31 Best Dessert Places in New York City

I am a SUCKER for some of the best dessert places in New York City since my unofficial life motto is, “Life’s uncertain, eat dessert first”.

Yup, I get it from my mama. So, anyone who knows me knows that I’m a total sugarmonger.

It is seriously my favorite part of the meal and honestly, I would skip all the savory stuff in a minute if I didn’t think I would lose all my teeth.

But my dessert addiction makes sense since the best desserts in NYC are next-level delicious.

That’s why, no trip to NYC would be complete without visiting all of the super fun dessert spots in NYC.

I know because I have lived here for 30+ years and go out to try all of the best desserts in New York City every chance I get.

So if you’re ready, let’s check out my picks for the best dessert places in New York City.

 This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. 

Best Dessert Places in New York City – Midtown (Manhattan)

1. Lady M Cake Boutique

Located right along the perimeter of Bryant Park (and with many other locations all across the city), Lady M Cake Boutique is great if you want a light and fluffy cake made from twenty different crepes.

What I love about their cakes is that they are light and won’t sit in your stomach. Yes, everything here is good. But, I personally love the green tea mille.

So, feel free to stop here after exploring Times Square, Bryant Park, and Grand Central. You can grab a coffee and enjoy the sleek, white, modern interior. Or, visit their flagship location on the Upper East Side.

Either way, get to one of the best dessert spots in NYC now!

2. Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery snags a spot among one of the top desserts in NYC because of its outrageously delicious banana pudding.

This fruit-packed pudding is awesome and filled with rich, banana goodness, with giant bits of moist, vanilla cake thrown in for good measure.

It’s also light and fluffy. So, you can easily order a large and not feel stuffed – although, I usually stick with a medium when I swing by the Grand Central location.

Feel free to order the classic banana flavor,  or dare try their specialty flavor, which changes monthly.

Either way, you can’t go wrong when ordering the banana pudding or cupcakes for that matter. The cupcakes are amazing but the pudding is the real superstar at one of the best dessert places in NYC.

Local Tip: If you love cupcakes then check out this 2-hour cupcake tour of Greenwich Village! Super fun and super tasty! Molly’s Cupcakes was my personal fave.

3. Doughnut Plant

Looking for good desserts in NYC? Then it’s no shocker that this world-famous doughnut franchise ranks high on this NYC dessert list.

Started in 1994 by Mark Israel, Doughnut Plant now has locations all over the world. Just choose between cake doughnuts, yeast doughnuts, dough seeds, and square-filled doughnuts.

I like the cake doughnuts since they are super moist and cakey.

Next, dig into your flavor of choice. I tried both the tres leches and pistachio and prefer the tres leches. since the pistachio didn’t taste a whole lot like pistachio.

However, you could also order epic options like creme brûlée, carrot cake, or their famous Brooklyn Blackout cake doughtnut.

This doughnut is a chocolate lover’s dream since it is a cake doughnut, filled with chocolate, dipped in chocolate, and sprinkled with, you guessed it, chocolate sprinkles.

One of my favorite doughnuts in the whole wide world and worth every single calorie.

4. Junior’s

When it comes to iconic, NY style cheesecake, Junior’s is the place to go.

This Brooklyn, dessert institution, has been serving up cheesecake masterpieces since the 1950s.

So, you don’t stay in business that long if you don’t know how to make great, New York cheesecake (not

They combine premium cream cheese, whipping cream, eggs, and a dash of vanilla, to create the smoothest and creamiest cheesecake.

And the best part? This is one of the best desserts in NYc that sold everywhere!

I literally see it in the grocery store all the time. So, you don’t have to go to Junior’s to purchase this piece of dessert divinity.

However, they do have two locations in Times Square if you want to order an egg cream and a slice of cheescake. I have also heard the strawberry shortcake is amazing.

5. Bread’s Bakery

Who doesn’t want Babka from Breads Bakery? Am I right? Okay, in fairness, Babka is kind of random so you may not know exactly what it is, at least that’s how it was for me.

