Free samples are a dangerous thing. One minute you're "just looking," and the next thing you know…read moreyou're standing at the counter ordering ice cream like it was your idea all along.
That's exactly how The Baked Bear got me. Hook, line, and sinker.
If you've never been, the concept is simple and brilliant. High-quality ingredients and a build-your-own dessert approach. Cookies, brownies, cones, ice cream, toppings. You mix, match, and create something that feels a little more custom than your average scoop shop.
And the ingredients really do deliver.
The cones are nicely crisp, and if you've never had one of their ice cream sandwiches, start there. They'll build it with warm cookies on the outside and freezing cold ice cream on the inside, which might be the most satisfying hot-meets-cold dessert combination ever created.
Warm cookie. Frozen ice cream. Zero regrets.
For my order, I went with the berry crumble and strawberry cheesecake on a waffle cone. The waffle cone had a great crisp to it, and the flavors were light and refreshing. You got a nice hint of berry without it being overpowering. If anything, I would have welcomed a little more berry punch, but it was still very enjoyable.
We also tried the campfire s'mores, which absolutely popped with bold flavor, and the cookie dough, which was fine but a little more average compared to the others.
The one area where things felt slightly limited was the flavor selection. They offered around a dozen choices, but many leaned heavy into chocolate territory. If you're a chocolate lover, you'll feel like you hit the lottery. If you're looking for a wider range of lighter or fruit-forward options, the variety could be better.
Still, the concept is great and the ingredients are excellent.
Tip: do not accept the free sample unless you're emotionally prepared to buy ice cream immediately afterward.
Four stars. Great concept, excellent flavors, just a little light on variety. Definitely worth the trip even if the sweet tooth hasn't kicked in yet.... Oh, and it's okay sometimes to have dessert for dinner... and this would be the place for that!