10 Best Desserts in Barcelona: A Sweet Guide from Cakes to Croissants & More
Barcelona is known for its architecture, beaches, and Catalan culture, but did you know it’s also a dessert lover’s paradise? If you’re looking for the best desserts in Barcelona to enjoy during your visit, you’ve come to the right place!
I recently spent a month exploring and living in this sunshine-filled, Mediterranean city. My days were filled with long walks through Ciutadella Park, restaurant-hopping in El Born, and wandering the narrow streets of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
And, I made it my mission to try as many desserts as possible. I scoured the city for the most delectable and delicious baked goods and pastries. If you know me, you know I have a sweet tooth!
Please enjoy this list of the top desserts in the entire city of Barcelona, hand-curated by me based on my personal experiences and recommendations I received from locals I met during my visit!
Must-Try Desserts in Barcelona
1. Mascarpone Croissant at Hofmann Patisserie
A local chef and friend, Riccardo of The Opera Kitchen, suggested I go to Hofmann for the mascarpone croissant. As soon as I took the first bite, I knew I was in croissant heaven.
The exterior was glazed in sugar but the interior was soft and flaky. Then, I reached the center where the creamy mascarpone was hidden.
The patisserie is an offshoot of the Hofmann restaurant, which has one Michelin star. Founded by chef Mey Hofmann, the restaurant is also home to a culinary school.
Where to find it:
Carrer dels Flassaders, 44, Ciutat Vella, 08003
2. Cinnamon Roll at Demasié
If you find yourself in El Born, which inevitably you likely will during your stay, don’t miss out on the chance to visit Demasié and get one of their famous cinnamon rolls.
Irresistibly soft, gooey, and soul-soothing, the cinnamon rolls here come in a variety of conventional and unconventional flavors. You can even get a Nutella or Oreo flavor!
Definitely one of the most memorable (of many) desserts I had during my month-long stay in Barcelona as a digital nomad. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Where to find it:
Carrer de la Princesa, 28, El Born
3. Dark Forest Cake at La Besnéta
If you’re vegan, this one is for you! La Besnéta is a bakery in the Gràcia neighborhood of Barcelona (one of my favorites).
Get their Dark Forest Cake and enjoy a rich and moist treat that will satisfy your chocolate cravings. It’s an indulgence that hits the mark all-around, in both texture and flavor.
After you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, you can wander through the neighborhood and do some window shopping at little boutique stores.
Where to find it:
Carrer de Torrijos, 37, Gràcia
4. Churros & Chocolate at Corte Ingles
Stepping into El Corte Inglés feels like entering a world where you can buy literally anything — from chandeliers and MacBook Pros to jeans and tennis shoes.
But here’s a real local tip: head straight to the very top floor, where you’ll discover a hidden gem — a cafeteria with an incredible 180-degree view of Barcelona that will take your breath away.
Order churros and chocolate, a traditional Spanish dessert you can’t skip while in Spain. Crispy and sugar-coated on the outside, churros are perfect for dipping in hot chocolate sauce.
There is something kind of magical about enjoying a dessert with a view, looking at the rooftops in the distance, especially just before sunset. The light comes into the space beautifully – I absolutely loved it.
Where to find it:
El Corte Inglés, Plaça de Catalunya, 14
5. Berry Millefeuille at Casa Vives
If you’re in the mood for something less chocolate-y and more fruit-forward, head to Casa Vives for the berry millefeuille.
This dessert combines layers of buttery, golden puff pastry with rich, velvety cream, all topped off with a generous helping of fresh, juicy berries. It’s an indulgence that doesn’t get too heavy.
Casa Vives is a well-known pastry shop in Eixample, another popular neighborhood of Barcelona home to La Sagrada Familia.
The berry millefeuille is the kind of dessert you’ll want to savor slowly. Perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up after admiring Gaudí’s amazing works of art, or as a post-dinner treat with a cup of coffee.
Where to find it:
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 668, Eixample
6. Dulce de Leche Donut at La Donutería
For donut lovers like me, head to La Donutería. In particular, the dulce de leche donut is made for you if you love caramel flavors. It’s an absolute must-try dessert in Barcelona!
La Donutería is located in the trendy neighborhood of Sant Antoni. You will love the variety of flavors available here, although in my personal opinion, the dulce de leche really stands out.
Yum!
Where to find it:
Carrer del Parlament, 20, Sant Antoni
7. Vegan Chocolate Cake with Rose Petals at The Cake Man Bakery
If you’re looking for the most visually stunning dessert on this list, go with this one. The vegan chocolate cake with rose petals at The Cake Man Bakery is exactly what you need to get!
You’ll enjoy the rich chocolate paired with the delicate flavor of rose petals. The best part? It’s completely vegan, so you can totally go for all of it whether you’re vegan or just looking for a plant-based treat.
Make sure to snap a pic before diving in—this cake is almost too pretty to eat (but trust me, you’ll want to)!
Where to find it:
Carrer de Pujades, 122, Poblenou
8. Tanghulu at DayDay Go 天天购亚洲超市
Possibly the most hidden gem on this list! DayDay Go is an Asian market that sells tanghulu, a traditional Chinese snack featuring candied fruit skewers that are crunchy, sweet, and seriously unique.
The fruits are covered in a delicate layer of thin, edible rice paper and dipped in sugar, giving them a shiny, hardened, candy-like coating.
You have to try the apple stick or the grape and strawberry skewers – both taste like a perfect blend of fresh fruit and cotton candy.
It’s one of the most interesting and delightful desserts I’ve ever had!