I knew I liked Babka and that it was a sweet carb and that’s about it.

Well, in truth, Babka is found in many Jewish bakeries and is a twisted length of yeast dough that is baked to perfection in a loaf pan.

Instead of a fruit filling though, the dough is packed with cinnamon or chocolate between all the bread layers.

So what does all this mean to you? Well, I go and get my Babka from the Breads Bakery kiosk in Bryant Park. I take it home and fervently say to myself, “I will only have a taste and save the rest for later”.

Fast forward three minutes and 3/4 of the Babka is gone as I vainly attempt to wipe the chocolate from my face.

it was just so good that I couldn’t help eating it all. So whatever you do, make sure you get your Babka on while in NYC. They also have really good chocolate rugelach.

Local Tip: I love going to the cafe on the Upper East Side. They basically sell this insane black and white cookie that has this croissant/cookie base. So good and only in the UES location.

6. Sweet Churros

Located in Midtown near Koreatown, Sweet Churros was established in 2016. It serves up unique varties of Churros that coated in anything you like, including Fruitty Pebbles, sprinkles, strawberry crunch, etc.

If you want to add an extra level of awesome to this long, cripsy piece of fried dough that is covered in cinnamon and sugar, they get yours dipped into a cone of soft serve ice cream.

All the churros are handmade and I always get the ice cream churro every time I stop by one of the best dessert places in NYC.

7. Grace Street Coffee & Desserts

When it comes to the best dessert places in New York City, you really can’t go wrong with Grace Street Coffee & Desserts.

This contemporary coffee house has a HUGE selection of Asian donuts and waffles. It also has an assortment of coffees that you would expect in a joint like this.

So, while you are here, make sure to try the matcha latte! They are the best I’ve had!

When it comes to the desserts there are quite a number of options to choose from which makes things tricky.

However, try the shaved ice cream. The mango madness shaved ice is delicious but you really can’t go wrong with any of the other flavors as well. 

The only downside is that the place is always busy and getting a seat can be hard especially if you visit after 6:30 pm. So try to reach a bit earlier so you avoid the queues.

Best Dessert Spots in NYC – Uptown (Manhattan)

8. Levain Bakery

Home to some of the best cookies in New York City, the chocolate chip walnut cookies are to die for.

Not only are the cookies decadently moist and gooey – no, as you bite into the cookie it will be warm and the chocolate will be slightly melted – but they are big.

So, you could probably split one between two people, unless you’re super hungry.

They also come in a variety of traditional flavors like chocolate chip, walnut chocolate chip, dark chocolate peanut butter chip, oatmeal raisin, and more.

That’s why, it should come as no surprise that there’s typically a line out the door. However, they now have multiple locations across the city.

So, the lines at one of the best dessert spots in New York City aren’t as bad as they used to be.

9. Momofuku Milk Bar

The desserts at Milk Bar are some of the most addictive desserts in NYC. So, your biggest problem will be deciding what to order.

I personally was not a fan of the cereal milk soft serve. However, I do love the compost cookies, the birthday cake truffles, and the crack pie.

You can also indulge in a bit of nostalgia and order Momofuku’s birthday cake.

It’s like a reimagined Funfetti cake that consists of vanilla rainbow cake that is layered with rainbow cake crumbs, and topped with vanilla frosting.

So, it’s no surprise that this is one of the best dessert places in New York City today.

10. Maison Pickle

Located on the Upper West Side, Maison Pickle is known for its pull-apart bread, French Toast, and amazing French Dip sammies.

Therefore, make a reservation and enjoy one of the best brunch spots in NYC.

However, you cannot visit one of the best dessert places in NYC without ordering their insane, 24-layer cake.

It comes in Funfetti (vanilla) and chocolate varieties that will cost around $15.00 a slice.

We ordered the Funfetti Vanilla and I loved that the icing wasn’t too sweet.

