The best bakeries & sweet shops in Indianapolis

“Longtime ice cream parlor chain serving small-batch scoops, plus signature sundaes & frozen drinks.”

“Cafe & ice cream parlor serving scoops, sundaes & hand-dipped shakes in a quaint Victorian house.”

“Pana Donuts does fluffy, made-daily rings right, with classics like glazed plus red velvet, bear claws, and more, alongside sandwiches, milk tea, coffee, and smoothies. Rooted in family tradition and freshness, with multiple Indy locations, it’s an easy go-to when cravings hit.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.”

“Self-serve chain with unusual frozen yogurt flavors, plus a variety of toppings.”

“Self-serve chain with unusual frozen yogurt flavors, plus a variety of toppings.”

“Convenience-store chain with grab-&-go food, packaged snacks & drinks, plus gasoline.”

“Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.”

“Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.”

“Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.”

“Momma Shell’s Cookies turns out 100% homemade treats that taste like the best version of your grandma’s secret stash, from bright lemon and blueberry rings to cranberry loaves and classic chocolate chip.”

From the Plainfield newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Family-owned since 1991, Frost Bite in nearby Avon turns out handcrafted soft serve, sundaes, hard-scooped flavors, and hand-spun shakes alongside burgers, hot dogs, and fries, plus slushies, floats, and Dippin Dots... a dependable fix when your sweet tooth and snack cravings strike at the same time.”

From the Plainfield newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Ritter's Frozen Custard makes rich, super-smooth custard fresh all day with high-quality dairy and a touch of egg yolk. This week, hit the Flavor of the Day, build your perfect cone or sundae, or try the Nerds Slush for icy, sweet, tangy, crunchy happiness.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Scoopz Ice Cream keeps Indy sweet with playful flavors like Circle City Chocolate, Rock & Roll Raspberry, and Grandpa’s Black Walnut, plus hand-scooped milkshakes, non-dairy sorbets, and yes, ice cream nachos that turn snack time into a situation you will happily overcommit to.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 17, 2026

“When Cheese Met Cake makes from scratch NY-style cheesecakes in creative flavors, plus fresh cookies, brownies, cupcakes and cookie sandwiches. Swing by this week for a slice that tastes like someone baked it just for you, because they basically did.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 20, 2026

“When cravings hit, Pana Donuts comes through with pillowy rings of joy, legit breakfast sandwiches, and coffee, plus milk tea and smoothies if you're feeling fancy. With 20+ flavors, fresh-made and even curated gift boxes, consider this your treat this week.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 27, 2026

“From birthday showstoppers to just-because pie runs, A Piece of Cake turns this week into a mini party with custom-decorated cakes, holiday pies, cake pops, and their beloved Cake Trash. Need gluten-free, egg-free, or vegan? They can do that, no fuss, just delicious.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 25, 2026

“When you're down in Indy for a zoo day, the beaded ice cream at Plains' Dippin' Dots is the perfect cool-down between exhibits. Classic kid-approved flavors, easy grab-and-go, and just enough nostalgia to make adults smile too.”

From the Muncie newsletter, September 5, 2026

“LiftOff Creamery is an aviation-themed scoop shop with over 90 flavors, including vegan and seasonal picks, that turns an ordinary weeknight into a mini vacation. Expect playful topping combos, local creativity, and that neighborhood energy that makes it way too easy to say yes to seconds.”

From the Lawrence newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Craving a quick sugar break close to home this week? Mrs. Curl Ice Cream Shop has been a downtown Greenwood fixture for over sixty years, scooping signature soft-serve, hand-spun milkshakes, grilled hot dogs, and fries cut from fresh potatoes...”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Longtime ice cream parlor chain serving small-batch scoops, plus signature sundaes & frozen drinks.”

“Craving a little control over your dessert destiny this week? Ella's Frozen Yogurt & Candy Shop lets you swirl your own flavors, then go wild with toppings from candy, cookies, cereal, and fresh fruit, plus a full-on candy shop to satisfy every sweet tooth, and it was voted Best Frozen Yogurt in Indiana.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 30, 2026

“When you need instant smiles at the next block party, school field day, or company picnic, Ice Cream On Wheels of Indianapolis rolls in with a truck, cart, or cooler loaded with ice cream novelties. Pick your package, set the time, and yes, they do small parties too.”

From the West Lafayette newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Howdy Homemade Ice Cream pairs classic and offbeat flavors with a feel-good mission, creating meaningful jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Swing by for cones, milkshakes, or a couple pints for the freezer, and keep them in mind for easy, crowd-pleasing catering around Indy.”

“Charming ice cream shop offering waffle cones and a variety of toppings.”

“Down With Dough Bakery is a Greenwood go-to for fresh donuts that actually taste like they were made this morning, buttery pastries, artisan breads, and custom cakes that nail the design and the flavor, all with friendly, careful service. Quick weekday treat or weekend celebration, they deliver without the fuss.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 2, 2026

“This week, let Anecdote Coffee upgrade your caffeine routine with housemade pastries, legit gluten-free options, and seasonal syrups that keep things fun. Order your favorite, take a quiet minute, then get on with your day feeling suspiciously productive.”

From the Anderson newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Heartland Homemade Ice Cream is a relaxed, no-fuss spot for housemade ice cream, with dairy-free options that don’t feel like a compromise and bright, refreshing Italian ice. Perfect for post-practice treats, neighborhood hangouts, or cooling off when Greenwood humidity turns dramatic.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Long-standing ice cream parlor offering many flavors of ice cream & sorbet, plus sundaes & shakes.”

