Trip Ideas

dessert on Mill Street in downtown Grass Valley

A Bite Into A Chocoholic’s Adventure In Nevada County

Put an exclamation point on your visit to Nevada County. Dip into the world of handcrafted chocolates made at local chocolate shops, where indulgent treats await your discovery.

Tips & Resources

Dip into more sweet treats by exploring Nevada City’s Dessert scene

Indulge a little on your Truckee vacation and explore Truckee’s best dessert restaurant bucket list

By Alex Silgalis

For over five millennia, chocolate has been adored by humanity. Originating from the tropical cacao trees native to Central and South America, it was once hailed as the “food of the gods” and later became a delicacy reserved for the elite. Today, the pleasure of indulging in chocolate is accessible to everyone by stepping through the doors of a chocolate shop. Whether you’re seeking a gourmet holiday gift or simply craving a sweet treat, these Nevada County chocolate shops are essential stops during your visit.

Lazy Dog Chocolateria

Grass Valley

front of the Grass Valley store Lazy Dog Chocolateria
Image appears courtesy: Lazy Dog Chocolateria

The moment you step into this colorful shop you’re welcomed by the delightful aroma of chocolate being crafted into truffles. At Lazy Dog, while there are no bad choices, the question is what should you order besides everything? Alongside the classic dark chocolate varieties, be sure to keep an eye out for their innovative creations, like lavender white chocolate or raspberry ganache truffles, which showcase their unique talents. With more than 300+ items to pick from including premium scooped ice cream, it’ll be hard to pick but that’s what makes it fun!

  • Website
  • 111 Mill St, Grass Valley
  • (530) 274-0774

Dorinda’s Chocolates

Truckee

Image appears courtesy: Dorinda’s Chocolates

Chocolate isn’t just a job. It’s a calling that demands passion. Take, for instance, Dorinda Vance, affectionately known as the Duchess of Chocolate. Her journey began at the tender age of 12, hand-dipping all-natural chocolates. Though paused temporarily to raise her four children, her love for chocolate endured. She honed her skills at esteemed institutions like L’Ecole Chocolat and the Berry Callebaut factory. Now, in her Truckee store, you’ll discover her masterpieces – award-winning chocolates ranging from specialty bars to truffles and hand-dipped delights like pretzels and fruits. For more ideas on how to indulge in a sweet treat when visiting Truckee, check out their list of the 5 best dessert spots in town.

  • Website
  • 10191 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee(across the street from Old Town Tap)
  • (530) 562-6059

Choquiero Cacao Cafe

Nevada City

gourmet chocolate bars at Choquiero Cacao Cafe in Nevada City California
Image appears courtesy: Choquiero Cacao Cafe

Ariel Wolansky’s passion for chocolate began in his childhood in Argentina and has since blossomed into this unique store. With a background in science and extensive research on cacao trees and chocolate traditions from his travels abroad, Ariel draws inspiration from ancient cacao drink recipes. His chocolates focus on delivering the health benefits of this “magical” bean. By avoiding emulsifiers and preservatives and sweetening with unrefined, low-glycemic coconut sugar, it’s no wonder his creations are award-winning.

The Truffle Shop

Nevada City

Image appears courtesy: The Truffle Shop

Describing the Truffle Shop as merely a “gourmet chocolate shop” is akin to labeling the Golden Gate Bridge as just a “pretty bridge.” Much like the skilled pigs that find the mushroom variety of truffles, you need to dig deeper. Founded over three decades ago in 1986 by Chef DeGroot and Rudy Udarbe, its roots trace back to Chef DeGroot’s thirteen-year tenure as a Capuchin monk in a Franciscan monastery. It was during this time that his secret recipes and fervor for chocolate and baking were nurtured. The recipes have continued to evolve with people’s palates and in 2020 Rudy started his own line of Uncle Rudy’s Royal Truffles. In addition to the truffles, you’ll find a variety of other chocolate desserts and coffee available.

  • Website
  • 408 Broad Street, Nevada City (inside New York Hotel)
  • (530) 265-3539

Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe

Nevada City

Image appears courtesy: Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe

Finally, we have the delightful Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe. Crafting their small-batch chocolates daily with Guittard chocolate. The chocolatier is renowned for its quality cocoa along with prioritizing fair trade, environmental consciousness, and sustainability.

While you can’t go wrong with anything, the shop’s pièce de résistance is the handcrafted confection “Nevada City Gold.” Described by the owners as a “creamy, crunchy, peanut buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat.” In addition to their small-batch chocolates, you’ll discover a nostalgic assortment of candies, from Zotz to Jujyfruits, along with favorites like Big League Chew, Pez, saltwater taffy, and Bottle Caps. If you’re craving it, chances are they have it. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. Homemade goodies, novelty candies, premium ice cream, drumsticks, milkshakes, and frozen bananas are also on offer.

  • Website
  • 236 Broad St, Nevada City
  • (530) 265- 3448
alex_silgalis

Alex Silgalis

Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.

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