Calling all sugar addicts.
Meet Houston’s best sweet treat spots.
Whether you prefer savoring a creamy vanilla pudding, sipping a rich green tea with a sharp tang of strawberry, or indulging in a mix of soft cotton candy flavor ice cream with sugary Lucky Charms — Houston has something for everyone.
Houston is known for its diverse food culture, ranging from Asian treats and teas, to American classics such as BBQ or a burger.
If you’re studying with friends or going out to grab a bite after school, desserts are the perfect snack to reward yourself. Treats come in all shapes and sizes, Whether doused in a messy chocolate icing, or adorned with intricate fondant flowers, delicacies are extremely enticing.
We found some of the best and most unique bites to suit any craving. Here are our picks for the sweetest sugar spots around town.
Flower and Cream
Located on the outskirts of West University sits Flower and Cream, Senior Thomas Darmodjo’s pick for a great sweet treat spot.
“I’ve been going there since I was in fifth grade,” Darmodjo said. “I like all their niche flavors.”
The ice cream parlor carries 15 flavors currently, with several being gluten-free or vegan, adding to its ability to cater to dietary restrictions while still maintaining a variety of flavors.
“I like the rainbow cake because it has chunks of cake in it and [because of its] texture,” Darmodjo said. “I also like it with their midnight vanilla cones.”
From multicolored cones with niche flavors such as matcha to several ice cream flavors with unique flavor profiles like the refreshing honey rose, Flower and Cream has something to cater to everyone’s taste buds during the occasional visit.
Ava Novak’s review
I have been going to Flower and Cream since I was five, and the most recent time far exceeded expectations. When I walked through the door, I was overrun with a familiar sense of nostalgia. The strong aroma of chocolate instantly overtook me and the sheer amount of options was unanticipated.
I inspected both the flavors and the myriad of decadent vegan options. Tasting the birthday cake flavor with the midnight vanilla cone was smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of chew from the cake chunks. Contrary to that, the cone was crunchy and rich. However, I can confirm that it did dye my mouth for hours.
Rosalie Navarro’s review
I found the fun flavor of Unicorn Tracks calling to me. From my first taste, the fluffy ice cream immediately began to melt into my mouth, its flavors pulling at my taste buds. With each bite I found myself searching with my spoon for the added special topping of the flavor: Lucky Charms. Each rainbow and heart shaped marshmallow fit perfectly with the cotton candy flavor, adding a hard texture to the smoothly whipped cold treat.
In the cozy shop of Flowers and Cream, neon pink lights line the shop all the way to the back. The comfy fluffed pillows and woven chairs invite me to sit down and enjoy a cone. The freezer at the front displays an array of eccentric flavor and one of a kind combinations.
If you’re looking for a treat whipped to perfection and an eccentric shop experience you can find Flowers and Cream Artisan Icecream in West University at 2617 W Holcombe Blvd Suite B, Houston, TX 77030 or at their post address 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 7720.
85C Bakery Cafe
This bakery cafe located in the heart of Chinatown serves as a staple with simple yet delicious Asian-inspired sweet treats for the Head of the Bellaire German Department Ms. Hannah Henry-Beil.
“I like going down to Asian Bellaire to 85 degrees,” Henry said. “They have a wide selection of Asian treats.”
With a wide selection of drinks, pastries, and savory bites, 85C Bakery Cafe offers something for everyone regardless of whether you’re sticking to a favorite or venturing out to try something new.
“I tend to go for things that are a little more croissant-based with a sugar glaze or brûlée,” Henry said.
Ava Novak’s Review
85C Bakery Cafe carries a variety of breads, pastries, cakes and drinks for its customers, making it nearly impossible to decide on just a few sweets to purchase. However, once the goods are in hand, keeping famished fingers from digging in is an utterly impossible task.
This Asian cafe is the perfect hybrid of a bustling market and an inviting coffee shop, which I would describe as utter heaven. After overcoming crippling indecisiveness, I ordered a strawberry matcha, which had the most stunning ombre and deep rich flavor, with a chocolate roll cake, which was creamy, light and not too sweet.
The instant the matcha met my lips, I was met with pieces of fresh, tart strawberries which contrasted the sweet cream and slightly bitter matcha base.
To contrast the fruity strawberry, I followed up with a delicious slice of a chocolate log cake. Having seen them on the internet for months, I was shocked to find out that the flavor is very mild and the dense looking chocolate cake is spongy and light in reality. Ultimately, it was not too sweet, on the verge of being bitter, with a sweet vanilla cream in the center and a firm texture.
Skylar Lew’s Review
Because of the vast variety of items in the bakery, I tried what the cashier would claim was the most popular item in the store. The Milk Pudding bread presented a beautiful ombre swirl and a saccharine aroma similar to that of the store itself. I’m sure this pastry would have tasted better fresh. Nevertheless, it exhibited a palatable flavor.
The airy texture of the outside of the pastry contrasted well with the thick, creamy vanilla pudding inside. A sweet aftertaste lingered on my tastebuds after eating the whole dessert. I finished the Milk Pudding bread by myself with the help of a drink, but this treat is definitely shareable. Despite its size, this pastry is surprisingly filling.
If you’re looking for a place to purchase sweet pastries, treats and drinks, check out one of 85C Bakery Cafe’s two locations in Blalock Market at 1027 Blalock Rd, Houston, TX 77055 and in Chinatown at 9750 Bellaire Blvd #168, Houston, TX 77036.
The Artisan 360
Walking into the cozy little shop of The Artisan 360, the aroma of coffee and freshly baked goods invites me inside. Adorned head to toe with plants draped from the ceiling, it’s like a fairy’s cottage come to life.
Ava Novak’s Review
I stepped inside and simultaneously traversed into a realm of perfection; the ambient lighting paved way to the illuminated glass display shelf showcasing picturesque desserts. I peered into the glass case teeming with delicacies that were shiny, rounded, colorful and ultimately the epitome of perfection.
The looks were not deceiving, they strawberry matcha dome tasted as decadent and creamy as its outer shell made it appear. Filled to the brim with strawberry jam and a delicious spongy cake, it was the perfect blend of balance while still maintaining a unique flavor profile.
Marielle Le’s Review
The specials board caught my eye, and I knew I had to try their strawberry matcha latte. Advertised as a favorite, the matcha did not disappoint.
Inside, The Artisan 360 is very quiet, with the only noises being the clicking of keys on a computer and the white noise of the coffee machine grinding in the background. I can imagine myself locking in on homework and instantly feeling at peace and ready to be productive.
If you’re looking for an underground coffee shop vibe to get all your studying done The Artisan 360 is our pick. You can find The Artisan 360 at 9188 Bellaire Blvd St. Houston, TX 77036.
