Written by: Leyton Furlong

Looking for a refreshing treat after a long, hot day? Maybe you need a cheesecake for a special occasion, a towering ice cream cone, or something covered in Dubai chocolate.

Fortunately, St. Joseph has plenty of locally loved spots ready to satisfy your sweet tooth. From longtime ice cream stands and homemade cookies to boba, frozen yogurt, and chocolate-covered strawberries, here are 10 sweet stops you won’t want to miss.

Kris and Kate’s

If there were ever a spot in town for a reported Elvis sighting, Kris and Kate’s would be it.

Since 1997, Kris and Kate’s has been a staple of St. Joseph’s local food scene. Located near 22nd Street and the Belt Highway, the shop is nearly impossible to miss thanks to its gigantic pink sundae-shaped building.

The whole place has a fun, retro feel inspired by the roadside architecture of the 1950s. The drive-through speaker looks like a jukebox, while Route 66 signs and photos of Elvis help complete the experience.

Of course, the ice cream is the real star. Popular sundaes include the Boogie Brownie and Oreo Volcano, or you can create your own sundae or waffle-cone combination.

Hours
Monday-Thursday: 1 p.m.-9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 1 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m.-9 p.m.

Learn More
Visit the Kris and Kate’s website or call (816) 385-5747.

Cabana

Around here, we love Cabana so much that one location apparently wasn’t enough.

Since 1990, Cabana has been serving towering ice cream cones to locals and visitors alike. Their famous vanilla-and-chocolate twists are always a popular choice, but their colorful Flavor Bursts offer plenty of opportunities to try something different. The Blue Razzberry is an especially fun option.

Not in the mood for a gigantic cone? Cabana also offers malts, specialty sundaes, snow cones and plenty of other frozen treats.

The Cabana location at 3002 S. Belt Highway is open during the summer, while Cabana Grill at 2131 St. Joseph Avenue is open year-round.

Hours
Monday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Learn More
Visit the Cabana website or call (816) 232-8680 for South Belt or (816) 279-9643 for St. Joseph Avenue.

Stack and Drizzle

If you’re a fan of chocolate-covered strawberries or Dubai chocolate, this one is for you.

Located at 3506 N. 22nd Street, Stack And Drizzle offers something a little different from the traditional ice cream stop. The shop specializes in customizable strawberries covered with chocolate, cream and other toppings.

One of its best-known creations is the Dubai chocolate strawberry cup, featuring strawberries, chocolate, kataifi and Nutella hazelnut spread. Dubai Thursday nights also feature a special discount.

Other menu options include chocolate-covered waffles and pancakes, Dubai dipping trays and even savory choices such as birria tacos and ramen, just in case dessert isn’t enough.

Hours
Wednesday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Learn More
Visit Stack And Drizzle online or call (816) 689-0324.

Fatbee Cafe

Looking for something refreshing that you can drink instead of scoop? Fatbee Cafe has you covered.

Located at 5107 N. Belt Highway, Suite 110B, Fatbee is a popular destination for boba tea and other specialty beverages in Northwest Missouri.

The menu includes a wide range of milk teas, with flavors such as tiramisu, blueberry cookie cream and crème brûlée. Customers can customize their drinks with classic brown sugar boba, crystal boba, jellies, puddings and other flavored toppings.

Fatbee Cafe is an easy stop for cooling off on a hot day, meeting up with friends or trying something completely new.

Hours
Monday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Learn More
Visit the Fatbee Cafe St. Joseph Facebook page for current menu information and updates.

The Cabbage Roll

The Cabbage Roll may be known for authentic Central and Eastern European cuisine, but anyone with a sweet tooth should save room for dessert.

Since 1989, this St. Joseph favorite near Lafayette and 27th streets has been serving an impressive assortment of old-world-inspired treats.

Options may include Polish tort cakes, cheesecakes, carrot cakes, imported German chocolates, flavored popcorn, cotton candy and candied apples. They even offer take-home cheesecake mixes if you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen.

