Desserts in Minneapolis That Will Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Treat yourself! From cozy bakeries to upscale restaurants, Minneapolis caters to every sweet tooth. Whether you like a small treat after dinner or need a lot of sweet to be satisfied (we don’t judge), you've got to try these churros, pastries, dessert cocktails, cookies and more in sweet, sweet Minneapolis.
Churros at Colita
People flock to Colita for their creative cocktails (order the Naked Dani — it’s topped with edible bubbles and a rubber duck) and Mexican flavors, but you’ll want to save room for dessert here, too, because the churros are divine. They come dusted in cinnamon sugar and swirled in a rosette, unlike the traditional straight shape for which churros are known. Dulce de leche is smeared on the plate underneath, and while you’re eating, dip them in the thick dulce cream on the side.
Vanilla Soft Serve with Olive Oil at Young Joni & Pizzeria Lola
The star of Pizzeria Lola and Young Joni’s dessert menu is the house-made vanilla soft serve. Order it with olive oil drizzle and a sprinkle of fleur de sel (flaky salt) to get the full effect. This unexpected pairing is actually a match made in heaven — the earthy olive oil adds umami flavor to the ice cream. It’s like a grown-up alternative to chocolate syrup.
Mango Chia Seed Pudding at Hola Arepa
Hola Arepa is known for being friendly towards people with special diets. Most of their menu is gluten-free and veggie forward. This vegan dessert gets its sweetness from a generous serving of pureed mango. The coconut chia seed pudding’s tapioca texture provides a pleasant chew, and the chia seeds will help you meet your fiber intake goals for the day. You’ll see the distinct layers of the pudding and puree in its glass jar, and it’s made brighter with seasonally fresh fruits on top.
Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies at Café Ceres
The pastries and desserts at Café Ceres are the Brainchild of James Beard nominated pastry chef Sean McKenzie. She’s known for creating desserts with Turkish influences and innovative flavors. The tahini chocolate chip cookie is a crowd favorite. They’re made with tahini, a heavy hand of brown sugar, and whole wheat flour to give a richer flavor. Order this with a signature latte and you’ll be set. Visit any of their three locations in Minneapolis!
Seasonal Delights & the Classics at Edwards Dessert Kitchen
Since “dessert” is literally in their name, you can’t go wrong with any of the confectionary creations at Edwards Dessert Kitchen. They’re known for seasonal delights, like rhubarb cream desserts in the summer and things like pumpkin cheesecakes in the fall. Looking for something homier? Try one of their cookies or bars. The Brown Butter Blondie is thick and rich thanks to the nuttiness of the brown butter, and the huge Salted Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie is sought out by locals and food critics alike for its sweet and salty flavors. Miraculously, it’s crunchy and chewy at the same time.
Espresso Martinis at All Saints
Maybe you want to drink your dessert. In that case, head All Saints in Northeast Minneapolis for delicious Espresso Martinis. They come topped with cold foam, a spritz of hazelnut and perfectly chilled. Most importantly, it’s made with just the right amount of sweetness, so you can actually taste the espresso. It’s the perfect after-meal cocktail because it’s light enough to have after a full meal.
Churro Donuts at Boludo
Churro fans, after you’ve tried Colita’s churros, visit Boludo. They’re known for flavorful Argentinean-style pizza, but the churro donuts shouldn’t be skipped. These have a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, but they aren’t overly sweet. Elevate the sweetness and flavor by dipping them in the thick dulce de leche that comes on the side.
Paletas & Sorbet at La Michocana Purepecha
In the summer, be sure to hit up La Michoacana Purepecha on East Lake Street for their authentic, homemade paletas – Mexican popsicles – ice cream and sorbets. These treats are so good, the line is usually out the door. Choose from over 30 flavors of paletas, like horchata and cookies and cream. If you’re in the mood for sorbet, get the Mangonada. It’s made with fresh mango puree, swirled with Tajin and topped with fresh mango.
French Pastries at Patisserie 46
It wouldn’t be a dessert article if we didn’t recommend a bakery! Patisserie 46 is where you can find authentic French pastries without needing an airline ticket to Paris. For something simple but oh so perfect, order the chocolate croissant (pain au chocolat if you’re fancy). Looking to splurge? Treat yourself to one of the confections, like a lemon tart, macaron box or bon bons.
Peach Cobbler at Lutunji's Palate
Good news, you don’t have to travel too far south to get authentic, Southern-style peach cobbler. You can find one right in the Elliot Park neighborhood at Lutunji's Palate. The secret to this dessert is canned peaches. They’re juicy and cut easily with a fork while you’re chowing down. Vegans can also savor this delightful dessert because the crust is made vegan.
Boozy Cupcakes at Copper Hen Cakery & Kitchen
The Copper Hen is known for their brunches and affordable bottomless mimosas, but save room for their cookies, crumbles, and the boozy cupcakes for those old enough. The boozy cupcakes come in little mason jars and have a booze-filled pipette poked into the sponge. Try the s’mores flavor or go more classic with a strawberries and cream cake spiked with champagne. Flavors of their desserts are switched up depending on the season!
Literally Anything at Spoon and Stable
We can’t pick one dessert at Spoon and Stable, because they’re all delicious and so pretty that they could be on a magazine cover. Alexandra Motz, Spoon and Stable’s executive pastry chef, takes inspiration from color and the seasons, so you’ll get a pleasing pop against a white plate. These desserts also rotate seasonally, so flavors like strawberries and pickled cherry are embraced in the summer, and apple and citrus during the winter. To our delight, chocolate is prevalent all year round. For something simple but swoon-worthy, get a slice of their vanilla crepe cake each Sunday during brunch.
