EASILETS UNPACKED : A Sweet Tooth’s Guide to York – Desserts, Doughnuts and more

🍩 Doughnuts, Brownies & Pastry Picks

Whether you're starting the day with something sweet or hunting down an afternoon pick-me-up, York delivers when it comes to indulgent baked treats. From brownie stacks to artisan doughnuts and buttery pastries, here are a few of our top spots that never miss:

🥞 Brew & Brownie
A long-standing local favourite, Brew & Brownie is famous for its thick, fluffy American-style pancakes, generously-sized brownies, and seasonal artisan doughnuts. With warm wooden interiors and picture-perfect plates, it’s no surprise there’s often a queue out the door—but trust us, it’s worth the wait. If you’ve got time to sit in, pair a treat with one of their rich coffees or creamy milkshakes for the full experience.

🍩 Doe Bakehouse
Bright, bold, and bursting with personality, Doe Bakehouse is York’s go-to for handmade doughnuts that look as good as they taste. Their ever-changing flavours are fun and inventive—think Biscoff-filled delights, candy-topped creations, and marshmallow-dusted rings. Perfect for a sugar fix, an Instagram post, or a quirky gift box to go.

🥐 Heppni
Tucked away in the heart of York’s most iconic street, Heppni offers a touch of Scandinavian charm with its elegant selection of pastries, cannoli, and specialty bakes. The vibe is calm and minimalist, and their perfectly crisp pastries pair beautifully with a strong coffee. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to stumble upon—and then never stop going back to.

🥞 Krep
For something fast, fun, and utterly delicious, head to Krep. This modern crêperie serves up French-style folded crêpes from a charming Shambles storefront. Sweet options range from the classic sugar & lemon to Nutella and strawberry, all made fresh to order. It's the ideal choice for dessert on the go—or a tasty stop during your York wanderings.

🍪 Millie’s Cookies
Sometimes, you just can’t beat a classic. Millie’s Cookies delivers all the nostalgic joy of soft-baked, melt-in-your-mouth cookies in flavours like double chocolate, white choc chip, and chewy oatmeal raisin. Whether you’re picking up a warm cookie after a shopping spree or grabbing a giant personalised cookie for a birthday at your holiday let, it’s a reliable sweet stop that’s always crowd-pleasing. Plus, their mix-and-match boxes make great snacks for groups staying together.



🍫 Chocoholic Hotspots

Did you know York was once home to the likes of Rowntree’s, Terry’s, and Craven’s? This city isn’t just sweet—it’s the UK’s undisputed chocolate capital, with a rich confectionery legacy that lives on in its streets, shops, and scents (yes, York literally smells like chocolate some days). Whether you’re into creamy fudge, handmade bars, or luxurious hot drinks, these cocoa-filled favourites are a chocoholic’s dream.

🍫 York’s Chocolate Story
More than just a shop—this is a full-on chocolate adventure. York’s Chocolate Story offers an immersive guided tour into the city’s world-famous chocolate-making past. You’ll get to see live demonstrations, take part in a tasting session, and even craft your own chocolate creations. It’s fun, educational, and a must for families, couples, or anyone wanting to dive deep into York’s sweetest legacy.

🍬 Fudge Kitchen
Sweet-smelling and irresistibly nostalgic, Fudge Kitchen is known for its rich, hand-stretched fudge made right before your eyes. The texture is creamy, the flavours are bold, and the staff are always happy to hand out samples. Top picks? The clotted cream classic or the sea salt caramel—but really, you can’t go wrong here.

🍭 York Sweet Shop
Step into a scene straight out of Honeydukes. This charming little shop is bursting with traditional British sweets, handmade chocolates, and an air of old-fashioned magic. From colourful pick ‘n’ mix counters to shelves stacked with fudge, nougat, and sugar mice, it’s a treasure trove for sweet lovers of all ages.

🍫 Hotel Chocolat
For something sleek and a little more sophisticated, head to Hotel Chocolat. Their boutique at Vangarde is filled with beautifully packaged treats, including their signature cocoa-rich bars, luxury hampers, and seasonal specials. Don’t miss the in-store Velvetiser Bar, where you can sip indulgent hot chocolates in dreamy flavours like hazelnut praline or salted caramel.

