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Put these sweets on your must-try list
As the saying goes, it’s the little things in life that often bring the greatest enjoyment. Savoring a decadent dessert is one of life’s simplest pleasures, which is precisely why our local culinary artisans and entrepreneurs have made it their life’s work to treat our palates to blissful sweetness. No matter which of our cities you find yourself in when the siren song of sugar sings, we have you covered. Whether you’re craving a donut, hand-crafted chocolate, something frozen or something freshly baked, consider this your cheat sheet to the most delicious dessert spots in Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura and Port Hueneme.
Donuts for Daze
Locals are loyal to Rolling Pin Donuts for good reason. Open 20-24 hours a day, donut-lovers and midnight snackers give two big thumbs up to the classic and mini donut flavors. The cronuts—a hybrid donut-croissant—are melt-in-your-mouth, out-of-this-world good and available piping hot and freshly baked at 6:00 p.m. everyday.
📷: @rollingpin.camarillo
A Taste of Mexico
Xielo Artisan Desserts offers an array of authentic Mexican sweets and fusion treats from a bilingual menu. Enjoy crepes, shaved ice and classic Mexican baked goods like cactus bread, orange bread, guava empanadas and pecan blossom cookies. Leave room for a Mexican hot chocolate or their thicker, Spanish-style hot chocolate, both made with craft cacao from Oaxaca.
Panaderia Conchita Bakery is the community’s go-to for authentic Mexican treats ranging from Nidos and Discos to Payasos and Tres Leches Cake. Upon entering the bakery, the comforting fragrance of flour, cinnamon and sugar will tempt you to try everything. And we don’t blame you! Be sure to leave room for a comforting cup of Avena, a traditional hot beverage prepared with stewed oats, vanilla and cinnamon.
📷: @xielodesserts
Fab Frozen Faves
Anything but ordinary, Michoacanita Ice Cream Company specializes in unique handcrafted ice creams and sweet (and savory) treats with a strong Mexican influence. Vibrant creations like horchata floats, bubble waffles and mangonadas scream for an Instagram post, as do the voluminous coffee-chatas, milk shakes and other refreshing treats.
LA-based chain After’s Ice Cream has a well-deserved cult following for their Milky Bun Ice Cream Sandwich—a glazed donut-like bun filled with one of their unique ice cream flavors. The ice cream on its own makes for a delightful snack in a cup or cone, too. Their super fun and clever flavors include Milk and Cereal, Birthday Cake and Thai Tea.
📷: @michoacanitaicecreamco
Let Them Eat Cupcakes
Missy’s Cupcake Creations will tempt you with creative cupcakes and donuts baked and iced daily. This is the spot for vegans with a sweet tooth—she always has vegan donut and cupcake options…at least while supplies last! Gluten-free cupcakes can also be made by special order. And if you have no dietary restrictions, beeline here for some decadent German Chocolate cupcake goodness.
A full bakery dishing out donuts, muffins and cookies, Heavenly Cakes & More specializes in drool-worthy custom cakes. Don’t worry if you’re just visiting and can’t commit to a whole cake—many of the same flavor options are available as cupcakes. Pop in for a sampler of classics like Carrot and Red Velvet or fruit-forward cupcakes like Pineapple, Orange and Cherry.
📷: @missys_cupcakes
Cookies, Cakes, Oh My!
Established in Camarillo in 2001, Fine Sconehenge Baking Co. is a successful pastry shop and a deli. While they also make divine brownies, bars, cookies and granola, scones are their signature item. Expect homestyle scones made in small batches and prepared with clean, all-natural ingredients, down to real butter and cream. They are moist enough that you don’t need to add butter and jam, but we recommend piling it all on!
Sticky Fingers Baking Co. is another trusty local purveyor of vegan and gluten-free sweets whose vast range of offerings is sure to impress everyone at the sight of the menu. Muffins, scones, coffee cakes, French macarons and tarts are among these flavorful options. The bakery makes “regular” treats, too, including their epic Sticky Buns, available on Sundays.
Sugar Lab Bake Shop does not mess around when it comes to their reverence for the cookie. An average of 18 different flavors are available on any given day. You can’t go wrong with Double Chocolate Sea Salt and Snickerdoodle and there’s never a morsel or crumb left when the Cake Batter Oreo and Milk Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookies are ordered.
📷: Fine Sconehenge Baking Co.
Get the Scoop
The much-loved Coastal Cone is Instagram famous for their fish-shaped Taiyaki waffle cones, which are so cute, you might just hesitate to take a bite! The ice cream at Coastal Cone is considered some of the best in town, with more than 40 flavors of ice cream and soft serve (including much beloved Dole Pineapple Whip) to choose from. And if you’re extra hungry, order a Fishzookie sundae served atop a hot fish-shaped pastry.
Frozen yogurt aficionados can refresh their tastebuds at Buttercups Cool Treats at Seabridge Marketplace. The locally owned and operated outpost of sweet frozen treats revolves around personalized frozen yogurt creations. Good luck choosing just one base flavor from options like Sea Salt Caramel Pretzel, Sweet Coconut and Dreamy Dark Chocolate!
📷: @coastalcone
Calling All Chocoholics
Tifa Chocolate & Gelato dessert café is a true chocolate heaven. Think hand-made truffles and bon bons, velvety drinking chocolate and beautiful artisan bars sourced from around the world—the latter of which make perfect gifts. Their signature dark chocolate Bleu Cheese & Honey bon bon is a must-try and you can’t go wrong with the exquisite seasonal flavors only available for limited runs.
Ex Voto Chocolates is a masterpiece of a boutique created by artisan chocolatier Sophia Smith-Grunder. Every bon bon and confection is meticulously crafted using the finest of ingredients and intricate methods to capture deeply nuanced flavors. She hand-paints chocolates individually and the end result is almost too beautiful to eat…almost!
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