After a fun-filled out on the slopes we know your stomach is grumbling — don’t skip dessert! From cookies and pastries, to artisanal chocolate, let your inner sweet tooth run the show. Indulge in the best desserts in Tahoe, then thank us later.
Feature photo: Courtesy of Where We Met
North Shore

Dessert
ADA-Compliant | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
You can choose from more than 36 flavors of locally made ice cream and tons of toppings at Susie Scoops, served any which way you like it — in a cone, cup, milkshake or sunday, but dessert lovers have so many additional temptations to choose from here as well. The beloved North Shore institution also serves donuts, frozen yogurt, smoothies, shaved ice and Tahoe Pops, too. Pick up a nostalgic soda while you’re there, like Dad’s Old Fashioned Orange Cream Soda. Their reputation and customer base earned them a spot on the best desserts in Tahoe. They do not accept reservations.
899 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, 775.831.8181

Dessert
ADA-Compliant | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
Sure, Cool Mess serves ice cream, but why not try one of their decadent and creative Tahoe Stormies instead like the Apple Pie Storm, vanilla soft serve, Austin’s famous apple pie, caramel, cinnamon and nutmeg? There is also mud pie, molton lava cakes and Tahoe Pops to tempt you, as well as coffee, tea and cold drink concoctions. With its cozy velvet loveseats just begging for the ’gram and outdoor seating with yard games to keep the kiddos entertained, you might as well stay for a bit and relax. They do not accept reservations.
120 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, 775.440.6044

Little Truckee Ice Creamery
Dessert
ADA-Compliant | Dogs Welcome | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20
Local favorite Truckee Ice Creamery makes its all-natural ice cream and even ingredients like the caramel, brownies, cookies, praline and chocolate chips featured in the flavors right here in its shop located across the street from sparkling Donner Lake. There are usually 12 flavors to choose from including at least one dairy-free option. A good bet: Truckee Trails, pine nut brittle and brownie chunks blended into a sweet cream ice cream. Hours vary by season; check the website for up-to-date information. They do not accept reservations.
15628 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, 530.587.2884

Dessert
ADA-Compliant | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20
It pays to be patient for Sierra Bakehouse, opened in 2018, to turn out its weekly batch of baked goods on Friday, when the bakery is open to the public to enjoy the bounty. The dessert assortment always includes mouthwatering bars (raspberry linzer, brownies) and cookies (chocolate chunk, yuzu sugar) and other sweet treats. While you’re there, pick up a loaf of house-baked bread and pastries, too. They do not accept reservations.
10736 Pioneer Trail, Truckee, 530.562.9494
West Shore

Dessert
ADA-Compliant | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
You’ll soon forget this sweet little coffee and gelato shop lacks indoor seating after you take a bite of their creamy gelato, house-made with ingredients from the local farmers’ market. They typically have 10 flavors on hand, including vegan options — the vegan strawberries and cream gelato made with local strawberries is a fan favorite. They do not accept reservations.
7000 W Lake Blvd Tahoma

Dessert
ADA-Compliant | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20
This shop might be tucked away in a lakefront mall, but it’s worth seeking out. The old-fashioned candy store, opened in 1981, is jam-packed with chocolates, fudge and candies from around the world and also some made right on site. You’ll likely be offered samples, so you can try before you buy. They do not accept reservations.
760 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, 530.583.6652
South Shore

Dessert
ADA-Compliant | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20
On busy summer weekends, there’s invariably a line out the door at this old-fashioned ice cream parlor that’s part of the Camp Richardson resort. It’s right on the main road, making it an easy place to stop on a hot summer day during a bike ride or after spending the day at the lake. Richardson’s stocks classic flavors like mint chip and birthday cake, servings are generous, and you can enjoy your ice-cold cone at one of the shaded picnic tables outside under the towering pines. Open Memorial Weekend through Labor Day; check the website for up-to-date information. They do not accept reservations.
3 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, 530.494.2228

Dessert
ADA-Compliant | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
Childhood friends Rob Robbins and Shane Stange’s South Lake Tahoe outpost of the Baked Bear is a go-to for ice cream sandwiches. Cookies, brownies and ice cream are made onsite daily, and there are usually about a dozen choices, plus toppings, so the options for customization are endless. Will it be caramel pretzel fudge ice cream with snickerdoodle cookies rolled in almonds, or classic vanilla with chocolate chip cookies rolled in Heath bar bits? Choices, choices. They do not accept reservations.