However, I thought the cake was a bit dry. My partner loved it though and couldn’t stop eating it. We also didn’t try the chocolate so that may be better.

Either way, stop by for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.

11. Peacefood

With locations on the Upper West Side and near Union Square, Peacefood is easy to find and a great place to go if you’re looking for vegan desserts in NYC.

After all, Peacefood is a chill, vegan bakery/cafe that serves great teas, amazing sandwiches, and even better desserts.

Now, I know this article is about the best dessert places in NYC. But, the chickpea fries here are insanely good. Seriously, they have this amazing Indian spice and are delicious with the sauce that is provided.

However, the real highlight of our visit was the carrot cake. It was rich and moist and was served with creamy frosting.

I also loved that the cake wasn’t too sweet. So, you can easily finish the entire piece. The slices are big though and I suggest splitting a piece between two people.

Local Tip: This is a very chill cafe and is a great place to bring the kids. The food also doesn’t taste “vegan” so meat eaters would be happy dining here.

Best Desserts in NYC – Downtown (Manhattan)

12. Maman

With location dotted all across the city, Maman is a super cute bakery/cafe that features a rustic-themed exterior.

They also have antique furniture in the interior that enhances the overall ambiance of this place.

It’s a popular spot so be prepared for a bit of a wait. After all, the coffee is great, as are the classic French and American baked goods, soups, sammies, and salads.

They also have great brunch entrees too.

But, when it comes to NYC desserts, you can’t beat the S’mores cookie. It is rich and delicious and served with melty bits of marshmallow, chocolate, and graham crackers.

Alternatively, try the chocolate chip granola cookie for a fun take on a classic dessert.

13. Max Brenner (aka best chocolate dessert NYC)

This place is a chocoholics dream. Not only are the savory dishes here generally served with a dash of chocolate, but the desserts here are pure gastronomic bliss.

And what better way to go back to the nostalgia of your youth than with a nice cup of hot cocoa?

Not only does Max Brenner have a mug that is designed to be hugged by both hands but flavors include Italian thick, Hazelnut, Mocha, Marshmallow, Oreo, and more.

My personal favorite is the peanut butter hot chocolate, which is a decadent mix of an insanely sweet and slightly thick hot chocolate that is expertly combined with a hint of salty, peanut butter flavor.

Also try their insane chocolate pizza! It is a dessert pizza that is sprinkled with milk and white chocolate chunks.

It is also served with your choice of hazelnut, peanut butter, and roasted marshmallow on top.

14. Spot Dessert Bar

This St. Marks dessert institution is home to an array of quirky and creative confectionary marvels.

Seriously, if Willy Wonka had a restaurant, this would be it. Which makes sense when you realize that this fun New York City dessert shop was created by Iron Chef, Ian Kittichai.

Now, everything on the menu is good. However, my partner loved the Cookie Camp.

It is a half-baked, chocolate chip cookie that is served to you in a skillet with milk ice cream, pretzels, and chocolate on top. It’s very good but nothing unique.

I opted for the Golden Toast and died and went to heaven. It is a crispy, honey buttered toast (yes, bread) that is served with a side of condensed milk ice cream, strawberries, and whipped cream.

It is hard to cut but so dang good when you put everything together. I also liked the sugary crust on the outside of the bread.

Just be prepared to wait since this relaxed dessert bar is super popular. You can also pair your desserts with espresso and a delish matcha latte.

15. ChikaLicious

Tucked away in the East Village, this is one of the best dessert places in New York City where literally EVERYTHING is good.

See, this upscale, Japanese-inspired dessert bar has a fun Omakase menu. It includes one dessert, one palette cleanser, and a selection of petit fours for $26.00.

You can even add on a great wine pairing for an extra $13.00. But, no matter what you choose from chef Chika Tillman’s menu, you can’t go wrong.

All the desserts are super creative and some of my faves are the a mocha-and-hazelnut trifle and the fromage blanc cheesecake

16. Black Tap

Black Tap is one of the best dessert spots in NYC and is known for massive milkshakes that are overflowing with an assortment of confectionary delights, like cake and brownies.

