Satisfy your sweet tooth in Castro Valley

If your taste buds are yearning for sweets, take a leisurely excursion by BART to Castro Valley and explore some unique bakeries, a candy store and frozen dessert shops that will leave you coming back for more.

Karin Johnson Specialty Cakes and Pastries is a small yet quaint bakery, located just two blocks from BART.

Choose from the popular Basque cake, the rustic apple galette, apple pear and cranberry crisp and a wide variety of cookies.  Most baked goods are made with fresh local ingredients and are perfectly sweetened.  You can also find her at the Castro Valley Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, from 10am to 2pm,  located at the Castro Valley BART Station.

Photo courtesy of Knudsen's Ice Creamery.

Travel two blocks west along Castro Valley Boulevard and you will find Knudsen's Ice Creamery . Enjoy homemade ice cream and confections in a fun, inviting and family-friendly environment. 

Kid sundaes are available to everyone, so if you want to lightly indulge in satisfying your sweet tooth, this is the place to be. Black and tan sundaes and tall, thick milkshakes reign as popular items.

Don't forget to visit the candy store.  The homemade candy is created five days a week in an open kitchen by Kathy Knudson, the founder's wife.  Here you will find both milk and dark peanut clusters, walnut clusters, almond clusters, truffles and their most popular candy, English toffee. 

Photo courtesy of Rita's Italian Ice. 

Travel across Castro Valley Boulevard downtown one block using new curb cuts at the street corners and an accessible ramp to Rita’s Italian Ice where you can enjoy ice custard happiness. Indulge in a dessert popular on the East Coast and learn for yourself why treats such as gelatis and blendinis are unique. Rita’s boasts 60 natural ingredient flavors of Italian ice, such as cantaloupe cherry and green apple (an average of 12 rotating flavors are available every day).  Creamy vanilla and chocolate custard are always available. Don’t forget the toppings!

Photo courtesy of Denica's Real Food Kitchen. 

Finally, check out Denica’s, the new kid on the boulevard 4 blocks away for one more stop. Taste numerous samples, savor the largest cinnamon roll in the East Bay and enjoy cookies large enough to share. It’s a very accessible location (that uses counter service), but the café can get very busy at times. 

Yes, sweets tend to make everyone happy.  Come visit Castro Valley by BART.  You will leave (and most likely return) with a smile on your face.