I know, I know. Fitness enthusiasts are not supposed to eat dessert. It’s all steamed broccoli and baked chicken breasts for us.
But really, who lives like that???
Although dessert shouldn’t be anyone's major food group, we all enjoy something sweet once in a while. Whether it is a gooey brownie, creamy ice cream, or a soft, chewy cinnamon roll — we all have our favorite treat.
The Paseo Club is a social club with a focus on fitness, health, and community. We love to help our members — new and old — learn about the Santa Clarita Valley and its resources.
In this article, we will give you an inside scoop about all the dessert shops in the Santa Clarita Valley. You will learn what each establishment offers, the pros and cons, the cost of the items, and a final grade based on the quality of the desserts, price, ambiance, and customer service.
Dessert Shops in the Santa Clarita Valley
The SCV is lucky to have a wide range of shops and bakeries that make delicious treats for the most casual to the most discriminating palates.
The stores are listed in alphabetical order.
Bake Me a Cake
Bake Me a Cake is owned and operated by Melanie Baker, who has the perfect last name for her craft. She is a dental hygienist by day and an incredible cake maker by night!
Pros: Melanie creates unique cakes for special occasions with not only impeccable detail to creation but also the BEST flavors!
Cons: Her cakes are only available with a 4-week advance notice.
Good fit: If you are looking for a cake that is a showstopper for your party, then Melanie is your baker. Look for fun options like almonds and hazelnut in cakes, and then decide how decorative you want your cake to be. As a past Foodtastic Disney+ champion (check out her Star Wars creation), the sky's the limit.
Bad fit: You must plan in advance to order from Melanie.
Cost: Easter cheesecakes are $15 each and are about enough for 2 people. Cakes can range anywhere from $100 to $500 based on the complexity of the design.
Grade: A
Testimonial: “This cake was the perfect centerpiece of my entire event — and the taste was even better! Once we realized how amazing the flavor was, the cake was gone quickly!” - Jen A
Golden Spoon
Golden Spoon is the pioneer of the frozen yogurt industry, beginning in 1983. The local franchise opened its doors in 2022, and the Santa Clarita Valley is happy to have them. The mother and daughter team are Paseo Club members and are sure to make this store a success.
Pros: This is a great place to meet your neighbors, grab a cup of yogurt, and sit on the outdoor patio to eat and chat. There are over 17 flavors, including rotating holiday-themed ones. Try salted caramel for a sweet-salty treat. They also offer pineapple or strawberry frozen yogurt for those who love fruit flavors. Frozen yogurt is sold by the pound. There are several tasty toppings.
Cons: Like any ice cream shop, it can be busy on hot days.
Good fit: This is a popular hangout for local high school students and locals.
Bad fit: If you are in a rush to get fro-yo and go, this may not be the best place for you. There can be waiting times depending on the time of day and the weather.
Cost: $7 for a (very large) small cup
Grade: A-
Testimonial: “It consistently has great frozen yogurt flavors and quart specials. The quarts are the best since you can have yogurt for dessert anytime in your fridge. They also have a great variety of toppings.” - Charisse B
Ilana’s A-Cups
Ilana's A-cups is a Camarillo, California, based cottage-food bakery. Ilana specializes in decorated sugar cookies that not only look beautiful but taste good too. She makes custom designs and colors for weddings, engagements, birthdays, and holidays. She also makes cookies for businesses, especially logo cookies, which are a tasty way to promote any local company. Ilana offers sugar cookie decorating workshops to the community. You can contact her through her Instagram account @ilanasacups.
Pros: Ilana’s work shows a high attention to detail and quality. Her work is beautiful and the cookies are a great choice for any special gathering.
Cons: Ilana specializes in sugar cookies. This is not a full-service bakery so your options are limited.
Good fit: People who love expert creations by a master designer will be impressed by Ilana’s cookies. If you want themed cookies for the holidays or family or work celebrations, then Ilana’s is a great choice.
Bad fit: Cookies are available by special order only.
Cost: Cookies ar $4-12 and cupcakes are $6-8
Grade: A+
Testimonial: “These cookies are delicious — soft, not too sweet, and they melt in your mouth. The frosting is divine. Since they are made with all-natural ingredients and no dyes, they remain soft. Even after being left in a box on the counter with no sealed covering, they did not dry out.” - Jodi B
Lady Di’s
Lady Di’s is a local dessert shop in Santa Clarita. They make a wide selection of cookies, brownies, cupcakes, caramel apples, chocolate-dipped strawberries, hand-scooped ice cream cones, gluten-free cupcakes, and gluten-free cookies. All the items are baked fresh daily on-site. They have been in operation for over 20 years.
Pros: There is a diverse collection of sweets at Lady Di’s. They take custom and online orders for special events. Some popular cookie flavors are Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Resse’s Cup, and Pumpkin Spice. Cupcake choices include Eggnog, Blueberry Lemon, and Coconut Cream.
Cons: Desserts can be a little bit sweet.
Good fit: This local store has items ready to purchase. If you need a last-minute teacher gift, item for a potluck, or snacks for a meeting, then this is a good stop. They have lovely seasonal items available. Their selection can change daily, so there are often new yummy treats to try. They have a few gluten-free and vegan options too.
Bad fit: If you need baked goods for a very formal event or to impress people with very high standards, then the baked goods from Lady Di’s may fall short. But they are sure to impress in most situations.
