Just off Florida’s Gulf Coast is a magical vacation destination known for pristine beaches, blue waters, fantastic shopping, and world-class dining on Anna Maria Island. This Florida gem is a premier spot for the whole family, because no matter what you’re in the mood for, whether it’s a kayaking adventure to see the local wildlife or a stroll down historic Bridge Street, you’ll find it here.
There are a lot of family things to do in Anna Maria Island and finding the best local desserts is something your entire crew will enjoy.
Anna Maria Island Restaurants
If you are in search of something sweet after a meal, you’ll have to check out one of the fabulous local Anna Maria Island restaurants or take a trip to a tasty Anna Maria Island bakery. We’re about to show you why the views and beaches aren’t the only tempting things around here. The best part is our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals place you conveniently near all the action.
Hometown Desserts
A home-based business that started in 2007 has become one of the best stops on the Island for locals and tourists alike who are seeking to taste the best sweets in the area. Owner Cindy Tutterow’s family always loved to cook Southern favorites, and she watched her mother and grandmothers make the meals she loved. In 2012, this love became an Anna Maria storefront selling incredible cakes, brownies, as well as their famous pies. Some of the favorites are the Key lime and coconut pies. The treats here were so beloved, that Cindy opened a second location in the Bradenton area in 2016.
Stop in for a Chocolate Decadence Cake. Its fudgy layers come with your choice of chocolate or vanilla buttercream, sure to make everyone in your party smile. If you want a little zest, cut into the Citrus Cake. You can get Key lime, lemon, or orange cream layers for an eye-popping, lip-smacking treat you’ll never forget. If pie is more your speed, you can choose from tart Key lime, silky peanut butter, bourbon chocolate pecan, or traditional apple. You can pick up a dozen coconut macaroons or ginger snaps or try the savory bacon, spinach, ham, cheese, and vegetable quiche.
No matter what you choose, you know it’s handcrafted with love for the best taste experience! Hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can find the Anna Maria Island location of Hometown Desserts at 507 Pine Avenue. Give them a call at (941) 806-3167.
Island Creperie
For a little taste of France on Anna Maria Island, Island Creperie is the place for you. You can stop in for something sweet, or you can also grab a delicious, savory meal. If you’re really hungry, tuck into the Big French Breakfast with a croissant, French toast, and two crepes stuffed full of strawberry jam. Or try the Sweet and Sour Breakfast with a buckwheat crepe, two eggs, mozzarella cheese, a choice of breakfast meat, tomatoes, or smoked salmon. Don’t worry! A crepe comes on the side. For a memorable lunch, try a Naples Salad with prosciutto and provolone or a delicious veggie quiche with ratatouille, cheese, and tomatoes. French sandwiches featuring pate, ham, smoked salmon, and more, are also on offer, as are burgers.
If you want to experience the main attraction, check out the crepes. The Jam Crepe features strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry jam, but you can also try the Suzette with sugar, orange marmalade, and Grand Marnier flambe, the Choco with chocolate and walnuts, the Jamaica with banana, cinnamon, and rum flambe, or any of the other incredible options.
The shop is open from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every day except Tuesdays. You can find Island Creperie on Historic Bridge Street at 127 Bridge Street. Give them a call at (941) 778-1011.
Plan Your Visit
Your rental may include stunning, Gulf views, private, heated pools, ample parking, complimentary beach wagons and chairs, easily accessible laundry facilities, and spacious bedrooms and bathrooms. Go ahead and indulge, take in the sights, and have the vacation of your dreams.
Donut Experiment
When two donut mad scientists, husband, and wife Shawn and Cecilia Wampole vacationed in Anna Maria Island, they noticed there wasn’t a good donut shop. This realization encouraged them to leave their life in Philadelphia behind and open a donut shop of their own in 2012. Now, the donuts are made right in front of you, and all the control is with the customer.
Start your experiment off with a creamy, refreshing Half & Half House Iced Coffee. After that, get ready! In step one, you choose your icing. You can select vanilla, caramel, cinnamon sugar, or powdered sugar. Next, choose a topping such as sprinkles, peanuts, coconut, chocolate chips, and more! In step three, select a drizzle such as peanut butter or raspberry. It’s fun, tasty, and not to be missed.
The Donut Experiment has expanded around the country, but you can find the Anna Maria Island location at 210C Pine Avenue. You can reach them at (941) 896-3172. Hours are Monday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cheesecake Cutie & Café
When Jennifer Lanza wanted to honor her mother’s memory by making cheesecakes using her special recipe, friends and family told her they were so yummy, she should start selling them. That’s how, in 2019, the story of Cheesecake Cutie & Café was born. Jennifer left her job, put her all into the business, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Start with some cold oatmeal made with local honey or coconut milk and fresh blueberries, then try the flatbreads with blueberries and cinnamon. Breakfast burritos, fresh fruit, coffee, and charcuterie also dot the menu. But it’s all about the cheesecakes here. You can order B’s Original with famous graham cracker crust or the gluten-free or keto versions! Chocolate chip, chocolate delight, Key lime, and many, many more will tempt you. Cute. Sweet. Perfection!
Find them at 3324 E. Bay Drive in Holmes Beach and reach them at (941) 779-2253. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Breezy Bakery
Breezy Bakery is a family-owned staple for Cortez and the surrounding areas. With treats in places such as The Ritz Carlton, this local shop hasn’t lost its quaint roots.
Come in early for a hot cup of fresh coffee or tea you can pair with a scratch-made breakfast of a simple blueberry muffin, an almond chocolate croissant, or a rum cake. Bite into a delicious focaccia or a regular or gluten-free chocolate chip cookie or a pound of peanut butter blossoms or pecan sandies. You can find coconut and key lime cakes, as well as cheesecake, cake pops, brownies, and more!
Hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Find them at 11904 Cortez Road West Unit A in Cortez. Call them at (941) 900-1011.
Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals
Lizzie Lu’s Island Retreat rentals are conveniently located near all the local favorite spots to enjoy sweet treats on a sweet vacation. Anna Maria Island rentals get you into the perfect place close to all you want to see and do. With options ranging from one to five bedrooms, there’s room for everyone.
