Six sweet treats to try in Whangārei
Published on 09 October 2024
Have you reached that post-lunch slump? Do you need a little pick-me-up? Is it dessert time? You need a sweet treat! We've enlisted the help of a local baking expert to narrow down six of the most delicious, most tempting items in town.
Go on... try them all. You deserve it.
Gelato – Bocky Boo
It’s impossible to pick a favourite flavour from Bocky Boo, they're all exceptional. They make their range of gelatos and sorbets in-store. This allows them to constantly create new and seasonal flavours. You'll often find exciting flavours themed to current events. Vegan options are available too.
Where to find it: Bocky Boo Gelato, 71 Cameron Street, Whangārei
Caramel Cornflake Cookie – Cuppacakes
Cuppacakes has an extensive and creative cupcake selection. Baker Tessa has added a fantastic range of giant stuffed cookies. The caramel cornflake cookie is a favourite. The crunch of the cornflakes contrasts beautifully with the stuffed centre of salty caramel cornflakes. They're easily big enough to share. And if you're a visitor to Whangārei don't despair; after returning home Tessa has a range of goodies she ships nationwide from her website.
Where to find it: Cuppacakes, 6/4 John Street, Whangārei
Lemon Loaf – Mrs Kwackas 2.0
Mrs Kwacka's is well known for their huge cheesecake and brownie wedges. They also do something wonderful with the humble lemon loaf. It's a generously large slice, with a soft and tender crumb, finished with a wonderfully tart lemon icing glaze that contrasts with the subtle lemon flavour of the loaf. It's everything you could ever want your lemon loaf to be.
Where to find it: Mrs Kwacka's, 20 Vine Street, Whangārei and Huanui Fresh, 279 Ngunguru Road, Glenbervie
Ginger Crunch – Taimahi Trust
Where else can you get a generously sized sweet slice for only $2.50? Taimahi Trust is a non-profit trust that works with young adults with learning and intellectual disabilities teaching them work skills. Taimahi Trust mainly sells fruit and vegetables, however they bake bread Tuesday to Friday, and you’ll find a range of sweet treats on their counter. Under Chef Arana they create an amazing ginger crunch that's generous with seeds and crystallised ginger and topped with the perfect fudgy ginger icing.
Where to find it: Taimahi Trust, 19 Bank Street, Whangārei
Custard Square – Treat Cakes and Pastries
Treat does an awesome custard square with a deliciously smooth and creamy custard that is sandwiched with perfect flaky pastry. With a touch of sheer brilliance, pastry chef Krystal brulées the top of the square for a lovely burnt sugar contrast. Treat is famous for their donut range. Head there for “Donut Friday” in support of Whangārei Cat Rescue.
Where to find it: Treat Cakes and Pastries, 47/41 Cameron Street (inside The Strand mall).
Caramel Eclair – All You Knead
All You Knead is a European-style bakery, famous for their sourdough breads. You'll often find queues out the door (Editor's note: the photo above is of a coffee éclair as there WAS a queue out the door, and this was the last one!) Their éclairs are as good as any you will find in the patisseries of Europe. They have four flavour options available each day, all immaculately presented.
The exquisite caramel éclair has a crisp shell, a luscious caramel patisserie crème, finished with a caramel drizzle over a thin layer of icing. If you can manage to keep your éclair to the end of the day, you can be sure it won't go soggy.
While you're at All You Knead grab some of their Amaretti cookies. At only $1.50 each, they're a great option to fill the cookie jar and make a fantastic road trip snack.
Where to find it: All You Knead, 8 Vine Street, Whangārei
Sandra Boston is the owner of KiwiCakes, a speciality cake-decorating and supplies business located in Whangārei. The above recommendations are based on her personal opinions and intensive taste-testing (it's a tough job but someone has to do it!) If you think there's something new Sandra needs to try, you can find her in-store at 29 Vine Street.