We lived in Seattle for 3 years and loved every minute. Actually, that’s not true. The rain got tiresome, and so did the rush hour traffic. One of my jobs entailed digging in the mud to find crawling, living bugs. I actually loved that job though, and we still rave about the Northwest.
We got to explore together on the weekends and try different foods. This post is dedicated to our favorite Seattle-based (not national chain) desserts and sweet treats that we still daydream about five years later (TIME FLIES!). The information included on each of these businesses & their open locations is current as of 9/2020; but of course, check for COVID updates and restrictions before you go.
Note: I have specifically left out delicious places on Bainbridge Island & within Pike Place Market. Each of those locations deserve a post of their own!
1. Hot Cakes: Molten Chocolate Cakes
Locations: Ballard, Capitol Hill
vegan options available
Oh guys. These came highly recommended by one of Paul’s friends. The full name is Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery (official website here). If those words are not glorious to your ears… then I’m flabbergasted. This place is hoppin’ so get ready to wait for awhile.
The molten cakes look very small, and you’re going to worry that you over-paid (or under-ordered). Fear not, because they are VERY rich and filling.
We like the standard “Dark Decadence” molten cake, it is fantastic. It comes with vanilla ice cream & their House salted caramel.
There are jars of their Pacific Coast Sea Salt Caramel available for purchase, as well as Take & Bake molten cake batter.
The secret to these molten chocolate cakes? They are made with Theo chocolate. Which leads me to…
2. Theo Chocolate Bars
Location: Fremont
Organic & soy-free; Gluten-free, kosher & vegan options available
This chocolate company is all about ethical sourcing, fair wages, and monitoring their environmental impact. The cocoa beans are harvested in Peru & the Democratic Republic of Congo. The cocoa is the star of the show here, folks. It’s just pure, velvety, chocolate.
Theo Chocolate is available for purchase at various grocery and gift shops in the Seattle area. You can also buy candy bars online and have them shipped (you should definitely do that). If you’re lucky, a friend will bring a large bag of broken factory toffee chocolate scraps to the women’s group at church and make everyone’s day 100% better. Not to get too specific.
The very best way to experience Theo Chocolate is during a factory tour on-location in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. I had a blast during this tour, but do be aware that finding parking in Fremont might raise your blood pressure a bit.
Understandably, the factory tours are currently closed for COVID. But according to their website, you can order the chocolate bars in an online package and experience a live, virtual tour & taste-test. Sounds fun!
3. Fran’s Salted Caramels
Locations: University Village, Downtown, Bellevue, Georgetown (as well as 3 in Japan, expat friends!!!)
While we are talking all things Seattle chocolate, I have to mention Fran’s chocolates. Their specialty is salted caramels, and my mouth is watering just thinking about it. The dark chocolate/gray combo is particularly amazing. You buy these in a boxed set, and they are a pretty penny. But so, so worth it.
I first learned about these when a kind parent gifted them to me (I think for Christmas?) back when I was a teacher. I’m kind of bending the non-chain rule because apparently they do sell Fran’s in certain Whole Foods locations in America, FYI. This is fantastic news, though, in my book!
Here’s the link to stare at the beauty that is Fran’s salted caramels.
4. Chuck’s Donuts: Maple Bar
Location: 5335 NE 4th St #1, Renton, WA 98059
We are bringing it back down to earth, price-wise, and fancy-wise, with our next favorite Seattle dessert: some good, classic, donuts. Many people rave about the longtime favorite Top Pot donuts in Seattle, but I always left there a little underwhelmed. (I mean don’t get me wrong, if you bring me a pink Top Pot cake donut I’m not going to turn it down or anything).
But more often than not, I want my donuts to be in a simple box and made fresh that morning. They need to be properly dense, yet fluffy (not dry) and slathered in maple frosting.
Chuck’s Donuts in Renton comes in for the win. They open for business Mon.-Sat. starting at 3 a.m. so you know it’s the real deal.
Renton is on the Eastside, separate from downtown Seattle… so potentially not a convenient location for tourists. Despi Delite Bakery in Beacon Hill & Everett looks fantastic, too, and I want to go someday. .
5. Molly Moon’s Ice Cream
Locations: Wallingford, Capitol Hill, Madrona, Queen Anne, U Village, Redmond, Columbia City, Bellevue Walk-Up, Bellevue Flagship
locally sourced; focus on sustainability; vegan options available
You’ve probably heard of Molly Moon ice cream if you’ve been to Seattle. It’s well-known, and for good reason: their flavors are so fresh and unique. Honey lavender is popular, and their salted caramel is the strongest I’ve had. Paul loves it, but I think it needs a scoop of sweet cream to mellow it out a bit. Scout mint is another great one (yes, actual Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies are in there!).
It’s easy to feel good buying ice cream from such an intentional, generous company.
And guess which fair-trade chocolate they use in their ice cream? YUP, THEO! THEOOOOOO! We don’t deserve you. Our Dark Knight, silently improving everything around you.
That’s it!
Which Seattle donuts & ice cream shops do you love?? What would you add to this list??
Do you love Theo Chocolate as much as we do? 😉
Let me know below in the comments.
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