giant cinnamon rolls have achieved local fame, often selling out before noon. The shop specializes in creative custom designs for special occasions, with a particular talent for wedding cakes that combine classic elegance with contemporary flair.
Their open, industrial-chic space in the Crossroads Arts District perfectly reflects their modern approach to baking.
| Category | Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast Sweets | Giant Cinnamon Rolls | House specialty | $5.95 |
| Sticky Buns | Pecan caramel topped | $5.95 | |
| Coffee Cake | Streusel-topped | $4.95 | |
| Custom Cakes | Wedding Cakes | Custom designs | From $200 |
| Birthday Cakes | Personalized decoration | From $45 | |
| Cupcakes | Assorted flavors | $3.95 each | |
| Small Treats | Cake Pops | Various flavors | $3.50 each |
| Cookie Sandwiches | Filled cookies | $4.95 | |
| Mini Cupcakes | Bite-sized treats | $2.50 each |
Mud Pie Vegan Bakery
Pioneering the vegan dessert scene in Kansas City, Mud Pie has proven that plant-based treats can be just as delicious as traditional ones. Located in a charming converted house in Overland Park, this innovative bakery creates entirely vegan versions of classic desserts without sacrificing taste or texture.
The bakery’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond their menu to their packaging and business practices. Their cozy, homelike atmosphere makes it a favorite spot for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
| Category | Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan Cookies | Chocolate Chip | Classic style | $3.50 |
| Oatmeal Raisin | Wholesome favorite | $3.50 | |
| Peanut Butter | Made with organic PB | $3.75 | |
| Plant-Based Cakes | Carrot Cake | With vegan cream cheese | $40.00 |
| Chocolate Fudge | Rich dairy-free ganache | $38.00 | |
| Vanilla Bean | With vegan buttercream | $35.00 | |
| Specialty Items | Gluten-Free Brownies | Made with almond flour | $4.95 |
| Energy Bites | Date and nut based | $3.50 | |
| Banana Bread | Classic recipe | $12.00/loaf |
