Louisiana cuisine: savory, spicy dishes with French and Spanish influence that feel like a party in the mouth. Food that feels like home the moment you taste it. Most use these words to describe the heartier side of Cajun and Creole cooking. However, there are some of us who like to live life on the sweeter side. Whether you have quite the sweet tooth to satisfy or need something a little special for an event, check out these spots with some of the best sweet treats in Baton Rouge:
Bonjour
This charming French-inspired patisserie brings Parisian elegance to Baton Rouge. As a distinguished Baton Rouge bakery, Bonjour creates authentic croissants, pain au chocolat, and eclairs that transport you straight to France. Their macarons, available in a rainbow of flavors, are perfect bite-sized treats that balance delicate crunch with creamy filling. The elegant café setting is an ideal spot for savoring a cappuccino alongside your expertly crafted pastry.
Caroline’s Cookies
With two locations serving the Capital City, Caroline’s Cookies has quickly become a local favorite for oversized, decadent cookies made from scratch daily. Each masterpiece weighs nearly half a pound and comes packed with premium ingredients. Their rotating menu features classics like chocolate chip alongside inventive flavors such as lemon blueberry and birthday cake. Don’t miss their cookie cakes for special occasions. They’re a showstopping alternative to traditional birthday cakes.
Counterspace
A cozy neighborhood bakery with a loyal local following, Counterspace is a go-to spot in Baton Rouge for scratch-made sweets and small-batch charm. From decadent cookie bars and classic cakes to inventive seasonal treats, everything is baked with a homey touch and a passion for quality ingredients. Popular picks include their brown butter chocolate chip cookies and funfetti cake by the slice, perfect for a midday pick-me-up or special celebration.
Gail’s Fine Ice Cream
Handcrafted small-batch Baton Rouge ice cream doesn’t get better than Gail’s. Using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, their rotating selection of artisanal flavors ranges from sophisticated honey lavender to nostalgic cereal milk. The bright, welcoming shop offers seasonal specialties alongside signature flavors, with vegan options available too. Their ice cream sandwiches, featuring freshly baked cookies, have developed a cult following among locals.
Gambino’s Bakery
A New Orleans tradition that has made its way to Baton Rouge, Gambino’s Bakery offers classic Louisiana treats that satisfy any sweet tooth. They’re known for their king cakes during Carnival season, but year-round highlights include their Italian cream cake, praline-filled doberge, and signature petit fours. Their pastry cases are filled with colorful cookies, cupcakes, and traditional Italian delicacies that have been perfected over generations.
Insomnia Cookies
When late-night cravings strike, Insomnia Cookies delivers — literally! This popular Baton Rouge cookie destination stays open until the wee hours, offering warm, gooey cookies that can be ordered for pickup or delivery. Their menu features classics like chocolate chunk alongside creative flavors such as snickerdoodle and s’mores deluxe. For maximum indulgence, try their cookie ice cream sandwiches or the "Cookie’wich" with buttercream frosting between two freshly baked cookies.
Jeremiah's Italian Ice
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice brings a refreshing twist to Baton Rouge with its signature Jelati—layers of creamy soft ice cream and vibrant Italian ice in over 40 flavors. Located near LSU’s North Gate, this colorful spot offers indoor and patio seating, plus a convenient drive-thru for quick cool-downs. It's the perfect stop for a sweet treat on a sunny Louisiana day if you're on the go or need a refreshing treat to beat the heat.
La Divina
Originally known for authentic Italian gelato, La Divina has expanded to offer a variety of sweet indulgences. Their ice cream showcases traditional gelato-making techniques with lower fat content but richer flavor than typical American ice cream. Standout flavors include pistachio, stracciatella, and seasonal fruit sorbets. Pair your frozen treat with one of their Italian pastries or a shot of espresso for a complete taste of la dolce vita in Louisiana’s capital city.
Les Amis Bake Shoppe
LSU graduate and Baton Rouge native Stephanie Bueche Hansen is known for making serious cupcakes at Les Amis Bake Shoppe. With over 20 flavors to choose from, there sure is something for everyone. Treat yourself to classic favorites such as White Chocolate Raspberry and Red Velvet or indulge in more adventurous tastes like Chai Latte and Margarita. Everything is made by hand, from scratch every day to ensure that only the best ingredients are used for customers. Whether cake is your guilty pleasure, you’re in dire need of a good lunch or you simply want a nice cup of coffee, Les Amis is your one-stop-shop for all things sweet.
LSU Ag Center Dairy Store
A hidden gem on campus, the LSU Ag Center Dairy Store offers premium Baton Rouge ice cream made right on university grounds. The student-produced ice cream comes in classic flavors like Tiger Bite (vanilla with caramel swirl) and seasonal specialties using local ingredients. Beyond scoops, they offer ice cream sandwiches and milkshakes. The best part? Your purchase supports agricultural education and research at Louisiana’s flagship university.
Sweet Society
Sweet Society offers a unique twist on dessert in Baton Rouge. Serving up treats like boba tea and handcrafted Thai-inspired rolled ice cream, this locally owned shop invites you to customize your treats with a wide range of mix-ins and toppings. Favorites include the vibrant matcha green tea ice cream and refreshing mango boba drinks.
Sucré
A chic destination for elevated confections, Sucré brings a touch of Parisian elegance to Baton Rouge’s dessert scene. Known for their exquisite macarons in an array of vibrant flavors, Sucré also offers artisanal chocolates, delicate pastries, and beautifully packaged gift boxes perfect for any occasion. Whether you're sipping a latte in their stylish café or selecting a sweet souvenir to-go, every bite feels like a luxurious escape into the world of fine French patisserie—without ever leaving Louisiana.
The Ambrosia Bakery
Felix and Cheryl Sherman been serving delectable desserts to Baton Rouge from The Ambrosia Bakery since 1993. With a whole array of desserts to choose from, you can find a special treat for any occasion--including the holidays! This bakery is known for award-winning specialty cakes that are themed and made-to-order, perfect for any occasion. Stop by to satisfy your sweet tooth or enjoy a delicious meal from their deli menu!
Tredici Bakery
Owner Monica Shaughnessy brings a little taste of Europe to Mid-City in Baton Rouge with Tredici Bakery. With Italian-inspired goods such as cannolis to specialty French macarons, you will be transported to a bakery in Europe. The restaurant scene in Mid-City is booming with authentic savory dishes from around the globe, but sometimes, as the Tredici motto says, it’s nice to “Live Sweet.”