Dessert is a sweet way to end the day. If you're a dessert fiend like me, you're probably constantly scouting out places for a sweet mid-morning, afternoon, or midnight treat. Luckily, San Jose has an array of desserts sure to please any dessert lover. Whether you love ice cream, cookies, cream puffs, or shaved ice, San Jose will satisfy that craving.
1. Dole Whip Float from Willow Glen Creamery
Address: 1100 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
There are few places that sell dole whip floats in the Bay Area like Disneyland. However, upon finding out that Willow Glen Creamery sold them, I beamed with joy. Dole whip is deliciously creamy and perfect for those who are lactose intolerant. The portion is pretty generous, and there's tons of pineapple juice. Garnished with a dainty little umbrella and maraschino cherry, they even resemble the Dole whip floats served at Disney themselves.
2. BAMBU Special from Bambu
Address: 1688 Hostetter Rd D, San Jose, CA 95131 (numerous locations in San Jose)
BAMBU specializes in a Vietnamese dessert called chè, a sweet soup comprised of various jellies, tropical fruits, and coconut milk or water. The most popular dessert here is the #1, or BAMBU Special. The BAMBU Special is filled with basil seeds, sweet longans, young coconut slices, ice, and coconut water. It's a refreshing dessert designed for a hot summer or spring day.
3. Ice Cream taco from CREAM
Address: 49 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
If you thought Taco Tuesday was limited to just savory tacos, think again. CREAM is well-known for their fresh cookie sandwiches, but also serves up coffee drinks, sundaes, milkshakes, malts, and ice cream tacos. These ice cream tacos are filled with three scoops of ice cream and toppings galore. From maraschino cherries to cereal to chocolate syrup, the sky's the limit.
4. Doughnuts from Psycho Donuts
Address: 2006 Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA 95008
These aren't your classic original or chocolate glazed donuts. Looking as if they came out of Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory, Pyscho Donuts have whacky flavors such as Kooky Monster (topped with oreos), Cereal Killer (topped with Cap'n Crunch), and Strawberry Fields (topped with freeze-dried strawberries and pocky). In addition, they also have vegan donuts for those not consuming animal products.
5. Tiger's Blood Shave Ice from Banana Crepe
Address: 248 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112
While the name may sound a bit weird, the flavor is absolutely delicious. Tiger's Blood consists of watermelon, strawberry, and coconut flavored-syrup to create a delicious concoction. The syrup is sweet and delicious, while the ice is fluffy and soft. Topped off with condensed milk, it's another delicious summer treat. While they are most known for their shaved ice, Banana Crepe's name implies that they sell both sweet and savory versions of everyone's favorite French delectable — crepes.
6. Rolled Ice Cream from Icicles
Address: 1275 Lincoln Ave #1, San Jose, CA 95125
Rolled ice cream has amassed a cult-like following within the past year. While they specialize in rolled ice cream, Icicles also serves some fruit-based flavors for those craving a dairy free, tropical treat. With unlimited toppings, feel free to go crazy with your ice cream. From mochi to cereal, to strawberries, the options are endless.
7. Churro Ice Cream Sandwich from Honeyberry
Address: 4848 San Felipe Rd #170, San Jose, CA 95135
Move over cookie ice cream sandwiches—you're yesterday's news. Today, it's all about the churro ice cream sandwich. I'm talking about, sweet, chewy, delicious fried dough, stuffed with creamy ice cream that's oozing with cinnamon sugary goodness. It's definitely an upgrade from the plain old churros at Costco.
#SpoonTip: Not a churro or ice cream sandwich fan? Honeyberry also has gelato, waffle sundaes, Taiwanese-style brick toast, and these delicious, buttery, coffee-flavored roti buns.
8. Burnt Almond Cake from Peter's Bakery
Address: 3108 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95127
I love supporting local family businesses, such as Peter's Bakery. Opened in 1936 and owned by Peter's family, this bakery serves up some of the best-burnt almond cupcakes I've ever tasted. The cake is soft, fluffy, moist, and sweet.
