Los Angeles is famous for many things: Hollywood stars, sunny beaches, and a food scene that brings flavors from all over the world. But if you love sweets, the city is also home to some of the best desserts in the state. LA’s dessert scene is full of surprises, from creamy cheesecakes and rich puddings to colorful ice cream and classic sundaes.
One of the best parts about exploring desserts in LA is how diverse they are. You can enjoy a Filipino-inspired sweet roll in Pasadena, a famous pudding from a legendary chef, or an old-school hot fudge sundae from a shop that has been serving locals for over 100 years. Every neighborhood has something delicious waiting for you.
In this guide, you’ll discover some of the best desserts Los Angeles is known for. If you’re planning a foodie adventure, make sure to add these stops to your list while exploring LA!
1. Princess Cake
Princess Cake from Quarter Sheets Pizza Club | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The princess cake is one of the most unique desserts you’ll find in LA. You can try this colorful pastry at Quarter Sheets Pizza Club in Echo Park. The cake features layers of fluffy olive oil chiffon cake, creamy mascarpone, and bright raspberry jam. Everything is wrapped in a smooth almond marzipan shell with a soft purple-pink color.
The flavors are balanced and light rather than overly sweet. The raspberry adds freshness, while the mascarpone keeps each bite creamy. If you love elegant pastries, this dessert easily earns a spot among the best desserts Los Angeles sweet lovers should try.
You can also plan a food adventure around the neighborhood with a local food experience like the downtown LA walking tour.
Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5
Price range: $8–$12
Where to buy: Quarter Sheets Pizza Club, Echo Park
2. Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
For a classic Thai dessert, try the mango sticky rice at Bhan Kanom Thai in Thai Town. This simple treat combines warm coconut sticky rice with slices of ripe mango. The rice has a rich, creamy texture thanks to the coconut milk.
The mango adds a refreshing sweetness that balances the warm rice perfectly. Every spoonful feels comforting and satisfying. If you’re exploring the city’s international food scene, this dessert is easily one of the best desserts Los Angeles has to offer.
Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5
Price range: $6–$10
Where to buy: Bhan Kanom Thai, Thai Town
3. Butterscotch Budino
Butterscotch Budino from Pizzeria Mozza | Photo Credit: Flickr
One of the most talked-about desserts in LA is the butterscotch budino served at Pizzeria Mozza in Hancock Park. This Italian-style pudding is silky, rich, and full of deep caramel flavor. A layer of buttery caramel sauce sits on top, adding extra sweetness.
The dessert comes with rosemary pine nut cookies that you can dip into the pudding. That mix of smooth pudding and crunchy cookies creates a perfect texture contrast. Rich yet balanced, this treat is widely considered one of the best desserts Los Angeles food lovers should try.
If you want to explore more of the city before dessert, the Los Angeles City day tour is a great option. It takes you to popular spots like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica in one easy trip.
Rating: ⭐ 4.8/5
Price range: $12–$16
Where to buy: Pizzeria Mozza, Hancock Park
4. Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sticky toffee pudding | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Sticky toffee pudding is a British classic, and Wilde’s in Los Feliz serves one of the best versions in LA. Unlike other types that can feel too sweet, this one is light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced.
The top has a caramelized crust that adds a bit of crunch. Underneath, the cake is soft and moist. Instead of drowning the dessert in syrup, the chefs serve it with a smooth butterscotch cream that adds just the right sweetness.
If you’re searching for the best bread pudding in Los Angeles or something similar and comforting, this dessert will definitely satisfy your craving.
Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5
Price range: $9–$13
Where to buy: Wilde’s, Los Feliz
5. Hot Fudge Sundae
Hot fudge sundae | Photo Credit: Flickr
Sometimes the best desserts are the classics. Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co. in nearby Alhambra has been serving customers since 1919, and their hot fudge sundae remains a local favorite.
This massive sundae comes with three scoops of ice cream, warm hot fudge, fluffy whipped cream, chopped peanuts, and a cherry on top. It’s big enough to share but so delicious you might not want to. The ice cream shop feels nostalgic, with old-school charm that makes the experience even sweeter.
If you’re exploring the city, join the Los Angeles walking tour, which takes you through downtown spots like Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building, and the historic Broadway district while sharing stories about LA’s culture and history.
Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5
Price range: $8–$12
Where to buy: Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co., Alhambra
6. Ube Custard Turon
Turon with ube ice cream | Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures
Hidden inside a Filipino market in Pasadena, Chaaste Family Market serves one of the most exciting desserts in the LA area. Their ube custard turon is a sweet egg roll filled with mashed bananas and vibrant purple ube custard.