Cost: Cookies cost $1.90 each, a half dozen is $10.20, and one dozen is $19.99. Cupcakes cost $4-4.50.
Grade: A
Testimonial: “The cookies were truly fresh! Excellent service with multiple wrapping options so I could buy some as a present and my friends loved them too!” - Kari K
Neighbarista
Neighbarista is a local breakfast shop serving homemade desserts. Everything is made in-house by the owner's wife. She bakes coffee cakes and mini loaves daily, the pies are to order, and their cinnamon rolls are to die for.
If you order in, grab a coffee — the flavored coffee creamer is homemade. They may be a breakfast/lunch cafe but go for the baked goods.
Pros: Everything is made in-house. They offer yummy seasonal options, and pre-orders are available for the holidays or special occasions.
Cons: Neighbarista is small inside with limited seating. There is usually a wait, but you can call ahead.
Good fit: People who want to support a great local, independent shop will love Neigbarista. Families appreciate the casual atmosphere, and anyone who doesn’t want to pay an arm and a leg for good food will be happy with their prices.
Bad fit: Neighbarista is small and can get crowded and you may have to wait to be seated. If you are looking for quiet, privacy, or a quick turnaround, then it may not be your spot.
Cost: $6-8 each
Grade: B
Testimonial: “The supply is great on weekend mornings. It is a great stop for something sweet! I can take home a cake and a jar of homemade creamer and enjoy a sugary day!” - Jen A
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Nothing Bundt Cakes was started by two friends in their Las Vegas kitchen and is now a global franchise operation. Former Paseo Club members own the Valencia store. They have catered their yummy cakes at several club events and handed out free bundt cake coupons for many years at the club's annual triathlon.
Pros: This cake shop has cakes ready for purchase, several size and flavor options. They also offer a wide selection of retail items, including party supplies, décor, and gifts, making Nothing Bundt Cakes the perfect one-stop celebration shop.
Cons: It is difficult (impossible?) to find the tiered cake options and pricing on their website.
Good fit: This is a great shop to patronize if you love adorable mini or maximum-sized cakes.
Bad fit: They close at 6 pm, so you can not pick up a cake in the evening.
Cost: Individual cakes ate $5.50. The 8-12 inch cakes cost between $30-38, depending on the size and decorations.
Grade: A
Testimonial: “Came here for the first time, and the staff was AMAZING and the ambiance of the place is very cute. Ordered a dozen budntinis and they tasted YUMMY. I highly recommend this place if you're craving cake or cupcakes!” - Shad A
Old Town Newhall Farmers Market
The Old Town Newhall Farmers Market is a certified farmers market in Santa Clarita. All vendors are certified California state farms. The farmers sell the best quality products in the valley.
If you are looking for a treat along with your veggies, then look to the artisan food purveyors.
- Bake Up makes incredible breakfast pastries sourced from local, all-natural ingredients. They bake everything by hand, fresh for Saturday’s market. Check out their homemade pop tarts, cookies, bars, and loaves. They even make marshmallows!
- SiSi Cakes make southern-inspired treats, including banana pudding, sweet potato pie, bundt cakes, and pecan pie bars.
- Buono Italian Eatery makes impeccable Italian foods. You can purchase ravioli to take home and cook, soups or sandwiches to eat there, or sweets such as cannoli and tiramisu.
- Des Croissants Paris sells sweet, savory, and plain croissants, baguettes, and cookies.
- Keto Sweets Los Angeles helps you have your cake and eat it too. All confections are sugar-free, grain-free, low-carb, and keto. You can buy single-serving treats like brownies and cookies, but they also make beautifully designed cakes for special events. Look for carrot, chocolate, or strawberry vanilla cake.
- House of the Peruvian Cookie specializes in alfajores a traditional sandwich cookie from Latin America. They sell cookies individually or in sets. There is a range of delicious fillings to choose from — chocolate, coffee, guava, coconut, and more.
Pros: The farmers market is a great place to show your support for small family farms and independent local businesses. Everything is made in small batches with attention to detail.
Cons: The market is open only on Saturdays from 8:30 am - 1:00 pm. Vendors can differ each week, and the dessert shops may rotate their goods.
Good fit: If you love a family-friendly, community-based spot to shop, eat, and hang out, then the Old Town Newhall Farmers Market is the place for you.
Bad fit: The market is not a quick in-and-out shopping experience. Available parking may be a few blocks away. If you are short on time, you may be better off at a store with a storefront. You will be out of luck if you need a baked good on a Tuesday (or any other day of the week that isn’t Saturday).
Cost: Prices vary according to the vendor.
Grade: A
Testimonial: “This busy farmer's market has a lot of small businesses to support. Excellent place to get breakfast. There are dumplings, tacos, crepes, french pastries, cookies, and tamales. There are also several fresh fruit and veggie stands, a coffee place, a beef business, and a fish guy.” - Nica L
Treating yourself to something delicious in the Santa Clarita Valley
Whether it is a party, special event, or just a Friday night where you want something extra delectable to eat, custom-made desserts can be just the thing to grab to celebrate.
Desserts can comfort us, bring up nostalgia, and provide a highlight after a long day. Even the smell of baking sweets brings us pleasant memories.
The Paseo Club is a community-focused social club with tennis and pickleball courts, a junior Olympic pool, and over 60 fitness classes offered each week.
Schedule a tour of the Paseo Club to check out the club’s facilities and meet staff and instructors. It could be your new home away from home.
Read these three articles to learn more about the Santa Clarita Valley.
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