I can also personally attest to the fact that these milkshakes are just as delicious as they look.

Sure, Black Tap is an actual restaurant with savory and sweet menu items. But, I usually skip the burgers and go straight for the best dessert in NYC.

Choose from an assortment of classic shakes or dare to walk on the wild side and order one of their “Crazy Shakes”.

Yes, the price is a bit steep but it’s worth it.

Plus, their “Crazy Shakes” come in varieties like Sweet n’ Salty Peanut Butter, Cotton Candy Strawberry Shake, the (vanilla) Cookie Shake, Sour Power Black Cherry, and Brooklyn Blackout Chocolate.

But, regardless of the flavor you choose, you can’t go wrong since all these confectionary delights are the stuff that dessert dreams are made of.

17. Cosme

This sleek, modern Mexican restaurant in the Flatiron District is known for super-sharable dishes that are made using local ingredients.

You should also 100% get a tequila or mezcal cocktail since they are very unique and have distinct flavors. The duck carnitas are also really good.

But, since this is a list is about the best desserts in New York City, let me give the inside SCOOP on the one dessert to order here…the cornhusk meringue.

To me, it sounded kind of gross but the friendly staff insisted it was really good. And honestly, they were right!

It’s an exceptional combination of savory and sweet that results in a velvety, smooth, beautiful corn mousse. Just give it a try after dinner and you will not be disappointed.

18. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream

When you step inside this epic ice cream shop, you know it’s gonna be good since the whole place screams vintage, 1950s malt shop.

You feel like all you need is a poodle skirt or bomber jacket to walk in here so that you can hit the sock hop after you get your ice cream.

Yeah, I LOVE the vibe here. The employees even wear these vintage white hats that all the food service people wore in the 50s.

However, it’s not all about the decor at Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream! The ice cream is absolutely fabulous and one of the best desserts in New York City.

What I love is that this shop also has interesting flavors like burnt honey vanilla, salt and pepper pinenut, burnt sage, and more.

My personal fave? Raspberry Cheesecake. However a lot of people swear by the durian banana ice cream.

Yeah, I’m not a huge fan of raspberry cheesecake. But somehow, I loved this flavor since it felt like pure magic in my mouth.

19. Lady Wong

This small, country-inspired pastry shop in the East Village serves up coffee that is perfectly paired cakes and other desserts that have a southeastern flair.

Personally, I opt for the 72 hour pineapple cake. Yes, it is rich since it has a boatload of butter. But, it is filled with this fresh pineapple jam that is devine.

However, you also can’t go wrong with the Pandan lotus mooncake. See, pandan is this Malaysian custard that is creamy and herbaceous and it has like a caramel/coconut flavor.

The passion fruit and calamansi cake is also great. The cake layers are super moist and there is a great balance between the citrus of thecalamansi and the sweet of the passion fruit.

Just be aware that this isn’t a place you really want to hang out in. Sure, the desserts are beautifully presented and the flavors are awesome.

But, the space isn’t really for dining. Just have your desserts wrapped up and take them to go.

20. Dominique Ansel Bakery

Ever heard of the Cronut or the croissant/ doughnut? Well if you have, then Dominique Ansel Bakery is the place that started it all.

That’s no surprise with innovative spins, on classic childhood desserts like cookies and milk.

Now I know everyone comes here for the cronut, but I wasn’t a huge fan. However, maybe I didn’t like that month’s flavor.

Yeah, they serve one unique flavor of cronut every month and for one month only. Then, they never use that flavor again.

Anyway, I am obsessed with the cookie and milk shots.

Served after 3:00 pm, this fun dish takes an ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookie, coats it in chocolate, molds it to look like a shot glass, and then serves it with vanilla-infused milk.

But the best part? You don’t; have to wake up at the butt crack of dawn to purchase this NYC dessert.

