MELT Ice Creams
In a city that’s as serious about barbecue as it is about blistering temperatures, dessert isn’t just an afterthought — it’s how Fort Worth cools off, shows off, and satisfies a whole lot of sweet cravings. From British puddings soaked in rum to Mexican paletas dipped in chocolate, the following roundup captures some of the city's most indulgent, creative, and just plain delicious desserts — all ready for a summer splurge.
Alma’s Paleteria
Named after owner José Ponce’s mother, this family-run paleta shop blends Mexican nostalgia with culinary creativity. Among the most beloved are the cajeta (goat’s milk caramel) with a strip of membrillo inside and the Abuelita hot chocolate version — spiced, smooth, and deeply comforting.
3300 Cleburne Rd, Fort Worth
Chumley House
This new Museum District restaurant from a Dallas hospitality group takes its cues from across the pond, plating up refined versions of British comfort food in a dining room styled like a proper English pub. But the real showstopper? The sticky toffee pudding. Their version of the classic dessert — which is not a pudding at all, but a sponge cake made with dates — arrives drenched in a rum-infused caramel and topped with a scoop of housemade vanilla gelato. Don’t sleep on the trifle either, a nostalgic nod layered with Biscoff cookies.
2512 W Berry St, Fort Worth
Curly’s Frozen Custard
A Camp Bowie staple since 2012, Curly’s does frozen custard the old-fashioned way — rich, creamy, and endlessly customizable. Build your own creation with toppings like churro chunks, marshmallow, and hot fudge, or keep it classic with a chocolate malt.
4017 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth
Emporium Pies
This walk-up pie window near Magnolia offers seasonal slices with serious flair. Standouts include the Drunken Nut — a bourbon pecan pie with a buttery shortbread crust — and the Smooth Operator, a chocolate French silk layered over a salty pretzel crust.
411 S Main St, Fort Worth
Ice Box Creamery
Don’t let the drive-thru fool you — this West Fort Worth creamery goes big on flavor and fun. Try the Limcello sundae with lemon bread and limoncello cake bites or the Peanut Lover layered with espresso powder and peanut butter. Grab a seat on the small patio and dig in.
9570 Clifford St, Fort Worth
Insomnia Cookies
A college dorm dream turned late-night essential, this cookie shop near TCU stays open deep into the night. Whether you're after vegan, gluten-free, or just straight-up gooey chocolate chunk, they’ll have it warm and ready.
3533 S University Dr, Fort Worth
Kokitos
With two Fort Worth locations and a cult following, Kokitos brings the tropical vibes hard. Expect towering fruit cups, over-the-top chamoy-drenched drinks, and ice cream-topped concoctions like the Francesca, served in a watermelon and loaded with popping boba.
Locations: 6708 Camp Bowie Blvd and 6425 McCart Ave, Fort Worth
Melt Ice Creams
Fort Worth’s hometown scoop shop continues to deliver bold seasonal flavors, just in time for the heat. At all locations — including their newest one on Main Street — you’ll find the decadent Texas Butter Pecan (rich browned butter and some of the country’s best pecans from San Saba, Texas), Key Lime Pie (Tart key lime juice blended with sweet cream and white chocolate-coated graham cracker crust crumbles), or try the Peach Cobbler Cheesecake (a creamy peach ice cream infused with swirls of housemade boozy peach caramel and chunks of housemade creamy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust).
Various locations, including 1201 W Magnolia Ave, Fort Worth
Rise
This whimsical Clearfork bistro leans into French tradition with a soufflé-heavy dessert menu. Choose from rich chocolate, bright raspberry, or even savory varieties — and don’t overlook the crème brûlée or seasonal fruit tart. Ideal for when you want your sweets with a side of soufflé theatrics.
5135 Monahans Ave, Fort Worth
Sweetzy’s Snowcones
This shaved ice stand in Stop Six is a crowd-pleaser for kids and grown-ups alike. With flavors like cotton candy and sour gummy worm — plus the option to add a scoop of Blue Bell — Sweetzy’s turns a simple snow cone into a carnival in a cup. Don’t miss the Texas-sized pineapple or watermelon snow cones, hollowed out and heaped with real fruit and flavored ice.
3400 Bernie Anderson Ave, Fort Worth
