If you find yourself in downtown San Jose craving something sweet, check out the dessert options in this bustling city center. As the third largest city in California, San Jose’s downtown is filled with bakeries, cafes, and stores offering indulgent desserts. Learning about the dessert options in San Jose allows visitors and residents to satisfy their sweet tooth within the vibrant downtown core.
A local favorite is Margaret’s Baking Company, located in the heart of downtown. Margaret’s is renowned for its homemade cakes, cookies, and pastries made with the finest and freshest ingredients. Their red velvet cake is a must-try, moist layer filled and frosted with decadent cream cheese frosting. The lemon poppyseed muffins and almond croissants are also top sellers.
A short stroll away, you will find Dulce Bakery & Cafe, known for innovative pastries and unique baked goods. Their specialty is miniature pastries like bite-sized cheesecakes, fruit tarts, and truffles. The salted caramel cake and poppyseed muffins are always rated among the bakery’s best desserts. Dulce Bakery is also a great spot to grab a slice of cake or pastry to enjoy with your coffee.
Indulgent Ice Cream and Gelato Spots
Nothing beats a cool sweet treat like ice cream or gelato on a hot day. Fortunately, San Jose has plenty of top-rated shops offering creamy frozen desserts.
Within walking distance of downtown is Sweet Madame, a local favorite for artisan gelato and sorbetto. Their gelato is made in small batches daily with high-quality ingredients and features unique flavor combinations. Top selections include salted caramel, passionfruit, and toasted almond brittle. Sweet Madame keeps it simple, with just a handful of rotating flavors daily to focus on the fresh ingredients.
A bit farther north, Cool Haus Craft Ice Cream is a must-see for adventurous ice cream fanatics. Known for pushing flavor boundaries, Cool Haus is as much an experience as a dessert. Signatures like doughnut ice cream sandwiches and maple pecan flavors are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Their unique creations make Cool Haus a local destination for unique ice cream.
Timeless Bakeries Outside Downtown
While downtown San Jose boasts convenient dessert options, venturing farther afield uncovers other beloved neighborhood bakeries worth the trip.
A long-standing East San Jose favorite is The Original Cupcake Company, well-known throughout the South Bay for over 15 years. Their cupcakes are made from scratch daily using the finest ingredients. Top sellers include red velvet, peanut butter, carrot cake, and buttercream frosting cupcakes. They also offer cakes, cookies, and other treats perfect for any celebration or sweet craving.
Heading to the Willow Glen area, look no further than Joy’s Place for European-inspired pastries. Homestyle cookies, Danishes, croissants, and bread make Joy’s a cozy morning or afternoon pick-me-up. Don’t-miss items include flaky French croissants, poppy seed rolls, and seasonal fruit tarts. Joy’s bakery items are not to be missed for anyone seeking traditional European baked goods.
Cookies Lovers
Crumbl Cookies in San Jose is a standout for anyone with a passion for cookies. This popular bakery is known for its oversized, freshly baked cookies that rotate flavors weekly. Classic flavors like Milk Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, and Peanut Butter are always a hit. Crumbl’s dedication to high-quality ingredients and inventive recipes makes it a must-visit for cookie lovers looking to indulge in something special. Whether you’re grabbing a box to go or savoring a cookie in-store, Crumbl Cookies provides a delightful dessert experience.
Decadent Desserts Delivered
For those times when you can’t make it to the bakery yourself, San Jose offers convenient dessert delivery services as well.
Dolcey is a premier provider of unique cakes, cupcakes, and other sweets delivered throughout the South Bay. Their moist cakes come in a variety of flavors, from red velvet to chocolate salted caramel. Custom cake decorating allows you to create the perfect dessert for any celebration. Dolcey also offers bakery boxes and party packs for hassle-free entertaining.
Smallcakes Cupcakery also ships cupcakes, whoopie pies, and specialty cakes throughout Northern California. Their moist, fluffy cupcakes are made from scratch in small batches daily. Flavors like cookies n’ cream, peanut butter fudge, and s’mores are consistent fan favorites. Smallcakes makes indulging in sweets as easy as placing an online order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular cake options? Margaret’s Baking Company offers a variety of cakes, including their famous red velvet cake.
Where can I find tasty pastries? Dulce Bakery & Cafe offers a selection of innovative pastries and baked goods.
What dessert shop is best for ice cream? Sweet Madame is known for its artisan gelato and sorbetto, while Cool Haus Craft Ice Cream offers unique and adventurous flavors.
What bakery has a great selection of treats? The Original Cupcake Company and Joy’s Place offer a variety of baked goods, including cupcakes, cookies, and European-inspired pastries.
Where should I go for decadent desserts? Schurra’s in Santana Row is known for its innovative desserts like olive oil cake and rice pudding tart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, San Jose offers a wide range of options for satisfying any pastry or dessert craving. From tried and true neighborhood favorites to innovative new shops, discovering the best desserts, pastries, and gelato spots is part of the fun. Whether dining out or having treats delivered, residents and visitors alike will find plenty to please their sweet tooth.
