DESSERT FIRST

AZULES COFFEE

Everything’s sweeter in Anaheim, starting with our sweets themselves. From refreshing shaved ice to towering milkshake creations, dare to do dessert differently here.

If you find yourself craving a midafternoon pick-me-up, head to Azules Coffee for horchata- and cinnamon-flavored coffees, ice cream sandwiches made with conchas or churro “buns,” or a slice of flan. Oh, and if you have something to celebrate, the cakes are something else. 732 N. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim; 714-844-2114; azulescoffee.com

NYC-bred and new to Downtown Disney® District, Black Tap serves up massive CrazyShakeTM milkshakes topped with unforeseen madness. Think frosted, decorated rims and all manner of candy, cookies, and accoutrement—even a cake slice. 1540 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim; 657-276-2498; disneyland.disney.go.com

Famous for its generous portions (the crepes are practically the size of Paris), Crêpe Coop rolls its signature desserts into cones and tops them with fruit, ice cream, nuts, and sometimes cereal. Customize your crepe, or try the OG Crepe or the Fruity Pebbles if you’re feeling adventurous. Located in the Packing House, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim; 714-215-4966; crpe-coop.square.site. One of O.C.’s best for frozen treats since 1972, Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream has opened a second location in the Packing House. Choose from 45 homemade flavors plus hand-dipped drumsticks, sundaes, shakes, and ice cream sandwiches. 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim; 714-520-0445; hanshomemade.com

Center City’s House of Chimney Cakes is a purveyor of the eponymous rolled pastries and national dessert of Hungary. Try one of the towering signature creations, or get yours filled with organic soft serve or vegan Dole Whip. 173 W. Center St. Promenade, Anaheim; 714-603-7859; thehouseofchimneycakes.com

Joe’s Italian Ice is a Philadelphia-style Italian ice outpost and an Anaheim institution. More than 100 flavors of syrup and “Joe Lattis”—soft serve-Italian ice combinations—make for a refreshing end to a hot, sunny day. 2201 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim; 714-703-2100; joesice.com

Take a number at Marceline’s Confectionery before taking in the myriad of handcrafted Disney-themed candies, made daily in-house and beautifully arranged in glass cases up and down the walls. Chances are, the treats you loved inside the Parks are also available here to take home. Located in Downtown Disney® District, 1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim; 714-300-7922; disneyland.disney.go.com

Don’t underestimate the humble popsicle as you navigate the options at the Packing House. Not too filling and endlessly customizable with gelato flavors, chocolate dips, and toppings, Popbar holds its own against over-the-top treats. 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim; 714-215-4679; popbaranaheim.com

Salt & Straw is the Portland, Oregon-based ice cream shop that’s revolutionizing the West Coast—starting with its new Downtown Disney® District location. Stretch your palette with creative, chef-driven flavor combinations or trick your taste buds with can’t-believe-it’s-not-ice-cream vegan options. 1550 Disneyland Drive E., Anaheim; 714-855-4321; disneyland.disney.go.com

For a one-stop dessert shop known for its creative shakes, cakes, sundaes, and more, look no further than Sugarbuzz in Anaheim Hills. Little ones will love the brightly colored, candy-topped treats and famous “unicorn hot chocolate,” while adults will appreciate a buzz from inventive coffee concoctions. 6386 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim; 714-941-9059; sugarbuzzinc.com

FUN FACT

Marceline’s is named after Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri.