Sweet Treats in Oxford to Try This Semester

About the author: Hi, I’m Heather! I am a third-year Media, Journalism and Publishing student at Oxford Brookes University, but I am originally from Devon. I am a weekly host on Brookes Podcast, and in my spare time, I love spending time with friends and family, reading and baking.

In my opinion, one of the best things about moving to a new city for university is discovering your new favourite sweet treat spots. After three years in Oxford, I think I have done just that and have heaps of recommendations for your next sugar fix.

My round-up of the best sweet treats in Oxford

1.       Ben’s Cookies

For those with a sweet tooth, Ben’s Cookies is definitely one to visit. The shop first opened in 1984 in Oxford’s Covered Market by founder and cookery writer Helge Rubinstein, just a few minutes from Jesus College at the University of Oxford. However, they have since gone international and have over 85 shops worldwide. Regardless of its global success, Ben’s Cookies has remained an authentic sweet treat staple for Oxford students.

It has a variety of different cookies all baked fresh on the day they are sold, and the sweet aroma of these delicious treats wafts through the Covered Market. Some of the most popular flavours include peanut butter and milk chocolate, orange and milk chocolate, caramelised crunch, milk chocolate chunk and triple chocolate chunk (my personal favourite!) They are also very good value for money, generally costing between £2 and £3 per cookie.

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2.       Homemade Tiramisu Stall

Moving back into the city centre, another Oxford sweet treat not to be missed is from the homemade tiramisu stall at the Gloucester Green Market. Owned by @tiramisammm on TikTok, this sweet treat is a firm favourite among all who have tried it. This stall is run every Saturday as part of the Gloucester Green Market from 10 – 5; however, they often sell out at around 2 PM, so be sure to arrive early to not miss out.

The menu consists of several different tiramisus, all priced at £6: classic, Biscoff, ube-misu, pistachio, and a fifth flavour that is decided by their followers each week. Be sure to check out this stall the next time you’re in Oxford city centre on a Saturday to try one of these delicious desserts.

3.       Treatz

Located in Headington, Treatz has perhaps the most diverse menu of every place on this list, serving every sweet treat that you could possibly fancy. To name just a few: cookie dough, waffles, milkshakes, cake, ice cream sundaes, and dessert platters. My favourites on the menu, however, are easily the ‘White Choc Heaven Crepe’ and the ‘Knafeh Heaven’ chocolate strawberries.

In addition to the unfaultable menu, I think that one of the best things about Treatz is how late they stay open, from 9 AM to 11:45 PM every day. This means that no matter what time, be it a breakfast treat, afternoon fuel to tackle your assignment, or a late-night craving, Treatz is the one to visit.

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4.       High Street Cafe

If cinnamon buns are your sweet treat of choice, High Street Cafe stands out. Anyone who has walked past this café, located near the Oxford Botanic Gardens, will have noticed the incredible display of cinnamon buns. What makes these buns so appealing is the smothering of toppings like chocolate or pistachio cream on top, making for a highly indulgent - not to mention Instagrammable - treat. One of my favourites is the blueberry and cream cinnamon bun, and it certainly gives you some much-needed motivation in exam season!

5.       Rodeo Doughnuts

Located near the entrance of the Westgate shopping centre, Rodeo Doughnuts has become very popular after opening in 2022 and stocks a huge selection of fresh doughnuts. One of the best things about these doughnuts is their creative names, particularly those which are ironically named after celebrities. For example, Kinder Jenner, Miley Citrus and Bis-kit Harrington. There are also several doughnuts inspired by songs, like Watermelon Sugar High, Ice Ice Bae Bae, and Put a Ring on It.

Whilst they may be a little more pricey compared to other sweet treats in this list, coming in between £4.50 and £6, the iconic combination of unique names and irresistible flavours makes Rodeo Doughnuts worth every penny.

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6.       G&D Cafés

A final mention has to go out to the popular G&D Cafés. With three stores: George & Delila on Cowley Road, George & Danver on St Aldates, and George & Davis on Little Clarendon Street, you could say there has been a G&D takeover in Oxford - and for good reason.

Specialising in handmade ice cream, they produce a variety of delicious flavours. A few highlights on the menu are the daim bar crunch, raspberry pavlova, dulce de leche, and blueberry lemonade sorbet. On top of that, they also serve a variety of different cakes and sweet bites. With all three shops open until 11 PM daily, G&Ds is perfect for a quiet sit-down with a sweet treat or a quick sugar fix that can be grabbed on the way to lectures.

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Have the best bakeries in Oxford on your doorstep

So, that’s a wrap on my Oxford sweet treat list! If you fancy being within walking distance of all your favourite cafés and bakeries here, don’t hesitate to browse student accommodation options in Oxford. At UniHomes, properties come with bills included.

Take a look and secure your room today - the sugar rush is waiting!

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