If you are looking for the best desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth, we have all the best places for delicious desserts in Arizona.
From you’re in the Phoenix area or heading out to explore other areas of the state, we have the best dessert places near you.
And whether you’re looking for an ice cream shop, milkshakes, fry bread, cake, homemade treats, cookies with chocolate chips or another sweet treat, these dessert shops will have you planning for your next trip back.Â
#1 Urban Cookies Bakeshop
Phoenix, AZ
The cupcakes here are large and very delicious! You could easily share one or enjoy it all yourself. These are easily the best cupcakes in Phoenix. So soft, moist and yummy!
Once you walk in, you’ll likely want more than what you came for as it smells so good inside. The staff is also very helpful and friendly.
Good to know: vegan and gluten free donuts, cookies and other treats are available that do taste delicious.
They offer cakes, cupcakes, donuts, brownies, cookies and other goodies.
What’s worth trying
- PB&J Cupcake
- Maple donut
- Double chocolate cookies
- Orange curd cupcake with cream cheese frosting
- Lemon blackberry donut
#2 Sweet Republic Artisian Ice Cream
Scottsdale, AZ
When you’re in the mood for some delicious ice cream or shakes, this is the place to go! What makes this ice cream spot different is how they craft each order. They help you select the right ice cream for you, offer you toppings and even a marshmallow to go with it.
They even use a flame torch for the marshmallow which is fun to see and it adding it to the ice cream makes it extra delicious.
Their ice cream is made from scratch using dairy from local farms. Even the ice cream cones are homemade and you’ll know it by the taste.
They don’t use any dyes in their ice cream and only use natural ingredients so it’s definitely one of the healthier options.
Local tip: The Yard Milkshake Bar in Downtown Phoenix and Sweet Republic have some of the best milkshakes you’ll find.
What’s worth trying
- Brownie fudge ice cream
- Campfire S’mores
- Waffle bowls
We typically head here on our way home from the Musical Instrument Museum.
#3 Topo Arizona
Gilbert, AZ
Topo Arizona is a small restaurant with a very limited, yet delicious menu. They only have outdoor seating right along the Downtown Gilbert main street which is nice. There are some yard games and nice picnic tables.
What do we go for? The prickly pear ice cream of course!
They also have vanilla ice cream (soft serve) and a twist of the two flavors as well.
#4 Novel Ice Cream
Phoenix, AZ and Mesa, AZ
Ever had ice cream inside of a warm donut? If not, this is your place for some of the best ice cream sandwiches you can find in the state.
You can choose something from their menu, which does have some rotating flavors, or make your own dough melt. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
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Their Phoenix location is nestled in a courtyard shared with other small homes and it’s cute place to sit without feeling like you’re in the city. The Mesa location is nestled in across from the Arizona Museum of Natural History.
What’s worth trying
- Honey lavender ice cream
- Cookie monster
- Butter pecan
- Bourbon vanilla caramel crunch ice cream
#5 Dateland Date Gardens
Dateland, AZ
Going to a garden for something sweet? Yes!
Dateland Date Gardens has the best date shake you can find. They only use natural fruit, Medjool dates, instead of sugar to sweeten their shakes. And it’s oh, so delicious!
We always stop here on our way to and from California. It’s almost impossible to miss as there are plenty of billboards up along the highway reminding you to stop.
They mix the fresh medjool dates from their gardens and blend them with vanilla ice cream.
What else is worth trying besides date shakes:
- Fresh dates (because you’ll want to eat these once you get home!)
- Date-nut bread
- Sour cream cookies
- Date bar
- Cactus shake
#6 Milk Run Premium Ice Cream & Boba
Phoenix, AZ
Boba and ice cream. I can’t really think of a better mix!
If you want some of the best bubble and milk teas you can find, head to Milk Run Premium Ice Cream & Boba. The portions are generous for the price.
What’s worth trying:
- AZ Sunset drink
- Original milk ea
- Thai tea float
Local tip: another excellent option for milk tea is Mochi Fresh Homemade Boba Milk Tea in Tempe. Boba lovers will love these places and appreciate the variety of boba drinks to choose from.
There are plenty of flavors of vietnamese teas, milk teas, coffees and slushes so everyone you go with can find something they like.
#7 Fry Bread House
Phoenix, AZ
If you’ve never tried Native American fry bread, this is a must while in Arizona!
The bread is airy, semi-sweet and you can eat it as a dessert, plain or even topped with honey and powdered sugar. The fry bread is also good with beans and other food on top.
