10 New York Desserts to Try Right Now: From Classic Treats to Hidden Gems
New York City is a melting pot of cultures, and its dessert scene reflects this vibrant diversity. From iconic cheesecake to innovative pastries, the city offers a tantalizing array of sweet treats that will satisfy any craving. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a first-time visitor, this list of 10 must-try New York desserts will guide you through the city’s delectable offerings.
1. Classic Cheesecake: A New York Staple
No trip to New York is complete without indulging in a slice of its iconic cheesecake. With a creamy, dense filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, this dessert has become synonymous with the city.
Where to find the best cheesecake in NYC:
- Junior’s (Multiple Locations): This legendary bakery boasts a classic New York cheesecake that is rich, smooth, and satisfying.
- Eileen’s Special Cheesecake (Upper West Side): Known for its light and fluffy texture, Eileen’s cheesecake is a must-try for those seeking a slightly less dense alternative.
- Veniero’s (Little Italy): A historic bakery with a wide range of flavors, Veniero’s cheesecake is a true taste of old-school New York.
2. Black and White Cookies: A City Icon
These simple yet delightful cookies are a staple of New York’s street food scene. With a soft, cake-like texture, a chocolate-frosted half, and a vanilla-frosted half, they are a perfect bite-sized treat.
Where to find the best black and white cookies in NYC:
- Zabar’s (Upper West Side): This famous grocery store offers some of the best black and white cookies in the city.
- Ess-a-Bagel (Multiple Locations): Known for its bagels, Ess-a-Bagel also serves up delicious black and white cookies.
- Any local bakery: You’ll find these cookies in countless bakeries throughout the city.
3. Cronuts: The Hybrid Sensation
A pastry hybrid born in New York, the cronut is a delicious fusion of a croissant and a donut. It’s flaky, buttery, and impossibly light, with a sweet and decadent glaze.
Where to find the best cronuts in NYC:
- Dominique Ansel Bakery (SoHo): This is where the cronut was first created, and it remains a must-try for any pastry enthusiast.
- Magnolia Bakery (Multiple Locations): Though not as famous, Magnolia Bakery also offers its take on this popular treat.
4. Cannoli: Sicilian Delight
These crispy, shell-like pastries filled with creamy ricotta cheese are a taste of Sicily right in the heart of New York.
Where to find the best cannoli in NYC:
- Caffe Roma (Multiple Locations): Known for its authentic Italian desserts, Caffe Roma’s cannoli are a classic choice.
- Veniero’s (Little Italy): Veniero’s cannoli are a must-try for those seeking a traditional Sicilian flavor.
- ** Ferrara Bakery** (Little Italy): This historic bakery offers a wide variety of cannoli fillings, including chocolate, pistachio, and ricotta.
5. Doughnuts: From Classic to Creative
New York City is home to a wide variety of doughnut shops, from classic hole-in-the-wall bakeries to innovative donut chains.
Where to find the best doughnuts in NYC:
- Dough (Multiple Locations): This bakery offers a wide variety of creative flavors, from classic glazed to unique creations like “Maple Bacon” and “Cranberry Orange.”
- Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop (Greenpoint): Known for its classic, old-school doughnuts, Peter Pan is a local favorite.
- Donut Plant (Multiple Locations): This shop specializes in unique flavors and gourmet ingredients, offering a more elevated doughnut experience.
6. Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Timeless Treat
While you can find a delicious chocolate chip cookie anywhere in the country, the ones baked in New York have a special charm.
Where to find the best chocolate chip cookies in NYC:
- Levain Bakery (Multiple Locations): Renowned for its massive, gooey, and utterly irresistible cookies, Levain Bakery is a must-visit for any cookie lover.
- Chip City (Multiple Locations): This bakery specializes in gourmet chocolate chip cookies with unique flavor combinations and toppings.
- Milk Bar (Multiple Locations): Known for its innovative desserts, Milk Bar’s chocolate chip cookie combines classic flavors with a modern twist.
7. Ice Cream: A Cool Treat for All Seasons
New York City’s diverse ice cream scene offers a wide range of flavors, from classic vanilla to experimental creations.
Where to find the best ice cream in NYC:
- Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream (Lower East Side): This artisanal ice cream shop offers unique flavor combinations and a focus on quality ingredients.
- Ample Hills Creamery (Multiple Locations): Ample Hills is known for its creative flavors and its commitment to using local ingredients.
- Shake Shack (Multiple Locations): Although not strictly an ice cream shop, Shake Shack’s frozen custard is a must-try for any dessert lover.
8. Chocolate Soufflé: A Luxurious Indulgence
For a truly decadent experience, try a chocolate soufflé, a classic French dessert that is often served in upscale restaurants.
Where to find the best chocolate soufflé in NYC:
- Le Bernardin (Midtown): This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a sophisticated chocolate soufflé that is both elegant and delicious.
