Spring has sprung in Denver. As the ground thaws and flowers begin to bloom, there’s no better time to get outside and enjoy the warmth with a little sweet treat. Whether you want a pastry while you study, ice cream to cool off, or something else, here are some affordable recommendations to try on your walk for a sweet treat. 

Bonnie Brae Ice Cream

Bonnie Brae Ice Cream is a University of Denver classic. Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays and extending hours to 10 p.m. on weekends. There is much time to step in throughout the day. The distance from campus makes for a longer but doable walk, or an easy seven minute drive from DU. 

Sweet Cow

Another option for ice cream is Sweet Cow located in the Platt Park area on South Pearl Street. From some delicious classics like chocolate peanut butter to unique flavors like Apple Pie, you will be able to find something to fulfill your cravings. Plus, they offer some vegan and sorbet options as well, catering to those with dietary restrictions. The store focuses heavily on using local products in their ice cream like products from Ozo Coffee and Savory Spice Shop.

Steam Espresso Bar

For a morning pastry, Steam Espresso Bar is a great place to visit. The coffee shop on Pearl Street tends to fill up quickly, but hopefully you can still grab a spot inside or outside to sit and do work, drink coffee and enjoy a delicious pastry. Their indoor and outdoor service allows you to order and sit wherever you want without stressing about your order. 

One standout is their delicious raspberry flavored pastry. The store has a vast variety of options to choose from, which allows people to find something appealing to their taste. 

Trompeau Bakery

Trompeau Bakery located on South Broadway is another great spot for a pastry. The shop is just out of walking distance but still an easy drive from campus. For $4.10, you could order their apple or cherry chaussons which is a homemade puff pastry with filling inside. 

Deiter’s Chocolate

Moving closer to campus, Deiter’s Chocolate on Evans is often overlooked by students. Their truffles are a great gift option and there are flavors that will appeal to all palates. They even have a mango chili flavor if that’s your thing. Deiter’s is a pricer option compared to the other options so this might be a better option for special occasions. 

Mango Mango Dessert

Finally, Mango Mango Dessert has options ranging from crepes to smoothies. Most of their options involve, you guessed it, mango, so if you are not a fan this might not be the place for you. 

Their portions are large and they put their own unique spin on classic desserts. For example, they offer mango coconut sticky rice with ice cream. This is a perfect spot if you are looking to try something new and unique. 

Hopefully as the weather gets warmer, you have a chance to check out some of these options. There are always new dessert spots opening up near campus so make sure to keep an eye out next time you’re out enjoying the spring weather.