Scottsdale has earned a reputation for being one of the healthiest cities in the country thanks to its health-conscious residents, quality hospitals, fitness opportunities, and open greenspaces for staying active outdoors. But what about when residents are in the mood for dessert?

Luckily, Scottsdale has plenty of dessert shops throughout town, enough to tempt even the most carb-counting, sport-loving, fitness enthusiast. And if you know which areas to check out, you’ll find a variety of places offering everything from ice cream sundaes to fresh baked pastries. So if you’re looking for delectable desserts, here are some of the best neighborhoods in Scottsdale that’ll help satisfy your sweet tooth.

Photo courtesy of Fatty Daddy's

New Papago Parkway

New Papago Parkway shines as a well-established community, attracting buyers for competitively priced homes. It’s adjacent to heavily frequented El Dorado Park, a 60-acre park complete with a fishing lake, a swimming pool, a skate park, ball fields, and a multi-use greenbelt path. When not taking advantage of the outdoor recreational facilities, residents are within minutes from great places for a tasty delicacy. Fatty Daddy’s is a vibrant dessert shop serving up baked goods and unexpected flavors of handmade ice cream. Along McDowell Road, you’ll find Gluten Free Creations, a casual bakery featuring a variety of bundt cakes, brownies, and cookies, which are all made free of egg, dairy, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, corn, yeast, and processed white sugar or grains. With locations in both Scottsdale and Camelback East Village, locals can stop by Tropical Fruit N’Ice Raspados. This spot specializes in frozen desserts called “raspado,” which is Spanish for shave ice. This Mexican dessert is made of crushed ice and flavored syrup, and topped with fruits of your choice.

Scottsdale Ranch

Scottsdale Ranch could very well be the flagship community of Scottsdale considering all of the amenities it has to offer. With a large recreation center, lively commercial area, and endless amenities, these residents are no strangers to staying active, but they are also close to plenty of dessert shops when in search of a sweet treat. Piccolo Family Italian Ice offers a refreshing menu of Brooklyn-style Italian icewith flavors changing seasonally. Just outside of Scottsdale Ranch, there’s also Sweet Republic. Featured on the Food Network’s Top Place to Eat, this artisan dessert shop is known for its distinct flavors like sweet corn or honey lavendar ice cream. 

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale is a walkable neighborhood with many places where residents can grab a smoothie, milkshake, or double-decker chocolate cake. Super Chunk Sweets and Treats is a colorful bakery with homemade cookies, cakes, and pastries. Try their Mesquite Chocolate Chip Cookie, chosen by National Geographic as the “Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Worth Traveling For.” If you’re looking for something cool, head to Cool Gelato Italiano, the 2012 winner of Phoenix New Times Best Gelato. You can also stop by The Gelato Spot on Scottsdale Road where you can indulge in Italian-style ice cream or grab a slice of gourmet pizza. And for classic shakes and malts served since 1958, stop by Sugar Bowl for fountain treats that will transport you back in time.

Gainey Ranch

When residents aren’t playing golf at the Gainey Ranch Golf Club, or enjoying the community’s various resort-style amenities, they’re on the hunt for a sweet treat. Just outside of Gainey Ranch, residents will find Chez Vous, a quaint French cafe known for its crepes and classic French desserts. The Baked Bear offers fresh baked cookies and hot pressed ice cream sandwiches, with Phoenix New Times noting “there are no rules” at this establishment: If you can dream it, they’ll create it. Also just outside the neighborhood, Aunt Abbey’s Confections offers everything from gluten-free cookies to vegan cookies, and their French macaron selection has put them on the map.

Kierland

Kierland has been a community favored for its prime location close to many shopping and dining options, including several local dessert shops. Sugar Jam Bake Shop and Bistro is renowned for its classic and innovative pies as well as its Sugar Jammin’ Cookie Sandwiches. They were also featured on The Cooking Channel’s “Cheap Eats.” And if you’re in search for a more international dessert, stop by Le Macaron French Pastries, where you can order authentic French treats like macaroons, sweet and savory crepes, and lemon meringue tarts.