Forrest Gump told us life was like a box of chocolates, but you never know what you're gonna get from the Lakeland dessert scene either. Ready for a sugar rush? Check out these bakers + makers for your next sweet treat.

Rotating menus

Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen
You can trust that all the sweets here are made with vegan ingredients. The menu rotates weekly, but there are always treats stocked in the grab + go case.

Born and Bread Bakehouse
Stop by Wednesday-Saturday to load up on pastries like filled cruffins, cinnamon rolls, and croissants. Pro tip: Place a preorder to make sure your favorite sweets don’t sell out.

Meraki Bakehouse
This bakehouse serves up colorful pastries like croissants, cookies, and muffins at Market on Kentucky, plus local coffee shops.

Milk and Honey Macarons
Visit this booth at the farmers market or order a gift set online to try French macaron cookies themed for every season + holiday.

Bandidas Bake Shop
Order a mini layer cake with seasonal flavors that are perfect for sharing (or not), or grab a freshly baked pastry — the vegan ranger cookies are our go-to.

Crave Cookies
Scratch-made cookies and dirty sodas are the name of the game at this bakery, where new flavors rotate in each Friday.

When visiting PALS, don't forget to pose for a photo with the alligator mural. | Photo by LALtoday

Chocolates + candies

Andrew Logans
This Catapult member is known for bite-sized bonbons with big flavors, available at Market on Kentucky. Try a classic like salted caramel, or go for a surprising combo like dark chocolate + habanero pepper.

PALS Candy Shop
If "I Want Candy" is one of your most-played songs, then this spot is for you. Find chocolates and jelly beans, plus sour, hard + gummy candies in bulk, as well as slushies and Lotus Energy drinks.

Don't skip the baked goods and pastries — we love the coffee cake. | Photo by LALtoday

Go-to staples

Cake Makers Studio
With a full candy case, ice cream, and professionally decorated cakes, this downtown spot has something for everyone.

Mitchell’s Coffee House
There’s nothing like a classic, and this cafe has been serving up baked goods with coffee longer than any other in Lakeland. The coffee cake always hits the spot in the morning, and the Coca-Cola cake is a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Rogue Coffee
Find the trending Dubai chocolate filled with pistachio creme here, along with a full case of pastries to pair with your coffee or boba tea.

Reececliff Family Diner
When you've got pie on the mind, stop by this diner whose confectionery creations have been crafted by the same expert for 50+ years.

Mel's Desserts and Delights
Cookies, cake pops, and cinnamon rolls — oh my. This cottage bakery-turned-storefront is the perfect place for finding freshly baked goods.

Kichi Taiyaki
Try flavors and desserts from Japan at this sweet shop. Go for the jiggly souffle pancakes, bing-su (similar to shaved ice) loaded with toppings, or fish-shaped taiyaki cakes with a custard or soft-serve ice cream filling.

All of Bright Ice's products are made by hand each week in Pinellas Park, then delivered to shops around Tampa Bay. | Photo by @thebluemeerkat

We scream for ice cream

Mayday Ice Cream
You can't go wrong with a flight that features six of your favorite ice cream flavors — we always get the Parent Trap, Aviator, and Cloud 9.

Lakeland Ice Cream Company
With more than 60 flavors, you're sure to find a new favorite at this parlor. Feeling extra sweet? Try the cotton candy burrito, featuring ice cream on a bed of cotton candy.

Mimi's Italian Ice
This allergen-friendly spot is serving up treats with none of the tricks — all flavors are made gluten and dairy-free.

Bright Ice Scoop Shop
This Dixieland shop has 19 signature flavors, including three vegan options. Grab your favorite in a cup, on a waffle cone, blended in a milkshake, or on an ice cream + cookie sandwich.

Find more Instagram-worthy ice cream shops near Lakeland.

Starting off our day with a homemade layered doughnut? Yes, please. | Photo by LALtoday

Don't forget the donuts

Charlie’s Mini Donuts & Coffee
These diminutive donuts are the perfect size for trying many different flavors — with such an extensive menu, you'll want to try them all.

Hole In One Donuts
The donut case is always packed with fresh-baked goods at this hole-in-the-wall. Our favorite is the glazed croissant, just trust us.

Parlor Doughnuts
Visit this downtown spot for layered donuts made daily, plus a selection of coffees and teas. We recommend the Swan, a Lakeland exclusive with vanilla, maple, and cinnamon.

Mochinut
The flower-shaped doughnuts here are made with mochi rice flour, giving them a light, chewy texture. Get yours frosted, glazed, or adorned with toppings like Oreo cookies and Fruity Pebbles cereal.

FL Master Homemade Donuts
Step up to the counter and take your pick from a packed pastry case. Flavors range from donut shop staples to unique mochi donuts, plus apple fritters as big as your head.

Are we missing out on your favorite sweet seller? Tell us where else we can satisfy our sweet tooth.