🌿 Choc Affair
An independent gem with a strong ethical ethos, Choc Affair creates small-batch, hand-crafted chocolate with a conscience. Their flavour range is wonderfully unexpected—think orange & geranium, lime & sea salt, or rhubarb & custard—and their York-themed packaging makes for great souvenirs. Hot chocolate bombs and gift sets make this a one-stop shop for thoughtful indulgence.



🍨 Ice Cream, Cakes & Dessert Cafés

Whether you're cooling off with gelato on a sunny stroll, planning a post-dinner treat, or sitting down for a full-on dessert experience, York has plenty of sweet spots to explore. From family-friendly lounges to elegant afternoon teas, these dessert cafés offer something for every kind of sweet tooth – and every kind of occasion.

🍦 LICC – Luxury Ice Cream Company
LICC is York’s best-kept gelato secret. This charming boutique ice cream parlour serves Italian-style gelato in a rainbow of fun and unexpected flavours—Bakewell Tart, pistachio, bubblegum, and everything in between. Choose a classic cone, a sundae, or go big with a bubble waffle piled high. It’s a must-visit for ice cream lovers and ideal for cooling off on a warm afternoon in the city.

🍰 The Cheesecake Guy
A cult favourite for a reason, The Cheesecake Guy serves up indulgent, freshly made cheesecake slices from his humble Shambles Market stall. With flavours like Oreo, lemon meringue, Biscoff, and white chocolate raspberry, the menu rotates regularly—and the queue builds fast. Arrive early if you want the best pick of the tray. No frills, just outrageously good cheesecake.

🍪 Crumbles Dessert Lounge
A little off the beaten path but totally worth the walk, Crumbles is a cosy dessert bar where everything feels homemade and heart-warming. Their menu includes warm cookie dough, thick milkshakes, waffles, sundaes, and all the family favourites. It’s welcoming, relaxed, and especially great for kids (though no judgement if you’re a grown-up ordering cookie dough with extra sauce).

🍫 Heavenly Desserts
If you’re in the mood for something a little more polished, Heavenly Desserts delivers beautifully plated indulgence in a sleek, stylish setting. Their signature offerings include artisan gelato, red velvet cakes, loaded Belgian waffles, and luxurious coffee or mocktails to round it all off. Great for date night, special occasions, or treating yourself after a day exploring.

☕ Bettys Café Tea Rooms
A York institution and an absolute must-visit, Bettys is all about timeless charm and elegant treats. Known for its traditional Yorkshire baking, afternoon teas, and iconic Fat Rascal scones, this café is steeped in history and atmosphere. Go for the Victoria sponge, stay for the silver teapots, linen napkins, and impeccable service. Be prepared to queue—it’s that popular.

🧁 Mama Doreen’s Emporium 
Whimsical, girly, and unapologetically fun, Mama Doreen’s is like stepping into a pastel dream. From their themed afternoon teas (Barbie, Wimbledon, Halloween—you name it) to their giant cupcakes, macarons, and over-the-top shakes, it’s a treat for the eyes as much as the taste buds. Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or just spoiling yourself and your besties.



From Check-Ins to Cheesecake: The Easilets Dessert Edit

At Easilets, we don’t just know York’s best places to stay – we live here, work here, and if we’re being honest… we eat far too much dessert here too. Whether it's grabbing a box of rainbow doughnuts from Doe Bakehouse on the way to prep a property, picking up warm cookie dough from Crumbles after a guest viewing, or celebrating a five-star review with a cheeky cupcake from Mama Doreen’s – we’ve done the research (and the taste tests) so you don’t have to.

Because we’re based right here in York, we get to experience the city like locals – and we love passing that inside knowledge on to you. This dessert guide is full of our personal favourites, hidden gems near our properties, and tried-and-tested spots we genuinely visit as part of our day-to-day. Whether you're exploring the Shambles from our St Denys View townhouse, relaxing in your private hot tub at Eagle Lodge, or staying just outside the hustle and bustle in one of our family-friendly homes, there’s always a top-tier treat just around the corner.

So whether you're a first-time visitor, a returning guest, or even a York local on the hunt for your next sugar fix, consider this your go-to dessert checklist. From Instagrammable gelato to traditional Yorkshire baking, we’ve got your cravings covered.

Ready to explore York one bite at a time?

Go on – treat yourself. Book your stay with Easilets today.

We’ll save you a slice.