Fun fact: If you have ever seen the movie Turquoise Rose, this is the place where a scene from the movie was filmed.
And this is also the first Native American restaurant to win a James Beard award.
What’s worth trying:
- Honey & Powered Sugar Sweet Fry Bread
- Cinnamon & Sugar & Butter Sweet Fry Bread
#8 AZ Chimney Cakes
Mesa, AZ
Whenever we go to to do something fun in Mesa, we often stop by AZ Chimney Cakes. It’s just too good to pass up!
AZ Chimney Cakes is a family and veteran owned business that serves desserts from Hungary called Kürtöskalács. These Chimeny Cakes, as they are called her, are a sweet bread made fresh and includes a filling of your choosing.
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The decor is fun and shows scenes from some major European cities.
What’s worth trying:
- Berliner
- Barcelona (with vanilla gelato and strawberries)
- Zurich (with cinnamon sugar with Oreo Cream inside
#9 República Empanada Restaurant
Mesa, AZ
República Empanada has some delicious and creative empanadas which my whole family loves! But why are they on the dessert list?
For their dessert empanadas of course!
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You’ll likely want to come for the savory empanadas too, so just make sure to save room for dessert! If you fill up on your meal, make sure to order different flavors of dessert empanadas to go!
Dessert empanadas worth trying:
- Plaintain & cheese
- Dizzy fig
- Banana cream pie
- Guava & cheese
- Nutella banana
#10 La Purisma Bakery
Glendale, AZ and Phoenix, AZ
With 2 locations in the valley, La Purisma Bakery is one of the best bakeries in Arizona.
There is no shortage of options here. You’ll find tons of Mexican desserts like pan dulce, cakes, cookies and other pastries.
What’s worth trying:
- Pumpkin empanada
- Pan dulce
- Chocolate concha
- Flan
- Marranito cookies
- Tres leches cake
They also sell burritos, tamales and homemade tortillas which are all delicious too!
# 11 Heaven on a Spoon
Mesa, AZ
If the best gelato you’ve possibly ever had sounds good to you, this is (without a doubt) your spot.
The gelato here is amazing! We tried so many samples which they were more than happy to accomodate. Every single flavor was so delicious which made it so hard to choose.
Even in their smaller container (piccolo), which actually wasn’t that small (and is more than enough), they were able to add 2 flavors.
The dark chocolate was heavenly! Keep in mind, they do change some of their flavors so you’ll always have new flavors to try.
What’s worth trying:
- Frozen nachos
- Gelato tacos
- Gelato tea
- Dulce de leche
- Dark chocolate
- Mango
- Stracciatella
They also have reasonable prices especially for the portions you get. Plus, they have dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan and egg-free options available.
#12 Fatty Daddy Ice Cream
Scottsdale, AZ and Phoenix, AZ
Fatty Daddy’s is the perfect place for homemade ice cream in a variety of unique flavors. Ice cream lovers always return here!
On top of the delicious ice cream, gelato or sorbet, you can also order a macaroon and toasted marshmallow (heated with a torch) to go on top. Delicious!
What’s worth trying:
- Fatty Daddy cookie cup
- Strawberry sorbet
- Sea salted caramel
- Cinnamon toast
- Cheesecake
Even if you don’t normally eat marshmallows, these homemade marshmallows will satisfy your taste buds.
Their main location is in Scottsdale and they also have a second location in Phoenix.
#13 Dessert in Desert
Scottsdale, AZ
Located on N Scottsdale Rd, Dessert in Desert is your place for fun treats that you won’t find in a lot of other places, like their homemade taiyaki fish cone filled with soft serve, cotton cheesecake and black sesame conees.
What’s worth trying:
- Milk taro ice cream with mochi
- Matcha ice cream
- Choco brownie snow shaved ice
- Nutella chocolate cookie crumbles
- Fish cone with red bean filling
#14 Melt Ice Cream Shop
Phoenix, AZ
Melt serves rotating ice cream flavors in a homemade waffle cone or a Chinese take-out box with fortune cookies on top. Quite unique to this area!
What’s worth trying:
- Monster cookie
- Rasberry horchata
- Coffee & Bourbon
- Grapefruit Tequila
#15 Sugar Bowl
Scottsdale, AZ
Our favorite spot to go for dessert in Old Town Scottsdale is Sugar Bowl and we almost always can’t resist getting one of their root beer floats. They also, in my opinion, happen to serve the top milkshake in the area.
Local Tip: Make sure to try their homemade potato chips if you get a chance!
