For those with a sweet tooth, the multicultural hub of Jozi provides a multitude of treats to satisfy even the most intense sugar cravings. From cupcakes to cheesecake, here’s where to find the best sweet treats in Johannesburg.

Koeksister: Delhi Deli

When an establishment churns out a thousand dozen koeksisters in a single weekend, you know they’ve got to be good. Here, people queue up from early as 7am on a Sunday morning to get their hands on the twisted syrupy treats. At only R30 a dozen, add a cup of tea and you’ve got a delicious snack that’s easy on the wallet.

Address: 131 Goldman Street, Florida, Roodepoort. Call: 011 672 3121

 

Cronut: Remos Fratelli

Cronuts originated in the US, and since then they’ve taken the world by storm, with numerous bakeries attempting to reproduce the croissant-donut combination. In Jozi, the one who has done the best job is Italian bakery and pizzeria, Remos Fratelli. Imagine layers of croissant dough, sandwiched with custard, deep fried and topped with a peanut butter and chocolate icing- sublime.

Address: Waterfall Corner, Corner Woodmead and Maxwell Drives, Sunninghill. Call 011 007 1699

Red Velvet Cupcake: Belle’s Patisserie

The red velvet craze still hasn’t died down, and while you’ll find red velvet cakes and cupcakes all over the city, the most flavourful and moist version is made by Belle’s Patisserie, who use only the finest ingredients, with butter imported from France. The melt in the mouth cupcake is topped with a tangy cream cheese icing and a chocolate swirl.

Address: Blubird Shopping Centre, Athol Oaklands Drive, Birnam. Call 011 440 4474

Caramel cheesecake: Life Grand Cafe

Life is known for its fresh take on salads and hearty meals, with everything made in house. The caramel cheesecake is particularly enjoyable, albeit quite rich. The crust is crisp and not soggy, while the cheesecake filling is the perfect texture.

Address: Hyde Park Shopping Centre, Jan Smuts Avenue, Hyde Park. Call 011 325 4350.

Milk tart: The Whippet

Neighbourhood coffee shop, The Whippet, prides itself on sourcing from local suppliers, and this philosophy extends to everything from meat to bread. The milk tart, produced by a neighbour at home, is deliciously creamy, with a hint of cinnamon. To me, it’s like a cross between a milk tart and crème brûlée. Best enjoyed chilled.

Address: Corner 4^th and 7^th Avenues, Linden. Call 782 7310.

 

Burfee cupcake: Lazeeza’s Catering

A cupcake is a cupcake, right? Wrong. Wait until you try a burfee cupcake. The popular Indian sweetmeat is transformed into a creamy filling, placed into and on top of a spongy cupcake. Try the pistachio flavour, and pop an entire cupcake into your mouth, one at a time- at R48 a dozen, you can afford to.

Orders via phone only, can be picked up from Benoni or Houghton. Call 072 320 7273.

Peanut Butter Ice Cream: The Smokehouse

It’s not often that you’ll find an amazing dessert at a burger bar, but Smokehouse is an exception. This secret recipe is made by the owner’s mother, and ranks as one of the best ice creams in Joburg. Chunks of peanut butter are swirled inside the homemade ice cream, and the result is to die for.

Address: Corner Juta and De Beer Streets, Braamfontein. Call 011 403 1395.

 

Chocolate Brownie: The Counter

Best served warm, The Counter’s brownies are available every Sunday at Market on Main, or at your closest Casalotti’s pizza store. Once you break through the crisp outside, you’ll be treated to a soft, slightly gooey chocolatey cake. If you’d like something cold to accompany your brownie fix, head to any Filo yoghurt branch, where you’ll find The Counter’s brownies among the frozen yoghurt topping selection.

Market on Main, 264 Fox Street, Johannesburg. Contact meg@thecounter.co.za Call 072 853 3640.

Chocolate Ganache Cake: Hanover

Fordsburg is home to many bakeries, all of which have a similar offering- butter biscuits, pies and breads. Hanover, however, has something special- the chocolate ganache cake. These are sold in smaller, bite size portions as well as bigger, family size cakes. The cake itself is soft and airy, but the best part is icing- quality chocolate and cream, blended into a divine sauce that generously coats the cake.

Address: 10 Hanover Street, Fordsburg. Call 011 839 3355.

Cream Donut: Croydon Bakery

A classic, unpretentious choice that reminds one of his or her childhood, cream donuts can be found in most supermarkets, but Croydon’s version is far from the dry, chewy donut you’re used to. The cream is as fresh as can be, topped with a dot of apricot jam, with the donut itself being just the right combination of crisp and light.

Address: 90 Brabazon Road, Croydon. Call 011 974 9373.

Want to discover the finer side of Africa? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.