Looking for a little something special to bring to the Holiday table or pre-dinner party? From Calaveras bakeries, to artisan ice cream, a 100 year old candy shop, historic grocery stores, Calaveras coffee shops, tasting rooms and more; no matter where you are in Calaveras County, there’s almost always someplace nearby to grab something sweet.
Whether looking for holiday pies, tarts, turnovers, cinnamon rolls, or scones, explore some of the Calaveras bakeries, restaurants, and coffee shops below.
Calaveras Bakeries – Aria Bakery
Aria Bakery specializes in French-style desserts, pastries, and artisanal breads (made from scratch daily) as well as espresso drinks served hot or cold and soups, sandwiches and salads. Looking to purchase an Aria pie for the holidays? Make sure to reserve your pie order before heading in. Call ahead for special orders or to ask about their savory plant-based (V) and sweet gluten free (GF) options* at Aria Bakery.
Ready to learn more? Learn more about Aria Bakery here.
Looking for more vegan and/or gluten-free options? *Look for the (V) or (GF) symbol throughout this guide to inquire about plant-based (V) and/or gluten-free (GF) offerings.
Near Murphys? Did you know that Sierra Hills Natural Foods grocery store on Hwy 4 in Murphys specializes in organic animal products, as well as organic and conventional vegan and gluten free offerings? Swing by to find ingredients and treats to make your next gathering that much more giving.
Calaveras Coffee Shops – Arnold Bistro Espresso
Arnold’s coffee shop and café, The Bistro Espresso features gourmet, handcrafted coffees and teas, smoothies, sandwiches and wraps, free wi-fi, friendly service, lunch and brunch offerings as well as a selection of baked goods. Check out their location in the heart of Arnold, a cozy coffee shop you won’t want to miss.
Calaveras Restaurants – Cascabel
This mother and son Mexican style restaurant does it all! Cascabel‘s Taco Tuesdays and Molcajete Wednesdays are great dinner ideas – before your holiday meal or after you run out of leftovers. Pre-order your homemade-from-scratch pies for your next holiday meal! Call Cascabel at 209-890-7336.
Calaveras Coffee Shops – Common Grounds
Common Grounds in Valley Springs is a much loved independent coffee shop serving specialty coffees and teas, breakfast burritos, bagels, pastries, paninis and gelato. Come on in and enjoy Common Grounds‘ comfy leather sofas, or sit at a chess table and enjoy a book or play a game, or grab your sweets to go along with your next holiday gathering.
Calaveras Coffee Shops – Gold Country Roasters
Locally owned and operated, Gold Country Roasters is not only affordably priced, but this artisan coffee shop has won regional and national awards for their fabulous roasts. One of the top two most sustainable coffee roasters in California, you can get a limited amount of baked goods sourced from local bakeries here as well. Call a few days ahead for large or special baked goods orders. Ask about their plant-based and/or gluten free options. (V) (GF)
Calaveras Coffee Shops – Moke Hill Nuts & Candies and Moke-A-Java
Ready to live like a local? Moke Hill Nuts and Candies has been a Gold Country favorite since 2003. Specializing in fresh and flavorful nuts, candies and gifts, they expanded their offerings in 2019 to include baked goods from around the county and Calaveras’ own Gold Country Roasters’ award winning coffee. This holiday season you won’t want to miss a trip to their quaint and cozy location in the heart of historic downtown Mokelumne Hill. You’ll feel right at home.
Calaveras Coffee Shops – Baldi’s at Copper Valley
Baldi’s at Copper Valley is a unique eatery placed in the middle of the beautiful Town Square at Copper Valley. Stop in for a while and let their fantastic team of servers and baristas whip you up your favorite coffees, teas and blended drinks. Their cozy little cafe offers a welcoming for everyone from the weary travelers to the dedicated internet warriors. With music, television and free WiFi, their little cafe has it all.
Calaveras Bakeries – Star Donuts
With two locations in Calaveras County, specializing in classic American donuts, with a friendly staff, Star Donuts has a large selection of all the traditional flavors. Stop in for donuts and coffee, you won’t be disappointed.
Star Donuts – San Andreas, CA
HOURS: Open 7 days a week Monday-Friday 5:30am-4pm and Saturday-Sunday 6am-2pm
ADDRESS: 37 W Saint Charles Street San Andreas, CA 95249
PHONE: 1-209-754-5600
Five Star Donuts – Valley Springs, CA
HOURS: Open 6 days a week (Closed Tuesdays) from 6:30am while supplies last.
