The best bakeries & sweet shops in Palm Desert

Rancho Grande Markets brings the flavors of Mexico to its bakery, prepared food, and produce departments, alongside an extensive meat and seafood selection. It’s a handy Cathedral City spot to pick up something fresh, find ingredients for dinner, or get a little inspiration for your next meal.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, November 10, 2026

Long-running chain specializing in freshly made donuts, plus a variety of sandwiches & drinks.

Kreem hand-makes its artisanal ice cream in-store with super fresh ingredients, and the rotating lineup keeps things fun for repeat visits. Vegan flavors aren’t an afterthought either, so check their Instagram for the daily menu and treat yourself like a local who knows.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, September 24, 2026

Small-batch and seasonal, Carmela Ice Cream nails those not-too-sweet flavors locals brag about, like Lavender Honey, Strawberry Buttermilk, and Dark Chocolate Cacao Nib. Pro tip, grab the award-winning ice cream sandwiches with house-made cookies and a hit of fleur de sel, perfect for Palm Springs evenings.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, September 17, 2026

Ristretto keeps Palm Springs mornings low key with dialed-in coffee and tea, flaky pastries, and no-fuss sandwiches and salads, plus a subtle Armenian twist that makes everything feel homemade. Order online for quick pickup or rope them in for catering when your office 'meeting' turns into lunch.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, September 13, 2026

Hot Cookie keeps things playful with a Cookie of the Month, simple delivery or pickup, and catering when your sweet tooth turns into a crowd. Also great for neighborly gifting, thanks to Gift a Cookie and Make it Special... perfect for those Palm Springs evenings when dessert calls.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, September 10, 2026

Swiss Donuts is that reliable Palm Desert carb-joy where classics like glazed, chocolate dipped, crullers, and orange glazed share space with croissants, muffins, and breakfast or lunch sandwiches. Coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, blended cold drinks, and boba seal the deal when you need a simple win.

From the Palm Desert newsletter, November 5, 2026

Long-running chain specializing in freshly made donuts, plus a variety of sandwiches & drinks.

Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.

Lappert's Super Premium Ice Cream brings island-inspired scoops to Palm Springs with small-batch richness and fun flavors like Kauai Pie, Kona Coffee, and Blueberry Cheesecake. They’re 5x Best in the Desert, and yes, the date shakes and Dole Soft Serve make late-night sweet-tooth emergencies feel like a mini vacation.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, November 9, 2026

Longtime chain serving a variety of donut flavors & shapes, plus coffee & frozen drinks.

Swiss Donut is the low-key Palm Springs standby when you want a proper glazed or old fashioned, a hulking apple fritter, or a flaky croissant sandwich that actually hits the spot. They also pour coffee and blend smoothies with Thai tea or taro if you’re feeling fun.

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, September 19, 2026

Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.

When the desert heat gets bossy, Tastee Freez delivers the original soft serve since 1950, from classic cones and creamy Freezees to sundaes, shakes, and floats. Hungry too, Cathedral City? They also flip burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches, so you can make it a proper treat stop.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, October 28, 2026

Long-standing ice cream parlor offering many flavors of ice cream & sorbet, plus sundaes & shakes.

The Bakehouse by Arcade serves pastries, breakfast items, sandwiches, and serious espresso drinks, plus draft cocktails if your brunch needs a little sparkle. It’s the kind of spot locals swing by for a pastry and a latte, then somehow linger for one more.

From the Riverside newsletter, October 7, 2026

Levelz Ice scoops authentic Philly-style Italian water ice that’s dairy-free, gluten-free, nut free, and vegan friendly, with bold flavors like Blue Raspberry, Mango, and Sour Green Apple.

From the Riverside newsletter, October 18, 2026

Daily Grace Bakery specializes in handcrafted cookies with crisp edges and gooey, chewy centers, made with grass-fed butter, organic pasture-raised eggs, and simple ingredients.

From the Riverside newsletter, November 8, 2026

Need a silky reset this week? Benedetto Gelato serves authentic Italian gelato made from the finest ingredients, with signature flavors that actually taste like what they promise, so call it luxury in every scoop and a totally valid reason to step away from your to do list for five minutes.

From the Riverside newsletter, October 28, 2026

Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.

For a real-deal New York bite without leaving the valley, Sherman's Deli & Bakery turns out fresh-baked breads and desserts daily, sky-high hot corned beef on rye, and cinnamon bread French toast, plus a little Triple D cred. Or go big with roast brisket and their Southern style fried chicken.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, October 8, 2026

Perfect Pint crafts gourmet, handcrafted ice cream with unique flavors that make indecision feel like a sport. Stop in this week when that desert afternoon hits, and let a scoop or two reset your mood, your day, and maybe your entire outlook on errands.

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, November 2, 2026

Les Filles Cafe & More is your local mini-Europe, pouring true Italian espresso and turning out flaky croissants, cornetti, and bomboloni you’ll think about later. Skip the syrups, grab a cappuccino and a Le Parisien baguette this week, then make it your new weekday ritual.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, October 21, 2026

Arcis Candy Riverside has piñatas, Mexican candy, and all the party extras to turn a regular get-together into an instant celebration. Stock up for birthdays, cookouts, or any Tuesday that needs confetti-level energy, then let the sugar and smiles handle the rest.