The wrapper is coated in caramelized sugar that turns crisp when fried. Once you bite in, the inside becomes warm and creamy with flavors that remind you of bananas foster and sweet purple yam.
It’s colorful, playful, and incredibly satisfying. This dessert shows how LA’s multicultural food scene helps create some of the best desserts Los Angeles food lovers can discover.
Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5
Price range: $5–$9
Where to buy: Chaaste Family Market, Pasadena
7. Honeycomb Ice Cream
Honeycomb ice cream | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Antico Nuovo is known for handmade pasta, but dessert lovers come for the honeycomb ice cream. The base is rich and milky, giving it an incredibly smooth texture. Real honeycomb adds a crunchy bite and natural sweetness. Caramel swirls bring extra flavor, while a drizzle of olive oil adds a light savory touch.
It’s a creative dessert that feels both simple and elegant. If you love unique ice cream flavors, this one deserves a spot on your list of best desserts in Los Angeles.
8. Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Burnt basque cheesecake | Photo Credit: Luna Hu on Unsplash
If you’re looking for the best cheesecake Los Angeles offers, Pasjoli in Santa Monica should be high on your list. Their burnt Basque cheesecake has a dark caramelized top and a creamy center that almost flows like custard.
Unlike many cheesecakes that feel heavy, this one is light and smooth. The rich cheese flavor stands out, while a touch of tangy crème fraîche keeps the dessert balanced. The texture is what makes it special. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it an unforgettable way to end a meal near the beach.
Rating: ⭐ 4.8/5
Price range: $14–$18
Where to buy: Pasjoli, Santa Monica
9. Rosewater Ice Cream
Rosewater ice cream from Mashti Malone’s
Last but not least, Mashti Malone’s has been serving Persian-inspired ice cream in LA for decades. Their rosewater ice cream is one of the shop’s most famous flavors.
The texture is thicker and slightly stretchy, which makes every scoop extra satisfying. The floral rose flavor is fragrant but not overpowering. You’ll often find pistachios or saffron in other flavors, but the rosewater version is a must-try. If you’re exploring Hollywood and craving something cool, stop here for one of the best desserts in Los Angeles.
You can also pair your visit with the Official Hollywood Sign Express Walking Tour, where you’ll hike to great viewpoints and learn fun facts about the iconic landmark before grabbing dessert nearby.
Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5
Price range: $6–$10
Where to buy: Mashti Malone’s, Hollywood
FAQs about best desserts in Los Angeles
What are must-try desserts in Los Angeles?
Some of the must-try desserts in LA include the butterscotch budino at Pizzeria Mozza, burnt Basque cheesecake at Pasjoli, and the princess cake at Quarter Sheets. These desserts are popular because they combine high-quality ingredients with creative flavors. If you want to explore the best desserts Los Angeles offers, these treats are a great place to start.
What dessert places are famous in Los Angeles?
Several dessert spots are well-known in LA, including Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co., Mashti Malone’s, and Pizzeria Mozza. These places have built loyal followings over the years due to their signature desserts. Many food lovers even plan trips around trying these famous sweets.
Where are the best bakeries for desserts in LA?
Los Angeles has many excellent bakeries and pastry shops across neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Echo Park, and Koreatown. Some bakeries specialize in cakes, pastries, or international desserts.
If you’re looking for the best chocolate cake in Los Angeles, the best brownies in Los Angeles, or even the best macarons in Los Angeles, you’ll find lots of bakeries offering creative versions.
What are trendy dessert spots in LA?
Trendy dessert spots often include places that combine unique flavors and eye-catching presentation. Shops serving ube desserts, Basque cheesecakes, and creative ice cream flavors have become very popular. LA’s multicultural food scene helps keep the dessert scene fresh and exciting.
Where can I get desserts near Santa Monica?
Santa Monica has many great dessert options, including Pasjoli for cheesecake and several local bakeries and ice cream shops along the coast. After enjoying the beach or exploring the Santa Monica Pier, you’ll find plenty of places nearby to grab something sweet.
Feel the sugar rush in LA 🍨
Los Angeles is full of incredible sweets, and this list is just the beginning. As you explore the city, you’ll find everything from elegant cheesecakes to nostalgic sundaes, showing the creativity and diversity behind the best desserts Los Angeles has to offer.
If you’re planning a trip, turn your dessert hunt into a full food adventure. Join a food tour, explore local neighborhoods, and discover new favorites along the way in your LA adventure!
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