Lancaster is super sweet! There are so many wonderful things to see and experience. One of my favorite things to do is grab an ice cream cone and walk around the city. This is especially fun on First Friday when the galleries and shops are open late. Take a look at the Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Dessert Edition, and make your way through the sweetest spots in town!
1. Lancaster Sweet Shoppe
141 N Duke St #2888, Lancaster, PA 17602
If you have walked down Duke Street, you have smelled the incredible aromas from the Lancaster Sweet Shoppe. Famous for their fresh, warm Stroopies, the Sweet Shoppe sells an array of other sweet treats. As you walk in, you will be greeted by a counter filled with decadent chocolates from Groff’s Candies. They make everything from salted caramels to peanut brittle. Head to the back of the shop for a wide selection of premium ice cream from Pine View Dairy. It will be super hard to choose a flavor! Looking for a treat for that special person in your life? Check out the wall of gift boxes that are already prepared for you! I guarantee you won’t leave the shop empty handed.
Recommendations: Chai Stroopie ice cream with a side Stroopie, Peppermint Stroopie, Homemade Salted Caramels
2. Bistro Barberet & Bakery
26 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602
If you are looking for a taste of Paris, this is it. Bistro Barberet & Bakery is located in the heart of downtown Lancaster, and you cannot miss it! You will immediately be distracted by the colorful and decadent display of sweets in the window. Each pastry is crafted with experience and care, which is evident by the breath taking precision and design of each piece. Owner and operator, Chef Cedric Barberet was professionally trained in France, and brought his 25 years of talent to Lancaster City. Looking for a little more than dessert? Try their modern take on classic French cuisines at the bistro. They serve items such as escargot and beef tartare.
Recommendations: Terra Cotta Pots, Macarons, anything with mousse!
3. Lancaster Cupcake
24 W. Orange St. Lancaster, PA 17603
As previous contenders on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, Lancaster Cupcake knows cupcakes! They started from the belief that cupcakes can turn any frown upside down. (They’re not wrong…) Step inside the downtown cupcakery and the smell of icing and vanilla will tickle your taste buds. You may want to look ahead at the menu, because there will be too many delicious flavors to choose from. You will be standing there forever! Don’t miss out on the wonderful events that they host, such as seasonal cupcake and cake decorating. Also, if you have a kiddo at home, it’s the perfect place for a birthday party! There’s a ton to see and taste at Lancaster Cupcake.
Recommendations: Late Night Snack, Salted Caramel Fudge, Peanut Butter Fudge, Toffee Crunch, S’mores
4. Oola Bowls
23 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17602 in Central Market
Oola Bowls bring a bit of the West Coast culture to downtown Lancaster. Located in Central Market, their bowls feature blended açai berries, which are harvested from trees in the rainforest. These tropical berries are packed with vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants, so you can feel good about what you are putting into your body. You can try one of their signature bowls, or mix it up and build your own! Instead of using açai as your base, they also offer the exotic Pitaya, or dragon fruit. Don’t skip out on Grandma’s Granola, it’s the best part! If you can’t make the trip downtown, they have a location in Manheim Township and Lititz as well. Pro tip: You can now order bulk ingredients to-go so you can assemble your own bowls at home!
Recommendations: Oola Bowl, Build Your Own Bowl, Grandma’s Granola
5. Rolled Cold Creamery
24 E Orange St, Lancaster, PA 17602
Ice cream just got a whole lot cooler! Rolled Cold Creamery is the perfect place for families with children or if you are a kid at heart. The ice cream is “rolled” right in front of you, and there are endless amounts of toppings to choose from. Watch the magic happen as they turn a cold liquid into a bowl filled with the most delicious ice cream. Are you lactose intolerant or vegan? Don’t fret! They have a dairy-free mix so you can enjoy a frozen dessert too. Lastly, they offer dog friendly treats, so bring your pup along for the fun!
Recommendations: Fudge Brownie Rolled Ice Cream in a dish topped with caramel sauce, pretzels, and cookie dough.