Where to find it:
DayDay Go 天天购亚洲超市, Carrer de Balmes, 6
9. Cheesecake at JonCake
If you’re a cheesecake lover, JonCake is the spot you can’t miss. It’s one of the trendiest dessert places in Barcelona, and you’ll almost always find a line, no matter the time of day. But trust me, it’s worth the wait if you crave rich, creamy, and gooey cheesecake!
You can buy your slice by weight, so whether you’re feeling a small bite or indulging in a large portion, you can customize your order.
I tried the two most popular flavors, and they did not disappoint. The Classic is their signature cheesecake, crafted with a decadent blend of Parmigiano Reggiano 24M, Grana Padano 16M, Gorgonzola, and Mascarpone. It’s creamy, savory, and has that perfect balance of richness.
Then, there’s the Idiazabal DO, made with a Spanish smoked sheep cheese aged for over 8 months, giving the cake an intense and smoky flavor unlike anything I’ve ever tasted.
Where to find it:
Carrer de la Princesa, 22, El Born
10. Mochi at Ochiai Bakery
Mochi and bubble tea are popping up everywhere in Barcelona right now. For arguably the best (and original) spot for mochi in Barcelona, head to Ochiai Bakery.
Ochiai Bakery has long been a go-to spot for Japanese pastries with a Catalan touch. Soft and delicate yet chewy and lightly sweet, the mochi here is just really good.
I love how they even have a crema catalana mochi – inspired by one of Catalunya’s traditional desserts.
Where to find it:
Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 110, L’Eixample
Top Pastry Shops in Barcelona
When you’re walking around Barcelona, you’ll inevitably run into countless pastry shops. It can be seriously hard to know which one to try out.
Although I’d encourage you to try them all, that might not be possible with limited time, budget, or appetite, so I’ve narrowed down the top picks here.
Pastisseria Escribà
One of the oldest and most iconic bakeries in Barcelona, Pastisseria Escribà has been serving up sweet treats for over a century. It’s a famous spot for combining Catalan traditions with innovative ideas, offering a wide range of desserts that stay true to their roots.
Must-try item: The cream-filled pastries here are the ultimate indulgence — light, fluffy, and generously filled with rich, velvety cream.
Where to find it: La Rambla
Chök – The Chocolate Kitchen
If you’re a chocolate lover, Chök is a must-visit. This bakery specializes in all things chocolate, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Their creations are not only delicious but also wildly inventive!
Must-try item: Don’t miss their chocolate-filled cronuts—a mouth-watering mix of croissant and donut, generously stuffed with rich, velvety chocolate. It’s the ultimate guilty pleasure on your trip to Barcelona.
Where to find it: Gothic Quarter
Takashi Ochiai
Known for blending Japanese flavors with Catalan pastry traditions, Takashi Ochiai offers some of the most unique desserts in Barcelona. With decades of experience, the bakery continues to surprise locals and visitors alike.
Must-try item: Their matcha croissant or mochi are the stars of the menu. The subtle bitterness of matcha pairs beautifully with the buttery croissant dough, while the mochi delivers a chewy, satisfying texture with sweet fillings.
Where to find it: Eixample
Bubó
Known for its beautifully crafted cakes and pastries, Bubó takes dessert presentation to the next level. Everything here is Instagram-worthy, but the flavors are just as impressive as the visuals.
Must-try item: The Nutella and hazelnut croissant is a customer favorite, but I personally couldn’t resist sampling the dark chocolate cake with a chocolate mousse filling. I had a few bites, and it was delicious.
Where to find it: El Born
Best Ice Cream in Barcelona
Barcelona can get pretty hot and humid, especially if you’re traveling in the summer. It’s the perfect time to cool down with some ice cream. Here are two spots you definitely need to add to your dessert itinerary.
Gelaaati Di Marco
If you’re craving authentic Italian gelato, look no further than Gelaaati Di Marco. This spot is famous for its silky-smooth texture and a wide variety of classic and seasonal flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity like mango or prefer rich, creamy chocolate, you’ll find a flavor to suit your taste buds.
Where to find it: Gothic Quarter
Rocambolesc
If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, head over to Rocambolesc. Created by a Michelin-starred chef, this ice cream shop pushes the boundaries of flavor with its innovative combinations and unique toppings.
Think ice creams infused with unexpected ingredients and paired with whimsical garnishes — this place is an experience as much as a treat!
Where to find it: El Raval
Final Thoughts: Bakeries in Barcelona & More Sweets
I hope this guide has helped you find something absolutely delicious! My favorite way to explore a new city is through its food — with desserts being my all-time favorite.
There’s just something about dipping my spoon into the first bite of cake while I’m sitting at a cafe and listening to the sounds of passersby that can’t be beaten. Or, even better, waking up with a croissant and cafe con leche!
Looking for things to do in Barcelona? Check out my 3-day Barcelona itinerary.
Thinking about taking a day trip to Montserrat? Read my guide to Montserrat next!
Read More about Barcelona:
- How to Digital Nomad in Barcelona: Tips from Someone Who Lived It
- 3 Days in Barcelona Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Barcelona
- 10 Best Desserts in Barcelona — A Sweet Guide from Cakes to Croissants & More
- Montserrat Itinerary: How to Plan the Best Day Trip from Barcelona to Montserrat
- How to Truly Experience Barcelona Like a Local: My Eatwith Review
- Barcelona Overtourism: What It Reveals About a Worldwide Travel Crisis
- 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Visit Barcelona in the Summer
Planning a trip right now? Here are a few top resources I use on every trip:
🏨 Booking.com for great deals on hotels.
🎟️ GetYourGuide for incredible tours around the world.
🌍 Faye for travel insurance with great customer support.
📞 eSIM for staying connected in the air, on a cruise ship, or exploring on foot.
🗣️ Babbel for brushing up on my language skills.