This place is decked out in pink from the chairs and booths to the 70’s themed decor. They also have some old fashioned arcade games available to play.
They have ice cream, shakes, malts, floats and regular food as well if you are looking for more than tasty treats.
What’s worth trying:
- Old dutch chocolate ice cream or shakes
- Root beer float
- Pineapple mint shake
- Spectacular bonana bowl
#16 La Estrella Bakery
Tucson, AZ
La Estrella Bakery is one of the best Mexican bakeries I have visited. The long line outside shows how popular it is. It’s the go-to place in town for the finest baked items and tortillas.
Inside, the aroma of freshly baked goods is irresistible.
Local tip: Dolce pastello is also nearby and is another delicious bakery.
They have a diverse pastry selection, ranging from sweet conchas to savory empanadas. Each bite bursts with flavors, reflecting the care put into their baking.
What’s worth trying:
- Mexican cannoli
- Glazed donut
- Canilla conchas
- Strawberry pastry
#17 ZuZu’s
Scottsdale, AZ
If you find yourself staying at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, dining at Zuzu is an absolute no-brainer. This gem of a brunch spot may lean towards the higher end of the price scale, but trust me, it’s worth every penny, especially if you’re with a group of friends.
This is a great place for show stopper shake, one of Zuzu’s signature desserts.
This shake is made with a delicious, creamy base and topped with various house-made ingredients. Interestingly, the ingredients of this show stopper shake change each month to reflect the current season.
What’s worth trying:
- Show stopper shake
- Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
- Blueberry Passion Fruit Parfait
- Avocado Toast
- Fried Chicken & Waffle
#18 Uncle Biff’s California Killer Cookies
Phoenix, AZ
Just as the name suggests, this is the place to go for delicious cookies. This small family-owned gem stands out from the chain stores. As you walk in, you are greeted like family, with cookies and milk waiting for you in the kitchen.
The customer service of this place is second to none, as the staff is friendly, cheerful, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure you have a great experience.
What differentiates Uncle Biff’s from other cookie shops is that they make their dough in-house with all-natural, fresh ingredients. You can literally taste the difference!
Not only is the staff sweet, but the cookies are too! They are soft and chewy on the inside, with a crispy, buttery exterior. You will be hooked after taking one bite!
What’s worth trying:
- Salted Caramel chocolate chip
- Coconut white macadamia
- Regular semi-sweet chocolate chip
- Coconut macadamia
#19 European Bakery and Cafe
Glendale, AZ
This bakery is a paradise for cake lovers and coffee connoisseurs. Everything served here has a “homemade” taste because they always use fresh ingredients for each order. It may take a few minutes to get your order ready, but it is worth the wait.
Their menu includes delicious:
- Cakes
- Coffee
- Pastries
- Freshly baked breads
If you’re in the mood for some European pastries, definitely visit European Bakery and Cafe. The cakes and pastries are moist, fluffy, and light. They are so good that you will become a repeat customer in a heartbeat.
What’s worth trying:
- Swan cream puffs
- Mini fruit tarts
- Chocolate mousse cups,
- Oreo cake
You can even have a custom cake made to add a personalized touch to your celebration.
#20 Scoopwell’s Dough Bar
Phoenix, AZ
If you’re guilty of eating cookie dough while making cookies at home, then you must visit this cute small shop for some delicious edible cookie dough!
This one-of-a-kind family-owned business offers cookie dough, sundaes, ice creams, and more.
Whether you have a sweet tooth, a craving for cookies, or simply want to cool off from the scorching Phoenix heat, Scoopwell’s Dough Bar is highly recommended.
What’s worth trying:
- Peanut butter explosion
- Just brownie dough
- The night shift ice cream
#21 Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Glendale, AZ
I would not be wrong to say that Busters has the best ice cream in Arizona. They are always busy, but the lines move quickly, which is a testament to how delicious their ice cream is.
They have a variety of flavors, including:
- Banana
- Fudge cheesecake
- Black cherry
- Chocolate chip
- And many more
Their flavors are rich and unique, unlike any other ice cream you’ve tasted.
What’s worth trying:
- Oreo cheesecake
- Peanut Butter Crunch with Butterfinger
- Graham central station
#22 Churn Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ
If you want to try tasty homemade ice cream, this is the place to go! This quaint shop serves rich and creamy ice cream with countless sundae options.
They also have a variety of milkshakes, brownies, cookies, and nostalgic candies. The great thing is that you can build your own sundae too, and add actual fruits like strawberries!
