Your family trip to Frankenmuth — that charming little European-like town famous for Christmas and chicken dinners — won’t be complete if you don’t sample at least one sweet delight. Here, there are countless dessert shops that cater to every sweet tooth. Whether you’re craving traditional German treats or modern confections, here are six dessert destinations you shouldn’t miss.
While you’re making your plans, don’t miss our full City Guide to Frankenmuth. We share what you need to know, including:
- Unforgettable Frankenmuth family attractions your kids will love
- The best chicken dinners to try in Frankenmuth
- Plus, all the basics: how to get here, where to stay and what to do during Christmas and beyond
The best dessert shops to visit on your family trip to Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen
A staple in the heart of downtown Frankenmuth, Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen has been delighting visitors with its creamy, handmade fudge since 1964. With a wide variety of flavors — from classic chocolate to seasonal specialties, even hard to find vegan fudge — you can watch the fudge being made right before your eyes.
- Location: 606 S. Main St.
- Phone: 989-652-2891
- What to get: Salted Caramel Cashew Fudge
- What people are saying: “This place smells soooo amazing, and you can catch the sweet scent from outside, which lures people in. The fudge is very tasty. Ask to try some samples. The peanut butter fudge is creamy and has a great flavor. Also, they make fudge right in front of you.” – Donovan Nichols
Zehnder’s Bakery
Located downstairs from the renowned Zehnder’s Restaurant, Zehnder’s Bakery is famous for its baked goods and desserts. Their signature items include fluffy, rich cream puffs, Napoleons and decadent German chocolate cake.
- Location: 730 S. Main St.
- Phone: 877-582-0961
- What to get: Cream puffs
- What people are saying: “The bakery goods are always delicious! I have been coming here since I was a child.” – Kristin Harter
Zak & Mac’s Chocolate Haus
Experience the delightful, enticing scents of freshly made small-batch chocolates, delectable toffee, fudge, buttery brittle, caramel corn, charming packaging and so much more.
- Location: 636 S. Main St.
- Phone: 989-652-9331
- What to get: The Underrated Toffee Box
- What people are saying: “We love Zak & Mac’s! Excellent chocolate, awesome service, and a fun, clean store. My kids got the cup of strawberry with melted chocolate on top and it was incredible. Then we bought chocolate covered peanuts and other types of chocolate, all very yummy.” – Sarah Cat
SugarHigh Bakery
Winners of the Food Network’s baking competition “Cupcake Wars” and second place in “Cake Wars,” SugarHigh Bakery specialize in wedding cakes, designer cakes, gourmet cupcakes and homemade gelato. They also offer gourmet dog treats and birthday cakes! Hours vary seasonally, so check the website for the most current hours before visiting.
- Location: 925 S. Main St.
- Phone: 989-652-2400
- What to get: Nutella French macaron
- What people are saying: “It was so hard to just pick out a few things in here because everything looked SO good! In the end I got a Superman cupcake, an iced sugar cookie, and a German Chocolate cookie. The cookies I had for breakfast the next morning (because I’m an adult and do what I want) and just had the cupcake after arriving home from the trip and they were all just as good as they look.” – Jennifer
Bavarian Inn Bakery
Part of the Bavarian Inn complex, this bakery offers a delightful selection of sweets and desserts that reflect the town’s German heritage. Signature items include strudel, pretzel bites and a variety of cookies and cakes. The bakery’s cozy environment is perfect for enjoying a sweet treat paired with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa while soaking in the Bavarian-themed decor.
- Location: 713 S. Main St.
- Phone: 800-228-2742
- What to get: German chocolate brownie
- What people are saying: “The staff is always knowledgeable and professional (and cutely dressed in old-timey clothes). And the selection of baked goods is amazing. They have fresh baked breads, specialty German pastry and a myriad of other sweets. Some of my favorite things are the Butterhorns.” – Jessie B
N’Orlins Beignets and Coffee
It’s hard to find beignets as delicious as the New Orleans originals, but this cute bakery comes close. Everything is made from scratch — sweets and savories alike. Combo meals make it easy to order and experience everything on the menu at once.
- Two locations: 925 S. Main St. and 646 S. Main St.
- Phone: 602-796-5500
- What to get: three, six or 12 heart-shaped beignets with caramel or chocolate dipping sauce
- What people are saying: “The beignets came out hot, crispy, and delicious! We didn’t have to wait long for the order to come out. I didn’t get any dipping sauce but that looked good as well. Be careful eating it as the powdered sugar gets all over you!!” – Jenny H.
We’re sure you can find time to try all six of these sweet stops! Make your plan and don’t forget to check out our full City Guide to Frankenmuth to learn what to enjoy at Christmas (and the rest of the year, too), family-friendly attractions your kids will talk about forever and just where to have your chicken dinners in Frankenmuth.
Content sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Visit buyfordnow.com. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.