Exploring the Best Desserts in NYC
Embarking on a journey to uncover the finest desserts in the bustling streets of New York City is a delightful endeavor for any connoisseur of sweets. From the iconic cheesecakes of Junior’s to the artisanal delights of Dominique Ansel Bakery, the city offers a tantalizing array of options to satisfy every palate. Indulge in the classic elegance of a Magnolia Bakery cupcake or savor the innovative flavors of a Milk Bar compost cookie, each bite a testament to the city’s rich culinary tapestry.
Whether strolling through the vibrant neighborhood of SoHo or the historic streets of Greenwich Village, the quest for the perfect dessert is an adventure that promises endless discoveries and delectable delights.
Introduction to NYC’s Dessert Scene
The dessert scene in New York City is a vibrant tapestry woven with diversity and innovation. There are a variety of desserts in the city that never sleeps, from traditional bakeries serving up timeless classics like black and white cookies to avant-garde patisseries pushing the boundaries of flavor and presentation, there’s something to satisfy every sweet craving.
Food trucks offer on-the-go indulgence with gourmet ice cream sandwiches, while hidden gem dessert bars invite exploration with their inventive dessert tasting menus. With each corner of the city boasting its own unique treats, the dessert scene in NYC is a dynamic landscape where creativity knows no bounds.
Must-Visit Bakeries in the City
Your visit to NYC would not be complete without indulging in the sweet desserts that the city has to offer, from cakes, chips and ice creams, you’ll find everything here to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Here are some of the must-visit bakeries and cafes in New York to give you a glimpse of the city’s desert scene.
- Levain Bakery: Famous for its oversized, gooey chocolate chip cookies.
- Dominique Ansel Bakery: Home of the original cronut, a croissant-doughnut pastry.
- Magnolia Bakery: Known for its classic American desserts, including cupcakes and banana pudding.
- Milk Bar: Innovating with unique treats like cereal milk soft serve and crack pie.
- Breads Bakery: Renowned for its babka, rugelach, and other Jewish pastries.
- Lady M Cake Boutique: Celebrated for its delicate and elegant mille crepe cakes.
- Four & Twenty Blackbirds: Specializing in mouthwatering pies, both sweet and savory.
- Two Little Red Hens: A cozy bakery offering exceptional cakes, cupcakes, and cheesecakes.
- Amy’s Bread: Crafting artisanal bread, pastries, and cakes with high-quality ingredients.
- Doughnut Plant: Serving up inventive, handcrafted doughnuts in a variety of flavors.
Best NYC Sweets to Indulge in NYC for a Truly Unique Dessert Experience
If you have room for dessert or you’re feeling down and want to cheer yourself up with the best treats, you’ll be delighted because NYC offers the best options for ice creams, cakes, cookies, and more.
Check out the list below to find the best dessert in New York City. They are to-die-for and an absolute must try!
The order is the Google star rating for each place, highest first, with the number of reviews breaking a tie. Ratings were read on 2 September 2026 and they move, so treat them as a snapshot rather than a verdict. A small shop with a few hundred devoted regulars can sit above a famous one that gets a lot of one-time visitors.
1. Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie at Levain Bakery
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This classic chocolate chip is a beloved cookie that tantalizes taste buds with its rich flavors and comforting texture. Packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts, each bite is a symphony of sweetness and nuttiness. The combination of buttery dough, gooey chocolate, and hearty walnuts creates a perfect harmony that makes this cookie a must-try for anyone seeking a delectable indulgence. Levain’s dark chocolate peanut butter cookie is also a must-try.
Google rating: 4.7 from 1,584 reviews
2. Confetti Cake at Milk Bar
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Indulge in the whimsical delight of Milk Bar’s Confetti Cake, a creation that embodies the innovative spirit of pastry chef Christina Tosi. This iconic dessert features layers of moist vanilla cake studded with colorful sprinkles, sandwiched between luscious layers of tangy lemon curd. Topped with a generous coating of creamy vanilla frosting and more rainbow sprinkles, every bite of Milk Bar’s Funfetti Cake is a celebration of flavor and texture. With its playful presentation and irresistible taste, this cake has become a beloved favorite among dessert enthusiasts worldwide.