The frosting, however, is the best part of these cupcakes. It's not overly stiff or sweet like buttercream. The almonds and powdered sugar on top add a nice taste to the cupcakes as well as make them look more aesthetically pleasing.
The only downside is that parking space is limited, but for such delicious cupcakes, it is definitely worth it.
9. Durian Cream Puffs from Hong Van Bakery
Address: 2559 King Rd B-11, San Jose, CA 95122
Many people are appalled by the durian's strong smell. Durian is a fruit from Southeast Asia with a pungent aroma, but delicious, creamy, vanilla-like taste. It is loaded with nutrients and vitamins such as folate and vitamin B6. If you're an adventurous eater, these are a must try. The durian flavor is not overpowering and is rather subtle. The cream puffs are sweet, soft, creamy, and filled with the perfect amount of filling.
#SpoonTip: Are durians not your thing? Hong Van Bakery also offers vanilla cream puffs, which are just as delicious.
10. Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich from Van's Bakery
Address: 1824 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95122
Similar to MILK in Los Angeles, Van's Bakery serves up delicious and decadent macaron ice cream sandwiches. Some of their flavors include Milk and Cereal, S'mores, Horchata, Fruity, Pebbles, and Strawberry Shortcake. The macaron shells are light, crisp, and chewy, perfectly complemented by the ice cream. However, these sandwiches are only sold on weekends.
11. Popsicles from Milk and Wood
Address: 387 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
Located in downtown San Jose, you'll find this cute little popsicle shop nestled in the SoFA (South of First Avenue) district. Each pop is $4, or $5 for unlimited toppings. Flavors here include the classic Nutella, strawberry, Thai tea, and even green tea Kit Kat. Drizzled with your choice of chocolate and smothered in toppings, they make for an aesthetic, Insta-worthy pic.
12. Slice of Mille Crepe Cake from Tea Lyfe
Address: 8018, 989 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95122
If you haven't heard of a crepe cake, it is essentially layers of crepes stacked with cream in the middle. Tea Lyfe serves up crepe cakes from Anton Patisserie. The crepe cakes are light, fluffy, sweet, and not overly creamy. Some of the flavors sold include green tea and Hokkaido (milk) flavor. They are a bit on the pricier end of the spectrum, clocking in at $10.50 per slice.
13. Baklava from Sultan Bakery
Address: 670 Stockton Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
One of the most popular Middle Eastern desserts I can think of is baklava. Baklava is a sweet pastry made of phyllo dough, honey, and filled with nuts such as pistachios. They have a huge selection of baklava, from pistachio to walnut to even chocolate.
#SpoonTip: Looking for something savory? Another must try from Sultan Bakery is their falafel. It's nice, crisp, and not overly oily like some falafels are.
14. Soy Pudding with Pandan Boba from Soyful Desserts
Address: 999 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95122
If you have never tried soy pudding, it is definitely something to put on your bucket list. Soy pudding is made from curdled up soybeans and has a similar texture to tofu. Soaked in a sweet, ginger-tinged syrup, filled with chewy tapioca pearls, and pandan jelly, this unique dessert has a myriad of different textures. This is very similar to Vietnamese che and tofu pudding. While most famous for their soy puddings, Soyful also offers tea drinks, such as Mango tango or Hong Kong-style milk tea, both of which are delicious.
15. Mangonada from United Paleteria y Neveria
Address: 410 King Rd, San Jose, CA 95116
If you love desserts that are both sweet and spicy, then mangonadas may be the one you are looking for. The mangonada consists of fresh mangos, chamoy sauce, a sweet and spicy chili sauce, all topped off with a tamarind candy straw. It's sweet, icy, spicy, and sour, all in one bite.
San Jose's desserts are not limited to just the classic cookies, brownies, and ice cream. Rather, the city offers visitors and locals alike a wide variety of treats that do not skimp on flavor, appearance, or taste. With so many places and so many choices, it is hard to settle on just one spot.