10 Best Sweet Treats Where Iowa Started

The Sorpresa Gifts

Coming in at our top spot is The Sorpresa Gifts. This female owned and operated business is one of Dubuque's newest additions to historic Main Street. Stop by for homemade Gelato with flavors changing daily and take home some European chocolate from the Chocolaterie Stam.

Sprinkled Confections

Our second spot is definitely worth the mini road trip! Located in Holy Cross in Dubuque County, and a short 30 min drive from downtown, is Sprinkled Confections. This bespoke studio bakery is open to the public Thursday-Saturday offering all kinds of sweet treats. Make sure to try the crowd fav pop tarts, scones, and pecan pie in a jar.

Candle Ready Cakes

You can't mention sweet treats without Candle Ready Cakes! Located on W 1st St, this cupcake shop offers at least eight different flavors of cupcakes daily, edible cookie dough, macarons, and more. Also watch for their cupcake truck around town in the warmer months. 

Frosted N’ Filled Bakery

True to their name, Frosted N’ Filled Bakery specializes in cupcakes that are not only frosted on top but filled in the center too! Located on Dubuque's North End this boutique sweets shop shares a space with another 10 Best Winner, Doc's Brew. Stop by for a coffee then take home some of their namesake cupcakes or delicious cheesecake bites.

Czipar's Apple Orchard

Dubuque's sweet treats would not be complete without this seasonal specialty! Named a ‘Dubuque Essential’ Czipar's Apple Orchard apple cider donuts are a can't miss. Available exclusively during the fall harvest season, these donuts are made daily and pair perfectly with their delicious fresh pressed apple cider. Located only four miles south of Dubuque it's the perfect fall destination. 

Habits Coffee & Mini Donut Co.

Everything is better when it’s in miniature and that is definitely the case with Habits Coffee & Mini Donuts Co. Try a variety of flavors and combinations made fresh to order. Don't forget to pick up an espresso, smoothie, or other tasty drink to go with your sweet treats!

Sweet Memories

This seasonal spot is the perfect stop before, or after, riding Fenelon Place Elevator in Cable Car Square. Sweet Memories is a mom-and-pop style old fashioned store that will transport you to the 1950's. Try their many flavors of ice cream or pick up some chocolates, fudge, or candy to take home.

Ice Cream U Scream

(PERMANENTLY CLOSED)

This seasonal ice cream shop is a must stop for summer. Located on historic Main Street, Ice Cream U Scream is the perfect stop for a sweet treat. They offer several different flavors to choose from, all served with a friendly smile. It's a great place to sit and enjoy the traffic and people going by… or take your ice cream to go and explore the many murals in the surrounding area!

Calico Bean Market

Located in Cable Car Square on Bluff Street, Calico Bean Market isn't your traditional sweets spot. This one of a kinds store offers bulk food and spices, fresh ground peanut butter, sprinkles, ground coffee, sauces, snacks, and more! Whether you are baker of sweet treats or just love to eat them, you're sure to find something to take home from Calico Bean Market.

Betty Jane Candies

A Dubuque classic for over 85 years, Betty Jane Candies is the one sweet spot you can't miss in Dubuque. Since 1938, Betty Jane Candies has been providing people locally, regionally, and nationwide with the finest in homemade chocolates and candies. Their signature ‘Gremlins’ have been featured in people magazine for ‘Top Culinary Gift in Iowa’ as well as ‘Top 50 Culinary Gift in The Nation’ and named one of the ‘Top Chocolate Shops in The Nation’ by Taste of Home.