Highest-rated dessert shops in the Wilmington area by diners

There's no denying that Americans have a sweet tooth鈥攏early 41% say they , according to a November 2024 YouGov survey.

One of the most popular desserts to dig into is ice cream. An from May 2024 found that just about all Americans (97%) love or like ice cream. The frozen confection has held a special place in the U.S. since the turn of the 19th century with the invention of insulated ice houses. By the mid-1800s, and sold to the masses. Soon, old-fashioned soda fountains started selling sundaes, milkshakes, and ice cream sodas, becoming a gathering place for young people. Today, more than 150 years later, those dessert options not only remain perennial top choices but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and community.

Over the years, Americans' dessert tastes have led to some other tasty trends, from of the early 2000s thanks to bakeries like Magnolia, Sprinkles, and Crumbs, to the self-serve that followed in the early 2010s via Pinkberry, 16 Handles, and Red Mango. Most recently, the 2020s have seen cookies sweep the nation, with chains like Insomnia and Crumbl stoking childhood memories, , and growing exponentially.

Today's desserts also go far beyond ice cream, cupcakes, and cookies. Many modern dessert shops are redefining the experience by fusing timeless recipes with multicultural flavors, offering creative twists such as matcha-infused cupcakes, horchata ice cream, and Basque cheesecakes that celebrate both tradition and innovation.

To keep up with the ever-evolving dessert trends, compiled a list of the highest-rated dessert shops in the Wilmington area based on diners' reviews on as of February 2025. Restaurants tagged as "desserts" on Yelp within a 10-kilometer radius of Wilmington were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may primarily serve other food items.

Whether indulging in a time-honored pie or exploring a fusion delight, the world of desserts remains as vibrant and diverse as the communities that enjoy them. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list or to find your next sweet treat!

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#24. Asian Best

- Rating: 2.8/5 (37 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3608 Oleander Drive Ste B Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Desserts, Japanese, Chicken Wings
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#23. Insomnia Cookies

- Rating: 3.4/5 (70 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1040 South College Road Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Food Delivery Services
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#22. La Costa Mexican Restaurant

- Rating: 3.5/5 (54 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8024 Market St. Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Mexican, Desserts, Soup
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#21. Antonio's Pizza & Pasta

- Rating: 3.6/5 (52 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3501 Oleander Drive Ste 2 Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Pizza, Italian, Desserts
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#20. Kohl's Frozen Custard

- Rating: 3.6/5 (74 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 92 South Lumina Ave. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Burgers, Desserts
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#19. Pink Baking

- Rating: 3.8/5 (118 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4545 Fountain Drive Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Custom Cakes, Cupcakes, Desserts
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#18. Bruster's Real Ice Cream

- Rating: 3.8/5 (41 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4414 South 17th St. Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts
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#17. Cinnaholic

- Rating: 3.8/5 (38 reviews)
- Address: 6841 Conservation Way Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts, Vegan
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#16. Antonio's Pizza Beau Rivage

- Rating: 3.8/5 (38 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5932 Carolina Beach Road Ste 100 Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Italian, Pizza, Desserts
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#15. Crumbl - Wilmington

- Rating: 3.9/5 (60 reviews)
- Address: 311 South College Road Ste 110 Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts
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#14. Beer Barrio

- Rating: 3.9/5 (487 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 34 North Front St. Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Mexican, Beer Bar, Desserts
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#13. Girls With Dough

- Rating: 4.1/5 (66 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 204 Arcadian Row Ste 100 Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Pizza, Desserts, Pasta Shops
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#12. Tap Tea Bar

- Rating: 4.2/5 (24 reviews)
- Address: 1407 Barclay Pointe Blvd. Unit 405 Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Bubble Tea, Desserts, Coffee & Tea
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#11. Sweet D's Cuisine

- Rating: 4.3/5 (69 reviews)
- Address: 2321 South 17th St. Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Desserts, Coffee & Tea, Bakeries
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#10. Kilwins Ice Cream - Chocolate - Fudge

- Rating: 4.4/5 (328 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 16 Market St. Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Candy Stores, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts
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#9. Nothing Bundt Cakes

- Rating: 4.4/5 (48 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1437 Military Cutoff Road Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts, Cupcakes
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#8. Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant

- Rating: 4.4/5 (915 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6132 Carolina Beach Road Ste 11 Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Seafood, American, Desserts
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#7. The Crazy Mason - Wilmington

- Rating: 4.6/5 (48 reviews)
- Address: 3608 Oleander Drive Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts, Waffles
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#6. Burney's Sweets & More

- Rating: 4.6/5 (30 reviews)
- Address: 6801 Parker Farm Drive Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Desserts, Donuts, Custom Cakes
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#5. Buen Dia Mexican Breakfast & Lunch

- Rating: 4.7/5 (26 reviews)
- Address: 5512 Castle Hayne Road Castle Hayne, North Carolina
- Categories: Mexican, Breakfast & Brunch, Desserts
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#4. Periwink

- Rating: 4.7/5 (30 reviews)
- Address: 7205 Wrightsville Ave. Unit 103 Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Gift Shops, Desserts
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#3. The Complex Bean

- Rating: 4.7/5 (59 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2307 A North College Road Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Bakeries, Desserts
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#2. Kreamium Frozen Custard

- Rating: 4.8/5 (20 reviews)
- Address: 120 Division Drive Leland, North Carolina
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts
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#1. Brooklyn Cafe

- Rating: 4.9/5 (60 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 706 North 4th St. Wilmington, North Carolina
- Categories: Desserts, Wine Bars, Coffee & Tea
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 241 metros.

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