- States:
- Missouri
There's no sweeter state than Missouri.
Travelers who adore chocolate, candy, ice cream and pastries will find no shortage of indulgences across Missouri. From artisanal chocolate to fresh-churned ice cream, this state is a dessert-lover’s paradise.
1. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Frozen custard — creamy and silky-smooth — is the draw at Ted Drewes, with two stands in St. Louis. For decades, families have lined up around the block for cups, cones, sundaes and shakes made with the custard, available in flavors from blueberry to brownie.
2. Gooey Butter Cake
This cake — moist, deliciously dense and often garnished with a simple dusting of powdered sugar — is an iconic dessert that is said to have originated in St. Louis. Find it in grocery stores and restaurants across Missouri.
Missouri is known for this sweet, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth butter cake. Find it in grocery stores and restaurants across the state.

3. Grandma's Cookies
For nearly 40 years, this bakery on historic Main Street in St. Charles has turned out fresh-baked cookies daily. Anticipate flavors from classic chocolate chip to ginger spice.
4. Baileys' Chocolate Bar
Drink your dessert at this St. Louis spot, which has more than 20 chocolate martinis on the menu. Or go for a chocolate or vanilla sundae topped with caramelized bananas, house-made chocolate and caramel sauces, whipped cream and nuts.
5. Central Dairy Ice Cream
For an old-fashioned good time, experience this Jefferson City tradition (the shop has served fresh-made ice cream using local ingredients since the 1930s). Order the Rock & Roll Sundae for a sampling of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and black walnut ice creams.
This ice cream shop has been a local favorite since the 1930s, scooping tempting varieties in sweet and salty flavors.

6. Christopher Elbow Chocolates
These Kansas City-made artisanal chocolates are almost too pretty to eat. Inside each beautiful chocolate is an explosion of creative flavors, from rosemary to passion fruit.
7. Askinosie Chocolates
This Springfield-based artisan chocolate company specializes in high-quality chocolate bars. Try the Beautiful Mess bar of dark chocolate and toasted coconut.
This isn't your ordinary candy bar. When you're craving a taste of high-end chocolate, indulge in one of Askinosie's artisanal bars.

8. The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery
This restaurant and bakery in historic Kimmswick is home of the Levee High Apple Pie, a nine-inch-tall dessert masterpiece of 18 golden apples, sliced and layered inside a scratch-made crust.
Made-from-scratch is the mantra at this bakery in historic Kimmswick. Try any of the fruit pies for a homespun delight.

9. Four Seasons Candy Bar
A special treat awaits guests of the Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis: the B. Mary Bar, a hand-crafted candy bar filled with chocolate and caramel. Not a hotel guest? Order a bar for dessert at the hotel restaurant, Cielo.
10. Little Freshie Sodas
Thirsty? Sip a hand-crafted soda at Kansas City’s modern take on the classic soda fountain. Creative flavors include mango ginger, raspberry rose and green tea pear.
These hand-crafted sodas combine flavors for a creative, refreshing treat amid a Kansas City stroll.

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