Best Dessert shops in Hamilton & Burlington

I have a big sweet tooth, and on a recent Saturday drive to shoot content, we made a few stops to pick up some tasty treats. I’m sharing the best dessert shops in Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario, which also makes for the perfect day trip from Toronto!

Hello Baked in Hamilton

The first time I visited Hello Baked was after going to the court on a motion. I was under the false impression this charming shop was a bakery, but what I found was even better! Hello Baked stocks a variety of gourmet candy, as well as gifts including Sloane Tea and handmade-made adorable sugar cookies! I’ve since picked up over 3 boxes of candy, and was strategically going on work to Hamilton to satiate this sweet tooth! I’m obsessed with their creamsicle gummy bears and chilli pepper gummies.

The shop is lovely, and the owner, Jessica Lee is even lovelier. They also make custom cookies for events. I’m sure you’ve seen the infamous “Hello” mural on Toronto instagrammers… making Hello Baked in Hamilton a must-stop!

Motel Restaurant Hamilton Review

After that first trip to Hamilton for court, I was famished for lunch, and Lee recommended to go to Motel. If you like South Beach vibes, this is place is for you. With a lightbox that says “No Tell Motel” a gold chandelier and palm trees throughout the tiny spot, it’s definitely built for the gram. Don’t let the girly aesthetic fool you though, I enjoyed a mean breakfast poutine that was also gluten free. As for the dessert portion? I indulged in a chai latte that was super sweet. I couldn’t exclude this spot from my best dessert shops in Hamilton list, as it’s across the road from Hello Baked!

Cherry Blossoms in Burlington

When we visited Burlington, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. I love how the trees here create a perfect tunnel, and it’s a lot less busy than seeing the Sakura in High Park.

I wore a pair of Anna Glover for H&M pants, a pink tee from Nordstrom, a pair of floral slides from H&M, Sonix Birdie sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack, and a Byrdie Make it Mine bag with a straw flap from Kate Spade.

Sunshine Donuts in Burlington

We wanted to see the cherry blossoms in Burlington and ended up stopping at the parking lot of the Burlington Art Gallery when we were greeted by this incredible, out-of-this-world donut shop! I’ve been told the donuts are incredibly doughy and large. Perhaps a cheat day is in order!

Kelly’s Bake Shoppe in Burlington

I might have saved the best for last with the mouth-watering donut cupcake from Kelly’s Bake Shoppe. Their items are gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free and vegan and ohhhhh are they good. I’ve had many gluten free cupcakes over the years, and always thought Erin McKenna’s Bakery in New York was my favourite. Well, I’m delighted to say I’ve found my new favourite cupcake, and it’s only an hour away!

We literally saved the BEST for last. My boyfriend had a strawberry shortcake cupcake, and I had the coffee break cupcake (complete with a donut on top) and we were both delighted with the taste and texture. We also marvelled at how the buttercream was dairy-free, yet tasted exactly like a light buttercream! I am now finding any excuse to go back to Burlington to indulge in more goodies from Kelly’s Bake Shoppe. I also picked up some half-off carrot muffins that were also divinely moist! If you’re gluten-free, I urge you to go here ASAP!

I hope you enjoyed this dessert tour, rounding up the best dessert shops in Hamilton and Burlington. Southwestern Ontario is full of gems, and I hope to add many more places to this list soon!