As a self-proclaimed chocolate connoisseur, I have spent a fair amount of my time searching for the best dessert spots in Seattle. Also, I am a firm believer in treating yourself as much as possible in life because, well, why not? Here are my top five favorite dessert places in Seattle:
1. Hot Cakes, Capitol Hill & Ballard
Hot Cakes is a popular Seattle dessert spot for good reason. They undeniably have a monopoly on molten lava cakes in the Seattle area. Their menu extends far beyond just that, however. They also have cookies, ice cream, and even “boozy shakes.” The two shop locations are aesthetically pleasing and the desserts are definitely Instagram worthy. Be aware that this place is good and everyone knows it, so it can be packed (like, literally standing room only) in the evenings. If you’d rather not have to stand while indulging in your dessert, or you’d rather savor your dessert from the comfort of your couch, Hot Cakes offers take-and-bake options as well.
Favorite menu item: Dark Decadence Molten Lava Cake (a classic!)
2. Simply Desserts, Fremont
Simply Desserts is the go-to place in order to satisfy any cake cravings. Their menu ranges from classic flavors, such as red velvet and carrot, to more fun flavors, such as their chocolate raspberry rhapsody cake and java del sol cake. For Simply Desserts, there are no gimmicky marketing tactics that they try to push onto their customers. It’s cake on a paper plate with a plastic fork (paid for with cash or check only). And that’s all that’s genuinely needed when you know your cakes are the best around.
Favorite cake flavor: Chocolate White Chocolate Cake
3. Hello Robin, Capitol Hill
According to Seattle Magazine’s 2017 Readers’ Choice awards, (and myself), Hello Robin has the best cookies in Seattle. They have a unique selection of cookies, from orange habanero chocolate chip to birthday cake to lemon glazed poppy seed. Compliment your cookies by sandwiching a Molly Moon’s ice cream flavor between two of them, making for a uniquely sweet treat.
Favorite cookie flavor: Mackles’more
4. Sugar & Spoon, various locations
Some students may recall The Dough Boys serving up edible cookie dough in The Quad as a part of UW’s University Ventures. Well, now they’re known as Sugar & Spoon and they’ve got their own food truck! The dough omits eggs and uses heat treated flour, making it completely safe to eat. Sugar & Spoon stems beyond their classic chocolate chip flavor with a variety of other flavor offerings, such as dough-reo (Oreo), snickerdoodle, and party animal. Founders Ivana and William birthed the idea of Sugar & Spoon while taking a class, Creating a Company (ENTRE 472/473), here at UW. And for that, we thank them.
Favorite cookie dough flavor: Dough-reo
5. Sweet Alchemy, University District
Sweet Alchemy started when UW graduate Lois Ko set out to make the best possible ice cream in the PNW. Sweet Alchemy makes their sauces, toppings, and waffle cones from scratch. They use organic ingredients that are locally sourced. And they serve up an array of creative flavors, such as chocolate earl grey, makgeolli, and blackberry crumble. All this considered, I’d confidently say that Lois Ko succeeded in her mission. Sweet Alchemy serves the best ice cream around.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Dough or Die (chocolate dipped waffle cone not necessary but highly recommended)