Looking to sample the best desserts around town?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top dessert hot spots in Columbia, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to go for frozen custard, cookies and more.
1. The Meadows Original Frozen Custard
Topping the list is The Meadows Original Frozen Custard, situated at 6470 Freetown Road. This small East Coast chain started in 1950 in Duncansville, Pennsylvania, and it's still serving the same creamy frozen custard.
Look for classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate plus two flavors of the day, such as caramel or almond. In addition to custard, you'll find frozen yogurt, shakes, Italian ice, gelato and other treats.
With five stars out of 89 reviews on Yelp, the custard shop is the highest-rated spot for desserts in Columbia.
2. Renata's Tasty Bites
Next up, Renata's Tasty Bites, located at 9350-G Snowden River Parkway, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving it 4.5 stars out of 130 reviews.
Croatia native Renata Alanovic sells house-made cookies, pies, cakes and pastries alongside savory tarts and quiches in this cozy space. While you're there for dessert, consider picking up dinner: Renata makes pot pies and a Bolognese meat sauce for heating up at home.
3. Touche Touchet Bakery
Also check out Touche Touchet Bakery, which has earned four stars out of 115 reviews on Yelp. Choose a cupcake from flavors like pink lemonade, chocolate raspberry and red velvet. Or go for cookies baked fresh everyday, fudge brownies or scones. Custom cakes are available with your choice of flavor, icing and more than 20 fillings.
You can find the bakery at 10400 Shaker Drive in the Atholton Shopping Center.
4. Oh, What A Cake!
Last but not least, there's Oh, What A Cake!, a local favorite with four stars out of 63 reviews. Cupcake options include butter, lemon, almond, red velvet and German chocolate, with icings like butter cream, maple bacon and coconut pecan. Cakes can be round or sheet, filled or unfilled, and come with your choice of decorations. Brownies, cookies and truffles are also on offer.
Stop by 6656 Dobbin Road, Suite K, the next time you're craving something sweet.