6. La Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery
9 N Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602
This family-owned bakery translates to “sweet life”, and it sure lives up to the name. La Dolce Vita is located in the historic downtown district, which makes it an easy pit stop. The café is lined with copious amounts of homemade Italian cookies and pastries. You’ll have a hard time leaving with just one thing! With that said, a dessert from La Dolce Vita is the perfect sweet treat for any birthday, holiday, or special occasion. Looking to host an event? The restaurant offers catering trays of their cookies, sandwiches, and more! Lastly, they offer freshly bakes breads, coffee, and a variety of soups and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Pro tip: Grab a fresh cannoli on your way out, because they are filled upon demand!
Recommendations: Almond Horns, Cannolis, Fruit Tarts, Biscotti
7. Sweetish Candy
356 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603
Sweetish Candy is a tasty, choose-your-own adventure for the entire family. With over 200 pick-and-mix candy options, you can try gummies, licorices, and hard candies from an array of Scandinavian countries. The fun doesn’t stop with candy! The shop also offers a variety of snacks and sodas from around the world. Pro tip: Grab a variety of desserts to-go, and have a tasting party with your friends. Sample some marzipan from Denmark or gourmet chocolate from Iceland and compare your faves. Take your time browsing through the store, or you’ll miss out on some incredible and unique treats! Don’t live in Lancaster? Visit their website to order your goodies with domestic shipping!
Recommendations: Sour Peach Lips, Rambo Sour Strawberry, Pink Skulls, Danish Skull
8. Pop & Perk
136 N. Prince St. Lancaster, PA 17603
Located on Gallery Row in the heart of Lancaster City, Pop & Perk is the gourmet popcorn that we didn’t know we needed. With almost any flavor imaginable, you will fall head over heels for this classic snack. Swing by the store to look at their wide variety of sweet and savory flavors. You can choose from the basics, such as caramel or sea salt, or you can be adventurous and try some of their exotic flavors, such as Buffalo Blue Cheese or Sriracha Lime. Don’t live in Lancaster? Head to their website! You can have these gourmet goodies delivered right to your door. Pro tip: Each flavor is prepackaged in varying sizes and they make great gifts!
Recommendations: Cinnamon Bun, Zesty Parmesan Ranch
9. House of Clarendon
240 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603
Nestled off of the downtown strip, House of Clarendon is a gem of a find. Stop by the shop for a taste of their talent. In house, they serve fresh macarons and cupcakes of all kinds. The cupcakes iced with their signature mousse will melt in your mouth! However, the talent does not stop there. They are well known for their exquisite wedding and event cakes. While sipping on your coffee, you can browse the “caketique”, which showcases their delicious and incredible talent. Looking for a sweet party favor? They also offer a variety of custom mini desserts, including petit fours and cake pops. If you did not come with a sweet tooth, you’ll definitely leave with one!
Recommendations: Cupcakes: Honey Bourbon, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Lemon Blueberry, Pink Champagne, Rosé, Custom Order: Petit Fours, Cake Pops
10. Penny’s Ice Cream
Portable Ice Cream Truck
Looking for local, homemade ice cream during the hot summer months? Penny’s Ice Cream has an ice cream truck that can be seen around the city and rented out for any occasion. Work events, block parties… you name it! Plus, if you want to save some ice cream for later, Penny’s sells pints through their monthly subscription program. Whether you rent their truck for your wedding or stock up your freezer, Penny’s is sure to sweeten up your life!
Recommendations: Black Raspberry Oreo, Olivia’s Coffee
Dear Friends…
I hope that the guide will direct you to wonderfully sweet experiences with your family and friends, and that you will fall in love with Lancaster just as I have!
Looking for other recommendations in Lancaster? Check out the Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Dinner Edition and Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster City: Coffee Shop Edition! Don’t forget to share your sweet treats and tag #passportflavor on social media!
These shops are in no particular order. New guides will be created when new restaurants are experienced. Many places require street parking. However, there are handfuls of garages within walking distance around the city. Also, street parking is free after 6pm Monday-Saturday, and free on Sundays. Download the ParkMobile app for easy parking! Reservations are encouraged for sit down restaurants.
All images and text ©Alexis Stambaugh for Passport Flavor™
I'm a 20-something foodie with a passion for travel. As a self taught chef, I believe food is what brings us together. When I'm not in my kitchen creating recipes, I love connecting with people as I experience cuisines from other cultures. Come join me on my culinary and travel adventures!