Finding a good dessert in the Coachella Valley is rarely about willpower and almost always about knowing where to go. Whether you want something classic, over-the-top, or quietly excellent, the desert has plenty of options — if you know where to look.

Here are some of the best places for dessert in Greater Palm Springs, broken down by what they actually do well.

Kreem (Palm Springs)

If you’re serious about ice cream, this is usually the first name that comes up. Kreem makes small-batch ice cream using high-quality ingredients and flavors that rotate just often enough to keep things interesting without feeling gimmicky.

Best for: artisan ice cream, seasonal flavors
Don’t miss: Anything with brown butter or chocolate

Kreem, Palm Springs 

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Sherman’s Deli & Bakery (Palm Desert & Palm Springs)

Sherman’s is a dessert institution. The portions are massive, the cases are packed, and the desserts are unapologetically old-school. This is where you go when subtlety is not the goal.

Best for: cake, pie, cheesecake
Don’t miss: Chocolate cake or any of the cream pies

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery, Palm Desert & Palm Springs

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Brandini Toffee (Palm Desert)

A long-time local favorite for good reason. Brandini’s handmade toffee is dangerously easy to eat and makes for an excellent gift if you don’t immediately consume it in the car.

Best for: toffee, chocolate-covered treats
Don’t miss: Classic almond toffee

Brandini Toffee, Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Cabazon Outlets

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Lappert’s Ice Cream (Palm Springs & Palm Desert)

A downtown Palm Springs staple that’s especially welcome after dinner or during a summer evening stroll. The flavors lean fun and familiar, and the scoops are generous.

Best for: ice cream, sorbet
Don’t miss: Hawaiian-inspired flavors

Lappert’s Ice Cream, Palm Springs

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Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream (Palm Desert & La Quinta)

Handel’s is a no-nonsense crowd favorite that does exactly what it promises: rich, creamy ice cream made fresh daily. The menu is huge, portions are generous, and there’s a reason the line moves fast but never disappears.

Best for: classic ice cream flavors, big scoops
Don’t miss: Graham Central Station, Blue Monster, or anything chocolate-heavy

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Palm Desert, Indio, & La Quinta

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The Real Italian Deli (Palm Desert)

Known more for sandwiches than sweets, but don’t overlook the dessert case. Cannoli, cookies, and other Italian pastries make this a strong under-the-radar option.

Best for: cannoli, Italian pastries
Don’t miss: Fresh cannoli when available

The Real Italian Deli, Palm Desert

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Craving Something Sweet?

Whether you’re looking for ice cream, cake, candy, or something wildly excessive, the Coachella Valley delivers — just not always in one place. Like most desert food decisions, the best dessert spot usually depends on the craving.

And no, fruit does not count.