Newport sweet-tooth guide · Updated August 2026
These memorable desserts range from Newport classics to worthwhile coastal detours across Aquidneck Island and nearby East Bay communities. Menus are seasonal, so confirm availability before making a special trip.
Top three for a first visit: Snowball in Hell for Newport history and spectacle; Grand Marnier soufflé for a special dinner; and an Awful Awful for a classic Rhode Island treat.
15 iconic Newport-area desserts
- Snowball in Hell — Clarke Cooke House, Newport. Chocolate roulade, vanilla ice cream, Belgian chocolate and coconut, traditionally finished with a sparkler.
- Seasonal gelato — Giusto, Newport. Rotating house flavors and sorbetto presented as a polished waterfront-dinner finale.
- Grand Marnier soufflé — Audette, Newport. A made-to-order French classic; ask about ordering it early in the meal.
- Waffle on a stick — Sticks + Cones, Newport. Belgian-style waffle with customizable ice cream, sauces and toppings.
- Awful Awful — Newport Creamery, Middletown. Rhode Island’s famously thick ice-milk drink in classic and rotating flavors.
- Old-fashioned root beer float — Wharf Southern Kitchen, Newport. A nostalgic float with an optional adults-only spirit addition.
- Sticky toffee pudding — Little Clam, Newport. A creative local interpretation; confirm the current menu before visiting.
- Malt Bomb — Malt, Newport. Chocolate mousse, cake, a crisp shell, salted-caramel ice cream and caramel.
- Cereal ice cream — Tizzy K’s, Warren. Nostalgic cereal-inspired combinations worth the East Bay detour.
- Tavern Candy Bar — White Horse Tavern, Newport. A polished chocolate-and-caramel dessert in one of America’s most historic taverns.
- Espresso Martini crème brûlée — Boat House, Tiverton. Coffee-and-liqueur custard with a caramelized top and waterfront views.
- House-made doughnuts — Ma’s Donuts, Middletown. A broad selection of classic, filled and frosted doughnuts plus pastries.
- Tarta de Santiago — Madrid European Bakery, Barrington. Spanish almond cake, naturally gluten-free in its traditional form.
- Lemon ginger cheesecake — The Franklin, Bristol. A bright, modern brasserie dessert; check the seasonal menu.
- Apple cider doughnuts — Hard-Pressed Cider Co. at Windmist Farm, Jamestown. Warm seasonal doughnuts paired with fresh cider; usually a fall-weekend experience.
How to use this list
- Walkable Newport crawl: Clarke Cooke House, Giusto, Sticks + Cones, Malt and White Horse Tavern.
- Family-friendly stops: Newport Creamery, Sticks + Cones and Ma’s Donuts.
- Special-occasion finales: Audette, Giusto and White Horse Tavern.
- Scenic detours: Boat House in Tiverton and Windmist Farm in Jamestown.
Availability note: Restaurant ownership, recipes, hours and menus can change. Confirm directly, especially for soufflés, rotating gelato, seasonal farm items and limited-production desserts.