
15 Sweet Dessert Places Around Los Angeles
Here are our favorite dessert spots around Los Angeles to indulge in something special. Best of all, each of these establishments is family-friendly. So grab the kids and discover your new favorite! In the mood for something cool? Check out our list of the best ice cream spots for families.
Sinners & Saints Desserts
Erynn said: While every dessert here is decadent, this shop divides its goods into two categories- for sinners (plenty of deliciousness with gluten) and for saints (completely gluten-free). Of course, whichever you choose, you'll still get to pick from tasty morsels like tarts, cakes, brownies, cookies, cheesecakes, and more.
Plus, some options are also vegan and many are even suitable for paleo diets.
Venice, CAZombee Donuts & Bakeshop
Gina I. said: Are your kiddos crazy about Halloween? Then they'll love Zombee Donuts! From their 'Famous Eyeball' donut made with red velvet & white swirled cake and a chocolate ganache donut hole in the middle to their 'Zombee Mascot,' a glazed zombie shaped donut with a jelly-filled head, they offer a variety of festive sweet treats that wow both kids and adults alike! If 'spooky' donuts aren't your thing; not to worry! They have a delicious assortment of sweet, colorfully frosted donuts, perfect for any occasion, as well as a large variety of vegan donuts.
Fullerton, CADonut Friend
Parents love taking their family to eat at Donut Friend because they're known for their signature doughnut creations which include fresh fruit or fresh jam sandwiched between two glazed doughnuts and topped with almonds, nuts, or sprinkled with chocolate, coconut, or bacon bits and more. You wouldn't know it by looking at the decadent doughnuts, but they're all made without eggs, honey, dairy, or any animal products making it the perfect shop for Vegans to enjoy something sweet without having to sacrifice taste.
Los Angeles, CAPorto's Bakery & Cafe
Popular Cuban bakery chain known for its delicious pastries, cakes, and savory dishes.
Alexandra F. said: Growing up my entire family would gladly drive the hour it took to get to the original Porto's in Glendale, because their Cuban sandwiches, potato balls and especially their flaky guava and cheese pastries were just that good. Fast forward a couple decades or three, and word has obviously spread. Southern Californians are now lucky enough to have several Porto's locations from which to choose. Lines are still as long as I remember from when I was a kid, but trust me, the guava and cheese pastries are worth the wait.
Glendale, CAFonuts
For families who want to indulge in doughnuts but don't like that most doughnuts are fried, Fonuts offers a selection of doughnuts that are baked or steamed but never fried; they also have a selection of vegan and gluten-free doughnuts and use only natural ingredients.
Los Angeles, CA
XRO Fresh Churro Bar
Alexandra F. said: These churros are AMAZING. Truly, the best I've ever tasted, and everyone we've shared them with has said the same. They are also vegan, making them the absolute favorite treat for my kid with an egg-allergy. Also, the service is incredible - nicest people ever! We got a couple of boxes for my son's birthday party, and it was worth the 60+ miles we drove to pick them up!
Newhall, CAMuffin Top Bakery
Erynn said: Moms will no doubt enjoy the "punny" name, but everyone in the family will appreciate the range of cakes and pastries that include vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free selections.
Kids can enjoy a delicious and no-fuss cupcake, cookie, or muffin, while parents are more apt to explore more refined sweets like eclairs, cannolis, and cream puffs.
Redlands, CALa Mascota Bakery
Erynn said: Craving a traditional Mexican pan dulce or other dessert? This casual sweet spot has you covered- and they even sell breakfast and lunch items. The highlight, however, is the selection of bakery items, including conchas (shell-shaped sweet breads), cookies, cakes (dulce de leche and tres leches, to name two!), tarts, flans, and more.
And for parents- grab a latte to wash it all down- they have flavors like horchata and mint agave.
Los Angeles, CAErin McKenna's Bakery
Erynn said: If your family has food allergies or simply strong preferences, you'll love this spot. Every menu item is dairy free, egg free, soy free, and gluten free- making it easy to pick up sweet yet healthy (and safe) treats for everyone.
The menu includes items like vegan soft serve, cupcakes and cakes, donuts, loaves, cookies, crumb cake, muffins, brownies, and more! Plus, you can feel good allowing the kids to order whatever their hearts desire.
Los Angeles, CADuck's Donuts
Gina I. said: With their vibrantly colored frosting and festive sprinkles, your kids will go wild for Duck's Donuts! Family owned for more than 20 years, Duck's Donuts offers a large assortment of donuts, as well as 'letter' donuts so you can send a sweet message for those special occasions. Best of all, these deliciously colorful creations are available around the clock.
Santa Ana, CASidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Gina I. said: Is your family in donut rut? Look no further than Sidecar Doughnuts! Not only are they on a mission to serve "the world's freshest doughnuts", but their menu is always changing, featuring new and innovative varieties both on a daily and monthly rotation. In addition, they offer a different gluten free option each week. So, you can go again, and again, and again!
Santa Monica, CAThe Donuttery
Gina I. said: Whether you're a donut traditionalist and prefer the classic varieties like Old Fashioned, Blueberry & French Cruller or like to take a walk on the wild side with Red Velvet, Créme Brûlée or Salted Caramel doughnuts, you'll love what the Donuttery has to offer! Kids love the fun flavors like PB&J and Strawberry Nutella, and they even have a large assortment of vegan donuts. There's often a wait so be prepared!
Huntington Beach, CACalifornia Donuts
Doughnuts topped with pink icing and fruit loops, chocolate and chunks of Reese's cups, and customized donuts made with the toppings of your choice, make California Donuts a winner for doughnut lovers. Kiddos love the panda donut that comes with sweet vanilla icing and Oreo cookies for ears. Have a birthday, promotion, or special occasion to celebrate? With advance notice, California Donuts can whip up a batch of custom celebratory word donuts, too!
Los Angeles, CAKD'S Donuts
Gina I. said: Donuts aren't just for breakfast when you visit KD's Donuts! In fact, anytime is a good time for one of these sweet treats! Choose from one of their delicious varieties and enjoy it with a cup of coffee, or treat the kids (and yourself) to their famous Donut Ice Creams! They'll scoop your ice cream right on top of your favorite donut or make it an ice cream sandwich. Yum!
Santa Ana, CAKarma Baker
Erynn said: It can be hard to find sweet treats for families with allergies or specific dietary needs to enjoy. But at Karma Baker, a full gluten-free and vegan menu- many items on which are also nut-free- invites kids to try favorites like Mermaid or Unicorn donuts, Karma Cakes (which imitate a name-brand cupcake snack), Gingerbread cookies, and more.
Handmade vegan sprinkles are also a highlight!
Thousand Oaks, CAPrimary photo: Patrick Fore on Unsplash
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