Google rating: 4.6 from 3,625 reviews
3. Rice Pudding at Rice to Riches
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Indulge in the creamy decadence of rice pudding at Rice to Riches in the Nolita neighborhood. This iconic dessert boasts a rich and velvety texture, with flavors that range from classic vanilla bean to exotic coconut. Made with premium ingredients like Arborio rice, whole milk, and sugar, each spoonful is a symphony of sweetness and comfort, offering a luxurious treat for the taste buds. Whether enjoyed plain or adorned with toppings like fresh fruit or crunchy nuts, Rice to Riches’ rice pudding promises a blissful dessert experience unlike any other.
Google rating: 4.6 from 3,454 reviews
4. Chocolate Babka at Breads Bakery
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Savor the epitome of chocolate babka perfection at Breads Bakery. Their chocolate babka boasts a tender, buttery dough swirled generously with layers of rich, bittersweet chocolate and a touch of cinnamon for depth of flavor. Made with high-quality ingredients and crafted with precision, each slice is a heavenly indulgence that captures the essence of New York’s bakery scene. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a standalone treat, this babka is a must-try for connoisseurs of fine pastries in the Big Apple.
Google rating: 4.6 from 2,529 reviews
5. Mille Crêpes at Lady M
Lady M built its name on one cake, the mille crêpes: paper-thin crêpes stacked with cream, twenty layers of them, cut into a wedge that looks more like pastry engineering than baking.
The NoMad boutique at 1178 Broadway is the one to head for, and it rates higher with customers than the busier Bryant Park and Rockefeller shops do. Order a slice with coffee rather than a whole cake unless you have people waiting at home.
Google rating: 4.6 from 893 reviews
6. Churros at La Churreria
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Savor the crispy perfection of the best churros in NYC at La Churreria. La Churreria crafts these Spanish delights to crispy perfection, with a golden exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Whether enjoyed plain or dipped in decadent chocolate sauce or caramel, La Churreria’s churros offer a delightful indulgence that transports you to the streets of Spain with every bite. With its commitment to quality ingredients and authentic flavors, La Churreria has earned its place as a go-to destination for churro lovers in New York City.
Google rating: 4.6 from 867 reviews
7. Bomboloni at Sullivan Street Bakery
Embark on a journey of indulgence with the best bomboloni in New York City, available at Sullivan Street Bakery. Sullivan Street Bakery’s bomboloni are heavenly treats, boasting a light and fluffy texture with a satisfyingly crisp exterior. These Italian doughnuts are generously filled with luscious pastry cream or rich chocolate ganache, creating a burst of sweetness with every bite. Treat yourself to the ultimate bomboloni experience at Sullivan Street Bakery, where the perfect combination of simplicity and decadence awaits.
Google rating: 4.6 from 855 reviews
8. Cupcakes at Sugar Sweet Sunshine
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Treat yourself to the finest cupcakes in NYC at Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery. Their cupcakes are renowned for their moist and flavorful cake base, topped with generous swirls of creamy frosting. Popular flavors include the classic vanilla with chocolate frosting, red velvet with cream cheese frosting, and the signature “sunshine” cupcake featuring a vanilla cake with a tangy lemon frosting. Loved for their irresistible taste and charming homemade feel, Sugar Sweet Sunshine cupcakes are a beloved treat among locals and visitors alike, making them a must-try in the vibrant dessert scene of New York City.
Google rating: 4.6 from 759 reviews
9. Cakes at Two Little Red Hens
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At Two Little Red Hens, indulge in a delightful array of cakes, cupcakes, and cheesecakes that are sure to satisfy any sweet craving. Their best-sellers include the classic Carrot Cake, rich and velvety Red Velvet Cake, and decadent Brooklyn Blackout Cake, each bursting with flavor and moistness. Additionally, their Blueberry Pie and various cheesecake flavors like New York Style and Raspberry Swirl are beloved favorites among customers. With a commitment to quality ingredients and impeccable baking techniques, Two Little Red Hens offers an unforgettable dessert experience in the heart of New York City.
Google rating: 4.6 from 701 reviews
10. Italian Pastries at Veniero’s Pasticceria
Veniero’s calls itself New York’s legendary Italian bakery, and the case backs the claim up: cannoli, sfogliatelle, cheesecake and a caffè counter, all in one room on East 11th Street.
It sits at 342 East 11th Street between First and Second Avenue, and it keeps proper late hours, 8am to 10pm Sunday through Thursday and 8am to 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Take the 6 to Astor Place or the L to First Avenue. That late close makes it one of the few places in the city where dessert can be the plan rather than the afterthought.
