The Best Places to Get a Sweet Treat in Southampton

About the author: Hi, I'm Destiny Kadima. I'm currently a Child Nursing student who loves to write and bake in my spare time. I'm here to be your on-the-ground Southampton guide and to make recipes for student life in Southampton: one part uni tips, two parts local gems, and a whole lot of fun.

Let’s be real, uni life is not just about lectures and late-night study sessions. Sometimes, you need something sweet to power you through (or to reward yourself after pretending to study for three hours straight). Luckily, Southampton has got your back. From cosy cafés to late-night dessert bars, the city is full of places to satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.

As a student, finding that perfect blend of indulgence, affordability, and Instagrammability is key, and luckily, Southampton delivers. Whether you’re into gooey brownies, stacked waffles, or ice cream with all the toppings, there’s a dessert spot waiting for you. So here’s a list of my favourite places to get a sweet treat in Southampton.

Warning: reading on may cause sudden sugar cravings!

The Fine Brownie Company

If you haven't been to The Fine Brownie Company on the Polygon's London Road yet, you’re seriously missing out. This small, independent bakery knows precisely how to serve up brownies that are rich, fudgy, and unreal. With flavours ranging from Biscoff and Nutella to Smarties and more, there’s something for every kind of chocoholic. Brownies start at just £3.50 each, and they’re the kind of treat that makes you forget your deadlines (temporarily, at least). They offer student-friendly deals, such as a brownie and a drink for just £6 – perfect for a midweek pick-me-up or post-lecture celebration.

The vibe is super chilled, the staff are lovely, and everything is baked with genuine passion. Whether you’re procrastinating, powering through a long day, or just craving something sweet, The Fine Brownie Company has your back. Trust us – once you try one, you’ll be counting down the days 'til Friday.

But here’s the best part: from October onwards, The Fine Brownie Company will be popping up every Friday on the Red Brick outside the University of Southampton's Student Union (SUSU) bringing their sweet treats right to campus! So you and your friends can start the weekend off right.

📍17 London Rd, Southampton SO15 2AE

Sprinkles

After you’ve grabbed your gooey brownie fix from The Fine Brownie Company on a Friday, why not keep the dessert train going with a visit to Sprinkles Gelato? They have two locations – one in Portswood and the other in the city centre, so you really cannot miss them. Open every day until midnight, it’s the ultimate spot to crush those late-night cravings – perfect if you just need a sugar fix after a long day.

They have a massive range of gelato flavours, from classics like pistachio to fun ones like bubblegum. One scoop starts at just £2.95, and the portion sizes don’t disappoint. Even better? They offer a 10% student discount, so don’t forget to flash your student ID and save those extra pennies for your next treat.

But Sprinkles isn’t just about gelato. If you’re in the mood to shake things up (pun fully intended), try one of their thick milkshakes, warm waffles or dreamy crêpes – all under £10. Whether you’re team gelato, team waffle, or somewhere deliciously in between, Sprinkles is a must-visit on your dessert tour of Southampton.

📍120-122 Above Bar St, Southampton, SO14 7DU
📍160 Portswood Rd, Portswood, Southampton, SO17 2NJ

Coffee#1

If you’re looking for a chilled spot to satisfy your sweet tooth and sip on something delicious, Coffee#1 is the place to be. With three super convenient locations in Southampton (one in Portswood, another on Above Bar Street, and the other in Shirley), it is perfect whether you’re catching up with mates, studying, or just in need of a coffee break.

Their sweet treat selection is top-tier, with something for every craving. Think rich Biscoff cheesecake, fluffy Victoria sponge, and my personal favourite – their coffee carmel cake (seriously, it’s a game-changer). Prices start from just £2.85, so you can treat yourself without feeling guilty about your bank account.

Even better, their drinks menu is just as good – from creamy cappuccinos and smooth flat whites to refreshing iced teas and fruity coolers. Whether you want something warm and cosy or cold and refreshing, they’ve got you covered.

Don’t forget to sign up for their app using your student email to get access to exclusive discounts and freebies throughout the year – perfect for keeping your caffeine and cake habits going strong. With a seasonal menu that keeps things fresh and a relaxed, cosy vibe, Coffee#1 is a sweet spot you’ll keep coming back to.

📍90 Above Bar St, Southampton, SO14 7DT
📍203-205 Portswood Rd, Portswood, Southampton, SO17 2NF
📍4A, 5A Shirley High St, Shirley, Southampton, SO15 3LQ

Heavenly Desserts

With its sleek, luxurious aesthetic and super-friendly team, Heavenly Desserts brings a touch of elegance to your dessert experience. The menu is packed with show-stopping options like warm croffles (a croissant-waffle hybrid that’s as dreamy as it sounds), delicate crêpes, and creamy scoops of premium ice cream. Everything looks as good as it tastes – perfect for when you want to treat both your taste buds and your camera roll.

But they don’t stop at dessert. Their breakfast menu is seriously underrated, featuring delicious options like the croissant breakfast sandwich – the ideal balance of sweet and savoury that’ll have you hooked from the first bite.

Students get a 10% discount, so be sure to flash that ID. They’re open until 10pm every day (except for Saturdays, when they're open until midnight), making it perfect for evening catch-ups or late-night cravings. For a dessert spot that’s classy, cosy, and always delicious, Heavenly Desserts lives up to its name.

📍 144-149 High St, Southampton, SO14 2BT

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