Life’s sweet moments are often best enjoyed with a delightful treat, and Reno, Nevada, is a treasure trove of incredible confections waiting to be discovered. If you’re on the hunt for the absolute best sweet treats in Reno, you’ve come to the right place. Our dedicated team embarked on a delicious, city-wide culinary adventure, sampling an array of decadent desserts and sugary delights to curate this essential guide. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it – exploring the vibrant flavors and unique offerings across the city, all to bring you our top, highly recommended finds. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey through Reno’s most delectable sweet spots!
While some might envy our “workday” of indulging in Reno’s finest desserts, we assure you, it was a mission we gladly accepted. Our goal was not just to taste, but to truly experience and evaluate each sweet creation, ensuring that only the most exceptional and memorable treats made it onto our curated list. From classic comforts to innovative dessert concoctions, Reno’s culinary scene offers something truly special for every palate. We’ve sifted through countless options, getting delightfully picky by the end, to present you with a focused selection that promises pure bliss without overwhelming you with too many choices.
Short on time? Here are our absolute top picks for sweet treats in Reno:
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Indulge Your Cravings: Must-Try Sweet Treats in Reno!
Ice Cream Sandwiches at Simple in MidTown
Prepare yourself for an unparalleled dessert experience at Simple in MidTown – a place so good, you’ll want to bring all your loved ones to share in the magic. Imagine this: two perfectly warm, freshly baked cookies or their renowned “Not a Cronut’s” embracing a generous scoop of your favorite artisanal ice cream. This isn’t just an ice cream sandwich; it’s a meticulously crafted symphony of textures and flavors that will redefine your perception of dessert.
During our visit, we opted for the classic yet utterly divine combination of warm chocolate chip cookies enveloping rich, salted caramel ice cream. The moment the warm, gooey cookie met the cold, creamy ice cream, it was pure bliss. Each bite delivered a perfect balance of sweet and savory, a comforting warmth contrasted by the refreshing chill. The quality of the ingredients truly shines through, making every mouthful a moment to savor.
A friendly warning: these decadent creations are gloriously messy, and that’s precisely part of their charm! We found ourselves gleefully dripping ice cream down our arms and even onto our toes, laughing all the while. Don’t worry about formalities; just immerse yourself in the joyful experience. The sheer deliciousness of Simple’s ice cream sandwiches is worth every delightful mess.
In fact, these treats were so incredibly good that we found ourselves drawn back to Simple two days in a row, just to confirm that our initial awe wasn’t a fluke. And indeed, both visits reaffirmed our conviction: these ice cream sandwiches are consistently, unequivocally DELICIOUS. They are a shining example of Reno’s vibrant dessert scene and an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a truly memorable sweet indulgence.
Simply Sinful Sandwich at Two Chicks
Stepping away from conventional desserts, the Simply Sinful Sandwich at Two Chicks offers a delightfully unexpected twist on sweet treats. This isn’t your average sandwich; it’s a creative concoction that masterfully blends sweet and savory elements into a harmonious, indulgent experience. Imagine thick slices of soft white bread, perfectly grilled, generously layered with creamy Nutella, rich peanut butter, fluffy marshmallow, and slices of fresh banana. Each bite is a nostalgic journey, reminiscent of childhood favorites elevated to gourmet status.
The combination of Nutella’s hazelnut cocoa richness, peanut butter’s nutty depth, marshmallow’s airy sweetness, and banana’s natural fruitiness creates an irresistible symphony of flavors and textures. It’s a comforting yet exciting treat that stands out from the typical dessert fare, proving that sometimes the best sweets come in the most surprising forms. This sandwich is a perfect example of Two Chicks’ innovative approach to comfort food.
But the intrigue doesn’t stop there! We uncovered a tantalizing rumor about a secret menu item that combines all these incredible toppings – Nutella, peanut butter, marshmallow, and banana – over a bed of crispy sweet potato fries! Regrettably, our packed itinerary prevented us from trying this legendary creation on our last visit. However, rest assured, this unique and daring dessert mash-up has soared to the very top of our list for our next culinary exploration of Reno. It promises to be a truly extraordinary experience for adventurous palates seeking something truly out of the ordinary.
The Simply Sinful Sandwich, whether on bread or the fabled sweet potato fries, embodies the playful and creative spirit of Reno’s diverse food scene. It’s a testament to how local eateries are constantly pushing boundaries and delighting diners with their inventive offerings.
Cannolis at La Strada at the Eldorado
For a taste of authentic Italian elegance, look no further than the exquisite cannolis served at La Strada, nestled within the luxurious Eldorado Resort Casino. These aren’t just any cannolis; they are a culinary masterpiece, a testament to time-honored traditions and exceptional craftsmanship. We first sampled these delightful pastries over two years ago, and their memory still lingers vividly, often sparking enthusiastic conversations, particularly from our team member John, who remains utterly captivated by their perfection.