The staff is extremely friendly and helpful and will do their best to assist you with your order.
What’s worth trying:
- Strawberry Shortcake Sundae
- Vanilla Bean
- Caramel Pecan with Caramel sauce
- Chocolate Sundae
#23 Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery
Flagstaff, AZ
If you’re searching for a charming local coffee spot with a European ambiance, look no further than Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery.
The presentation of their dishes is undeniably charming, and the staff provides exceptional service that goes above and beyond. They strive to ensure you have a memorable visit.
Note: Macy’s boasts an impressive menu for its cozy size, catering to various dietary preferences with options for vegetarians, vegans, and those seeking gluten-free alternatives.
Whether you are in need of a quick caffeine fix or seeking a relaxing spot to unwind with friends, Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery is well worth a visit.
What’s worth trying:
- Macy’s Special
- Vegetarian gravy and biscuits
- Butternut squash soup
#24 Dulce Churro Cafe
Gilbert, AZ
Dulce Churro Cafe is a small, family-owned business that serves up some of the most delicious churros in the area. They have a wide variety of churros to choose from, including:
- Traditional churros
- Filled churros
- Churros with different toppings
You can also watch your churros being made, just like at Krispy Kreme.
In addition to churros, they also serve horchata, tea, and coffee.
In the horchata bar, you can add flavors to your horchata. They also have a number of loose-leaf teas that they’ll brew fresh for you.
We tried the filled churros, and the Bavarian Cream was our favorite. The churros were perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The Bavarian Cream was rich and creamy and the perfect complement to the churros.
What’s worth trying:
- Arroz con leche
- Dulce de leche stuffed churro with Nutella dip
- El Grande
- Affogato
- Funnel Cake
#25 Cinnaholic
Gilbert, AZ
If you’re looking for a delicious and dairy-free treat, look no further than Cinnaholic! This vegan bakery specializes in cinnamon rolls, all made with plant-based ingredients.
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Cinnaholic is the fantastic smell of cinnamon. It’s like walking into a Cinnabon shop, but even better because you can be sure everything is vegan!
Warning: once you take a bite of their cinnamon rolls, be warned: it’s hard to stop.
I found myself unable to resist the temptation and kept devouring mine. The perfectly balanced flavors will satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth.
Make sure to try their cake batter frosting. It’s a delightful addition to an already fantastic treat and adds a unique twist to your cinnamon roll experience.
What’s worth trying:
- Mocha Madness
- Cake batter frosting
- Old Skool Roll with Strawberries and Bananas toppings
#26 Creme & Chocolats
Mesa, AZ
If you are a crepe person, you have to come here! The food is literally made with love and you can tell because of how amazing every crepe tastes. The lovely cafe vibe, clean and country classy, is a plus.
They serve the best chocolate and ice cream sandwiches. My dessert had an amazing balance of flavor and tasted delicious.
What’s worth trying:
- Sweet & Salty Berries
- Raspberry crepe
#27 Shannon’s Gourmet Cheesecakes
Prescott, AZ
Tucked away in the downtown area, Shannon’s Gourmet Cheesecakes is a charming little local place that will delight your taste buds. If you happen to be in Prescott and crave some of the tastiest food around, a visit to Shannon’s is a must.
One of the standout items on their menu is their wraps. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick and satisfying bite or a flavorful meal, Shannon’s wraps won’t disappoint.
However, the real star of the show at Shannon’s is their breathtaking cheesecakes. Unlike the heavy and dense varieties you find elsewhere, Shannon’s cheesecakes are creamy, light, and incredibly tasty.
Each bite is a heavenly experience that will leave you craving more.
What’s worth trying:
- Blackberry lemon cheesecake
- Strawberry cheesecake
#28 Danzeisen Dairy – Creamery Store
Payson, AZ
When it comes to dairy products, Danzeisen Dairy is simply the best. Their commitment to quality and sustainability makes them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
One of the things that sets them apart is their use of glass bottles. Not only does this add a charming touch to their products, but it also incentivizes recycling.
Local tip: also in Payson is Sweet Country Charm Fudge & Gifts which is a must stop for some delicious fudge.
Their milk, cheese curds, and specialty milks are addictive and always leave you wanting more. The taste and freshness are unparalleled, making every sip or bite a true delight.
If you’re in the mood for a milkshake, prepare yourself for a mind-blowing experience.
Danzeisen Dairy serves up the best milkshakes you’ll ever have. The creamy texture and rich flavors will transport you to milkshake heaven.
