A local’s guide to cozy desserts in London; from Donutelier in Central London to Cutter & Squidge, these are must-visit bakeries, cafes and unique food spots!
Part of London’s bakeries might follow the traditional game, with freshly-baked croissants and other very French Paris-Brest in places like Belle Epoque.
Yet, beyond comforting flavors, many tirelessly work on offering more than just classic desserts, cakes, and pastries.
And if it’s true you’ll find many places for iconic British desserts in London (even the trifle and banoffee pie!), I sometimes prefer getting off the beaten path.
During the fall and around Christmas time, cute cafes like Donutelier on Charing Cross Road or Lola’s Cupcakes perfect seasonal desserts that you just can’t miss for a slice of coziness in the heart of the city.
Desserts in London: 9 Cozy Cafes, Bakeries and Food Spots
If you’ve been here before, then you probably already know how much of a sweet tooth I am: from carrot cakes to Red Velvet cake (one of my favorites!), and from macarons to doughnuts, I just love them all.
Fortunately, the dessert scene in London is thriving, mixing rich, moist sponges to the creamiest buttercreams of your life.
And that’s partly why the city is so interesting.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler, it’s now time to dig into some of my favorite spots to get the best desserts in London: tried, tested, tasted, loved, and adopted!
Best Desserts in London: Maritozzo at Dolce VyTA, Covent Garden
If, in my opinion, the best maritozzo is in Rome, the Italian cream bun has taken the city by storm, with Dolce VyTA offering customized desserts in London’s Covent Garden.
Where the maritozzo, in Rome, is more often than not found in its traditional form, with a thick bun unveiling decadent layers of Chantilly cream, Dolce VyTA goes the extra mile with caramel, chocolate, or pistachio glazes and toppings.
One of the newest Italian cafes in London, this spot is perfect to enjoy a relaxing break while exploring the Covent Garden area, with its cute streets and amazing shops.
Should you decide to visit London at Christmas or during the cold months, you’ll find that indulging in a maritozzo, in addition to Dolce VyTA’s creamy hot chocolate, while enjoying the Christmas lights makes for a unique moment.
When you’re done, pop by TK Maxx on Long Acre for perfect and discounted Christmas gifts, or make your way to Mercer Walk, Slingsby Place and The Yards to admire some of the most colorful places you’ll find in the city.
Read: 9 Pretty Cafes in London With Dazzling Christmas Decor
Best Desserts in London: Religieuse Doughnuts at Donutelier, Charing Cross Rd
For the most delectable treat, head to Donutelier on Charing Cross Road.
This luxury bakery that doubles as a very instagrammable cafe introduces Londoners to hand-decorated doughnuts, along with classic cookies, croissants and pains au chocolat.
Not a proper French bakery like Belle Epoque Patisserie in Islington, but more of an innovative spot in which chai latte chases perfectly-mastered religieuse-shaped doughnuts with flavors of mascarpone, toffee caramel, and other wild berry ganache.
A few minutes away from Donutelier are located some of London’s coolest spots; Outernet at the Now Building, Leicester Square’s Sculpture Trail, and the famous Christmas market at Trafalgar Square.
If, however, you feel like some shopping, make your way to Soho for some serious streetwear and vintage shopping or discover the best shops on Oxford Street, like Urban Outfitters for 90s vibes.
When you’re done, why not discover new Christmas spots along Regent Street to take in the winter magic?
Read: The Best British Shops in London For UK Lifestyle Brands
Best Desserts in London: Crumble with a Twist at Humble Crumble (Various Locations)
Opened a few years ago, Humble Crumble has revolutionized London’s dessert scene with their own take on the classic crumble, by introducing the world’s first crumble bar.
With locations at Borough Market (where you’ll also taste incredible, huge doughnuts at Bread Ahead Bakery!), Camden Market and Old Spitalfields Market, Humble Crumble offers artisan creations that you can customize to suit your mood and likes.
All kinds of toppings, like chocolate drizzle, fruit or torched meringue are available, and, should you visit London in the summer, you can even get frozen custard – a lovely change from classic ice cream!
If you pop by the Old Spitalfields Market branch, make sure to walk the historic Spitalfields area as well as Liverpool Street.
You’ll not only find lots of historical buildings there, but also secret gardens, alleys and unique shops galore.
Best Desserts in London: Cakes at Cutter & Squidge, Soho
If Cutter & Squidge in Soho is famous for their Harry Potter-themed Potions Room afternoon tea, it is also one of the cutest bakeries in London, and a haven filled with tray bakes, brownies, cakes, and the signature biskies.
What are biskies?
A cross between a cake and a cookie that ends up melting decadently in the mouth, and available in many flavors, from decadent chocolate and caramel recipes to more fruity options.
Located just a short walk away from Piccadilly Circus Station, Cutter & Squidge also elbows a few of Soho’s hidden gems, street food spots and street art murals you just shouldn’t miss.
Tread Brewer Street, where Cutter & Squidge is established, discover StockX for unique streetwear and Carnaby Street, just a few minutes away.
