From its glistening skyscrapers, bustling streets, and architectural marvels, to the dazzling lights of Times Square, every inch of New York pulses with unparalleled energy. Amongst the tapestry of vibrant cultures and communities lies an equally electrifying world of sweet delights.
There is no shortage of desserts in The Big Apple – cross a street, an avenue, a park, or a bridge, and you will be met with an eclectic palate of sweets ready to satisfy all of your cravings. Of course, New York boasts nostalgic old-school joints offering emblematic desserts such as the New York style Cheesecake, Jell-O, and Lava Cake. However, in true New York fashion, the city’s dessert scene is constantly evolving, driven by inexhaustible spirits of innovation and experimentation. With the emergence of Instagram-worthy dessert bars, the revival of buried sweet traditions from around the world, and the most unexpected fusions of New York classics, the city’s sweets have become a melting pot of cultures and inspirations.
As you travel through the five boroughs, New York’s host of sweet options may leave you in mouth watering indecision. Here are seven of my favorite show-stopping dessert spots to help you narrow it down.
Chapter I: 102 W 73rd St
Chapter II: 156 E 64th St
On the corner of East 64th Street, an unassuming teahouse is nestled in the lower floor of a residential townhouse. The entrance is lit by a singular flush light, and the entire joint would have gone easily unnoticed if it weren’t for its striking purple awning with “Alice’s Tea Cup” spelled out across the front in a playful fairytale font.
Down a few steps and through a weathered wooden door, the scene that unfolds resembles Alice’s fall down a rabbit hole into Wonderland. If you look young enough, you could be the lucky recipient of a sprinkle of fairy dust (glitter) at the entrance. The ceiling is low and the dim lighting reveals an assortment of colorfully labeled jars containing plentiful stacks of cookies and other treats. Murals of various scenes from Alice in Wonderland span across the walls and eccentric Wonderland themed trinkets such as fairy wings, book pages, and dolls are scattered across the tables and shelves.
Behind a red velvet curtain lies a generous amount of seating, including cozy booths with quirky patterns. Reservations are recommended and it is definitely worthwhile to snag a seat on the tea room’s upper floor, where large French windows provide a brighter ambiance.
The tea room was first opened on the Upper West Side by sisters Haley and Lauren Fox, since expanding to the Upper East Side. The two locations are within a ten minute walk from Central Park, making it the perfect option for an afternoon snack before or after a leisurely stroll in the park. “One of my favorite pastimes during the warmer days of spring or summer is picking up tea and scones from Alice’s, and enjoying them while people-watching in Central Park,” said Kayle Choi ’25.
Among the endless menu of baked goods that Alice’s offers, their scones remain the most notable. The flavors often vary with their names adorably handwritten on mini chalkboards placed on each table. Each scone is $5 and served with a small jar of thick whipped butter and tangy raspberry preserves. For the $16 deal, Alice’s offers two scones and a pot of tea.
On the day I visited Alice’s, their scones menu boasted six options. There was a choice of the classic buttermilk scone, a pumpkin with caramel scone, a strawberry scone, a vegan blackberry orange scone, a chocolate chip raspberry scone, as well as the savory option of a ham and cheese scone.
I decided on the pumpkin with caramel scone (my usual go-to flavor), and the chocolate chip raspberry scone. The pumpkin with caramel scone boasts the fragrant flavors of pumpkin spice, and is topped with a sweet coat of caramel. Alice’s did not fall short in the amount of melted chocolate chips packed into the chocolate chip raspberry scone, and it was perfectly balanced with notes of tart raspberry.
137-06 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11354
Recently, Asian cafes and bakeries have been dominating New York’s dessert scene, adding to the growing portfolio of Asian tastes in the city. Of course, most are aware of the big Asian dessert chains – Paris Baguette, Fay Da Bakery, and Tous Les Jours. However, numerous underrated establishments have been redefining the city’s dessert scene, blending centuries-old traditions with modern flair.
Sweet Cake, located just outside Flushing’s main street, is one of these innovative establishments. Originally a study café selling sandwiches and drinks, the venue was transformed into a cake and desserts shop in late 2022.
Now, only a little more than a year after its re-opening, Sweet Cake has enchanted multiple food bloggers and social media users for its flawless execution of “not too sweet” desserts. “Not too sweet,” has become a defining characteristic of East Asian desserts. The phrase refers to the balancing of sweet flavors by more savory counterparts, resulting in creations that satisfy your sweet tooth without being especially overwhelming.
Each pastry is delicately crafted by hand, dusted with a touch of matcha powder, topped with a gold leaf sheet, or garnished with a colorful mix of carefully arranged fruits.
My personal favorite item is the Sesame Basque Cheesecake. The deeply caramelized “burnt” top gives way to a silky, rich, and custardy center. Its nutty black sesame flavor is fulfilling, and the bottom layer of crust adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. The creamy perfection is also topped with tapioca pearls, adding an unexpected chewy texture to the plate. According to Jane Liu, Sweet Cake’s store manager, the Sesame Basque Cheesecake is Sweet Cake’s best selling item, and rightfully so, as the delight leaves little to desire in regards to both flavor and texture.
