Amelia Island isn’t just a paradise for sun-seekers, nature lovers, and history buffs, it’s also a dream destination for foodies and dessert lovers! From charming bakeries and decadent sweet shops to ice cream parlors and homemade doughnuts, get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop
Location: 13 N 3rd Street, Fernandina Beach
Step into the whimsical world of Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop, where the scent of fresh-baked pastries will instantly transport you to dessert heaven. This beloved bakery offers a variety of treats, from French macarons and éclairs to jumbo cupcakes and seasonal pies. Don’t miss their handcrafted tarts or indulgent tiramisu.
Must-Try: Any of the “Cake Away” Jars for the easiest way to eat cake! Makes the perfect gift, too!
Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge
Location: 218 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach
For a nostalgic treat, visit Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge, a charming sweet shop specializing in homemade marble slab fudge, hand-dipped chocolates, gourmet confections, and ice cream. Watch as their famous fudge is prepared right before your eyes, and sample flavors ranging from classic chocolate to unique creations like maple nut or chocolate peanut butter.
Must-Try: The hand-dipped pecan turtles are made with homemade caramel, dipped in chocolate, and laid on a bed of pretzels. Oh yeah.
Amelia Island Coffee
Location: 207 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach
While known for its cozy ambiance and artisanal coffee, Amelia Island Coffee also boasts an impressive selection of pastries and desserts. Treat yourself to an oversized muffin rich or a flaky danish while sipping on a latte made with locally roasted beans.
Must-Try: Hot chocolate and a blueberry scone will warm up your insides on these chilly mornings.
Island Time Frozen Yogurt
Location: 306 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach
Island Time has enough ice cream and frozen yogurt for all Frigophilics (look it up), including dairy-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free options. Try one of 24 amazing flavors of ice cream with abundant toppings, or maybe it’s a custard, sorbet, or Italian ice you crave.
Must-Try: If a scoop of ice cream isn’t enough, try a milk shake, daily homemade doughnut, cookie, candy or brownie. Lots to choose from!
Vintage Donuts
Location: 503A Centre Street, Fernandina Beach
Greet the morning with doughnuts and coffee from Vintage Donuts, located in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach. These aren’t your average doughnuts. It all starts with a made-from-scratch vanilla cake doughnut… then a chosen icing, followed by a topping and finally a drizzle to finish it off.
Must-Try: The Maple icing with Bacon Donut offers the ultimate sweet-and-savory experience.
Watanut
Location: 118 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach
Go nuts over Watanut for the best gourmet nuts, pralines, and made-from-scratch-daily pecan shortbread cookies. Need a corporate gift to wow your customers and employees? Watanut offers the tins of gourmet nut gifts, and cookies to spread your appreciation.
Must-Try: The Key Lime shortbread cookies are addicting. I dare you to eat just one.
The Cinnamon Bear Country Store
Location: 107 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach
In addition to the eclectic and whimsical gifts, toys and books, the Cinnamon Bear also has a great selection of delicious ice cream, slushies, gumball machines, and old-fashioned candies to add a little sweetness to your day.
Must-Try: A scoop of ice cream with sprinkles!
DeNucci’s Soft Serve
Location: 2210 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach
No dessert trail would be complete without a classic ice cream shop near the beach! DeNucci’s serves up creamy smoothies, shakes, malts, and floats in a variety of flavors, along with sundaes, banana splits, and of course, ice cream. Enjoy your treat at their outdoor picnic tables for a nostalgic summer vibe.
Must-Try: The Elvis Sundae – vanilla custard on waffle crisps with peanut butter sauce,
topped with fresh bananas, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, whipped cream, and a cherry. You’re welcome.
Peterbrooke Chocolatier
Location: 1427 Sadler Road
A chocoholic’s dream, Peterbrooke Chocolatier offers handcrafted chocolates, truffles, and dipped treats. From chocolate-covered strawberries to elaborate gift boxes, this shop has something for every chocolate lover.
Must-Try: Their famous chocolate-covered popcorn is the perfect balance of salty and sweet.
Thirteen
Location: 121 S 9th Street
Located in downtown Fernandina Beach, Thirteen specializes in gluten-free desserts like crepes, cakes, pies, macaroons, cupcakes and other yummy goodies!
Must-Try: The Salted Caramel Brownies are so good!
Mellow Yellow at the Shops at Omni Amelia Island
Location: 75 Amelia Village Circle, Fernandina Beach
Offering a tantelizing selection of flavors and an extensive range of toppings, Mellow Yellow is the perfect place to craft your very own frozen yogurt masterpiece. Sweeten your day at Mellow Yellow – located within the surf-inspired Natural Slice pizza shop.
Must-Try: Vanilla topped with Andes mints is always a good choice.
Honorable Mentions: These delicious shops are just off Amelia Island but deserve recognition, too!
Breakable Hearts – A luxury dessert company offering cakes, cookies, tarts, macarons, and their signature, customizable “breakable heart”. Seriously good stuff. 464073 SR 200, Yulee
Southern Blend Yulee – Serving freshly hand-cut donuts and decadent coffee drinks every morning. 463179 SR 200, Yulee
Selina’s FriendSip Cafe – Brownies, cakes, cookies, ice cream and so much more is what’s on the menu. 850895 Hwy 17, Yulee
Amelia Island’s dessert scene is as diverse as its landscape, offering everything from gourmet pastries to nostalgic classics. Whether you’re strolling along Centre Street or exploring the island’s hidden corners, there’s always a sweet treat waiting to be discovered!