- The Modern (Midtown): Located in the Museum of Modern Art, The Modern serves a decadent chocolate soufflé with a delightful vanilla sauce.
- Daniel (Upper East Side): Daniel’s chocolate soufflé is a classic example of French pastry artistry.
9. Tiramisu: An Italian Classic
This coffee-flavored dessert, consisting of ladyfingers dipped in coffee and layered with mascarpone cream, is a popular Italian dessert that has found a home in many New York restaurants.
Where to find the best tiramisu in NYC:
- Il Gattopardo (Greenwich Village): This Italian restaurant offers a traditional and delicious tiramisu.
- Bistango (Midtown): Bistango’s tiramisu is a well-loved classic, with a creamy texture and rich coffee flavor.
- Babbo (Greenwich Village): Babbo’s tiramisu is made with high-quality ingredients and is a perfect ending to a meal.
10. Apple Pie: A Classic Comfort Food
While not as widely known as other New York desserts, apple pie deserves a place on this list.
Where to find the best apple pie in NYC:
- Momofuku Milk Bar (Multiple Locations): Milk Bar’s “Crack Pie” is a sophisticated take on the classic apple pie, with a buttery crust and a sweet, caramelized apple filling.
- Chelsea Market: This bustling market is home to several bakeries that offer delicious apple pies.
- Any local bakery: You’ll find apple pies in countless bakeries throughout the city.
FAQ
- Q: What are some popular dessert shops in NYC?
- A: Some popular dessert shops in NYC include Milk Bar, Dominique Ansel Bakery, Levain Bakery, and Magnolia Bakery.
- Q: Where can I find unique dessert creations in NYC?
- A: For unique dessert creations, try Dough, Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream, and Ample Hills Creamery.
- Q: What are some classic New York desserts?
- A: Some classic New York desserts include cheesecake, black and white cookies, and cannoli.
- Q: What are some budget-friendly dessert options in NYC?
- A: Budget-friendly dessert options include black and white cookies, doughnuts, and apple pie.
Conclusion
From classic cheesecakes to innovative pastries, New York City offers an incredible array of desserts that cater to every taste. This list of 10 must-try New York desserts provides a starting point for your sweet exploration. So, grab a fork, indulge in the city’s culinary delights, and savor the sweetness of every bite. Start your New York dessert adventure today!
10 New York Desserts to Try Right Now: From Classic Treats to Hidden Gems
New York City is a melting pot of cultures, and its dessert scene reflects this vibrant diversity. From iconic cheesecake to innovative pastries, the city offers a tantalizing array of sweet treats that will satisfy any craving. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a first-time visitor, this list of 10 must-try New York desserts will guide you through the city’s delectable offerings.
1. Classic Cheesecake: A New York Staple
No trip to New York is complete without indulging in a slice of its iconic cheesecake. With a creamy, dense filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, this dessert has become synonymous with the city.
Where to find the best cheesecake in NYC:
- Junior’s (Multiple Locations): This legendary bakery boasts a classic New York cheesecake that is rich, smooth, and satisfying.
- Eileen’s Special Cheesecake (Upper West Side): Known for its light and fluffy texture, Eileen’s cheesecake is a must-try for those seeking a slightly less dense alternative.
- Veniero’s (Little Italy): A historic bakery with a wide range of flavors, Veniero’s cheesecake is a true taste of old-school New York.
2. Black and White Cookies: A City Icon
These simple yet delightful cookies are a staple of New York’s street food scene. With a soft, cake-like texture, a chocolate-frosted half, and a vanilla-frosted half, they are a perfect bite-sized treat.
Where to find the best black and white cookies in NYC:
- Zabar’s (Upper West Side): This famous grocery store offers some of the best black and white cookies in the city.
- Ess-a-Bagel (Multiple Locations): Known for its bagels, Ess-a-Bagel also serves up delicious black and white cookies.
- Any local bakery: You’ll find these cookies in countless bakeries throughout the city.
3. Cronuts: The Hybrid Sensation
A pastry hybrid born in New York, the cronut is a delicious fusion of a croissant and a donut. It’s flaky, buttery, and impossibly light, with a sweet and decadent glaze.
Where to find the best cronuts in NYC:
- Dominique Ansel Bakery (SoHo): This is where the cronut was first created, and it remains a must-try for any pastry enthusiast.
- Magnolia Bakery (Multiple Locations): Though not as famous, Magnolia Bakery also offers its take on this popular treat.
4. Cannoli: Sicilian Delight
These crispy, shell-like pastries filled with creamy ricotta cheese are a taste of Sicily right in the heart of New York.
Where to find the best cannoli in NYC:
- Caffe Roma (Multiple Locations): Known for its authentic Italian desserts, Caffe Roma’s cannoli are a classic choice.