What’s worth trying:
- Root Beer flavored milk
- Chocolate milk
- Monsoon Stack
#29 Smallcakes: Cupcakery & Creamery
Lake Havasu, AZ
Prepare to be delighted by some of the best cupcakes you’ve ever had! Smallcakes offers a fun and joyful atmosphere, with a wide selection of flavors of cupcakes.
Aside from cupcakes, They also excel in creating beautiful custom design cakes. They can bring your vision to life.
They even have non-dairy options, and finding a place that accommodates vegan preferences is always nice.
What’s worth trying:
- Boston Cream pie
- German Chocolate cake
- Caramel Crunch
#30 Scoops Homemade Ice Cream
Lake Havasu, AZ
Step into Scoops Homemade Ice Cream and prepare to be greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of freshly made ice cream.
One flavor that stands out is the unicorn tracks flavor. The name itself is playful and matches the delightful taste of this special creation.
Every time you take a spoonful, you’ll feel like you are being whisked away to a magical world filled with unique flavors and sweet goodness.
In addition to their delectable ice cream, they also offer small-batch sodas, cinnamon toothpicks, and a selection of vintage candy. It’s a treasure trove for those who appreciate the nostalgia and charm of old-school sweets.
What’s worth trying:
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Brownie Delight Sundae
- Ice Cream Sundaes
#31 The Frozen Monkey and Sweet Snow
Goodyear, AZ
When the summer heat becomes unbearable, visit The Frozen Monkey and Sweet Snow. It’s the perfect spot to cool down and enjoy refreshing treats.
Whether you opt for their famous Pineapple Dole Whip or a delicious shaved ice, you can’t go wrong with your choice.
What’s worth trying:
- Vanilla Dole Float
- Mango shaved ice
Local tip: also nearby in Buckeye is Molina’s Creperie which has delicious churro crepes.
#32 Café à La C’Art
Tucson, AZ
A cute, decent, hidden spot with a lot of inside seating and a cute and spread-out outside patio. They even provide catering services.
The menu options allow for both sweet and savory choices. Their cake far exceeded my expectations and was both gorgeous and delicious. Their prickly pear lemonade is a special Arizona treat!
What’s worth trying:
- Buttermilk Pancakes
- Cinnamon French Toast
- Prickly Pear Lemonade
#33 Famous Sam’s Sports Grill
Tucson, AZ
Looking for an inexpensive, family-friendly sports bar experience in Tucson? Look no further than Famous Sam’s Sports Grill. This locally owned establishment is known for its American food served in a laid-back bar style atmosphere.
While they may not offer funnel cakes, they have a unique treat that you simply can’t miss – their mouth watering funnel cake fries.
#34 Toasted Mallow
Gilbert, AZ
Do yourself a favor and go enjoy a sweet treat at this unique spot.
Toasted Mallow also offers a variety of other delicious treats. You can indulge in their:
- Milkshakes
- Coffee shakes
- Cookies
- Cupcakes
- Iced drinks
One of their must-try specialties is the frozen chai with whipped marshmallow. The combination of the creamy ice cream and the fluffy marshmallow topping creates a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.
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They make their marshmallow fluff from scratch, using no corn syrup.
What’s worth trying:
- Dark salted caramel
- Churro
- Campfire s’mores
- Birthday cake
This is one place you can really come to celebrate any special occasion.
#35 Sa Morz Bakery
Casa Grande, AZ
Looking for the best bakery experience in Casa Grande? Look no further than Sa Morz Bakery. This hidden gem will satisfy all your sweet cravings and leave you wanting more.
Their cheesecake is simply divine, with a smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Unlike overly sweet options, this cheesecake strikes the perfect balance of flavors, making it an absolute delight.
The bakery is also known for its array of sweet treats. Their cookies are a sight to behold. These huge, beautifully sweet cookies are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.
And let’s not forget about their cakes. Each one is a work of art, filled with delicious cream and crafted with precision.
What’s worth trying:
- Cream Cheese Brownies
- Chocolate Braids
- Cream cheese cinnamon roll
Trying the Best Dessert in Arizona
I hope you’ve found lots of dessert spots at some of the best restaurants that have you ready to go satisfy that sweet tooth.
Whether you are in the mood for some fresh fruit or a real treat of artisan ice cream, cookies or something unique, we have found it all for you!
These Phoenix restaurants as well as places in the Greater Phoenix area will give you something fun to try every week! These are surely the best way to satisfy that sweet treat while experiencing something new with your family and friends.
