I’m a big believer that one of the best ways to get to know a new city is through its sweets. As soon as I arrive in a new place, I’m googling away to find the top places to satisfy my sweet tooth. Indianapolis, Indiana is no disappointment when it comes to sugary treats. As one of the few states with an official “State Pie” (Sugar cream, if you’re wondering…) it’s no surprise that you can seriously indulge in Indiana’s capital. If you’re looking for a sweet way to spend an afternoon, here’s a little Indianapolis sweets tour I’ve put together.

Your Self-Guided Indianapolis Sweets Tour

Indianapolis is a very pedestrian-friendly city. With an extensive network of bike paths through the city, and widened sidewalks, it is very easy to get to each of these sweet spots using your own two feet. And bonus, with all the walking you’ll do, it’s basically like you’re not taking in any extra calories. Basically.

The South Bend Chocolate Company

30 Monument Circle

Starting out in the heart of the city, Fountain Circle, you’ll start off your Indianapolis sweets tour with a bit of chocolate. The South Bend Chocolate Company began in 1991, in South Bend, Indiana. There are now 11 stores located in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. The company makes over 500 different sweet products, so it may be difficult to choose your treat. Their hot chocolate drinks come in different flavors, and are very popular. However, if it’s not quite the right time for a hot beverage, try one of their chocolate-covered Oreos, or grab a few truffles!

Circle City Sweets

222 E. Market Street

Next, make your way down Market Street to the Indianapolis City Market. This beautiful, historic building houses a number of local vendors. While there are lots of savory selections, there are plenty of sweets available too. Circle City Sweets offers several different pastry items from brownies to breads, cakes, and macarons. While these all look absolutely divine, it’s hard to resist the temptation of their giant, flaky croissants. These things were literally the size of my entire face. Choose from plain, chocolate, ham and cheese, or my personal favorite- almond!

Three Carrots

222 E. Market Street

Also located in the Indianapolis City Market, you’ll find just one of Indianapolis’ vegetarian and vegan-friendly eateries. Forget everything you think you know about vegan desserts. This place is legit. Three Carrots offers a variety of dessert options from cakes, cookies, and cheesecakes, all without using animal products! All their sweets look absolutely drool-worthy, but you have to pick up some of their Double Chocolate Cookie Dough Madness. It is madness indeed. We’re talking chocolate chip cookie crust, filled with cheesecake, and topped with chocolate chip cookie dough. It simply can’t be missed.

For more information about vegan food in Indianapolis, check out my friend Ashley’s post!

Sub Zero Ice Cream

427 Massachusetts Avenue

For the next stop on your Indianapolis sweets tour, head to the fun and funky Massachusetts Avenue (locally known as Mass Ave). While Sub Zero Ice Cream began in Utah and is now a country-wide establishment, it is one of the more unique sweet spots you’ll in Indianapolis. This places combines cool, creamy, and customizable ice creams with the chemistry and fun of liquid nitrogen. From their extensive menu, choose your cream base, flavorings, and mix-ins. They will then blast your concoction with a foggy spray of liquid nitrogen, quickly turning your creation into a frozen treat! Science!

Best Chocolate in Town

880 Massachusetts Avenue

At the north end of Mass Ave, you’ll find some of the best chocolate town at a small shop called The Best Chocolate in Town. Creative, right? The chocolate smell will practically smack you in the head when you walk inside, and it’s hard to exercise restraint. With so many different flavors of truffles, it will be hard to pick just a few. If you’re not much of a truffle fan, try a chocolate dipped pretzel!

The Flying Cupcake

423 Massachusetts Avenue

Heading back towards the center of Indianapolis on Mass Ave, your next stop will be at The Flying Cupcake. As the name suggests, this adorable shop serves cupcakes that soar above others. They have many different flavors to choose from, and each cake is decorated beautifully with a generous pile of frosting on top. If you’re feeling like you need to up your cupcake game, check out their jumbo cupcakes! Gluten free and vegan options are available as well.

Rocket Fizz

55 Monument Circle

You will end your Indianapolis sweets tour back in Fountain Circle, at Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Store.  This store is a whirlwind of unique and outrageous sodas. You can find sodas from all over the world, and just about every flavor you can pull out of your imagination. From classics like root beer and cream soda, and sweet flavors like marshmallow and coffee cake, to the utterly outrageous like ranch dressing, butter, sweet corn, and bacon. There are even many creative flavors like swamp juice and dog drool! You are going to have a seriously hard decision on what to try here. My suggestion: get one soda flavor you know you like, and one adventurous one.

Other Notable Nummies

This Indianapolis sweets tour is not all-encompassing of the dessert options in Indianapolis. If you have more time, a stronger sweet tooth, and a drive to walk more, check out some of these other notable nummies in Indy.

• Shapiro’s Delicatessen. 808 S. Meridian Street – Four generations of delicious foods with a Jewish influence. Try the authentic Jewish rugelaches.
• 3 Days in Paris. 222 E. Market Street – Delicious crepes located in the Indianapolis City Market.
• General American Donut Company. 827 S. East Street – Indianapolis’ craft donut shop. Go early for the best selection.
• Locally Grown Gardens. 1050 E. 54th Street – A small restaurant using fresh and locally grown ingredients. Try their seasonal pies!

*Note: I was in Indianapolis for BlogHouse Indy. Thank you to our sponsors, Visit Indy, Visit Indiana, and JW Marriott Indy. Sweets Tour itinerary and opinions are entirely my own.

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