7 Colorado Dessert Cafés That Serve Up Surprises And Sweet Delights
Colorado’s dessert scene goes far beyond ordinary sweets, offering a playground of innovative treats that excite every taste bud.
Liquid nitrogen ice cream, artisanal gelato paired with sweeping mountain views, and other creative confections elevate the state’s dessert game.
These seven destinations promise unforgettable, imaginative experiences for anyone craving more than just sugar.
1. Little Man Ice Cream (Denver)
Housed in a 28-foot tall cream can, this iconic Denver landmark serves up scoops with a side of whimsy. Lines often stretch around the block during summer evenings.
What makes a visit worthwhile? Seasonal flavors like Salted Oreo and Space Junkie change regularly, while a portion of proceeds supports community initiatives worldwide.
2. Sweet Cow Ice Cream (Boulder, Louisville, and beyond)
Locally sourced ingredients transform into creamy masterpieces at this Colorado chain beloved by families. Kids squeal with delight watching milkshakes being crafted behind the counter.
Monthly rotating flavors keep regulars coming back, while dairy-free options ensure everyone finds something to love. Bonus points for the compostable spoons and eco-friendly packaging!
3. Shamane’s Bake Shoppe (Boulder)
Nestled in a cozy corner of Boulder, Shamane’s feels like stepping into grandma’s kitchen, if grandma were a pastry genius. Morning visitors snag still-warm cinnamon rolls that disappear by noon.
Signature maple bacon scones balance sweet and savory perfectly. Owner Shamane works her magic daily, crafting everything from scratch using recipes perfected over decades.
4. I Scream Gelato (Breckenridge)
Mountain adventures taste sweeter after visiting this alpine gelato haven. Skiers and snowboarders flock here after hitting the slopes, trading stories of black diamond runs over cups of handcrafted gelato.
Unique flavors like Breckenridge Bourbon Brown Butter showcase local spirits. Small-batch production ensures peak freshness, with each scoop denser and silkier than traditional ice cream.
5. The Inventing Room Dessert Shop (Denver)
Walking into this laboratory-like dessert shop feels like entering Willy Wonka’s factory. Chef Ian Kleinman, Colorado’s molecular gastronomy pioneer, creates smoke-billowing confections that dazzle both eyes and taste buds.
Liquid nitrogen-frozen treats crack and fizz in your mouth. Exploding whipped cream and floating cotton candy defy dessert expectations, making science class suddenly seem deliciously relevant.
6. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (Denver, Boulder)
Celebrity status in the ice cream world belongs to Jeni’s, where flavor combinations read like poetry. Visitors marvel at unexpected pairings like Goat Cheese with Red Cherries or Brambleberry Crisp.
Founder Jeni Britton Bauer revolutionized ice cream by skipping egg yolks for a cleaner taste. Milk sourced from grass-fed cows creates that signature smooth texture that’s converted countless Coloradans into devoted fans.
7. Tin Cup Kitchen (Colorado Springs)
Mining history inspires both decor and desserts at this Colorado Springs gem. Gold rush memorabilia adorns walls while prospector-sized portions delight hungry visitors after Garden of the Gods hikes.
Signature gold-dusted chocolate “nuggets” pay homage to the state’s mining heritage. Family recipes passed down five generations form the backbone of the menu, with each dessert named after a different historic mining camp.
