Shorty’s Gelato & Bakery is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and savor every bite. Located at 1216 Broadway in Placerville, California, this cheerful bakery and gelato shop is all about bold flavors, family recipes, and treats you won’t find anywhere else.
Meet the Maker: Morgan’s Story
Every treat at Shorty’s has a story, and it all starts with Morgan, the owner and creative force behind the counter. Morgan’s baking journey began in Apple Hill when she was just sixteen. She worked her way up from local bakeries to pastry school at American River College and Graystone in Saint Helena. Morgan even helped open Red Hawk Casino as the Assistant Pastry Chef. Her passion for baking led her to open her first bakery, Sugar Lillie, in El Dorado in 2010, where she made cakes, cookies, scones, and breads for the community.
After selling Sugar Lillie in 2014, Morgan took on a new challenge: creating coconut macaroons for grocery stores across California. But mass production wasn’t as fun as she hoped. In 2018, she decided to bring the joy back to baking and launched Shorty’s with a donut truck built by her husband, Chris. The little blue truck quickly became a local favorite, and by June 2023, Shorty’s found its permanent home in Placerville.
The Family Touch
Shorty’s isn’t just a bakery. It’s a family affair. You’ll often find Morgan, her mom Linda, and her daughter Lillie working side by side, baking up something sweet. Their love for baking and each other shines through in every treat.
The Famous Donut Truck
If you spot a 1978 Chevy P10 truck painted blue and looking extra cool, that’s Shorty’s original donut truck. Chris, Morgan’s husband, built it by hand, adding special touches that make it one of a kind. The truck still makes appearances, serving up fresh donuts and smiles wherever it goes.
What’s On the Menu?
Shorty’s menu is a mix of classic comfort and creative flair. Here are a few must-try treats:
Dubai Chocolate Hearts
These are not your average chocolates. Each heart is filled with pistachio kataifi, a crispy shredded pastry, and roasted pistachios, all wrapped in rich dark chocolate. Every bite is a mix of crispy, chewy, and creamy textures. Inspired by the flavors of Dubai, this treat is a real showstopper at $11.00.
Brown Butter Dubai Cookie
Imagine a chocolate chip cookie with a twist. This cookie is made with brown butter for a deep, nutty flavor, then filled with shredded kataifi pastry and roasted pistachio paste. It’s rolled in more kataifi and finished with a layer of dark chocolate. You can grab one for $5.00 to $8.00.
Dubai Chocolate Bar
This bar is pure luxury. Rich dark chocolate is blended with creamy pistachio paste and toasted kataifi pastry. The result is a smooth, crunchy, and totally satisfying chocolate bar for $25.00.
Dark Rocky Road
A classic treat with a Shorty’s spin. Fluffy marshmallows and crunchy walnuts are mixed into rich dark chocolate, creating a sweet and nutty snack. Pick up a 5-oz bag for $10.00.
Smashing Heart
Looking for something fun? The Smashing Heart is a large chocolate heart (milk or dark) filled with bonbons and meringue cookies. It comes in a sleek black box with a tiny hammer so you can smash it open. It’s a playful gift or a treat for yourself at $28.00.
More Than Just Sweets
Shorty’s isn’t just about chocolate. The shop also serves handmade gelato, cookies, desserts, and hot chocolate. Whether you’re in the mood for something cold and creamy or warm and comforting, you’ll find it here.
Why Locals Love Shorty’s
Handmade Everything: Every treat is made from scratch, using quality ingredients and creative recipes.
Family-Run: You’ll feel the warmth and care the moment you walk in.
Unique Flavors: From Dubai-inspired chocolates to classic cookies with a twist, there’s always something new to try.
Fun Atmosphere: The shop is bright, welcoming, and always smells like fresh-baked cookies.
Plan Your Visit
Shorty’s Gelato & Bakery is open Sunday through Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm, and Friday & Saturday from 8 am to 9 pm. Stop by for a morning pastry, an afternoon gelato, or a sweet treat to end your day. You might even catch Morgan and her family baking up something new right before your eyes.
Find Shorty’s
Address: 1216 Broadway, Placerville, California 95667
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday & Saturday 8am – 9pm
If you’re looking for a place that feels like home and tastes like happiness, Shorty’s Gelato & Bakery is waiting with open doors and plenty of sweets to share.
Sources: shortysgelatoandbakery.com, yelp.com, Shorty’s Gelato and Bakery Facebook Page, Shorty’s Gelato and Bakery Instagram Page
Header Image Source: yelp.com