148 Forsyth St, New York, NY 10002
If you were to talk to any choc-aholic in New York, they would mention Roni-Sue’s Chocolates.
Rhonda Kave, fondly known as Roni-Sue, and the Chocolate shop’s namesake, first started her chocolate-making journey as a hobby. She gifted the confections to friends and family at gatherings, before deciding to turn her interest into a business endeavor.
Roni saw potential in a small storage room in the back of the Essex Street Market and immediately petitioned the city for ownership – thus, Roni-Sue’s Chocolate Shop laid its first roots. A few years later, in need of more space, the up-and-coming shop settled into a larger space on Forsyth St.
Through its 14 years on Forsyth, Roni-Sue’s has clearly made the space home. The interior of the adored chocolate shop feels familiar and inviting, its brick walls lined with bags of confections, photos of old New York, and signs with witty chocolate puns.
As I surveyed the display of chocolate truffles, I was lucky enough to meet Roni-Sue herself, who recommended I try the Chocolate Covered Strawberry. The truffle was made in celebration of Valentine’s Day, and is not your typical chocolate-syrup-dipped strawberry. The truffle boasts a decadent, bittersweet dark chocolate shell, which reveals a perfectly thick strawberry puree. Surprisingly, the chocolate did not overpower the strawberry’s flavor, resulting in an enjoyable aromatic aftertaste of fresh strawberries.
From my conversation with Roni, I learned that Roni-Sue’s diverse array of chocolates are handmade with cacao beans from Belize (which are grinded in-house). Moreover, Roni-Sue is committed to sourcing the finest ingredients from local artisans and producers. The shop proudly showcases the culinary heritage of New York by incorporating locally sourced pretzels, bacon, spices, and fruits into its chocolates.
Roni also led me past the counter, through the open kitchen, and presented a charming secret backyard garden, adorned with charming red seats and tables. The space is used for the shop’s chocolate-making classes and workshops, perfect for those looking to learn the art of chocolate-making.
Other than the Chocolate Covered Strawberry, I also tried the Black Out truffle, Roni-Sue’s only pure chocolate creation. True to its name, the chocolate fudge is rich and bold, with subtle bitter notes that are suited for dark chocolate lovers.
In addition to its signature chocolate truffles and bars, Roni-Sue offers a plethora of sweet delights, from Beer Caramel Pretzel Nuggets to Tea&Honey Lollipops and toffee. I was most excited to try their signature Pig Candy (strips of bacon covered in an irresistible blend of dark and milk chocolate) but it was unavailable during my visit. Nevertheless, it makes for the perfect excuse to visit again – and maybe by then, the backyard garden will be in full bloom.
120 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Many of us have most likely heard about New York’s famous creation from Dominique Ansel – the Cronut. This sleek and modern bakery brings a new invention to the plate – the Cruffin.
On Rivington Street, Supermoon Bakehouse’s décor is so contemporary that it could be mistaken as any other trendy clothing shop. Framed by baby pink walls are exposed doors and windows, where a neon light that spells “Bakehouse” and an upside down smiley face hang.
Do not be fooled by its minimalistic exterior, Supermoon Bakehouse boasts a dizzying array of complex, jumbo pastries that would stump even the most decisive customers. The bakery is known for its colorful and imaginative creations, ranging from jelly-filled donuts and croissants to pillowy focaccia, creamy eclairs, and most recently, the Cruffin. Each work of edible art is made in-house, from the dough, to the fruit jam and custard fillings.
After much contemplation, I decided to get the Ferrero Rocher Cruffin. The Cruffin is a muffin-shaped croissant that contains a hearty cream filling. The Fererro Rocher Cruffin’s thin and flaky layers of dough are baked to crusted perfection and coated with a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Most notably, the delicacy is filled with a thick and nutty blend of Nutella and Ferrero Rocher chocolate. The Cruffin’s remarkable texture profile is attributed to its meticulous three day baking process, some being twice-cooked for four days in order to achieve the most satisfactory crunch.
21-70 31st St, Queens, NY 11105
646 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
14 West 19th Street at, 5th Ave, New York, 10011
On days where the morning seems bleak and our routines become tedious, swapping your usual breakfast sandwich or scrambled eggs with a delightful treat may be the cure for these blues. With locations in Brooklyn, Queens, and Midtown, Dough Donuts is a convenient stop for a quick morning coffee and donut pick-me-up. Dough’s menu is split into seasonal and year-round flavors, along with vegan alternatives. Dough has perfected fruit glazes, with satisfying tart and tangy flavors that most other donut spots lack.
With an array of flavors from passion fruit, hibiscus, blueberry lemon, and lemon poppy-seed from the year-round menu, to blood orange, white chocolate raspberry, mango coconut and key lime from the seasonal menu, this spot is sure to satisfy any of your cravings. The spot also offers richer options such as chocolate-cocoa nib, mocha almond crunch, and nutella from the year-round menu, and s’mores, canela glaze, strawberry boston cream, and cheesecake from the seasonal menu. Their wide range of selection allows visitors to explore flavors both in and out of their comfort zones.
