When it comes to sweets, candy and ice cream, it’s tough to beat Arizona’s artisanal food makers.
From semi-healthy shakes to three-scoop sundaes, these are 12 of the sweetest treats around Phoenix.
Tell your tastebuds, “You’re welcome.”
Sweet signature: French Mint Chocolate, a refreshing mint-flavored chocolate center wrapped in a green-hued milk chocolate.
Details: 5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale. 623-930-9000, cerreta.com.
Sweet signature: Date Shake, an addictive creamy blend of ice cream and naturally sweet dates.
Details: 3039 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-941-2261, sphinxdateranch.com.
Sweet signature: Bacon-Pecan Brittle, a treat that hits the trifecta of sweet, savory and salty. This cult-favorite brittle started out as a garnish for the bread pudding at Cowboy Ciao in Scottsdale and is now sold on its own.
Details: 1325 W. University Drive, Tempe. 602-376-9021, tracydempseyoriginals.com.
Sweet signature: Fresa con Crema Paleta, an icy popsicle treat made with chunks of fresh strawberries surrounded by frozen cream.
Details: 96 W. Boston St., Suite 100, Chandler. 480-779-8080. Also, 425 S. Mill Ave., Suite 109, Tempe. paletasbetty.com.
Sweet signature: Dough Melt, an ice cream sandwich that uses a warm glazed doughnut as the bun. Stuffed with your choice of artisan ice cream flavor and one topping, such as Captain Crunch cereal or sprinkles.
Details: 1028 Grand Ave., Cottage 6, Phoenix. 602-373-2235. Search “Novel Ice Cream” on Facebook.
Sweet signature: Nanaimo Peanut Butter Bar, a sugary homage to winter visitors from Canada, this has a gluten-free graham cracker crust, house-made peanut butter and mascarpone center covered with a chocolate coconut ganache.
Details: 7120 E. Sixth Ave., Suite 19, Scottsdale. 602-736-2383. superchunk.me.
Sweet signature: Kitchen Sink Sundae, peanut butter and chocolate ice cream with toffee sauce, chocolate-covered pretzels, butterscotch chips, peanuts and whipped cream.
Details: 5223 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-279-8024, churnaz.com.
Sweet signature: Pecan Turtle Sundae, two scoops of salted butter caramel ice cream topped with butter pecans, hot fudge, salted caramel sauce and whipped cream.
Details: 9160 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-248-6979. Also, 6054 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-535-5990. sweetrepublic.com.
Sweet signature: Guatemala Lachua Cacao 70%, a small-batch chocolate that’s made at this Scottsdale confectionary. This bar won silver at the 2017 Americas Competition of the International Chocolate Awards.
Details: 6990 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 116, Scottsdale. 480-607-6581, zakschocolate.com.
Sweet signature: Old School Split, a banana split with three scoops of ice cream that’s made with Arizona dairy wedged between a split banana and topped with whipped cream, salty caramel, candied pecans and a cherry.
Details: 8120 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. 480-275-2676, sweetprovisionsaz.com.
Sweet signature: Chocolate Kronut, a half-croissant, half-doughnut that’s filled with Bavarian cream and topped with chocolate frosting. Available Wednesdays through Saturdays.
Details: 111 E. Dunlap Ave., Suite 13, Phoenix. 602-997-7849, karlsqualitybakery.com.
Sweet signature: Cactus Candy, pink gummy candy squares made from prickly pear cactus and covered in sparkling sugar that have been made in Phoenix since 1942.
Details:cactuscandy.com.
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When: Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 4-5.
Where: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road on the Salt River Reservation, near Scottsdale.
Grand Tasting: Unlimited sampling of chef creations, access to chef demonstrations, seminars and panels, tastings of fine wines, craft beers, distinctive spirits.1-4 p.m. Nov. 4-5, $85 either day.
VIP Grand Tasting: One-hour early access to food and beverages, with no lines. Preferred parking, access to VIP Lounge, private tastings from wineries and distillers, VIP facilities. Noon-4 p.m. Nov. 4-5, $120 either day.
Meet Martha: Signed copy of Martha Stewart’s newest cookbook, exclusive wine samples, swag bag, all the perks of the VIP Grand Tasting. Nov. 4. $325 advance.
The Cellar: A $20 addition to the Grand Tasting or VIP Grand Tasting ticket. Admission includes an educational wine seminar with tastings included. Starts at 2:15 either day.
Tickets: foodandwine.azcentral.com. Subscribers can receive $15 off through azcentral.com/insider.