Portland has long been a haven for foodies, and its dessert scene is no exception. From innovative ice cream flavors to rich chocolates and decadent pastries, the city offers a variety of sweet treats that will satisfy any sugar craving. Whether you’re a fan of frozen confections, artisanal chocolates, or creative pastries, Portland has something to please every palate.
Frozen Delights: Ice Cream, Soft Serve, and More
Portland’s ice cream shops are as imaginative as the city itself, offering unique flavors crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Salt & Straw, one of the city’s most beloved ice cream parlors, has made a name for itself with daring, fun combinations like honey lavender and pear and blue cheese. Just a few blocks away, Fifty Licks offers scratch-made ice cream in flavors such as French toast and vegan mango sticky rice, a must-try for those seeking something different.
For those looking for a completely plant-based option, Kate’s Ice Cream delivers an entirely vegan menu with indulgent flavors like salted peanut butter brittle. Meanwhile, Nico’s brings a touch of New Zealand with its creamy vanilla and fresh fruit blends, made from Willamette Valley’s finest produce.
If custard is more your speed, Cornet Custard is the place to be. Helmed by local culinary expert Mika Paredes, the shop serves some of the creamiest custard around, including unique flavors such as Vietnamese iced coffee and blood orange creamsicle.
For a lighter alternative, check out Eb & Bean, which offers frozen yogurt with a fun array of toppings. If you’re in the mood for something soft and swirled, Cheese & Crack offers soft-serve creations with seasonal flavors and whimsical toppings.
Portland also offers plant-based paletas from Ice Queen, featuring refreshing flavors like mangonada. For matcha enthusiasts, Cafe Maiko serves Oregon’s only matcha soft serve, with seasonal varieties like ube and black sesame. Meanwhile, Bambu specializes in Vietnamese chè, a sweet dessert soup that comes topped with pandan jelly, longan, coconut, and shaved ice.
Decadent Chocolate and Candy Creations
Portland’s chocolate scene is nothing short of extraordinary, with small-batch artisans creating everything from single-origin bars to complex truffles. Creo Chocolate, known for its rich truffles and handcrafted bars, offers visitors a unique “build-a-bar” experience, where you can create your own custom dark chocolate bar.
Cloudforest, an Ecuadorian chocolatier, brings its decadent drinking chocolate and specialty candies to Portland. Meanwhile, Ranger Chocolate offers ethically sourced, organic chocolate bars, as well as snacks like granola and caramels.
For those curious about the bean-to-bar process, Woodblock Chocolate provides a behind-the-scenes look at how their single-origin bars are made. At Azar Indulgence, located in the Heathman Hotel, Lebanese flavors like pistachio, rosewater, and cardamom are infused into their luxurious truffles. Missionary Chocolates takes a vegan approach, offering indulgent truffles like Meyer lemon explosion and whiskey.
The Meadow is the perfect one-stop shop for anyone looking to sample Portland’s best chocolates. The store carries a curated selection of Portland-made bars and candies from the city’s top chocolatiers, along with its own house-made treats. For a local favorite, pick up Tom Bumble from Oregon Bark, a take on the classic Butterfinger featuring crispy, pressed peanut butter flakes covered in chocolate.
Pastries and Pies: A Slice of Portland’s Sweet Side
Portland’s pastry scene is full of inventive twists on classic desserts. JinJu Patisserie, a James Beard-nominated establishment, offers an array of tarts, cakes, and bonbons, with their laminated pastries like the chocolate croissant being a must-try. Over at Orange & Blossom, the miso butterscotch sticky buns and seasonal Danish are popular vegan options, while Sweetpea Baking Co. also offers an all-vegan, gluten-free menu.
For a late-night treat, Portland’s Pix-O-Matic vending machine serves up French pastries, cakes, macarons, and chocolates, offering 24-hour access to satisfy those midnight cravings. Farina Bakery, located on Hawthorne, is a local favorite, serving handmade macarons, Marionberry pop tarts, and generous slices of cake.
An Xuyên, known for its delicious banh mi sandwiches, also offers a selection of pastries. Their flaky Chinese red bean paste pastries make a perfect accompaniment to their savory offerings. At Dos Hermanos, you can enjoy both hearty sandwiches and sweet classics like conchas and coffee cakes.
Portland is also home to some outstanding pie shops. Lauretta Jean’s serves up hearty slices of classic pies such as heirloom apple and coconut cream. For something smaller, The Pie Spot offers mini pies in flavors like Marionberry and s’mores, the latter topped with toasted marshmallows. If s’mores are your thing, head to the Toasted S’mores Bar, co-founded by Nico Vergara of Nico’s Ice Cream, for an extra helping of fire-roasted nostalgia.
Portland’s dessert scene offers something for every sweet tooth. From inventive ice cream and plant-based treats to luxurious chocolates and comforting pies, the city is a destination for those who crave something sweet. Whether you’re indulging in a rich chocolate bar or savoring a scoop of custard, Portland’s diverse and creative dessert offerings ensure there’s always something new to discover.
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