Dig In! These 6 Desserts Are the Perfect Fall Treats
If you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth this season, Newport Beach is the place to be! This seaside city is not only home to a variety of top-notch restaurants, but it also plays host to several decadent dessert spots. From creamy, hand-churned gelato and seasonal treats to staples like Balboa Island’s iconic “Bal Bar,” there’s plenty to sink your teeth into this October. So skip the store-bought Halloween candy and dig into these six sensational desserts in Newport Beach!
Must-Try Dessert: Menta Gelato
Tucked in the luxury shopping center of Fashion Island, Gelato Paradiso offers sweet tooths an authentic Italian gelato and sorbetto experience. Upon entering, customers are greeted with the smell of freshly baked waffle cones—an irresistible scent that’ll surely draw you in. Once you’ve been hooked, it’s time to choose your flavor. From classics like Menta (mint with dark chocolate) and Caffe (Italian espresso) to innovative creations like Fragola Cheesecake (strawberry swirled cheesecake) and Gianduja (dark chocolate and hazelnut), you can’t go wrong. And for those looking for a non-dairy option, be sure to check out Gelato Paradiso’s selection of sorbetto!
Must-Try Dessert: Butter Cake
Mastro’s steals the show with its iconic Butter Cake dessert. Sure, the juicy steaks and delicious sides are all noteworthy, but this mini cake is perfection on a plate. To create it, sweet cream cheese frosting is layered on top of yellow cake before it is baked. Then, it’s flipped upside down before serving and raw sugar is bruleed on top to create a crunch. To finish things off, the rich, dense cake is topped off with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with a strawberry sauce. Just remember, calories don’t count at Mastro’s.
Must-Try Dessert: Limoncello Cheesecake
Since 1977, Rothschild’s has remained an Italian favorite for locals and visitors alike. This authentic Italian eatery in Corona del Mar is family-owned and prides itself in fostering an environment where guests are treated like family. Come in for their fresh selection of homemade pasta and international award-winning wines, and don’t leave without trying the Limoncello Cheesecake—a local favorite!
Must-Try Dessert: Toasted Almond Cake
This season, acclaimed Chef Rich Mead of Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens is bringing the fall flavors with a variety of seasonal desserts that’ll knock your scarf off! From Farmhouse’s autumn-inspired Toasted Almond Cake with roasted fig jam, spiced orange sauce and sweet cream to Regier Farms Peach Crisp made with a brown sugar oat topping, vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce, your nagging sweet tooth is sure to be satisfied. Snag a seat on the open-air patio to enjoy these delightful creations in a lush garden-like setting.
Must-Try Dessert: Pumpkin Bar
Whether you prefer to eat dessert with your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine, Scratch Bakery Cafe at Fashion Island is a sweet-lover’s haven. This local bakery offers everything from croissants, danishes and muffins to scones, cakes and cookies. Spend the day shopping at Fashion Island and stop by Scratch Bakery Cafe for a sweet treat that’ll keep you going! And be sure to try one of their seasonal pumpkin bars—a dense pumpkin cake topped with icing and crushed walnuts!
Must-Try Dessert: Balboa Bar
While many desserts come and go based on the season, there is one iconic sweet treat that sticks around all year: the Balboa Bar! This time-honored delight has won the hearts of Newport locals and visitors and can only be found on Balboa Island. Take a stroll down Marine Avenue and stop by Sugar ‘n Spice for one of their famous Bal Bars. These delicious vanilla ice cream bars are dunked in chocolate and rolled in your favorite toppings—think rainbow sprinkles, almonds, Oreos, toffee, Fruity Pebbles and more! And for those in search of a healthier option, try one of Sugar ‘n Spice’s chocolate-dipped frozen bananas!
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
