Inspiration
Connecticut Sweets for Every Sweet Tooth
Connecticut's sweet treats game is strong. You'll find superb bakeries, decades-old ice cream parlors, classic and creative donut shops, cozy cafés, and world-class chocolatiers in every county. Whatever you're craving, there's a sugary indulgence ready for you, so save plenty of room for dessert.
Here are some of the state's most outstanding spots for sweets, including nationally-recognized bakeries and donut makers, farm-fresh pies and ice cream, innovative cupcake flavors, and spectacular handmade artisan chocolates.
Chocolatiers and Candy Makers
Connecticut is filled with artisan chocolatiers that create artful, intricate candy masterpieces. Visit these sweets boutiques and see cases filled with small batch truffles, caramels, buttercreams, brittles, toffees, and barks.
Below are notable sweet boutiques where you can get your fix of small batch chocolates. Just visiting these stores is an experience in itself.
For chocoholics that constantly need a new adventure, check out the Connecticut Chocolate Trail for even more inspiration.
Artisanal chocolates made in small batches with the farm’s fresh milk, cream, and butter.
CT's largest chocolatier, with handcrafted chocolates, creams, and caramels
100 varieties of chocolates, fudge, peanut brittle, molded novelties and more.
Premium handmade chocolates like turtles, toffees, caramels, and peanut butter patties
Chocolates are handmade using exotic flavors and spices and fresh, local ingredients
Ice Cream
Ice cream shops in Connecticut craft some of the best ice cream in the Northeast. Enjoy traditional flavors churned with fresh milk and cream, made on site at Connecticut's legendary farmstead creameries, or sample more gourmet options as ice cream makers experiment with trends. Here are some of our suggestions for a classic (or creative) scoop.
A campus favorite, its creative flavors crafted with on-site fresh farm milk.
Slow-churned, small batch flavors made daily on site (with fresh waffle cones.)
80+ different handmade flavors, including a unique basil (!) variety.
Bakeries
Perfect flaky pastries, cupcakes piled high with frosting, heavenly cookies, and decadent cinnamon rolls: You'll find it all at these top Connecticut bakeries. Some of these spots have been nationally recognized, and others are beloved community gathering spots, always ready to add a little sweetness to your day or special occasion.
French and Asian-inspired pastries. Named "best cinnamon roll in CT" by Tasting Table
Hometown bakery specializing in cupcakes, cookies, pies and more
French-focused pastries and entremets by "Food Network" winner Adam Young
Treats like cinnamon rolls, croissants, scones and muffins, made with organic ingredients.
Artisanal pastries, breads, donuts, and more in a charming farm setting.
Donuts
Food & Wine once called Connecticut a "donut heartland," naming classic shops like Westport's Coffee An' and Stamford's Lakeside Diner along with newer addition Nana's Bakery in Mystic (known for both sweet and savory donuts!) Around the state, you'll find everything from traditional old-fashioned glazed and chocolate frosted treats to funky, trendy flavors with gourmet inspiration.
Widely considered one of the state's best, recognized by Food & Wine and Tasting Table
Pies
From orchard-fresh fruit fillings to cream, pumpkin, and chocolate, these Connecticut bakeries specialize in (and excel at) pies. Enjoy everything from traditional apple with buttery homemade crusts to decadent peanut butter cup and black bottom banana varieties.
A sought-after spot for holiday pies, with dozens of cream and fruit varieties.
National award winner for its fruit, nut, cream and savory pies, including chocolate bourbon pecan.
Top Pastry Chefs
The Connecticut Restaurant Association's annual CRAzies Awards feature a Best Pastry Chef category each year. Here's a look at the people who make sweet magic at bakeries and restaurants: the top bakers and pastry professionals in the state, as nominated in 2025.
The French chef creates beautiful artisanal pastries in a charming farm setting.
Arena creates desserts for all DORO locations, including Treva, Avert, and Zohara.
D'Angelo crafts beautiful seasonal desserts at the Bantam restaurant.
Find perfect French pastries at DeQueker's bakeries in Greenwich and Darien.
Tripp is known for the creative small-batch pastries at her Wallingford bakery.
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