Name a dessert and you’ll easily find an Asheville restaurant that supplies it. Ice cream, in particular, is abundant — but sometimes, a conventional cup or cone just won’t cut it. When you need something a bit different, head to Sunshine Sammies.
While the name might make you think of a sub sandwich shop, this business actually specializes in ice cream confections. The goal: to satisfy your inner child with a treat that goes beyond the basic ice cream sandwiches of your youth.
As you meander through Asheville’s downtown district, feel free to stop by the Sunshine Sammies storefront at Lexington Avenue. You’ll also see the food truck and solar-powered carts at several of the city’s most important festivals and other events.
A variety of ice cream and cookie flavors are provided, with different combinations delivering decidedly different dessert experiences. No matter what you order, you will discover the delight that only comes with fresh-baked cookies and locally-produced dairy.
Don’t worry if you’re unable to consume gluten or prefer to avoid animal products. Several alternatives are available, including sorbet, coconut milk ice cream, and flourless cookies. These can be accompanied by a variety of accessible toppings if you go the build-your-own sandwich route.
Another option: simple scoops of ice cream or sorbet, which can be enjoyed with waffle cones made from scratch. The chocolate waffle cones just might convince you to abandon the signature cookie sandwiches.
A few of our favorite ice cream treats include the following:
Double Doodle
If you love all things snickerdoodle, you’ll adore this treat. It features not only fresh-baked snickerdoodle cookies but also, delicious snickerdoodle-flavored ice cream.
Key Lime Pie
One of several seasonal and small-batch menu items worth trying when available, this pie-themed treat pairs key lime ice cream and graham crackers, adding a hint of coconut for effect.
Dough
If you’re a Cookie Monster at heart, you will love everything about this combination of cookie dough ice cream and chocolate chip cookies. The cookie is nearly as soft as the dough included within the delectable ice cream.
Vegan PB Cup
This option may be a favorite among vegan and gluten-free visitors, but even those who normally enjoy dairy products will find it compelling. It combines vegan flourless peanut butter cookies with rich chocolate sorbet.
The Origin
Sometimes, the most basic desserts are also the most appealing. This is certainly true of The Origin, which resembles the ice cream sandwiches of your carefree childhood summers, but tastes far better due to its fresh vanilla ice cream and chocolate cookies.
Taking the concept of the ice cream sandwich to new heights, Sunshine Sammies encourages you to embrace your inner child. Treat yourself to the ultimate ice cream sandwich at the welcoming storefront vintage food truck or one of this Asheville staple’s adorable carts.
Insider Tips:
– There’s no need to miss out on your favorite ice cream treats when you’re away from Asheville. Relive the Sunshine Sammies experience by ordering delicious desserts online. These can be shipped right to your doorstep. When you’re in the Asheville area, you can also secure local delivery via GrubHub, Uber Eats, or local favorite Takeout Central.
– Convenient parking is located right across the street, although many visitors stop by while exploring the downtown area on foot.