Ice Cream in Redlands - The Inside Scoop
From rolled ice cream tacos to classic custard cones, Redlands’ local scoop shops are serving up creativity, community, and pure dessert joy.
When the weather’s warm (or honestly, even when it’s not), there’s nothing quite like a scoop of something sweet in Redlands. Our city is full of local spots where creativity meets community. From handmade custard to rolled ice cream tacos and ultra-premium scoops, ice cream in Redlands is always a good idea.
Each shop adds its own flavor to the neighborhood, literally and figuratively. They serve up more than dessert: they serve memories, connection, and a whole lot of joy. We visited a few of Redlands’ favorite spots to see what makes them special. And trust us, there’s a little something for everyone.
Host: Joe
If you’re craving something cold, creamy, and full of flavor, Lappert’s Ice Cream is the local scoop shop that goes beyond the basics. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cone, a Dole Whip swirl, or something wildly creative like a Dubai Chocolate Sundae, this place delivers pure dessert joy.
Owner Joe, who fell in love with Redlands after running three shops in the desert, has now been serving up smiles here for nearly two years. His passion shows in every detail, from the ultra-premium ice cream (made with over 15% cream for a rich, silky texture) to the ever-changing rotation of more than 100 flavors.
Signature favorites include:
- Kauai Pie — coffee ice cream with chocolate fudge, coconut, and macadamia nuts
- Redlands Bowl Sundae
- Halo-Halo, a colorful Filipino treat that means “mix-mix,” a joyful swirl of shaved ice, jellies, fruit, and ice cream.
- Date Shake — a treat not to be missed made with fresh dates sourced from Indio and topped with house-made whipped cream and a festive umbrella
Lappert’s isn’t a chain; it’s a small-batch scoop shop with heart. Their ice cream is handmade in a family-run factory dating back to the 1980s, then delivered straight to the Redlands store. Vegan and dairy-free options abound (including oat milk flavors and four varieties of Dole Whip), so everyone can find something to love.
They’re also big on community. You’ll spot their “Maserati” of ice cream carts, an imported Italian gelato cart turned catering showpiece at local events like Dinner in the Grove, Mansion Memories, and school fundraisers.
Whether you’re grabbing a “cup for your pup,” enjoying a pineapple float, or treating yourself to a late-night milkshake, Lappert’s Ice Cream is where indulgence meets Redlands charm.
Hosts: Peter & Amy
If you think tacos are just for Tuesdays, Taco ‘Bout Sweets will happily prove you wrong. This playful Redlands favorite serves up hand-rolled ice cream inside freshly made waffle cone taco shells, creating the kind of dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Owners Peter and Amy bring both creativity and heart to the shop, which has been delighting locals for over four years. Inspired by a cousin’s travels through Thailand, where street vendors expertly roll liquid cream on freezing pans, they brought that magic home to the Inland Empire, perfecting their own process at a chilly -21 degrees for the smoothest, most picture-perfect rolls.
Every visit feels like a choose-your-own-adventure. You can pick your shell color (pink is the crowd favorite) and customize your flavors. If you have a fun idea, they’ll try to make it happen right on the spot. Favorites include:
- Orange Creamsicle (a nod to Redlands’ citrus heritage)
- Campfire S’mores
- Rocky Road (a fan-favorite)
They also roll out limited-time seasonal flavors each month, like Pumpkin Cheesecake or the upcoming Dubai Chocolate.
Taco ‘Bout Sweets prides itself on being inclusive and inventive, offering dairy-free options, soy milk “Magic Milk” with popping boba, and a refreshing tea and slushie menu with flavors like mango, pineapple, peach, and chamango.
The shop itself is a love letter to family; the tables are made from repurposed sewing machines, a tribute to the immigrant parents who inspired their entrepreneurial spirit. It’s a space built on creativity and connection, staying open late to give locals a safe, welcoming place to gather, perfect for a date night or a spontaneous dessert run.
They’re also active in the community, catering birthdays, weddings, and campus events like CSUSB giveaways. For special occasions, they’ll even bring the rolling machine to you, letting guests watch their ice cream come to life. Just be sure to email a couple of weeks in advance.
Taco ‘Bout Sweets isn’t just about dessert; it’s about joy, nostalgia, and community rolled up into one unforgettable bite.
Supporting Your Favorite Ice Cream in Redlands
Whether it’s a late-night Dole Whip run at Lappert’s or a colorful rolled creation from Taco ‘Bout Sweets, one thing is clear: Redlands takes its ice cream seriously (but never too seriously).
Each of these local businesses brings its own story and personality to the table or waffle cone, showing that great treats and great people go hand in hand. So next time you’re out and about, skip the chain drive-thru and stop by one of these local favorites. Support the scoop shops that make Redlands just a little sweeter, one cone at a time.
Beyond being a loyal patron, you can also maximize your support by sharing your sweet treat online. Post a picture or video of your visit, tagging both the business and About Redlands. We’ll re-share your post to maximize exposure. It’s amazing what a positive review can do for a locally-owned business.