21. Rice to Riches

Located in the always trendy neighborhood of Nolita, Rice to Riches is this cool rice pudding place with space-age decor that makes you want to say, “Beam me up Scotty!”

It’s super casual and you can either order take-away or dine in.

Rich and delicious, the rice pudding here comes in cool flavors like pannacotta, French toast, and pecan pie.

I actually don’t really like rice pudding but LOVE their Graham Cracker rice pudding since it’s rich, creamy, and subtly sweet.

You can also get a small, 6-ounce portion and sample different flavors from one of the best dessert places in New York City.

22. Molly’s Cupcakes

Ummm, yeah. I like Magnolia cupcakes, but I LOVE Molly’s cupcakes.

But don’t take my word for it. Not only have these guys won cupcake wars, but this store was voted best cupcake bakery by Voice and one of the 10 best cupcake bakeries by USA Today.

Now, you might assume that when you visit this bakery, you’ll get just another cupcake right?

WRONG!! Molly’s is known for their center-filled cupcakes that come in decadent, innovative flavors like Cake Batter, Creme Brûlée, peanut butter Nutella, Cookie Monster, and peach cobbler.

Seriously the most AMAZING cupcakes of my life.

So moist and delicious but without being overpoweringly sweet. They just put all other cupcakes to shame, plain and simple. Oh, and you can even make your own cupcake if you like.

23. Sweet Rehab

You know how everyone raves about French desserts? Well if you live in NYC, you don’t really have to travel to Paris to get a taste of these.

Sweet Rehab is an extremely charming venue with elegantly done decor. It is a real pleasure to sit here and take it in the ambiance.

Additionally, this dessert spot in NYC excels at French desserts and viennoiseries. Try the chocolate dessert with candied pecans.

It’s a dark chocolate treat that has the right balance of sweet and bitter flavors. It’s truly one of the best deserts in NYC.

However, their jar desserts are also a big hit so definitely try some of those too! One thing that will strike you the moment you start browsing is that everything coming out of the kitchen looks beautiful.

24. Sweet Moment

Not only is there a super Instagramable, neon sign that reads, “sweet moment”, but this Chinatown coffee, tea, and dessert Holy Grail is smartly decorated and super spacious.

So no worries, you will definitely find a place to sit, even at 1:00 pm on a Saturday. But, you’re not here for the decor.

Nope. You’re here to order their one and only tea art! Seriously the most adorable beverage that I have ever drunk in my entire life.

Now, this cream art (or tea art) is made with a cold brew, coffee or black tea and comes in fun flavors like chocolate, matcha, taro, and red velvet.

They are all served with milk and whipped cream on top. So, the drinks are yummy but super sweet.

25. Taiyaki

This humble ice cream shop in Chinatown serves up one of the most Instagrammable foods in NYC.

See, a Taiyaki is a traditional Japanese dessert that comes in the shape of a fish. It is typically filled with a sweet red bean paste and is served as a warm, street food.

However, the geniuses over at Taiyaki NYC decided to fill this dessert with ice cream, making it one of the best desserts in NYC.

As you can see, I opted for a unicorn Taiyaki treat and was very happy with my choice since it featured delicious strawberry and vanilla soft serve ice cream. Although, I heard the matcha is great too.

Best Desserts in NYC – Brooklyn

26. Burrow

Wanna fuel up before you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge? Then stop by this tiny, high-end bakery in DUMBO and order the Pistachio Mousse.

I LOVE pistachio and basically died and went to heaven when I ordered this.

It is this lovely, silky smooth mousse with plenty of pistachio flavor. There is also lots of crunch from the praline (caramelized hazelnut and almond) and the feuillantine inside.

As a result, the crunch provides a perfect textural contrast to the creaminess of the mousse.

Just give yourself plenty of time to find this place since it is kind of hidden away in the lobby of a nondescript building.

27. Gage & Tollner

Located in downtown Brooklyn, this historic oyster and chophouse dates back to 1879.

So, you might expect the star here to be the steaks. However, the true reason people come here is the baked Alaska.