Individual donuts are $5.65 each, a box of six donuts falls at a price of $33, and a box of a dozen donuts is $67. Although on the pricier side, these boxes are the perfect opportunity to try multiple unique flavors from Dough’s extensive menu. While filling these boxes, I would recommend trying to balance tarty fruit flavors with richer flavors for the perfect mix.
119 Baxter Street, New York, NY 10013
294 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249
On a quiet street bordering Chinatown, any hustle and bustle can be attributed to Taiyaki NYC, the center of attention amongst a row of parking lots. The quaint ice cream shop resembles a stall in a Japanese fish market, with traditional tiled roofing and windows framed with rustic wood panels, hinting at the delicacy it sells inside.
Taiyaki NYC specializes in the Japanese street vendor snack “taiyaki.” Taiyaki is a warm, fish-shaped waffle cake commonly filled with red bean paste. The red bean filling can also be substituted with sweet potato paste, chocolate, custard or cheese. Taiyaki NYC reinvents the Japanese street food by using it as an ice cream cone. The snack, offering a choice of various fillings, is topped with Asian inspired flavors of soft-serve ice cream.
First opened in Chinatown in 2016, Taiyaki NYC’s reinvention of the Japanese “taiyaki” was an immediate hit. Since then, it has reached the attention of various prominent news outlets, such as ABC News, Cosmopolitan, CBS News, and more.
Hailed as a staple flavor by many of these sources is the matcha ice cream with a red bean filled taiyaki cone. The soft serve is thick and creamy, with an earthy and aromatic matcha flavor. A chewy and colorful stick of mochi is poked into its side, and a sweet drizzle of strawberry syrup added a fun twist to the ice cream.
The most fascinating part of Taiyaki NYC’s invention is the cascade of different flavors and textures you can experience with just one dessert. You begin with the smooth and indulgent soft serve but soon reach the cone, whose warm crunch pairs perfectly with the chilled ice cream. The experience finally ends with the remaining taiyaki cone, whose mellow red bean filling and chewy texture make for a satisfying finish.
1240 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
1000 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022
200 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
200 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
New York is lucky to be the birthplace of one of the most well known bakeries in the world. Opened in 1996 by Jennifer Appel and Allysa Torey, Magnolia Bakery began as a charming neighborhood bakery in West Village. In 2001, after their 30 second feature in the TV phenomenon Sex and the City – where the main character was filmed eating a cupcake from Magnolia – viewers flocked to New York to try the sensation. The local bakery quickly became a famed destination for cakes, cheesecakes, brownies, and, most notably, their cupcakes and banana pudding.
Magnolia has since expanded to five locations across New York, as well as other shops in Illinois and California. Although Magnolia only has stores in three states, they now offer shipping, satisfying cravings nationwide. Due to this high demand, many of their baked goods are also offered at local grocery stores and marketplaces.
Stepping through the pastel-hued door of the bustling bakery, I was immediately met with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked sweets, and felt as if I was entering a confectionary wonderland. I decided to try two of Magnolia’s most iconic creations, their cupcakes and their banana pudding.
Each cupcake is a work of art, meticulously frosted and adorned with charming decorations that beckon you to take a bite. From classic vanilla to rich chocolate, the flavor options are plentiful, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every sweet craving. Magnolia Bakery’s cupcakes are the stuff of legends, and after indulging in a few myself, it’s easy to see why. The cake itself is moist and tender, with a delicate crumb that practically melts in your mouth. But it’s the frosting that truly steals the show. Creamy and smooth, with just the right amount of sweetness, it’s the perfect complement to the fluffy cake beneath. Whether you opt for the signature buttercream or the indulgent cream cheese frosting, each bite is a symphony of flavor and texture that leaves you craving more.
Magnolia’s famous banana pudding has also gathered lines of eager customers around the bakery. The bakery’s menu of banana puddings is ever-changing, with seasonal flavors and limited-time specials. I was able to try the limited-time Peanut Butter Chocolate pudding. At first glance, this dessert is a mouth watering sight, with layers of pudding, chunks of banana, and ribbons of rich peanut butter and chocolate swirled throughout. The sweetness of the vanilla pudding and bananas are countered by the salty and bold notes of pretzels and peanut butter.
*****
In my exploration of New York’s sweet treats, I have indulged in cake-y donuts, sampled handcrafted chocolates at beloved boutiques, delighted in the charms of nostalgic neighborhood bakeries, and savored the inventive combinations of flavors in Asian-inspired sweets. From this, I have learned that what makes New York’s captivating dessert scene truly special is the passion of the individuals behind them. From up-and-coming local bakers and established artisans to eager locals and tourists alike, the joy in exchanging sweet delights is what truly defines the vibrant world of New York City sweets. As the city continues to evolve and innovate, we look forward to more delightful discoveries in our culinary adventures.