Highest-rated Dessert Shops in the Santa Cruz Area by Diners

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Highest-rated dessert shops in the Santa Cruz area by diners

There's no denying that Americans have a sweet tooth—nearly 41% say they , according to a November 2024 YouGov survey.

One of the most popular desserts to dig into is ice cream. An from May 2024 found that just about all Americans (97%) love or like ice cream. The frozen confection has held a special place in the U.S. since the turn of the 19th century with the invention of insulated ice houses. By the mid-1800s, and sold to the masses. Soon, old-fashioned soda fountains started selling sundaes, milkshakes, and ice cream sodas, becoming a gathering place for young people. Today, more than 150 years later, those dessert options not only remain perennial top choices but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and community.

Over the years, Americans' dessert tastes have led to some other tasty trends, from of the early 2000s thanks to bakeries like Magnolia, Sprinkles, and Crumbs, to the self-serve that followed in the early 2010s via Pinkberry, 16 Handles, and Red Mango. Most recently, the 2020s have seen cookies sweep the nation, with chains like Insomnia and Crumbl stoking childhood memories, , and growing exponentially.

Today's desserts also go far beyond ice cream, cupcakes, and cookies. Many modern dessert shops are redefining the experience by fusing timeless recipes with multicultural flavors, offering creative twists such as matcha-infused cupcakes, horchata ice cream, and Basque cheesecakes that celebrate both tradition and innovation.

To keep up with the ever-evolving dessert trends, compiled a list of the highest-rated dessert shops in the Santa Cruz area based on diners' reviews on as of February 2025. Restaurants tagged as "desserts" on Yelp within a 10-kilometer radius of Santa Cruz were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may primarily serve other food items.

Whether indulging in a time-honored pie or exploring a fusion delight, the world of desserts remains as vibrant and diverse as the communities that enjoy them. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list or to find your next sweet treat!

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#19. Deep Fried Twinkies

- Rating: 3.2/5 (27 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 400 Beach St. Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: Desserts, Food Stands
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#18. Nothing Bundt Cakes

- Rating: 3.4/5 (55 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3555 Clares St. Ste YY Capitola, California
- Categories: Bakeries, Desserts, Cupcakes
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#17. Chocolate

- Rating: 3.4/5 (729 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1522 Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: Desserts, Gluten-Free, Cocktail Bars
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#16. My Thai Beach

- Rating: 3.5/5 (287 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 207 Esplanade Capitola, California
- Categories: Thai, Bubble Tea, Desserts
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#15. The Penny Ice Creamery

- Rating: 3.7/5 (63 reviews)
- Address: 262 Mount Hermon Road Ste 104 Scotts Valley, California
- Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts, Caterers
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#14. Marini's Candies

- Rating: 3.9/5 (198 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf 55 Municipal Wharf Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: Candy Stores, Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
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#13. wasabi sushi

- Rating: 4.0/5 (42 reviews)
- Address: 11 Camp Evers Lane Scotts Valley, California
- Categories: Sushi Bars, Desserts, Salad
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#12. The Water Street Grill

- Rating: 4.1/5 (781 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 503 Water St. Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: New American, Seafood, Desserts
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#11. Bookie's Pizza

- Rating: 4.4/5 (150 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1315 Water St. Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: Pizza, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Desserts
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#10. Edith Meyer Wedding Cakes

- Rating: 4.4/5 (58 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: Desserts, Bakeries, Custom Cakes
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#9. Pacific Cookie Company

- Rating: 4.4/5 (878 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1203 Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: Desserts, Bakeries, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
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#8. Pino Alto Restaurant & Catering

- Rating: 4.4/5 (39 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6500 Soquel Drive Aptos, California
- Categories: Desserts, New American, Seafood
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#7. Aroma Restaurant

- Rating: 4.5/5 (94 reviews)
- Address: 9600 CA-9 Ben Lomond, California
- Categories: Desserts, Soup, Salad
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#6. Iveta - Downtown

- Rating: 4.5/5 (99 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 545 Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: Italian, Desserts, Breakfast & Brunch
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#5. Capitola Candy

- Rating: 4.6/5 (47 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 205 Capitola Ave. Capitola, California
- Categories: Candy Stores, Chocolatiers & Shops, Desserts
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#4. Emozioni Pasticceria & Rosticceria

- Rating: 4.6/5 (48 reviews)
- Address: 2841 Porter St. Ste B Soquel, California
- Categories: Desserts, Patisserie/Cake Shop, Bakeries
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#3. VIM Dining & Desserts

- Rating: 4.8/5 (252 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 2238 Mission St. Santa Cruz, California
- Categories: New American, Cocktail Bars, Desserts
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