The secret to their unparalleled quality lies in the heritage of the Eldorado’s owners, who hail from Italy and possess an innate understanding of how to craft a truly “killer” cannoli. Each cannoli features a perfectly crisp, golden-fried shell, delicate and flaky, providing an ideal textural contrast to the sumptuously rich and creamy ricotta cheese filling. The filling itself is a dream – subtly sweet, perfectly textured, and often infused with hints of citrus zest or candied fruit, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors.
Indulging in a cannoli at La Strada is more than just eating a dessert; it’s an experience. The refined ambiance of the restaurant complements the classic Italian treat, making it a perfect end to a gourmet meal or a sophisticated afternoon delight. While you’re there, be sure to explore the additional sweet treats available at the coffee shop within the Eldorado. They offer an array of pastries and confections that uphold the same high standards of quality and flavor, ensuring that your sweet tooth is thoroughly satisfied throughout your visit to this iconic Reno establishment.
La Strada’s cannolis are a true highlight of Reno’s dessert offerings, providing a luxurious and authentic taste of Italy right in the heart of the city.
Rounds Bakery
Rounds Bakery holds a special place in our hearts, not only for its own incredible offerings but also for being the proud purveyor of the legendary “Not a Cronut” that forms the base of Simple’s beloved ice cream sandwiches. This connection alone speaks volumes about the quality and reputation of Rounds Bakery – if they supply such a crucial component to another celebrated dessert, their own baked goods must be extraordinary.
We had heard countless glowing recommendations about the sheer amazingness of their baked goods, prompting us to pay a visit. Arriving around 11 AM, we were met with a sight that, while initially disappointing, was ultimately the most compelling testament to their popularity: the shelves were nearly empty. This wasn’t a sign of poor stocking; it was clear evidence that their delectable creations are so sought after, they sell out almost as quickly as they’re made. This enthusiastic demand is, without a doubt, a strong indicator that their products are beyond delicious and truly a must-try.
The “Not a Cronut” experience at Simple gave us a tantalizing glimpse into Rounds Bakery’s capabilities – a perfectly flaky, buttery, and subtly sweet pastry that elevates any dessert it touches. Based on this experience and the consistent buzz from locals, we highly recommend making an early morning visit to Rounds Bakery. To truly savor their full array of fresh-baked wonders, arriving bright and early is key. We are confident that if the “Not a Cronut” is any indicator of their overall quality, you will not be disappointed by any of their offerings, from their artisanal breads to their sweet pastries. It’s a true gem for bakery enthusiasts in Reno.
Jelly Donut
Jelly Donut is one of those wonderfully surprising places where the old adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” truly applies. Tucked away next to a coin laundry at 1750 S Virginia St, its exterior might seem unassuming, perhaps even a bit rough around the edges, we won’t lie. However, step inside, and you’ll immediately understand why this local spot is a beloved institution. The moment you cross the threshold, your senses are enveloped by the intoxicating, sweet aroma of freshly baked doughnuts – a scent that promises pure comfort and joy.
Beyond the classic glazed and sprinkled varieties we all know and love, Jelly Donut truly shines with its unique and imaginative twists on traditional doughnuts. While they offer all the normal doughnuts you’d expect, their specialty items are where the magic truly happens. You simply must try their extraordinary apple or cherry burrito doughnuts! Oh my goodness, these creations are a revelation. Imagine a soft, pillowy doughnut, generously filled with a warm, spiced apple or tangy cherry compote, rolled and shaped like a burrito, offering a delightful surprise with every bite. The balance of sweet, fruity filling and fluffy dough is simply divine, making them an unforgettable treat.
Jelly Donut offers a charmingly authentic and unpretentious experience, focusing entirely on delivering incredibly delicious, fresh doughnuts that will undoubtedly bring a smile to your face. It’s a quintessential local spot that encapsulates the unexpected culinary delights Reno has to offer. Make sure to seek out this hidden gem during your next visit; it’s a testament to the fact that some of the best flavors come from the most unexpected places. Located conveniently at 1750 S Virginia St., it’s an easy stop for a delightful sugar rush.
Our journey through Reno’s sweet treats has been nothing short of spectacular, revealing a city bursting with diverse and delectable dessert options. From the innovative ice cream sandwiches of MidTown to the authentic Italian cannolis and the surprising doughnut burritos, Reno proves to be a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. Each establishment offers its own unique charm and an unforgettable taste experience, showcasing the vibrant culinary landscape of this Nevada gem.
We’ve done our best to uncover some of the finest sweet spots, but Reno is always evolving. Have we overlooked any amazing sweet treats in Reno that deserve a spot on this list? We’d love to hear your recommendations! Please let us know so we can make sure to check them out during our next eagerly anticipated trip to Reno and continue expanding our ultimate guide to the city’s best desserts. Happy indulging!
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