Google rating: 4.5 from 5,481 reviews
11. Ice Cream at Amorino Gelato Al Naturale
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Embark on a blissful ice cream adventure at Amorino Gelato Al Naturale. With an extensive dessert menu featuring artisanal gelato and sorbet, Amorino offers a plethora of flavors to tantalize your taste buds. Indulge in classics like creamy vanilla and rich chocolate, or explore seasonal flavors like refreshing lemon sorbet and decadent pumpkin spice gelato. They also offer gelato macarons and late pistachio. Each scoop is meticulously crafted to perfection, ensuring a delightful and unforgettable ice cream experience in the heart of New York City.
Google rating: 4.5 from 3,709 reviews
12. Taiyaki Waffle at Taiyaki NYC
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Discover a taste of Japanese tradition with the Taiyaki waffle at Taiyaki NYC. This delightful dessert features a crispy yet fluffy waffle shaped like a fish, filled with creamy soft-serve ice cream and topped with an array of delectable toppings like rainbow sprinkles, mochi, and condensed milk drizzle. With its perfect blend of textures and flavors, including the warm waffle, cold ice cream, and playful toppings, the Taiyaki waffle is a must-try for those seeking a unique and delicious treat in the heart of New York City.
Google rating: 4.5 from 3,567 reviews
13. Chocolate Green Tea Lava Cake at Spot Dessert Bar
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Delight your taste buds with the exquisite Chocolate Green Tea Lava Cake at SpotDessertBar in East Village. This delectable dessert features a rich and gooey chocolate lava cake infused with the subtle bitterness of green tea, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The cake is served warm, with a molten center that oozes out upon the first bite, offering a decadent experience for chocolate and green tea enthusiasts alike. Additionally, indulge in the golden toast, a heavenly creation made with thick slices of fluffy bread toasted to perfection and topped with a generous drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
Google rating: 4.5 from 3,199 reviews
14. Doughnuts at Doughnut Plant
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Doughnut Plant’s offerings are renowned for their creativity and quality, with their best-sellers including the iconic square-shaped filled doughnuts. The most popular flavors include the Tres Leches doughnut, which features a delicate vanilla cake filled with a creamy mixture, and the Creme Brulee doughnut, known for its caramelized sugar topping and rich custard filling. These doughnuts have garnered acclaim for their innovative flavors, impeccable execution, and use of high-quality ingredients, making them irresistible treats for doughnut enthusiasts seeking a memorable indulgence.
Google rating: 4.5 from 2,394 reviews
15. Lemon Cheesecake at Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery
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Experience the tantalizing tang of the best lemon cheesecake in New York City at Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery. Junior’s lemon cheesecake is a creamy delight with a zesty twist, featuring a velvety cheesecake filling infused with fresh lemon zest and juice. The buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect contrast to the vibrant citrus flavors, while a delicate lemon glaze adds a finishing touch of sweetness. Indulge in this citrus-infused masterpiece at Junior’s, where each forkful promises a burst of sunshine in every bite.
Google rating: 4.4 from 15,869 reviews
16. Cannoli at Ferrara Bakery
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Indulge in the epitome of Italian sweetness with the best cannoli in the city found at Ferrara Bakery & Cafe. Ferrara’s cannoli is a heavenly delight, featuring a crispy yet tender shell filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture infused with hints of vanilla and citrus zest. Each bite is adorned with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and crunchy pistachio nuts, adding a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Treat yourself to this iconic Italian pastry at Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, where tradition meets perfection in every bite.
Google rating: 4.4 from 7,702 reviews
17. Milkshake at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
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Discover the ultimate milkshake experience at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer. Black Tap offers a mouthwatering array of milkshake flavors, ranging from classic favorites like vanilla and chocolate to indulgent creations like the Cotton Candy and Bam Bam shakes, adorned with colorful candies and cotton candy clouds. These milkshakes are known for their towering presentation, overflowing with whipped cream, sprinkles, and other sweet toppings, making them a favorite among Instagrammers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or a decadent dessert extravaganza, Black Tap’s milkshakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in the heart of New York City.
Google rating: 4.4 from 5,386 reviews
18. Ice Cream at Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
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Embark on a flavorful journey at the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, where you’ll discover a diverse array of ice cream flavors to tantalize your taste buds. You can try one of its exotic options like Pandan, Lychee, Red Bean, and even Durian for adventurous palates seeking unique experiences. For those craving a creamy and nutty delight, the Zen Butter flavor offers a perfect balance of flavors. Additionally, classics like Green Tea ice cream provide a refreshing option for traditionalists. They also offer “custom cake” but it requires 24-hour notice. Celebrate your special occasions in sweet style with Chinatown Ice Cream Factory’s yummy sweets.
