By Richardson Community Staff
Published August 13, 2026
The Sweet Side of Richardson
Richardson has quietly built a dessert scene worth going out of your way for, with locally owned shops sitting alongside well-loved regional names. Whether you are after a late-night scoop, a flaky Middle Eastern pastry, or a warm cobbler with banana pudding on the side, this guide covers the real options worth knowing about.
Handcrafted Ice Cream Worth the Drive
Tongue in Cheek Ice Cream at 526 W. Arapaho Rd is one of Richardson’s most distinctive stops. Founded by a retired firefighter, the shop leans into a playful, sarcastic personality and backs it up with about 28 rotating flavors — ranging from straightforward classics like Chocolate and Strawberry to bolder creations like Caramel Crack and Bourbon Bean. Eight vegan and non-dairy options are available, which makes it a practical choice for groups with mixed dietary needs.
Sweet Firefly Gourmet Ice Cream and Candied Treats at 2701 Custer Pkwy takes a small-batch approach that shows in every scoop. Standout flavors include salted caramel and lavender and honey, both of which have earned the shop a loyal following among Richardson residents who prefer something a step above standard.
The Middle Eastern Dessert Case at Bigdash
Bigdash Ice Cream and Pastries at 888 S. Greenville Ave earns a category of its own. The New York Times recognized it for its ice cream, but the full menu tells a more complete story: stretchy ice cream, baklava, knafeh, crepes, Mediterranean sweets, cakes, and coffee all share space under one roof. If you have visitors in town who want something genuinely different from a standard dessert shop, this is the place to take them.
Dessert Cafes for a Longer Sit
Dessert Lab at 700 E. Campbell Rd, Suite 150, draws customers who want more than a quick cone. The interior features swings and board games, and the menu leans creative — the Dubai chocolate pistachio crepe and the “waffwich,” which pairs warm waffles with rich ice cream, are both frequently mentioned by regulars. It is a comfortable spot for an evening out that does not require a full restaurant commitment.
Cream and Crepes Cafe rounds out this category with a menu that covers traditional and vegan crepes, rolled ice cream, and cookie ice cream. It has consistently appeared on Yelp’s top dessert and ice cream lists for Richardson as recently as May 2026, which reflects steady word-of-mouth from the local community.
Late-Night Cobbler and Southern Comfort Desserts
The Peach Cobbler Factory at 720 E. Campbell Rd, Suite 420, fills a gap that most Richardson dessert spots leave open: it stays open until midnight on weekdays and 1 AM on weekends. The focus is warm cobblers, but the banana pudding selection alone — 12 varieties, including a red velvet version layered with cream cheese icing — gives you plenty of reasons to visit even if cobbler is not your first instinct. Cookies and shakes round out the menu.
Bakeries Worth a Regular Visit
Cozy Cakehaus has built a following among Richardson residents who track down quality baked goods. The biscoff lotus cheesecake and biscoff cake cup are the most talked-about items, and Yelp’s updated June 2026 rankings place it among the top bakeries and dessert spots in the city.
85 degrees C Bakery Cafe is part of the well-known Taiwanese chain and brings its fresh-baked breads, pastries, and sea salt coffee to the Richardson market. It has remained consistently listed among the city’s best bakeries through mid-2026. If you have not tried the sea salt coffee, it is the item most regulars recommend to first-timers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get ice cream late at night in Richardson?
The Peach Cobbler Factory at 720 E. Campbell Rd stays open until midnight on weekdays and 1 AM on weekends, making it the most reliable late-night dessert option in Richardson.
Are there vegan dessert options in Richardson, TX?
Yes. Tongue in Cheek Ice Cream offers eight vegan and non-dairy ice cream flavors, and Cream and Crepes Cafe serves vegan crepes and vegan ice cream as part of its regular menu.
What makes Bigdash Ice Cream different from other Richardson dessert shops?
Bigdash combines stretchy ice cream with authentic Middle Eastern pastries like baklava and knafeh, all in one location at 888 S. Greenville Ave. The New York Times has recognized it for its ice cream, and it is considered one of the top spots for Middle Eastern sweets in North Texas.
Which Richardson dessert spots are good for groups or a longer outing?
Dessert Lab on E. Campbell Rd has seating with swings and board games, making it well suited for a relaxed group visit. Bigdash also offers a wide enough menu — ice cream, pastries, crepes, and coffee — to satisfy varied tastes in a single stop.
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