It’s a super classic dessert in NYC that has been modernized with two exquisite layers of dark chocolate, cherry/mint ice cream, and caramelized meringue.

I’m not big into ice cream but this stuff is good with a capital “G”. So, run, don’t walk here, and order desserts ASAP.

28. Fortunato Brothers

This awesome Italian bakery in Williamsburg has been around since 1976. It oozes old-world, New York style and serves up some of the best Italian pastries NYC has to offer.

So, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, try the affogatos, gelato, and cannolis. All are well done and will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.

But, the coolest thing about a stop here is the marzipan art. This German almond paste is used to create all sorts of fruit and veggies, like eggplants and apples.

Yup, this art is next-level amazing and looks like a fruit you wanna bite into.

29. Bạn Bè

Not gonna lie, you won’t find Vietnamese bakeries on this list. But, Bạn Bè is the exception and is an epic Cobble Hill bakery where you can get some of the best desserts in NYC.

Opened in 2019, Bạn Bè translates to “buddies” in English. It is also a cute little place where you can get Vietnamese butter cookies, mooncakes, colorful jellies, and my personal favorite…the flan.

Yes, the menu is small. But, you don’t need a big menu when you serve Ca Phe Rau Cau flan.

This creamy custard has unique Vietnamese flavors that I just can’t get enough of. So, walk up to their to-go window and grab one.

However, I have also had the banh deo, which is a chewy cake that is like mochi and stuffed with banana and pineapple. So yummy.

30. ByClio Bakery

Located in Gowanus, Clio Goodman is the legendary chef that was the genius behind Puddin’ Bakery.

Sadly, that fine purveyor of confectionary delights is long gone. However, we now have ByClio Bakery instead.

This awesome cake shop is where you can go to find cool flavors of cake like seasonal Tahini (with a hint of coconut), coconut rose, and orange sage olive oil.

The cakes are also super pretty and can be ordered by the slice. Just go for the cherry tahini cake and you won’t regret.

But, if you want an entire cake, you’ll need to purchase one ASAP since they only go on-sale once a month and sell out fast.

Best Desserts Places in New York City – Bronx

31. Chocobar Cortés

Located in the south Bronx, this Puerto Rican restaurant is an innovative spot that serves a lot of chocolate-inspired drinks, like an Old Fashioned with a chocolate rim.

But, that’s not the only place you’ll see Puerto Rican style chocolate since basically everything on the menu, including the savory items, comes with a healthy dose of chocolate.

So, if you order the grilled cheese it will be served to you on sweet brioche bread with cheddar and chocolate butter. Trust me, it’s actually pretty good.

Now, if you are in the mood for dessert then chocolate hazelnut tart. It’s made with a lovely graham cracker crust and a beautiful chocolate cream that all the choco-holics will love.

Map of the Best Dessert Spots in NYC

Best Dessert Places in New York City FAQ

What Is The Most Famous Dessert In New York?

I think NYC has loads of options when it comes to desserts. Seriously… You can get authentic desserts from all over the world here. A signature dish that is always linked to the city is cheesecake.

Not just any cheese cake… It’s called New York Cheesecake because the way they make it in the city is quite different from everywhere else. You have to try it to know just what I mean!

What Is The Most Expensive Dessert In NYC?

The Golden Opulence Sundae is hands own the most expensive dessert in NYC. In fact, the Guinness book of world records ranked it as the most expensive dessert in the world.

Wondering how much you have to fork out for one? Well think around $1000! I know right! Insane!

The sundae is uber special because it needs to be preordered and the ingredients are flown in from all over the world!

What Is NYC Supreme Dessert?

The Supreme is a creation by the Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery. Its a mix between a doughnut and a croissant but even that fails to describe it properly.

The dessert is sprinkled and drizzled with all kinds of goodies. That way it has the sweetness of the doughnut but the flakiness of a croissant.

That concludes this guide to the best dessert places in New York City.

Did your fave dessert in NYC make the list? If not then let me know.

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