The Sweet Side of Denton
Denton has a dessert scene that punches well above its weight, shaped in part by a university crowd that keeps late-night spots viable and a Square culture that rewards the kind of small, craft-focused shops you rarely find in bigger Texas cities. Whether you are looking for a scoop after dinner on the Square, a midnight donut near campus, or a traditional Mexican fruit treat on Sherman Drive, there is something here worth seeking out.
The Denton Square Classics
The Square is the natural starting point for anyone with a sweet tooth in Denton.
Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream is the benchmark. Open since 1998 and operating out of a historic building that dates to 1876, Beth Marie’s uses a vintage 1927 ice cream machine and keeps between 48 and 64 flavors in rotation from a library of more than 130 recipes. Signature flavors like Courthouse Pecan and Texas Honey Whiskey are the kind of thing locals bring out-of-town guests specifically to try. There is a second location at Unicorn Lake if the Square is crowded.
Two Gentlemen of Verona, at 120 W Oak St, arrived on the Square in August 2022 and brought with it a serious gelato program. Co-owner Maurizio Podzi trained in Italy, and the difference shows across 40 flavors of gelato and sorbet. The pistachio and cookies and cream are the top sellers, but the Malaga — a Spanish wine and raisin combination — is worth trying if you want something unexpected.
Gnome Cones, at 205 N Elm St, has carved out its own identity with a presentation that is genuinely distinctive: soft-serve served in a cup with an upside-down waffle cone on top, resembling a garden gnome. The shaved ice is made entirely from scratch, including the ice itself, and flavors like Trolls Blood (strawberry, cherry, and coconut) and Sweaty Yeti (vanilla and coconut) have become local favorites.
Fry Street and the Campus Area
The stretch of Fry Street near the University of North Texas has always catered to students, and the dessert options there reflect that energy.
Taiyaki Sweets, at 1206 W Hickory St, fills a niche that few other spots in Denton do. The namesake taiyaki is a fish-shaped pastry with sweet fillings like red bean paste and custard, and the shop also serves ice cream and boba tea. The hours — open from 1 p.m. to midnight — make it one of the better late-night options outside of the weekend donut crowd.
Back Dough is a late-night specialty donut operation that runs on Friday and Saturday only, which is exactly the kind of limited-hours model that works in a college town. Creative flavors like Salted Caramel, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Nutella rotate through the menu. Check their Instagram or Facebook before making a trip, as hours are selective by design.
A Bakery Worth Going Out of Your Way For
Ravelin Bakery, at 416 S Elm St, has been part of the Denton community since August 2002 and operates on a strict from-scratch philosophy — no pre-made mixes, unfortified flour, natural ingredients throughout. It is primarily a bread and pastry bakery rather than an ice cream shop, but the key lime tart and chocolate almond croissants are the kind of desserts that justify a Tuesday morning visit. Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Beyond the Square: Sherman Drive and East Denton
Frutería Pa’Ti, at 619 E Sherman Dr, brings traditional Mexican dessert culture to the east side of Denton. The menu covers smoothies, juices, fruit milkshakes, and strawberries and cream, but the standout is the El Churro Split — two churros topped with ice cream scoops, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and cherries. It is a generous, shareable dessert that does not show up anywhere else in town.
For the Frozen Custard Fan
Andy’s Frozen Custard, also at 205 N Elm St, is a regional chain with a reputation for doing one thing very well. Custard is made in fresh batches every hour, which gives it a texture and richness that pre-made soft-serve cannot match. Hours run noon to 9 p.m. daily, making it a reliable afternoon or after-dinner option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most iconic ice cream spot in Denton?
Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream on the Denton Square is widely considered the local institution. It has been open since 1998, operates out of a building from 1876, and uses a 1927 ice cream machine with over 130 house recipes.
Where can I get dessert late at night in Denton?
Taiyaki Sweets on Fry Street is open until midnight daily, making it the most consistent late-night dessert option. Back Dough operates late on Friday and Saturday nights with specialty donuts, but hours vary, so checking their social media first is recommended.
Is there good gelato in Denton?
Two Gentlemen of Verona on the Denton Square offers 40 flavors of Italian-style gelato and sorbet, made by a co-owner who trained in Italy. It is the most serious gelato program currently operating in the city.
Are there any Mexican dessert options in Denton?
Frutería Pa’Ti on E Sherman Drive specializes in traditional Mexican fruit-based treats, including smoothies, strawberries and cream, and the El Churro Split, which pairs churros with ice cream and toppings.
