Feeding your sweet tooth is a piece of cake in Hamilton thanks to a huge selection of decadent treats. So go ahead and indulge in these made-in-Hamilton desserts.
Life is better with chocolate!
Madam Bonbon
165 Locke St. S.
This small batch chocolate shop specializes in handcrafted and beautifully decorated bonbons, chocolate bars and other chocolate confections. Choose from many unique, jewel-like options, perfect as a treat or thoughtful gift.
Coati Fine Chocolate
35 York Blvd.
Find single origin bars, truffles, nut clusters, and bear claws, at this artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate and confections shop in Hamilton Farmers' Market, working with fair trade and direct trade cocoa beans from around the world.
Walker's Chocolates
1050 King St. W.
This Westdale shop is a go-to for chocoholics drawn to the smell of chocolate and freshly baked cookies. While their Mint Meltaway is one of this family run business' signature chocolates, you'll also find newer items like Chili Meltaways, specialty chocolate barks and plenty of chocolate novelties (like chocolate pizzas), perfect for gift giving.
Donuts We Love a Whole Lot
Donut Monster
246 Locke Street South
This Locke Street shop is so popular it even has a walk-through window option serving up a range of unique flavours of fritters, yeast-risen and cake donuts. Find everything from classic glazed to fun, decadent cookie dough bullseye. They also serve milkshakes and plenty of vegan-friendly options.
Grandad's Donuts
574 James Street North
This beloved local family-run donut shop has been making donuts for over 30 years, the way grandad used to: the old-fashioned way. Walnut Crunch, Cherry Stick and Ghostbusters are bestsellers. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Cafe Baffico
1375 King Street East
The much-loved sourdough-based donuts here are famous for their unique, chewy texture and flavour. With their creative and changing menus, there's always something new to taste here with flavours like classic cinnamon sugar or a feature cruller.
Tim Hortons
65 Ottawa Street North (original location)
The OG of donuts, you can always count on Tim Hortons for reliable, familiar, and consistently delicious treats that hit the spot. Visit the chain's first location on Ottawa Street for an apple fritter (one of the original donuts offered since 1964) and to take a peek at the small museum on the second floor.
Ice cream parlours that make us melt
Willard’s
942 Main St. E.
This seasonal ice cream shop is known for their house made creamy ice cream and waffle cones. They have classic flavours like vanilla bean but also wild ones like garlic and Mango Sriracha. Their flavours rotate often making every visit a new culinary adventure.
Hutch's
280 Van Wagners Beach Road, Hamilton & 325 Bay Street North
No summer bucket list is complete without a trip to Hutch's. At the iconic Van Wagners Beach, pair your cone with a beachside stroll or soak up the nostalgic diner-style ambiance inside (milkshakes and jukebox tunes, anyone?). The other location at downtown Hamilton's historic west harbour has prime picnic areas and family-friendly activities nearby.
Chocolat on James
123 James Street North, Hamilton
Chocolat on James boasts a mouth-watering selection of fine chocolates, barks, fudge and other confections – but it's their epic ice cream that really makes a statement. Cones and cups are dipped, drizzled, sprinkled, and loaded with all sorts of toppings. Swap your regular bowl for a cookie, brownie, or waffle bowl. Why not? You're on vacation.
Panini & Ice Cream
1505 Main Street East
This popular grab and go spot has earned a reputation for their monster ice cream creations. Order the “half and half” of your choice: half milkshake and half ice cream, garnished with extra sweet toppings like cookie chunks or cotton candy.
Cakes, Cookies and More!
The DSRT Company
1439 Main Street East, Hamilton
Beautiful on the outside and just as delicious on the inside, these handmade stuffed chocolate bars are almost too pretty to eat. With flavours like smores, caramel, and lava cake, there is something to satisfy every sweet tooth. While you're there, pick up a batch of their gummy mixes that are just as gorgeous as their chocolates.
MySweetooth
301 Main St. W.
Sister business to Momoco Donuts, this modern Asian bakery nails whipped cream-based desserts from cream puffs, crepe cakes, fresh filled mochi to chiffon cake boxes or whole cakes.
Castelli Mercato
13 Hatton Dr.
This is the spot to get Italian desserts, pastries, sandwiches, pizzas and more in Ancaster. Must try sweets include freshly made cannoli (filled on the spot), rich creamy tiramisu, brown butter chocolate cookies, and lemon ricotta cookies.
Pleasant Cookie Co.
35 York Blvd.
Nostalgic for the taste of old-fashioned warm cookies and milk? Head to this small batch cookie shop in Hamilton Farmers' Market. Fresh baked daily with flavours like Cowboy Pretzel.
Crumbled
339 Barton Street East, Hamilton
Ever had cake, crumbled? This Barton street shop has deconstructed a birthday staple and served it in a bowl. Think chunks of chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet cake mixed with buttercream frosting. They have seasonal flavours like apple cheesecake, snickers, and cookies and cream, plus Giant Loaded Twinkies (yes, you read that right). They also make stunning traditional cakes for special occasions.
Hotti Biscotti
Hamilton Farmers' Market – 35 York Boulevard
Life really is "biscotti-ful" thanks to the incredible biscotti creations at this long-time local dessert go-to (now at the Farmers' Market). In addition to seasonal biscotti flavours like key-lime in the summer and pumpkin spice in the fall, find special items like decadent hot chocolate bombs here too.
Traditional Treats
Sam’s Queenston Bakery
341 Queenston Rd.
This go-to staple for traditional Italian sweets specializes in authentic cannoli and rum cakes but has an array of assorted Italian pastries to choose from. Try their famous Sicilian cannoli made from scratch.
Karlik Pastry
762 Barton St. E.
This Polish Ukrainian bakery specializes in European treats made from generational family recipes including pastries, strudels, and custom cakes. They are very well known for their delicious cheesecakes.
Znoud Al-Hamdani
1070 Stone Church Rd.
This beautiful shop specializes in a large variety of Middle Eastern sweets, fresh nuts, Manakeesh and more. Try their Znoud El-Set (sweet cream wrapped in crispy phyllo dough dipped in rose water syrup) and silky Baklavah-like Kunafa,
Ola Bakery & Pastries
230 James Street North
Specializing in traditional Portuguese pastries, Ola is an authentic dessert option that’s been around for decades on James Street North - a neighbourhood with strong Portuguese roots. Taste their famous and flaky Pasteis de Nata (custard tarts) or choose from other options like rice pudding, eclairs, and brownies.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Friendly Stops
Pinch Bakery & Plant Shop
183 Sherman Ave. N.
This cute, cozy plant filled shop offers fresh baked goods in a nut free facility. Known for their delicious pastries, cakes as well as savoury treats. Try their much-loved cookies (perfect balance of sweet and salty) and blondies. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options here too.
Sau Bake
35 York Blvd
Find this vegan Brazilian street food themed bakery in Hamilton Farmers' Market sharing vegan sweets like jar cakes, truffles, cinnamon buns, cookies and more! Try their mini corn cakes and brownies and keep an eye out for their holiday specials like panettone.
Fairly Frosted Bakery
811 King St. E.
This vegan, gluten-free and nut free bakery offers a range of allergy friendly treats from cupcakes, cakes, cookies, pies to ice cream sandwiches and pints. Currently walk in is paused as they are moving to a new location, but they are offering scheduled pickup and delivery.