Best Dessert in Asheville—A Local’s Perspective
As autumn draws on and the holidays draw near, I’ve had sweets on my mind. Baking. Reading recipes. Experimenting. Did you know you can make banana bread in a crockpot? That’s news to me.
It's that epochs-old instinct to lay on some fat before hibernation. Indeed, how else are we supposed to survive the winter? And truthfully, top-rate desserts are getting me through the whole year. The promise of a masterful confection at the end of a day’s work does wonders for my motivation.
Now I’ve already covered some of the best places in downtown Asheville, which are truly some of the best-of-the-best, but I figured the rest of my hometown deserved some attention too. So if you can’t make it downtown, or simply want to set out on safari for some of the best desserts in Asheville, then read on.
My family’s been coming here near-on a decade, since their first opening, our prime spot for something sweet after school events and the like, or simply some indulgence on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
They’ve got all the classics here: apple pie, honey pecan, strawberry rhubarb, and an especially memorable hazelnut. But like any bakery worth its salt in Asheville, they’re not afraid of experimenting with some novel combinations, a la maple apple chai, spiced bourbon cherry, or even constructing massive, pie-tin buckeyes.
With the addition of their vegan and gluten free options, I imagine you’ll find something for everyone here at the Baked Pie Company. My suggestion is to go in on a pie flight or two, each one letting you sample three slices, plus a healthy scoop of ice-cream.
Pre-Dessert Activities: Take a stroll around Lake Julian, just five minutes down the road, or a proper hike at the Arboretum, about ten minutes away.
Hands down one of my favorite bakeries in Asheville by every estimation, OWL is my top spot for enjoying life’s more sophisticated pastries. We’re talking Continental-style; flaky, buttery crusts, layered delicately, best enjoyed with a steaming cup of their hot cocoa or tea.
It’s hard to recommend something specifically from their pastry cabinet, as the inventory’s always changing, and I’m an intrepid sampler of undiscovered desserts. But I can say their chocolate croissants are always near the top of my list, and when they have it, their custardy pasteis de natas are some of the best in the city.
Finally, if you’re making the visit to OWL Bakery, you’d be remiss to not leave with one of their fresh-baked loaves, served proudly in some of Asheville’s finest restaurants.
Pre-Dessert Activities: Their West Asheville location pairs nicely with an afternoon of exploring said neighborhood, the hippest part of town, while their North Asheville location lies close to the Grove Park Inn, giving ample opportunity with a pre-dessert spa-session, or tour of their yearly gingerbread house competition.
You might be wondering what a Vietnamese restaurant’s doing on this list of best desserts in Asheville, but it’s in these hallowed halls where you’ll find not only some of the most unique and flavorful sweets in town, but one of my very favorite desserts.
This place has, as the kids say, been “popping off” recently, regularly catering to a packed dining room, plus plentiful takeaway orders. Research shows they’re technically busier for lunch than dinner, but my advice is: be comfortable with a short wait no matter the time of day.
I reckon you’ll find that wait well worth it once you’re digging in to a bowl of their unbeatable pho—really this best in town—with the knowledge that you’ll be following it up with some dynamite dessert.
Their flan: smooth and enticing. Their halo halo; undeniable. But my favorite is the sapin sapin, three layers of sticky-rice custard flavored in pandan, purple yams and vanilla.
To my knowledge, you can’t find it anywhere else in Asheville. And it is delicious.
Pre-Dessert Activities: Lunch or dinner, of course. Since you’re getting a full meal and then some, I recommend starting your day with a hike up the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Those who know me know I can’t resist slipping the Hop ice cream in there. Yes, it showed up among the best desserts in downtown Asheville. But with locations all across town, and even one in Black Mountain, a visit to this premier ice-creamery is the perfect addition to any day of outdoors fun in the sun.
With their innovative flavors, dazzling milkshakes and floats, and great spread of dairy-free/vegan options, there’s simply no other ice-cream shop in Asheville I’d rather be. Like OWL Bakery, their flavors change with the seasons, but if you find they’re serving Aztec chocolate, I’d give you the green light. That spicy kick pairs great with the richness of the ice cream.
Pre-Dessert Activities: Their North Asheville location pairs nicely with dinner at Zen Sushi, upstairs in the same complex, or a visit to UNCA’s Botanical Gardens. Their West Asheville location lies on Haywood Road, the main vein of that part of town.
Now this here’s a place you may not find without some local guidance. Situated a half-hour south of downtown Asheville, well on the way to Hendersonville, the Fletcher Village Bakery is a simple, down-to-earth small-town kind of bakery. Hot paninis and fresh hot coffee; say no more, I’m there.
And now, on to dessert: you’ve got your pick of everything from scones to lemon bars, all served in healthy proportions. Myself, I typically go for a danish or a bear claw if they’ve got them.
And if you’ve got a special event while in town, I recommend asking about their custom-made cakes.
Pre-Dessert Activities: Do some shopping at LuLu’s Consignment Boutique. Their unassuming exterior conceals two floors, thick with some of the best picks you’ll find for attire, decoration, and even some awesome furniture.
Businesses Mentioned
Baked Pie Company
(828)-333-4366
4 Long Shoals Rd Suite A, Arden, NC 28704
OWL Bakery (West) 295 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
OWL Bakery (North)
197 Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 28801
Wild Ginger Noodle Bar
(828)-676-1827
1950 Hendersonville Rd Ste 12, Asheville, NC 28803
The Hop (West)
(828)-252-5155
721 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
The Hop Ice Creamery
(828)-774-5058
167 Haywood Rd #20, Asheville, NC 28806
The Hop (North)
(828)-254-2224
640 Merrimon Ave #103, Asheville, NC 28804
Fletcher Village Bakery & Café
(828)-687-7999
235 St John Rd Suite 70, Fletcher, NC 28732