From the Riverside newsletter, October 24, 2026

Monster Shakes keeps the desert cool with ice cream, shaved ice, smoothies and fro-yo stacked with toppings and over-the-top combos like Cookie Monster and Cotton Candy Explosion. They even pour all 11 Dole Soft Serve flavors to swirl your way, and locals voted them best for ice cream, soft serve and smoothies.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, October 22, 2026

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

Whether you’re plotting a micro-wedding, milestone birthday, or just celebrating making it through Monday, The Buttercake Studio builds custom cakes with clean lines, textured buttercream, and delicate sugar florals that hit the modern Palm Springs sweet spot.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, October 15, 2026

Exquisite Desserts is the spot locals call when a birthday turns into a capital E Event. Chef Samantha Ward has been crafting Old World, made from scratch cakes and petite pastries since 2000, with no mixes or ultra-processed fillings...

From the Palm Desert newsletter, October 15, 2026

Si Bon Bakery is that local cheat code for mornings when only Belgian waffles and crêpes will do, plus a legit Croque Monsieur and eggs Benedict served on waffles. Dine in if you miss real tableware, or snag takeout and let them cater the next office thing so you’re the hero this week.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 28, 2026

Balboa Candy is a pure nostalgia stop for locals, with barrels of salt water taffy, retro candy bars, chewy gummies and fudge. Swing by this week, build a mix that matches your mood, then save a secret stash for when the desert heat or deadlines get rude.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 30, 2026

Popular bakery specializing in cakes and pastries, including Mexican-style sweet bread, pan.

For a quick La Quinta detour when the sweet tooth hits, Tiffany's Sweet Spot nails scratch-made cupcakes frosted to order, with 21 daily favorites plus rotating specialties. Real-butter bakes, French macarons, cinnamon rolls, and custom sugar cookies...

From the Palm Desert newsletter, September 1, 2026

Whether you're grabbing a loaf of Nine Grain, Jalapeño Cheddar, or that famous Cranberry Spice, Aspen Mills Bakery & Bread Co nails the from-scratch vibe. Their sandwiches are handcrafted on fresh-baked bread... the meatless Coachella is a sleeper hit, perfect for stocking the pantry or rescuing lunch.

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, October 1, 2026

Skip the grocery sheet cake and let Cake & Cakes dream up something personal, from an elegant Bûche Noël to the oozy, good Chocolate Puddle Cake. Everything is crafted to order with catering and collaboration options, so plan ahead this week and upgrade your next birthday, office treat, or just-because celebration.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 25, 2026

Candy shop featuring chocolates, ice cream and gelato, plus other sweets.

Uptown Candy Shop brings together old-school favorites like Bit-O-Honey and jawbreakers with Swedish candy, novelty sweets, gummies, and TikTok-viral snacks. It’s a fun Riverside stop for finding a familiar treat, discovering something new, or trying to leave with just one candy.

From the Riverside newsletter, November 4, 2026

Brandini Toffee Palm Springs handcrafts small-batch, chocolate-coated almond toffee and legit-good ice cream bars and shakes, perfect for when the desert heat gets bossy. They even run factory tours and offer giftable treats, so you can bribe your coworkers or stash something special at home.

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, September 6, 2026

Lappert's Super Premium Ice Cream is serving small-batch, super creamy, island-inspired flavors that actually taste like vacation, from Kauai Pie to Kona Mocha Chip. Swing by for the Valley’s #1 date shake, Dole Soft Serve or shave ice, because August deserves cold joy.

From the Palm Desert newsletter, October 29, 2026

Downtown staple Great Shakes is all about gourmet milkshakes made with premium ice cream, topped with their homemade whipped cream and a donut for good measure. When the afternoon sun hits, skip the kitchen and let them blend you a little happiness to power through this week.

From the Riverside County newsletter, October 29, 2026

Small batches, handmade in Palm Springs, Brandini Toffee turns simple ingredients into dangerously snackable almond toffee bites and giftable bundles. If you need a sweet break this week, check out their factory tours or keep their ice cream catering in mind for your next backyard hang.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, October 8, 2026

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

Part retro-chic ice cream parlor, part quirky gift shop, Ice Cream & Shop(pe) keeps Palm Springs locals cool with creamy scoops, bright sorbets, and legit smoothies, then tempts you with custom gift baskets, poolside-ready cards, and fun finds. Hosting something? They’ll cater or even let you take over the Shop(pe).

From the Palm Springs newsletter, September 1, 2026

Palm Springs Fudge & Chocolates is locally owned and still making old-fashioned fudge from Mackinac Island recipes, plus hand-stretched brittle, toffees, truffles and a lineup of nostalgic candy. When the dessert craving hits between errands, pop in for a little box now, ship a stash to future-you later...

From the Palm Springs newsletter, September 5, 2026

When your morning needs a little kindness, Cravings Coffee & Pastries is that easy, familiar stop for in-house croissants, cherry turnovers, cinnamon rolls, and cappuccinos, cold brew, or chai lattes. Hosting this week?

From the Palm Springs newsletter, November 2, 2026

Whole-grain, plant-based, and scratch-made, Bread and Flours makes traditional sourdough you’ll plan meals around, so peek at this week's menu and upgrade your toast game. Palm Springs’ first Blue Zones Project Approved spot, it’s the loaf you’ll brag about while pretending you bought it for meal prep.

From the Palm Springs newsletter, October 22, 2026

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.