Whether you like over-the-top cupcakes, donuts to go with your morning cup o' joe, or triple scoop ice cream cones, the communities of Porter County have something for every sweet tooth.
We asked our locals to tell us about their favorite places to get sweet treats, and it quickly became clear that the Indiana Dunes area has bakeries, ice cream parlors, and sweet shops galore! Even with all of the choices, a clear favorite emerged.
Bao's Pastry
The dessert shop with the most votes in our Locals Love poll is Bao's Pastry in Valparaiso. Bao and her family moved from Paris, France, to the United States in 2018. They fell in love with Valparaiso's great neighborhoods, thriving economy, and proximity to the natural wonders around Lake Michigan. Bao graduated with a Professional Pastry Degree from the Paris Auguste Escoffier School in France. She has brought her skills and passion for delicious and beautiful pastries to the Indiana Dunes area. Watch the video below for their family's story and then plan your visit to Bao's Pastry in Valparaiso.
These eleven dessert shops (in no particular order) round out the top ten sweet treats establishments our locals love:
Designer Desserts
The first thing you might notice about Designer Desserts is its bright pink facade on Lincolnway in downtown Valparaiso. Once inside, you'll find cases full of decadent cupcakes available in over 100 favors. Favorite flavors like pink champagne are available year-round, but be sure to visit throughout the year for seasonal favorites. They've been known to get creative and make themed cupcakes to coincide with local events like the Popcorn Festival.
Discover the wonder of Designer Desserts in Valparaiso.
Dog Days Ice Cream Parlor
At the main intersection of Chesterton's downtown, you'll find a quaint ice cream shop with a picture of two dogs on the window. Dog Days Ice Cream Parlor harkens back to the ice cream shops of the olden days with its vintage-style barstools and hometown feel. Along with its variety of ice cream, the shop offers gourmet gelatos and sorbettos.
Enjoy the Dog Days of summer in Chesterton.
Evolution Artisan Confections
Evolution Artisan Confections is an artisan chocolate and confection shop in Valparaiso. The owners, a husband and wife team, pride themselves in offering small-batch artisan chocolates and desserts created by a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a European Trained Pastry Chef!
See the culinary artwork at Evolution Artisan Confections.
Henze's Bakery
If you're looking for a sprinkle donut, Bavarian Cream, or a seasonally-available Pączki, Henze's Bakery in Valparaiso is a local favorite you need to try. The family-owned bakery has been in operation since 1960. Heinz Henze Jr. makes nearly 4,000 donuts a night, continuing the tradition handed down from his grandparents, who started the bakery. His grandparents once ran seven locations and had a reputation for wonderful marzipan, eclairs, and buttercream torte cakes made using authentic German recipes.
These same baked goods are still served at Henze's. Plan your visit to Henze's Bakery.
Lucrezia Cafe
Locals love going to the award-winning Lucrezia Cafe in Chesterton for its delicious Italian fare, but it would be a mistake to leave before having dessert. Their cannoli, mascarpone-stuffed strawberries, and tiramisu are heavenly. If you're dining outdoors on a warm day, gelato and sorbetto are the perfect way to end your meal.
Learn more about Lucrezia Cafe.
Pat's Ice Cream Parlor
Pat's Ice Cream Parlor is a one-of-a-kind ice cream spot in downtown Valparaiso. The shop transitioned from a Baskin-Robbins franchise to a local shop in 1980 which sells Chocolate Shoppe brand ice cream in a wide variety of flavors.
Pick out your favorite flavor at Pat's Ice Cream Parlor.
Red Cup Cafe & Deli
Head to downtown Chesterton and it's hard to miss the Red Cup Cafe & Deli with the giant red mug logo on the windows and bright orange and green interior. Locals love the cafe's homemade muffins, cookies, and donuts as well as the wit of the owner, Laura. The mugs they offer for sale do say, "Sarcasm: Just one of the services we offer," after all. Red Cup was featured on the Indiana Dunes episode of John McGivern's Main Streets.
Learn more about Red Cup Cafe & Deli.
Rise n' Roll
Rise n' Roll started in 2001 in Shipshewana, Indiana, when an Amish couple started selling baked goods on their front porch. After three years, they opened their first bakery and eventually sold it to non-Amish owners. The original owners stayed on as employees, and the present-day Rise n' Roll was born. They are famous for their Cinnamon Caramel Donut, but you'd be remiss if you didn't try the other daily offerings.
Learn more about Rise n' Roll.
Suzie's Cafe & Catering
This Valparaiso cafe has been open since 1996. Locals head to Suzie's for tasty breakfast and lunch options. What about dessert? They offer cupcakes, cookies, cakes, pies, and more. It's their enormous cinnamon rolls that take dessert to another level. If you arrive early enough, you might be able to score their fabulous cinnamon roll french toast!
Learn more about Suzie's Cafe & Catering.
Tiger Lily Café
Tucked away off of Calumet Avenue is a Tiger Lily Café, a cafe and bakery that caters to vegans, vegetarians, and their non-vegetarian friends. If you're looking for a cafe to please everyone, Tiger Lily is a good bet. Their bakery offers cakes, pies, cookies, and tarts baked fresh daily.
Learn more about Tiger Lily Café.
Valpo Velvet Ice Cream Shoppe
Valpo Velvet has been family owned since 1947 and has become a destination for ice cream lovers. Their ice cream is made using the same great recipes and methods developed decades ago. They offer the loved classic flavors but also experiment with new ones each year.
Learn more about Valpo Velvet Ice Cream Shoppe.
