Denver, Colorado, is a haven for dessert enthusiasts looking to satisfy their sweet tooth with sweets, baked goods, donuts, and hot chocolate. From creamy ice creams and delicate macarons that melt in your mouth to rich, decadent cakes and other baked goods that promise a sensory overload, the city’s dessert scene, crafted by skilled pastry chefs, is bustling with unique flavors and experiences.
These spots not only serve delicious baked goods, including donuts and food, but also offer cozy atmospheres perfect for indulging in your favorite sweets prepared by a pastry chef. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, exploring these dessert destinations, known for their pastry chef-crafted sweets, baked goods, and sweet pies, is a must for any foodie. Scroll down for reviews of our top picks, including special donuts and sweet pies crafted by a pastry chef, and discover where to find the best desserts Denver has to offer.
Key Takeaways
- Explore the Unique Flavors: Each of Denver’s top dessert spots, like Little Man Ice Cream and Sweet Action Ice Cream, offers unique and adventurous flavors, including some of the best. Don’t be afraid to try something new; it might just become your new favorite best thing.
- Not Just About Ice Cream: While ice cream dominates, places like D Bar Denver and The Inventing Room Dessert Shop provide a broader dessert experience with innovative dishes that are as delicious as they are visually appealing, showcasing some of the best desserts.
- Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a sweet treat to brighten your day, these best dessert spots in Denver have something for everyone.
- Support Local Businesses: By visiting these favorite dessert spots, you’ll enjoy some of the best treats in town while supporting local businesses and the local economy.
- Seasonal Offerings: Keep an eye out for the best seasonal specials and limited-time offerings at these locations. They often feature ingredients at their peak, providing the best exceptional taste experience.
- A Dessert Tour of Denver: Consider making a day of it and embarking on a dessert tour to experience the best variety and creativity firsthand. It’s a fun way to explore the city and indulge in some of its best culinary delights.
1. Little Man Ice Cream
Little Man Ice Cream stands out not only for its delicious treats but also for its iconic 28-foot-tall milk can structure, making it a must-visit landmark in Denver. This unique spot, led by a special pastry chef, offers a wide variety of homemade ice cream and tea flavors that cater to all tastes. From traditional favorites to unique and seasonal options, including chef-crafted pastry and holiday tea, there’s always something special to try. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic vanilla or something more adventurous like meringue, pastry, or pop-flavored ice cream, Little Man has the best special covered.
Beyond serving up some of the best ice cream in town, Little Man Ice Cream is deeply committed to community engagement. Their “Scoop for Scoop” initiative is particularly noteworthy, where they donate a scoop of rice or beans for every scoop of ice cream sold, making it one of their best initiatives. This program highlights their dedication to giving back, making every visit even more rewarding and showcasing the best aspects of their commitment.
2. D Bar Denver
D Bar Denver shines in the culinary world thanks to celebrity chef Keegan Gerhard, a familiar face from the Food Network and best known for his culinary expertise. These spots not only serve delicious baked goods, including donuts and food, but also offer cozy atmospheres perfect for indulging in your favorite sweets prepared by a pastry chef. This spot is unique because it merges the concept of dining with a dessert bar, positioning desserts as the best main attraction.
These spots not only serve delicious baked goods, including donuts and food, but also offer cozy atmospheres perfect for indulging in your favorite sweets prepared by a pastry chef. Among its many offerings, the Cake and Shake stand out as the best signature dish that has captured the hearts and palates of visitors. It pairs a decadent slice of cake with a complementary milkshake, showcasing D Bar Denver’s best innovative approach to classic desserts.
3. The Inventing Room Dessert Shop
The Inventing Room Dessert Shop stands out as one of the best in Denver’s dessert scene by embracing molecular gastronomy techniques. This innovative approach transforms classic desserts into extraordinary experiences. The pastry chef here crafts visually stunning creations, often using liquid nitrogen for the best dramatic effect. Customers are treated to the spectacle of their desserts being prepared right before their eyes, making each visit uniquely engaging and the best experience.
This shop is renowned for its commitment to innovation, continuously introducing new and experimental concepts that push the boundaries of traditional desserts, making it one of the best in its field. From macarons that change flavors as you eat them to croissants filled with unexpected ingredients, every item in their pastry case is a testament to the best creativity and culinary art.
4. Sweet Action Ice Cream
Sweet Action Ice Cream stands out in Denver as the best sweet spot for dessert lovers. This ice cream parlor takes pride in its commitment to sustainability, offering a range of vegan options and using compostable materials, and is considered one of the best. By supporting local Colorado farms and businesses, Sweet Action Ice Cream ensures that each scoop is not only delicious but also the best and community-conscious.
The shop’s rotating selection of flavors is a testament to their creativity and dedication to quality, showcasing the best options available. From fresh fruit sorbets to rich, creamy concoctions infused with cinnamon or sea salt, there’s something for everyone to enjoy the best flavors. Adventurous palates will delight in the best unique combinations, while traditionalists can find comfort in classic favorites.
5. Milkbox Ice Creamery
Milkbox Ice Creamery stands out not just for its delicious ice cream but also for its unique location, making it one of the best. Nestled inside the historic Union Station, it offers the perfect blend of Denver’s rich history with modern dessert trends. This setting provides an exceptional experience, allowing visitors to enjoy their best treats in a place that holds a piece of the city’s past.
The menu boasts a wide range of flavors, from classic favorites to contemporary twists, all made with the best all-natural ingredients. This commitment to quality ensures that every scoop is as fresh and flavorful as possible, representing the best in taste. For those looking for something a little different, Milkbox Ice Creamery also offers the best boozy shakes and malts. These spots not only serve delicious baked goods, including donuts and food, but also offer cozy atmospheres perfect for indulging in your favorite sweets prepared by a pastry chef.
Dessert Spots Cherished by Locals in Denver, Colorado
Dessert lovers in Denver, Colorado, have a plethora of options to satisfy their sweet cravings, from the creamy delights at Little Man Ice Cream to the innovative concoctions of The Inventing Room Dessert Shop, which are considered some of the best. Each spot offers a unique experience, whether it’s the nostalgic ambiance of Milkbox Ice Creamery or the best gourmet desserts at D Bar Denver. They cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone at its best. Sweet Action Ice Cream stands out for its commitment to using local ingredients, highlighting the community’s dedication to sustainability and being recognized as the best in this practice.
These establishments not only serve the best delicious treats but also contribute to Denver’s vibrant culinary scene. They invite locals and tourists alike to explore the best flavors that make each spot unique. For those seeking to indulge in Denver’s dessert culture, visiting these five favorite spots is a must to experience the best. Their commitment to quality, creativity, and community engagement makes them the best standouts in the city’s dessert offerings.
