The 5 Best Places For Ice Cream & Sweet Treats Around Vail Valley

A scoop of handcrafted ice cream, a warm churro dusted with cinnamon sugar or a delicate pastry filled with rich cream can provide a welcome indulgence after a day in the Colorado mountains. Throughout the Vail Valley, dessert shops and specialty kitchens create everything from inventive gelato flavors and classic sundaes to European-inspired pastries and locally made chocolates. The Best of Vail Valley recognizes businesses that bring creativity, distinctive flavors and handcrafted sweets to the region's dessert scene.

El Bajón Churros

El Bajón Churros brings freshly prepared churros to communities throughout Eagle County through a mobile dessert business founded by Ana and her husband, Matt. Ana studied pastry arts in Chile before gaining experience in Vail Valley hotels and restaurants, eventually turning her dream of owning a business into a specialty churro operation. Customers can choose churros dipped in chocolate and sprinkles, filled varieties rolled in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar and bite-sized churros served with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche.

KIWI International Delights

KIWI International Delights in Avon specializes in homemade ice cream, gelato, sorbet and frozen treats made without artificial colors, flavors or processed white sugar. Founder Martha Trillo established the Avon business in 2015, developing an extensive collection of more than 500 rotating flavors that includes pistachio, avocado, blueberry lavender and raspberry with dark chocolate. Dairy-free selections use ingredients such as coconut milk, oat milk and almond milk, while fruit sorbets provide additional alternatives. The shop also prepares sweet crepes, banana splits, milkshakes and traditional desserts such as tres leches cake and chocoflan.

Sundae

Sundae has crafted small-batch artisan ice cream in Colorado since 2016, offering handmade frozen treats at its Edwards location and other scoop shops. Its ice cream makers prepare classic flavors such as vanilla, chocolate and salted cookies and cream alongside seasonal creations that include blackberry lavender, caramelized banana and chai. Customers can enjoy scoops in house-made waffle cones or choose signature sundaes, milkshakes and artisan ice cream sandwiches. The company also prepares custom ice cream cakes with a choice of cake bases, ice cream flavors and mix-ins, giving customers options for birthdays and other celebrations.

Dang Sweets

Dang Sweets in Avon specializes in European-inspired pastries, handcrafted desserts and custom creations for celebrations. Its selections include traditional honey cake layered with sour cream-based frosting, tiramisu made with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream and chocolate honey cake. The bakery also prepares macarons in flavors such as pistachio, mango-passion fruit, Earl Grey-lavender and blood orange milk chocolate, along with cookies and gluten-free desserts. For special events, Dang Sweets offers dessert bars featuring miniature cupcakes, cheesecake cubes and other individual treats.

FOODsmith Prep

FOODsmith Prep in Eagle combines a gourmet take-home meal business with a specialty retail shop featuring locally made Mountain Flour desserts, small-batch ice creams and sorbets. Its dessert selections include flourless bittersweet chocolate cake bites, cheesecake bites with blueberries, chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons and miniature cupcakes. Customers can also explore larger desserts such as apple cobbler, classic tiramisu, double chocolate mousse cake and New York-style cheesecake. Founded in 2014 as a personal chef and private-event business, FOODsmith also offers chef-prepared meals, culinary gifts and handcrafted sweets for customers to enjoy at home.

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