“Long's Bakery has been rolling out made-from-scratch classics since 1955, from airy glazed yeast donuts to apple pies and sweet rolls, all from four generations of treasured family recipes. One of Indiana’s oldest donut shops, and it tastes like childhood Saturdays for a lot of us.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 10, 2026

“From custom wedding showstoppers to cupcakes, cookies, pies, and pastries, Kim’s Kakery, Bakery & Café has been sweetening Indy since 2010. Hit them up when a birthday sneaks up, you need a just-because treat, or your group chat agrees lunch should include something frosted.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 14, 2026

“The Candy Shop Dulcería is clearly cooking up something new on the candy front, and it feels like the kind of sugar fix Indy deserves. Keep it on your radar this week, because when they go live your snack drawer will thank you and your inner kid will too.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 18, 2026

“From show-stopper wedding tiers to creative party centerpieces, Classic Cakes turns your big moments into edible art that actually tastes as good as it looks. Planning this week? Book a wedding cake tasting or start a custom order and let their decorators work magic.”

From the Hamilton County newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Dainty shop baking cupcakes in a variety of creative flavors, plus vegan & gluten-free options.”

“Long's Bakery has been doing the made-from-scratch thing since 1955, turning out classics like glazed yeast donuts, old-fashioned apple pies, and cookies, cakes, and sweet rolls.”

From the Muncie newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Sweet Things Chocolates is that reliable candy shop you hit when a thank-you, birthday, or random Tuesday needs a treat upgrade. Expect quality chocolate, nostalgic picks, and gift-worthy sweets that make you look like you planned ahead even if you didn’t.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Traditional Korean bakery chain offering a range of freshly baked breads, desserts, and pastries.”

“Dainty shop baking cupcakes in a variety of creative flavors, plus vegan & gluten-free options.”

“Amelia's The Stutz is your downtown go-to for sourdough breads and flaky pastries made by hand in the European tradition, plus fresh cookies baked on-site. Grab a coffee, a loaf you’ll actually finish, and maybe a few provisions for dinner, because restraint is optional here.”

“Whether it's a last-minute confetti situation or a fully custom showpiece, Sweet Escape Cake Company is a family-owned, woman-owned bakery whipping up from-scratch cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and cake pops with 19 flavors and 9 fillings.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Confectioneiress Cupcakes & Sweets turns cupcakes, cake pops, and French macarons into little works of art, plus fun extras like cookie dough shooters that actually taste as good as they look. Order online for birthdays, weddings, or just because, or swing by for one cupcake and a reset in their modern, relaxing space.”

From the Lawrence newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Amelia's Fletcher Place bakes by hand from scratch every day, turning out old-world sourdoughs and flaky European pastries, plus thoughtful staples for your pantry. Treat yourself this week to a loaf with real character and a croissant that briefly makes you a morning person.”

From the Lawrence newsletter, August 23, 2026

“DeBrand Fine Chocolates brings the good stuff within easy striking distance, with two Fort Wayne shops and the Indianapolis spot showcasing Connoisseur, Truffle, and Classic collections, plus peanut butter-chocolate favorites, caramels, toffee, and cookies...”

From the Kokomo newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Rene's Bakery Inc is all about laminated dough bliss, with butter, almond, and chocolate croissants, plus rotating macarons, fruit tarts, and cinnamon rolls that basically count as breakfast and dessert. This week, snag a baguette, challah, or brioche for dinner and call it meal planning.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Retailer offering a huge selection of candy & bottled sodas in innovative flavors.”

“Goody2Treats is a local cupcake shop focused on Specialty Cupcakes, with an easy online Create Order option and plenty of inspiration in their Gallery and Menu, plus a Party Bar listed on the site. They’re also teasing a new Indianapolis location soon, so keep an eye out and bring your sweet tooth.”

From the Westfield newsletter, August 31, 2026

“No-frills donut shop offering specialty pastries, seasonally themed cookies & coffee.”

“Leviathan Bakehouse is all about craft and community, turning old-world techniques into croissants, cookies, and stacked sandwiches made entirely by hand. Grab something honest and flavorful that makes your weekday feel special, because zero shortcuts and full-on flavor is exactly the kind of energy Indy deserves.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Craving a birthday showstopper or a midweek sugar victory, Hart Bakery & Gifts has you with custom cakes, classic sweets, and a side quest of whimsical figurines and dollhouse miniatures. Long-running, reliably tasty, and delightfully quirky, it’s the kind of local spot that brightens the week.”

From the Lawrence newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Vanilla Bean Bakery nails the fun stuff, turning birthdays, team parties and office bribes into playful custom cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, truffles and edible-image cookies. Family-run and detail-obsessed, they’ll match your colors or logo, and if you call ahead they’ll have your favorites boxed and ready.”

From the Kokomo newsletter, September 2, 2026

“From whimsical standbys to wild monthly flavors, The Flying Cupcake is the move this week for cupcakes that actually taste as good as they look, plus custom cakes for birthdays and weddings. Bonus points for their cupcake trucks and shipping when you want to treat someone from afar.”

From the Lawrence newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Traditional store selling chocolates, confections & fudge, as well as original recipe ice cream.”

“Westfield sweet tooth calling? The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, Carmel City Center is a whimsical, romantic hangout for from-scratch quiches, soups, sandwiches, and glitter-dusted cake slices. Try their Afternoon Tea or grab a slice with coffee or to-go bubbly, then float home happy.”

From the Westfield newsletter, September 5, 2026

“From nostalgic gummies and sours to indulgent Belgian chocolates and sugar-free picks, Natalie's Candy Jar turns an airport errand into a victory lap. Next time you're at IND, fill a bag from their self-serve wall or snag a gift box that makes coming home even sweeter.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 22, 2026