Whether you’re craving a sugar rush or merely seeking a side hustle from your diet, the Valley has plenty of baked, iced, swirled and poured gooey, crumbling goodness to tempt and treat you. From truffles and pastries to hot bubble waffles and some of the most inspired artisanal ice cream flavors anywhere, here are some of the best dessert joints in the area to dip a spoon or straw in when you’re in the mood for a sweet diversion.
Conejo Valley
Tifa Chocolate & Gelato
28888 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
What started as an online chocolate company now has numerous locations around the Valley, including this one in Agoura Hills. In addition to offering artisan chocolate bars from around the globe, they craft their own truffles, bon-bons, caramels and nut clusters. Chocolate not for you? Bite into one of their pastries and wash it down with an espresso or cold brew.
The Raspado House
540 N Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
This Thousand Oaks juice bar serves up shaved ice, smoothies and classic Mexican snacks. The shaved ice is best enjoyed during the forthcoming sweltering summer months, but in the meantime, they offer funnel churros, Latin ice cream, agua frescas and flavorful fruit desserts.
Carrara Pastries
28914 Roadside Drive, Suite 107 Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Traditional Italian desserts are the order of the day at this pastry shop. Try the Tiramisu (sponge cake soaked in Italian espresso), the Velina (maraschino-soaked sponge cake with chocolate mousse, hazelnut brittle center, hazelnut mousse covered in a chocolate glaze) or the Yogurt Wildberry (wildberry-soaked sponge cake, with yogurt and wildberry mousse and berries).
San Fernando Valley
Happy Days
14552 Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 91403
If you hadn’t guessed from the name of the place, this café likes to keep things upbeat. So what better dessert to put a smile on your face then the churro waffle – which arrives on a stick, drizzled in chocolate – or the ice cream doughnut, stuffed with Nutella, glazed with chocolate and sprinkles, and served with strawberry and whipped cream?
Wanderlust Creamery
18511 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana, CA 91356
This ice cream spot’s flavors are the creations of co-founder Adrienne Borlongan, a former mixologist who designs the desserts herself, drawing upon a variety of international inspirations, some autobiographical. The Sticky Rice Mango, for example, is a nod to Thailand. You can probably guess which country the Earl Grey is a tip of the hat to.
Republic of Pie
11118 W Magnolia Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Located in the NoHo Arts District, this eatery specializes in fresh baked goods – pies, scones and shortbreads – and gourmet coffees. As if there was any doubt you were in a coffee shop, they feature performances by local singers and songwriters from the area and invite you to settle in with some apple pie to write that best-selling novel you’ve always had in you.
Santa Clarita Valley
Wafflecomb
26240 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350
The owners of this Santa Clarita shop were inspired by their upbringing in Toronto, Canada, where bubble waffles were a favorite dessert. (Unlike the ones from Belgium, these waffles, which form bubbles when they are made, originated in Hong Kong.) Try one wrapped around scoops of café cream or mango ice cream, then topped off with gummy bears or Oreo crumbs.
Lady Di’s Cookies
26882 The Old Road, Valencia, CA 91381
Lady Di’s Cookies, which started in 1994 delivering their goodies as gifts, opened a retail spot in 2003. They now have two locations: one in Westridge Shopping Center and the other in Westfield Valencia Town center mall. They pride themselves on their always-fresh cookies, of course, but also serve brownies, gluten-free cupcakes, caramel apples, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Their all-natural ingredients include whole oats, dark chocolate, and brown sugar.
Rita’s Italian Ice
26773 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350
Another refreshing stop to keep in mind as the days grow hotter, this counter-serve chain features a variety of cold treats, but the focus is clearly on the Italian ices and frozen custards. The frosty former currently comes in such fruitful flavors as strawberry, pineapple, and coconut.