I haven’t had a chance to stay long in Brisbane yet, I’ve so far sneaked in just a day or two here and there, but it’s been enough time to discover some incredible sugar-laden sweet treats. Let me introduce you to the front-runners so far.
Doughnut Time
There was literally a sign. I was innocently strolling around Brisbane’s hip Fortitude Valley suburb when out of nowhere a giant clock pronounced it was ‘Doughnut Time’. Beneath said retro-looking clock was a tiny window which looked upon a baker’s oven and trays full of the most fantastic doughnuts. After studying and snapping the options for a verging-on-embarrassing amount of time, I finally settled for a caramel glazed doughie stuffed with creme brûlée. It was the perfect marriage of two great desserts.
Jocelyn’s Provisions
The flagship store of Brisbane-born Jocelyn’s Provisions is found near the chic James Street Precinct. I sniffed this place out before I saw it. They have an open kitchen where you can see (and smell) all the bakers hard at work, plus a store where you can buy all of their much-loved sponges, as well as their biscuit, chocolate, nougat and panforte creations.
Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar
Over on the South Bank, Cowch Dessert Bar gives dessert-eating a contemporary and grown up spin. Their menu of signature desserts include chocolate-laden churros, waffles and pizzas (yes pizzas!) or you can have fun dressing your own naked pop. The cocktails are created for those of us with a sweet tooth too. My pick would be the Monkey Business – Baileys, milk, salted caramel, peanut oil, flake. Say no more.
My Sweetopia
Just across the road from Cowch is where you need to go for good cupcakes. My Sweetopia, another Brisbane-based business, focus on themed cupcakes and celebration cakes that make the perfect gifts. Baked daily in store it was the cupcakes that drew me over here. As well as classic sponge, some of their more popular flavours include: Banana Coconut, Apple Crumble, Lemon Meringue and White Chocolate Mud varieties.
Eat St Markets
Over near the cruise ship terminal is Brisbane’s festival of street food – the Eat Street Markets. You can eat your way around the world from the colourful shipping containers at the market but for sweet treats you need to make a beeline for the The Chocolate Komberry. The Chocolate Komberry served me my first ever cronut, and boy was it a good one. Giving the crossaint/doughnut combination an Aussie spin, The Chocolate Komberry makes them Milo-filled and Tim Tam-topped (among many other crazy, tasty concoctions – seriously, look at their Facebook page and tell me you don’t want to be there now!). My first cronut was as delicious and indulgent as it sounds – I had to tackle it in about 3 sittings!
Got any tips for sweet treats in Brisbane? I’m heading back in a few weeks and would love to add to my list!
Further reading:
Try to get to Paddington if you can. It’s a cute neighbourhood and lots of cafes. The antique centre is worth checking out too.
Thank you! That sounds like my kind of place 🙂