There, from makeup stores to gorgeous clothes and accessories, you can literally treat yourself to anything you might be wishing for.
Read: 3 Days in London Itinerary – Hidden Gems, Landmarks & Food
Best Desserts in London: Ube Ice Cream Bun at Mamasons Chinatown
When it rains in Central London, I’ve found it’s always pleasant to spend some time in a cozy cafe, and the more unique, the better.
That way, you almost forget about that drizzly, it’s-bringing-my-mood-down feeling.
There’s no better spot I can think of than Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream in bustling Chinatown, a Filipino-inspired cafe specialized in dirty ice cream, a playful nod to traditional Manila street vendors’ homemade ice cream.
The ube ice cream, made from purple yam, is especially great when served in their famous bilog, a toasted milk bun dusted with powdered sugar – the alliance of hot and cold makes it one of my favorite desserts in London.
After relishing this exquisite pastry, if the weather is nice, laze around in the Chinatown area, taking in its colorful vibes and ethnic shops and restaurants.
Why not, afterward, make your way to Piccadilly to admire the Christmas shop windows at Fortnum & Mason, discover pretty Mayfair, or get a couple of gifts at Hatchards and Maison Assouline?
Read: Shopping in Central London: 8 Spots You Have to Know
Best Desserts in London: Lemon Meringue Pie at Circolo Popolare, Fitzrovia
Now, Circolo Popolare in the beautiful Fitzrovia area might not be a bakery, nor a cafe, but its Lemon Meringue Pie is a legendary treat.
Part of the Big Mamma Group, famous for its over-the-top presentation and decadent Neapolitan pizza, Circolo Popolare serves the tastiest Italian specialties.
(We’re only a few steps away from Italian Bear Chocolate, a rustic coffee shop with the craziest chocolate cakes and cups of hot choc, by the way!)
The Lemon Meringue Pie, a towering masterpiece of zasty lemon curd and the fluffiest meringue ever, makes for one of the most instagrammable desserts in London – one you won’t ever forget about.
Read: The Prettiest Neighborhoods in London
Best Desserts in London: Peanut Butter & Cranberry Doughnut, Crosstown Doughnuts
Now, if you’d just like to find a quick snack, Crosstown Doughnuts is another one of the tasty desserts spots you shouldn’t miss.
They do make hot beverages as well, so whether you’re in London in the fall or winter, you’ll be well catered to.
The Peanut Butter & Cranberry doughnut is, in my opinion, one of the ultimate best desserts in London, and available in a vegan doughnut as well, should you need it.
The rich peanut butter glaze pairs perfectly with the ultra-tangy cranberry compote, topped with a sprinkle of tosted peanuts – it’s an explosion of flavors with every single bite.
If you only need vegan doughnuts, check out the Crosstown Doughnuts branch in the quaint Marylebone area, only a few minutes away from Oxford Street.
If you don’t, then you’ll find many other branches in the city, including Soho, Victoria, and even shopping centers like Westfield!
Read: 7 Things to Do in Highgate, North London
Best Desserts in London: Cakes at Kahaila Cafe, Brick Lane
Located on colorful Brick Lane, Kahaila Cafe is a place I’ve mentioned more times than I can recall, but it does deserve it.
This really cozy, almost vintage cafe located just minutes away from Shoreditch High Street station, offers a wide variety of cakes, fluffy, tasty, and great to lift yourself up when it’s raining in London.
The Red Velvet, carrot cake and rainbow cakes are my favorite picks at Kahaila, but you’ll also find a selection of fresh cakes and loaves that change regularly.
After indulging, it’s time to discover more of Brick Lane’s hidden gems – bookshops, vintage shops, street art and unique gifts: you’ll find them all along the street.
Read: 8 Best Shops to Buy Perfume in London
Best Desserts in London: Red Velvet Cupcake at Lola’s Cupcakes (Various Locations)
With multiple locations such as Canary Wharf, Covent Garden and even inside London Bridge station, Lola’s Cupcakes is a must-visit for dessert lovers, and stands out with their ultra-moist sponge cakes.
Whether you need vegan or gluten-free desserts, Lola’s Cupcakes caters to all kinds of dietary preferences, and one particular flavor to try is the Red Velvet cupcake.
Also available in a birthday cake format, the cupcake is vibrant, with tangy cream cheese frosting that is so good, I wouldn’t know how to describe it.
If you decide to pop by the Covent Garden branch, you’ll find it’s located close to colorful Neal Street and, further, Neal’s Yard, one of London’s hidden gems that isn’t so hidden anymore, but still a great photo spot all year round.
Read: The Best Themed Cafes in London
Desserts in London: 9 Cozy Cafes, Bakeries and Food Spots
None of the bakeries mentioned here today really do ‘traditional’; each with their own personal touch, they keep on proving that London is a hotspot for sweet-toothed peeps.
Donutelier and their twist on French pastries, Cutter & Squidge with innovative cream cookies, Lola’s Cupcakes and its dozens of cupcake flavors…
There’s so much to eat in the city – and these are the places to start with, if you’re ever after the best desserts in London!