Google rating: 4.4 from 2,383 reviews
19. Cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery
The Cronut is this bakery’s own, trademark and all, and it still runs a preorder page for it because the counter queue moves faster than the pastry does. If you want one without standing in line, that is the way to do it.
You will find the shop at 189 Spring Street between Sullivan and Thompson, open 8am to 7pm from Monday to Thursday, until 8pm on Friday and Saturday, and 8am to 7pm on Sunday. The rest of the case is worth a look too, so do not walk out with only the one thing.
Google rating: 4.3 from 9,271 reviews
20. Decadent Banana Pudding at Magnolia
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Indulging in decadent banana pudding delights is a quintessential experience in New York City, with Magnolia Bakery reigning supreme in this sweet domain. Their signature banana pudding is a heavenly concoction of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and layers of Nilla wafers, creating a nostalgic yet irresistible treat. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making Magnolia Bakery a must-visit destination for any dessert enthusiast craving the ultimate banana pudding experience.
Google rating: 4.3 from 8,601 reviews
21. Husk Meringue at Cosme
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Experience the epitome of indulgence with the best husk meringue cake in New York City, available at Cosme, chef Enrique Olvera’s first restaurant in the United States. This dessert is a culinary masterpiece, featuring a delicate meringue shell filled with sweet corn mousse and garnished with edible flowers. This decadent dessert has quickly gained fame as one of the city’s most Instagrammable treats, thanks to its stunning presentation and unique flavor profile. Treat yourself to the ultimate sweet sensation at Cosme, where every bite of their husk meringue cake is a symphony of textures and flavors.
Google rating: 4.3 from 3,166 reviews
22. Chocolate Pizza at Max Brenner Chocolate Bar
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Savor the extraordinary combination of sweet and savory with the best chocolate pizza in New York City, available at Max Brenner Chocolate Bar. Max Brenner’s chocolate pizza is a decadent creation featuring a crisp yet chewy pizza crust generously topped with a rich chocolate spread, marshmallows, and crunchy hazelnut pieces. The warm chocolatey goodness combined with the satisfying crunch of the crust creates a truly indulgent experience that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself. Don’t miss to experience this innovative and delightful dessert pizza firsthand.
Google rating: 4.2 from 6,758 reviews
23. Delicious Tiramisu at Eataly
For the ultimate tiramisu experience head to Eataly’s La Pasticceria. Their rendition of this classic Italian dessert features layers of delicate ladyfingers soaked in espresso and rum, interspersed with rich mascarpone cheese and dusted with cocoa powder. The combination of bold coffee flavors, creamy mascarpone, and hints of liquor creates a decadent and unforgettable dessert that’s a must-try.
Google rating: 4.2 from 6,632 reviews
24. Carrot Cake at Little Cupcake Bakeshop
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Embark on a journey of indulgence with the best carrot cake in New York City, available at Little Cupcake Bakeshop. Little Cupcake Bakeshop’s carrot cake is a moist and flavorful delight, boasting a perfect balance of spices and sweetness. Made with freshly grated carrots, plump raisins, and toasted walnuts, each bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. Treat yourself to the ultimate carrot cake experience at Little Cupcake Bakeshop, where every slice is a testament to their dedication to quality and taste.
Google rating: 4.2 from 1,844 reviews
25. Sundae Spectacular at Serendipity 3
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Indulge in the ultimate sundae experience at Serendipity 3, where their iconic Frrrozen Hot Chocolate Sundae reigns supreme. This delectable creation features layers of rich and creamy frozen hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a cherry on top. With its perfect balance of sweetness and chocolatey goodness, Serendipity 3’s Frrrozen Hot Chocolate Sundae is a must-try dessert for anyone craving a truly decadent treat in NYC.
Google rating: 4.1 from 6,653 reviews
(Extra) Desserts at Bad Roman
If you want to level up your dining experience, visit Bad Roman. This Michelin star Italian restaurant (yes restaurant, not just an Italian bakery) at Columbus Circle offers the best treats in the city. Try its most Instagrammed sweet. The Lemon cheesecake!
Wrap Up
Take your sweet moments to another level by indulging in the best desserts in the city. Whatever you are feeling, these sweet treats won’t bring you down and are sure to make you happier, whether you are feeling down or already in a celebratory mood. So, try them now and taste a little bit of heaven!
We’ve also written about the best ice cream shops in NYC, the best chocolate shops in NYC and the best bagels in NYC.