Madison is crawling with ice cream places, bakeries, restaurants, and cafés that have epic desserts. As a UW-Madison student, it could be hard to try every single one. But no worries, because here are the 25 most important ones to eat before you graduate.
1. Milkshakes from DLUX
The milkshakes at DLUX are made with Sassy Cow ice cream, so they’re automatically awesome. There is always a flavor of the month so you can change it up.
2. Nutella Pizza from Café Porta Alba
Head over to Hilldale to try the Nutella Pizza at Café Porta Alba. It is rich, chocolaty, and will satisfy every craving.
3. Ice Cream Sandwiches from The Chocolate Shoppe
The Chocolate Shoppe is that place where you can never decide which flavor to get. Try any flavor in between two fresh-baked cookies for the most unique frozen treat experience.
4. Donuts from Hurts
Hurts Donut is open 25 hours a day, 8 days a week (not a typo). They have tons of unique doughnuts that will always put a smile on your face. Try any flavor from Cookie Monster to Galaxy.
5. Turtle Sundae from Michael’s Frozen Custard
The Turtle Sundae at Michael’s Frozen Custard is the top-selling sundae year after year. The sundae has rich fudge and caramel along tons of pecan halves all on top of their classic creamy vanilla custard.
6. Parisian Hot Chocolate from Chocolaterian Café
This hot chocolate from Chocolaterian Café is like drinking melted chocolate. It is rich, creamy, and will come in handy when all of those chocolate cravings hit.
7. Carmel Apples from Kilwins
The caramel apples at Kilwins are big enough to get you through an all-nighter and come in all sorts of flavors. Try any flavor from white chocolate sprinkled to dark chocolate sea salt.
8. Milkshakes from MooYah
MOOYAH milkshakes take your classic burger, fries, and shake meal to the next level. The shakes are always freshly made and come in all sorts of flavors, from classic vanilla to Oreo to cookie dough.
9. The Freshman 15 from Daily Scoop
The Freshman 15 is a super sundae that consists of 15 scoops of any-flavored Babcock Ice Cream along with any toppings you’d like. Go with a big group or just by yourself if exams are really stressing you out.
10. Baghlava from Kabul
Baghlava (or bakhlava) is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup. Kabul is home of Madison’s most famous Middle Eastern dishes, and baghlava is the perfect way to end a meal.
11. Paradise Bowl from Bowl of Heaven
Head on over to Hilldale for a sweet treat that won’t make you feel guilty. The Paradise Bowl from Bowl of Heaven is a parfait in smoothie form complete with granola and tons of fresh tropical fruit. This dessert (or breakfast) is perfect for those who are looking to eat a bit healthier.
12. Apple Pi from Portage Pi
Portage Pi is located inside the Graduate hotel on Langdon Street. The Apple Pi is buttery and full of classic spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. The hand pies are bite-size so you don’t have to share.
13. Gulab Jamun from Swagat
For those who have never had an Indian dessert, gulab jamun is the one to try. Gulab jamun is a milk-solid-based dessert doused in tons of warm syrup. Swagat Indian Restaurant has the richest and sweetest gulab jamun that is available both at the lunch buffet and after dinner.
14. Flourless Chocolate Cake from Merchant
This cake at Merchant has no flour, but has tons of chocolate power. The cake is extra fudgy and pairs well with the raspberries and whipped cream that come on the side.
15. Red Velvet Cupcake from Gigi’s Cupcakes
All of the cupcakes at Gigi’s are perfectly soft with rich frosting on top. However, the red velvet cupcake is a classic and is worth enjoying all year round. It really never gets old.
16. Chocolate Cream Puff from Red Elephant Chocolate
All of the chocolate at Red Elephant Chocolate is handmade and perfect for any occasion. The specialty chocolate comes together with a popular State Fair classic to create the irresistible Chocolate Cream puff.
17. Seasonal Dessert Pies from Humble
Seasonal pies at Humble are handcrafted and made with fresh ingredients supplied by local farmers and farmers’ markets. Pie selection changes seasonally so that Humble can provide you with a variety of sweet treats.
18. Hickory Nut Bourbon Carmel Pie from Graze
This dessert has an extra long name, but honestly it’s worth having its own book. The Hickory Nut Bourbon Caramel Pie from Graze combines sweet caramel with the boozy flavor of bourbon. The toasted nuts add the perfect crunch.
19. Fudge Brownie Skillet from Cafe Hollander
Head over to Hilldale again to visit Cafe Hollander. Their epic fudgy skillet brownie is complete with white chocolate chunks, salted caramel pretzel ice cream, chocolate sauce, coffee creme, tons of whipped cream, and strawberries.
20. Cookiewiches from Insomnia Cookies
A Cookiewich is actually worth getting up and walking on State St. and saving your 3am delivery charge. Take any two of your favorite Insomnia cookies and devour them with ice cream in the middle. Life is just sweeter this way.
21. Bailey’s Chocolate Pie from Bonfyre American Grille
Bailey’s Chocolate Pie from Bonfyre American Grille is an extra-special dessert that is both chocolatey and boozy, perfect for all college students. It’s rich in flavor and smooth and velvety in texture.
22. Donuts from Bassett St. Brunch Club
The donuts at Bassett St. Brunch Club are house-made daily and come in all sorts of varieties. As a bonus, they are half-off after 8:30pm.
23. Tiramisu from Cento
The tiramisu at Cento is is truly a modern take on an Italian classic. The tiramisu is made with lady fingers soaked in espresso and layered wth sweetened mascarpone, and topped with hazelnut gelato.
24. Paletas From La Michoacana Homemade Ice Cream
Hundreds of colorful house-made paletas (or ice pops) are stacked neatly in freezer cases at La Michoacana Homemade Ice Cream on Odana Road. Esquimales are ice pops coated in chocolate and sprinkles, and there are even ice pops with chiles if you’re into spicy desserts.
25. Gluten-Free Cupcakes From Daisy Café and Cupcakery
The cupcakes at Daisy Café and Cupcakery are not just for those who have gluten allergies. These cupcakes are perfectly fluffy and flavorful. Enjoy any flavor from chocolate to lemon blueberry.
For those with a sweet tooth, this is the bucket list for you. Make life a little more enjoyable and cross ’em off.