Their New York-style cheesecake is especially worth keeping an eye out for.

Hours
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Learn More
Visit The Cabbage Roll on Facebook or call (816) 233-4444.

Palmer’s Ice Cream

A relative newcomer to St. Joseph, Palmer’s Ice Cream didn’t take long to win over local taste buds.

Located at 813 Francis Street in Downtown St. Joseph, Palmer’s offers something for nearly every kind of dessert fan.

Ice cream lovers can choose from 13 base flavors, rotating selections and plenty of toppings to create their own combination. But ice cream is only part of the menu.

Palmer’s also serves a variety of desserts, from decadent cheesecakes to classic key lime pie. One especially interesting option is Goose’s Chunky Monkey, featuring banana bread topped with nuts and caramel.

Hours
Wednesday-Thursday: Noon-9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: Noon-10 p.m.
Sunday: Noon-8 p.m.

Learn More
Visit the Palmer’s Ice Cream website or call (816) 558-6726.

Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt

Looking for a lighter way to satisfy your sweet tooth? Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt offers plenty of ways to build your own creation.

Located at 3715 Frederick Avenue, Aspen Leaf specializes in customizable frozen yogurt cups. With 16 flavors and around 80 toppings to choose from, there are almost endless combinations to try.

In addition to frozen yogurt, Aspen Leaf also offers custard and low-fat ice cream options.

The colorful interior gives the shop a playful, nostalgic atmosphere, making it a fun place to grab dessert and catch up with friends.

Hours
Monday-Thursday: 2 p.m.-8 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: Noon-9 p.m.
Sunday: Noon-8 p.m.

Learn More
Visit the Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt website or call (816) 233-8600.

Chocolat

Chocolat is much more than your typical coffee shop.

Located at 1207 Frederick Avenue, Chocolat has been serving St. Joseph since 2024 with a growing collection of drinks, desserts and specialty treats.

The menu has featured coffees made with homemade syrups, build-your-own dirty sodas, Dubai strawberry cups and an impressive assortment of chocolate truffles.

Chocolat also regularly introduces seasonal items, so there is often something new to discover on a return visit.

Hours
Monday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Learn More
Follow Chocolat on Facebook for the latest offerings or call (816) 572-2612.

Topsy’s

A longtime favorite throughout the Kansas City area, Topsy’s has its own St. Joseph location inside East Hills Shopping Center at 3702 Frederick Avenue.

The shop specializes in both popcorn and ice cream, which means you don’t necessarily have to choose between sweet and salty.

Ice cream selections include Midwest takes on classic flavors, including Dutch chocolate and Moo-Crunch. Topsy’s popcorn comes in favorites such as cinnamon, cheddar cheese, caramel and pecan crisp, along with the signature Kansas City specialty mix.

During the holiday season, Topsy’s famous decorative popcorn tins also make popular gifts.

Hours
Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon-5 p.m.

Learn More
Visit the Topsy’s Popcorn website or call (816) 232-1476.

Country Cookie

If homemade cookies are your weakness, Country Cookie deserves a place on your St. Joseph dessert itinerary.

Located at 206 S. Belt Highway, Country Cookie has been serving cookies and fudge since 1986.

With more than 30 cookie flavors, there is plenty to choose from, but the menu doesn’t stop there. Country Cookie also offers fudge, ice cream sandwiches and cookie cakes.

Need something more personalized? The shop creates custom cookies for birthdays, game days, celebrations and other special occasions.

Hours
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Learn More
Visit the Country Cookie website or call (816) 676-2000.

Find Your Next Sweet Stop in St. Joseph

Whether you’re craving a towering ice cream cone, a slice of cheesecake, a customized frozen yogurt cup or a chocolate-covered strawberry, St. Joseph has plenty of ways to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The hardest part might be deciding where to start.

Better yet, make a dessert tour out of it. Pick a few favorites, bring some friends and discover a sweeter side of St. Joseph, Missouri.