ADDRESS: Unit K in Nove Shopping Center, Valley Springs, CA
PHONE: UPDATE
San Andreas local tip: Visiting San Andreas during the week? Don’t miss out on Pickle Patch Deli for lunch or brunch. Regularly voted one of the best restaurants in the Motherlode, stop in early for their breakfast grab and go options including delicious fresh bakes.
Calaveras Bakeries – Lemon Tree Bakery
Lemon Tree Bakery specializes in breakfast pastries, fresh, artisan breads and bagels made daily, tarts, and sweet treats. Selections vary daily. Stop in for yummy coffee drinks and a holiday treat while shopping in historic downtown Angels Camp.
Calaveras Bakeries – The Red Apple
The oldest apple stand in California, The Red Apple has been a popular landmark for both tourists and locals since it was established by the Darby family in 1890. Garnering rave reviews year round, especially for their apple cider donuts, pies and turnovers, The Red Apple is a multi-generational crowd pleaser sure to become your family’s next holiday favorite. Learn more about this historic California apple stand and bakery via California Dream Eater’s visit at The Red Apple here. Looking to order a holiday pie? Give The Red Apple a call at 209-728-8906 to reserve your pies now! (The Red Apple, pictured above via Instagrammer @onekieltravelz.)
Calaveras Bakeries – Mo’s Devil Food
Mo’s Devil Food crafts all of their goodies from scratch, never from a box or a bag and using only the most awesome ingredients, food grade essential oils, locally sourced produce, and fresh squeezed juices instead of extracts. Garden grown no pesticide fruits. And the buttercream is made with its namesake, butter!! Gluten and vegan friendly. Visit this sweet little place in Valley Springs or make a special trip to this gem of a bakery. If you are hoping for a Thanksgiving or Christmas pie, order early!
Looking to enjoy a little holiday shopping? Explore family owned Calaveras County holiday shopping options here.
Nelson’s Candy Kitchen – 5th Generation Family Owned Sweets
Nelson’s Candy Kitchen
Established in the late 1800’s, Nelson’s Candy Kitchen Murphys location features candies made by five generations of the Nelson family, delighting visitors with the finest handmade candies & confections in the Sierra Foothills. Fresh ingredients are cooked in bright copper kettles and cooled on marble tables that are over 100 years old using recipes dating from the 1800s.
Calaveras Wineries Offering Sweet Treats
Did you know you can grab holiday treats from local wineries? Explore Calaveras winery food and wine offerings such as Lavender Ridge‘s artisan market offering specialty cheeses, jams and gorgeous lollipops. Checkout our Calaveras winery directory here for the full list of all that Calaveras tasting rooms have on offer, or for personalized assistance, check in with the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance in person or over the phone for assistance today. Prefer to explore on foot? Get a head start with our directory for exploring downtown Murphys tasting rooms here.
Calaveras Ice Cream Parlors
JoMa’s Artisan Ice Cream – Murphys, CA
JoMa’s Artisan Ice Cream specializes in small-batch, handcrafted creations made with love and care with the goal of serving “the most uniquely handcrafted and delicious ice cream” guests have ever tasted. With handmade waffle cones and bowls made on site, 16 flavors of ice cream and 4 flavors of sorbet, and rotating one-of-a-kind creations, we think they’ve succeeded. Ask for plant-based options daily.
Yummy Ha! Ha! Ice Cream – Historic Downtown Angels Camp, CA
Yummy Ha! Ha! Ice Cream‘s newest location for delicious, handcrafted artisanal ice cream at in historic downtown Angels Camp is right across from our charming historic downtown Angels 6 movie theatre. Be sure to hop over to indulge in some sweet deliciousness before or after your next holiday movie.
Country Girl Ice Cream Parlor – Valley Springs, CA
HOURS: 7 days a week 12pm- 8pm I 55 California Street Valley Springs, CA 95252 I 1-209-920-3690
Located in the Valley Springs tri-lake area, Country Girl Ice Cream Parlor has 18 different flavors to choose from. Located near the intersection of Highways 12 and 26, if you are traveling with school age children, have them bring in their most recent report card to get $0.10 off their ice cream for each “A” grade earned.
Want to explore more shopping? Get a full list of all the independent boutique shops throughout Calaveras. Need help finding a specific gift item? Give us a jingle: 1-209-736-0049 or drop us a line: Info@GoCalaveras.com, we’re here to help!
Happy Holidays!