This is by no means a complete list, but here are updated recommendations for the best desserts in La Jolla broken down by dessert of choice. Have a favorite to add? I would love to hear it.
Where to Find Cake in La Jolla
Michelle Coulon Dessertier
I first met Michelle when I was shopping for a wedding cake 13 years ago. After our tasting, I was hooked. Not only are the cakes made with high-quality ingredients, like organic bananas and REAL buttercream frosting, but they’re moist and incredibly delicious. The good news is that the have mini desserts, which are basically bite-sized versions of her real cakes.
Whenever I cater a buffet-style luncheon, I order the mini desserts ($36 per dozen). My favorites include banana, German chocolate and carrot cake.
Michelle Coulon Dessertier
7566-D Fay Avenue (near PrepKitchen)
La Jolla, CA
(858) 456-5098
Vons La Jolla
I’m not even kidding. Quite a few kids parties I’ve been to lately order cakes and cupcakes from VONS. They’ll professionally decorate them, too. In fact, the puppy cupcakes a friend of mine ordered there were crowd-pleasers. The buttercream frosting isn’t bad. In fact, I’ve been known to pick up a square of carrot cake (in front of the fresh bread) when the craving strikes.
Would I serve cake from here at a dinner party? Probably not, but it will do for a barbecue or kid-centric event.
VONS La Jolla
7544 Girard Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-2620
Ice Cream and Fro-Yo
Froglander’s
Froglander’s has been a local institution institution for over 25 years and the kind of place that’s on your must-do list if you leave La Jolla and return for visits. The frozen yogurt here is either non-fat or low-fat (in my experience) and its denser consistency makes it taste a bit more like soft-serve ice cream. You can certainly add zing by topping it with everything from candy to granola to sprinkles. I always order the non-fat peanut butter. Take it home (in large quantities, if you so desire) or eat it al fresco on the patio or inside the shop.
The only thing that frustrates me about Froglander’s is the parking lot in back. The spaces are incredibly tight and hard to come by.
Froglander’s
915 Pearl Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-3764
Gelateria Frizzante
This dessert staple located on Prospect street has been around quite a while and is a favorite of both locals and tourists. I opt for gelato of varying flavors. They’ll let you taste up to three samples before you need to commit to one. It can be busy so don’t stall too long. It’s easy to walk to after a day at the cove or a meal at one of La Jolla’s best restaurants.
Gelateria Frizzante
1025 Prospect St, Ste 130
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-5798
(no website)
Cookies
Here’s where I could use some suggestions, if anyone is willing.
Girard Gourmet
If you are in need of cute cookies on the fly, head to Girard Gourmet and you’ll see a variety of sugar cookie designs in the window ranging from animals to seasonal shapes. They are not overly sweet like most sugar cookies, so be prepared for that. If you need a special order, give them a week of notice.
Girard Gourmet
7837 Girard Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-3321
Cheese Shop
Try the flourless oatmeal cookie, which is a recipe the owners first stumbled across in the 1960s. These cookies are baked daily at the Cheese Shop in La Jolla Shores. Don’t forget to order a sandwich and have a look at the imported candy!
Cheese Shop
2165 Avenida de la Playa
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-3921
Mind-Blowing La Jolla Restaurant Desserts
Herringbone
The Herringbone sundae (pictured at the top) is a mind-blowing combo of sea salt blondies topped with chocolate ice cream and caramel sauce. But forget whipped cream, they go for melted marshmallow which is so much better dusted with carmelized cocoa nibs. The portion size is so hefty that my daughter and I couldn’t finish it.
Herringbone
7837 Herschel Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-0221
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Nine-Ten
Did you know that if you stay at the Grande Colonial Hotel (which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year), that NINE-TEN provides the room service? Talk about a perk. My favorite item on the NINE-TEN menu is the twice-baked chocolate cake (click for the recipe). It’s warm. It has caramel and whipped cream. It oozes chocolate. Delicious.
NINE-TEN
910 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 964-5400
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George’s Ocean Terrace
Our server recommended the sticky toffee pudding cake which was basically covered with bananas, salted almonds, caramel and vanilla ice cream. It was delicious and everyone at our table loved it (which was sad, because it left me with only a few bites).
George’s Ocean Terrace
1250 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-4244
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Imported Candy
Cheese Shop
Having lived in London, I nearly died when I saw the imported candy in the Cheese Shop. There are retro favorites and more–I’ll snap a picture next time I’m there so you can see it.
Cheese Shop
2165 Avenida de la Playa
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-3921
Your Turn…
Did I forget a worthy dessert? Let me know!
Katie Dillon
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