You've left the worries of the office back in the city and after a day in the fresh mountain air you are finally starting to unwind. What better time to treat yourself — and your family — to something extra sweet. From ice cream to fudge, inventive gourmet desserts to the good old fashioned favorites, check out our top ten spots for treats in Tahoe.
1. Poppy's Frozen Yogurt
With a prime location across the street from Tahoe City's Commons Beach, Poppy's walk-up counter will remind you of the soft serve you enjoyed as a kid. With flavors rotating daily, a variety of toppings, and a full grab-and-go breakfast and lunch menu, Poppy's is the perfect complement to your day on the Lake Tahoe.
2. Where We Met
Locally owned and operated, this Tahoma gem offers housemade gelato and a full espresso bar.
3. Jake's on the Lake
Two words: Hula Pie. This pie features macadamia nut ice cream piled high on a chocolate cookie crust and topped with chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and more macadamia nuts. The heaping portion is best enjoyed with several people, but go ahead — give it a try. While Jake's on the Lake is known for full-service lakefront dining and cocktails, we think there is absolutely nothing wrong with starting (and ending) with your dessert at this Tahoe City establishment.
4. Sugar Pine Cakery
Sugar Pine Cakery in Tahoe City bakes custom organic cakes, sweets and treats. Using only the finest ingredients and local product whenever possible, they also specialize in vegan and gluten free options so that everyone has something sweet to eat!
5. Sweets Handmade Candies
Walking through Historic Downtown Truckee, the delicious smell of chocolate wafts out from this old time candy shop. From handmade truffles to chocolate carmel corn, this is the perfect place to shop for gifts, but I dare you to try to leave without buying something for yourself. Local's Tip: Try free samples of housemade fudge, which is also buy 3, get 1 free!
6. Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet
You don't have to wait until the afternoon to enjoy a sweet treat at this bakery. Chocolate croissants and berry danishes are fresh from the oven, along with cookies, cakes, and more. Tahoe House in Tahoe City is also a full-service gourmet store, offering grab and go items for a day in the great outdoors.
7. Summit Swirl
Truckee's first self-service yogurt shop is now open for business! Chocolate yogurt with oreo cookies and whipped cream? Mango sorbet with fresh rasperries? Build your perfect frozen treat and pay by the weight. Rotating non-dairy options also available.
8. Bud's Old Fashion Fountain
There's something about vacationing in the mountains that makes this step into yesteryear seem just right. This classic fountain shop sells hand scooped cups, cones, and shakes, and is conveniently located on Downtown Truckee's main thoroughfare.
9. Wildflour Baking Company
A local's favorite, Wildflour Baking Company is located on the lower level of Olympic House. Wildflour offers legendary baked goods, tasty breakfasts, and wonderful lunches. Almost everything is made from scratch — baked goods, breads, tortillas, bagels, soups, chili — even the catsup and sweet, spicy mustard. Come in for Peet's coffee and Sharffen Berger hot chocolate.
**An earlier version of this article listed Cake Tahoe as #1 for Tahoe Sweets. Cake Tahoe has since closed.