Sweet treats for your Orlando holiday

As you are on holiday, why not throw caution to the wind and treat yourself to some tasty desserts, the American way! So loosen your belt, and take a look at some of these places that we think you might want to check out for a variety of classic, all-American, and slightly unusual treats that will satisfy even the sweetest of sweet teeth!

With the theme parks being a major part of life in Orlando we’ll start our whistle-stop tour of sweet-fulfilment with a visit to these places located around Universal and the Disney parks!

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen (Universal CityWalk)

You’ll feel like you have walked into Willy Wonka’s factory when you pay a visit to the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium on Universal’s CityWalk; the entertainment and retail district around the resort.

This is a fantastic steampunk-inspired building and is worth a visit just for the experience! Meet with the emporium’s owner Professor Doctor Penelope Tibeaux-Tinker Toothsome and her robot sidekick Jacques, as you decide what to order from the menu. Here you can dine on savoury dishes including burgers and salmon, though you need to make sure that you leave some room for the main draw – the dessert menu! If chocolate and desserts are your weakness, there is plenty to choose from; why not try a sundae? How about the delicious Chocolate Crème Brûlée, or indulgent Red Velvet Speciality Milkshake? Afterwards you can even buy sweets and Toothsome or steampunk merchandise from the gift shop.

Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour (Universal Studios)

There are more tasty treats available at Universal‘s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Once you are here, pay a visit to the iconic Diagon Alley, where Wizards and Muggles alike can follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps and stop off at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour.

Lovers of the books will be familiar with the shop where you will find some magical flavours and more traditional varieties of hard and soft-serve ice cream, such as Earl Grey and lavender, as well as the Harry Potter fan favourite – Butterbeer! You can have your ice cream served in a cone, cup or even a souvenir glass to keep as a memento of your visit.

"An oasis in a sea of Muggles, especially on a hot day. There was a short line at the entrance but it gives you time to decide on their wide selection of flavours including Earl Grey & Lavender, Chilli Chocolate and Sticky Toffee Pudding! The ice cream is delicious!”

Sprinkles (Disney Springs)

If you are at Disney Springs complex then why not pick up something from Sprinkles bakery? This California-based chain was established in 2005 and has expanded across the US since. Primarily a gourmet cupcake bakery with seasonal specials, you can also pick up cookies, ice creams and shakes. There’s even a pink Cupcake ATM outside, where you can select your cupcake to be immediately dispatched to you in a box!

“We stopped in at Sprinkles for dessert and this was a great finish to the night. If you're a fan of cupcakes and want a tasty dessert, Sprinkles will not disappoint.”

Outside of the parks there are plenty more places to satisfy your sugar cravings, so check a map and program your sat nav to take you on a round trip to the places below!

Twistee Treat

The iconic Twistee Treat cone-shaped buildings have been a staple of Florida life for over 30 years, serving up a range of homemade soft-serve ice creams.

With outlets dotted around the popular communities in Florida you should be able to make a trip to try something from their reasonably-priced and extensive dessert menu of ice creams, sundaes, splits and more. They even serve up soft drinks and hot dogs for those without a sweet tooth!

Nearest locations to your villa:

• Davenport - ChampionsGate, 8170 Laura LN, FL 33896
• East Kissimmee - 5400 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, FL 34746
• Celebration - 2905 W. Parkway Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747

“The soft serve ice cream here is a perfect treat on a hot day and serving sizes are larger than one would expect! Oh and the best part, they have a drive thru!”

IHOP

Another long-established food chain in the US, with a history stretching back to its opening in 1958. IHOP is famous especially for its pancakes and relaxed, friendly breakfast experience.

Serving more than 14 different pancakes across its chain of restaurants including the signature Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity pancakes, and the indulgent Belgian Dark Chocolate Mousse pancakes, there is bound to be something on the menu to tempt you!

Other breakfast options include waffles, cooked breakfasts and more. Lunch and dinner menus also include steaks and burgers, as well as sundaes and crepes for dessert.

Nearest locations to your villa:

• Davenport - 100 Ambersweet Way, Davenport, FL 33897
• East Kissimmee - 5184 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, FL 34746
• West Kissimmee - 7529 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, FL 34746
• Celebration - 6065 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, FL 34747

“We were always seated quickly and the service was excellent. They do a great job at getting people in and out because they know most are heading into the theme parks for the day. I am especially fond of the cheesecake pancakes. If you've never tried them, I highly recommend them. Their crepes are also really good too.”

The Cheesecake Factory

This restaurant company is known for its large portions, signature cheesecake and eclectic menus! There are plenty of savoury dishes available, but it’s not called the Cheesecake Factory for nothing, so you’ll need to make sure that you leave plenty of room for dessert. You’ll be in sweet heaven when picking from the lengthy menu which includes the White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle and Chocolate Chip Cookie-dough cheesecakes. There is much more on the menu to choose from, including sundaes and ice creams, though the cheesecakes are clearly the stars of the show!

Location: The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32839

Is there anywhere that we have missed that you think we should have covered? We’d love to hear your suggestions for the best desserts in Orlando, so please get in touch!