Indulge in the Top 7 Resolution-Breaking Desserts in Irvine
As we settle into a new year, some resolutions will be successful and others will be broken. One of the most difficult resolutions to stick to is a zero-sugar policy – and rightfully so. Irvine, especially, is home to some phenomenal and highly crave-worthy desserts, from ice cream to cookie sandwiches. Here is a list of where you can indulge in a sweet cheat day in Irvine.
Strickland’s Ice Cream
The best recipes are crafted slowly over time and Strickland’s Frozen Custard, located in Campus Plaza, has a long-lasting legacy of deliciousness. Founded in 1936, this classic ice cream shop has carefully developed a wide range of flavors that will satisfy any dessert lover. Purists line up for go-to flavors like vanilla or chocolate, homemade and served in generous scoops. More adventurous ice cream fans should consider Strickland’s unique flavors like Thai tea and Nutella chip.
Campus Plaza
4523 Campus Dr
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 387-9955
poqetDONUTS
Is there anything better than a freshly baked donut? How about a freshly baked donut made to order with your choice of filling, toppings and flavor? poqetDONUTS (pronounced “Pocket”) is a DIY donut haven where dessert fans can let their imaginations run wild. In addition to a creative menu of Signature Creations, which includes gourmet options like Lemon Meringue and Cherry Red Velvet, visitors can opt for a fully customizable donut, made-to-order. First, guests can choose from a list of donut flavors, ranging from glazed to vanilla to vegan. Next, customers choose their filling and select toppings. Now, all you have to do is sit back and relax with a delicious donut.
Harvard Place Shopping Center
17655 Harvard Ave Ste B
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 932-0800
Creamistry
Combining science and sweets, Creamistry is for the mad dessert scientist in all of us. This one-of-a-kind dessert shop uses liquid nitrogen to prepare the ice cream of your choice, complete with toppings. This fully customizable ice cream experience requires a few steps – 1. Choose your size and base (non-dairy options available) 2. Choose your flavor 3. Choose your toppings. Considering you can select from over 70 flavors, including Fruity Pebbles, green tea and cookie butter, this is a place where you can have fun while designing your very own signature treat.
Crossroads
3972 Barranca Pkwy D
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 777-6627
Sugar Rush Sweet Shoppe
Located in the Los Olivos Marketplace, Sugar Rush Sweet Shoppe can best be described as a candy store for grown-ups. Offering a sweet selection of premium candy and chocolate in beautiful displays, shopping at Sugar Rush is both a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Choose your favorite among a list of high-quality artisanal sweets, such as chocolates, truffles, lollipops and an assortment of sweets from around the world. If you’re already starting to feel guilty about breaking one of your New Year’s resolutions, go for a treat in Sugar Rush’s “Simple Pleasures” section, dedicated to all-natural sweets as well as nut-free and gluten-free options.
Los Olivos Marketplace
8585 Irvine Center Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 502-5610
Honeymee
What’s better than a creamy scoop of ice cream? A creamy scoop of ice cream topped with raw honey and a real honeycomb! Honeymee offers classic ice cream treats with a sweet twist. Visitors can choose from a menu that includes the “Sweetie,” with vanilla ice cream and drizzled honey, or the “Dear chocolate,” featuring vanilla ice cream swirled with Ghirardelli chocolate and topped with French sea salt. Another signature Honeymee treat are their Honey Milk Shakes – we recommend classic flavors like chocolate and cookies ‘n cream.
Harvard Place
17595 Harvard Ave Unit E
Irvine, CA 92614
(470) 588-7595
Snow Monster
Just when we thought macaroons couldn’t get any better, Snow Monster went ahead and added a scoop of luxurious ice cream to the mix. This creative confectionary is home to some of the most delicious macaroon ice cream sandwiches around as well as some eye-catching desserts, like the Cotton Candy Cloud, which can be added to a scoop of ice cream for an incredible look. The spot also has signature Shaved Snow desserts made with fluffy heaps of shaved ice infused with your choice of toppings and syrups.
University Center
4255 Campus Dr A124
Irvine, CA 92612
(714) 582-6023
CREAM
CREAM, which stands for Cookies Rule Everything Around Me, is an innovative bakery and ice cream shop found in the Irvine Spectrum Center. Here, you can satisfy your cookie cravings with tantalizing options like CREAM’s Butter Sugar or Creamfetti Cookies or their bite-sized Mini Cookies. If you want to go mix things up, try an ice cream sandwich made with cookies, waffles – even brownies! Did somebody say ice cream taco? CREAM has a lengthy menu of toppings and super premium ice creams to choose from. For a unique dessert to enjoy on-the-go, try The Cream Taco made with a sweet taco shell and your favorite ice cream flavor.
Irvine Spectrum Center
640 Spectrum Center Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 341-0636