- Veniero’s (Little Italy): Veniero’s cannoli are a must-try for those seeking a traditional Sicilian flavor.
- ** Ferrara Bakery** (Little Italy): This historic bakery offers a wide variety of cannoli fillings, including chocolate, pistachio, and ricotta.
5. Doughnuts: From Classic to Creative
New York City is home to a wide variety of doughnut shops, from classic hole-in-the-wall bakeries to innovative donut chains.
Where to find the best doughnuts in NYC:
- Dough (Multiple Locations): This bakery offers a wide variety of creative flavors, from classic glazed to unique creations like “Maple Bacon” and “Cranberry Orange.”
- Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop (Greenpoint): Known for its classic, old-school doughnuts, Peter Pan is a local favorite.
- Donut Plant (Multiple Locations): This shop specializes in unique flavors and gourmet ingredients, offering a more elevated doughnut experience.
6. Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Timeless Treat
While you can find a delicious chocolate chip cookie anywhere in the country, the ones baked in New York have a special charm.
Where to find the best chocolate chip cookies in NYC:
- Levain Bakery (Multiple Locations): Renowned for its massive, gooey, and utterly irresistible cookies, Levain Bakery is a must-visit for any cookie lover.
- Chip City (Multiple Locations): This bakery specializes in gourmet chocolate chip cookies with unique flavor combinations and toppings.
- Milk Bar (Multiple Locations): Known for its innovative desserts, Milk Bar’s chocolate chip cookie combines classic flavors with a modern twist.
7. Ice Cream: A Cool Treat for All Seasons
New York City’s diverse ice cream scene offers a wide range of flavors, from classic vanilla to experimental creations.
Where to find the best ice cream in NYC:
- Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream (Lower East Side): This artisanal ice cream shop offers unique flavor combinations and a focus on quality ingredients.
- Ample Hills Creamery (Multiple Locations): Ample Hills is known for its creative flavors and its commitment to using local ingredients.
- Shake Shack (Multiple Locations): Although not strictly an ice cream shop, Shake Shack’s frozen custard is a must-try for any dessert lover.
8. Chocolate Soufflé: A Luxurious Indulgence
For a truly decadent experience, try a chocolate soufflé, a classic French dessert that is often served in upscale restaurants.
Where to find the best chocolate soufflé in NYC:
- Le Bernardin (Midtown): This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a sophisticated chocolate soufflé that is both elegant and delicious.
- The Modern (Midtown): Located in the Museum of Modern Art, The Modern serves a decadent chocolate soufflé with a delightful vanilla sauce.
- Daniel (Upper East Side): Daniel’s chocolate soufflé is a classic example of French pastry artistry.
9. Tiramisu: An Italian Classic
This coffee-flavored dessert, consisting of ladyfingers dipped in coffee and layered with mascarpone cream, is a popular Italian dessert that has found a home in many New York restaurants.
Where to find the best tiramisu in NYC:
- Il Gattopardo (Greenwich Village): This Italian restaurant offers a traditional and delicious tiramisu.
- Bistango (Midtown): Bistango’s tiramisu is a well-loved classic, with a creamy texture and rich coffee flavor.
- Babbo (Greenwich Village): Babbo’s tiramisu is made with high-quality ingredients and is a perfect ending to a meal.
10. Apple Pie: A Classic Comfort Food
While not as widely known as other New York desserts, apple pie deserves a place on this list.
Where to find the best apple pie in NYC:
- Momofuku Milk Bar (Multiple Locations): Milk Bar’s “Crack Pie” is a sophisticated take on the classic apple pie, with a buttery crust and a sweet, caramelized apple filling.
- Chelsea Market: This bustling market is home to several bakeries that offer delicious apple pies.
- Any local bakery: You’ll find apple pies in countless bakeries throughout the city.
FAQ
- Q: What are some popular dessert shops in NYC?
- A: Some popular dessert shops in NYC include Milk Bar, Dominique Ansel Bakery, Levain Bakery, and Magnolia Bakery.
- Q: Where can I find unique dessert creations in NYC?
- A: For unique dessert creations, try Dough, Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream, and Ample Hills Creamery.
- Q: What are some classic New York desserts?
- A: Some classic New York desserts include cheesecake, black and white cookies, and cannoli.
- Q: What are some budget-friendly dessert options in NYC?
- A: Budget-friendly dessert options include black and white cookies, doughnuts, and apple pie.
Conclusion
From classic cheesecakes to innovative pastries, New York City offers an incredible array of desserts that cater to every taste. This list of 10 must-try New York desserts provides a starting point for your sweet exploration. So, grab a fork, indulge in the city’s culinary delights, and savor the sweetness of every bite. Start your New York dessert adventure today!
For those with a sweet tooth yearning for something truly special, New York City offers an array of delectable desserts that deserve exploration. From classic favorites to trendy newcomers, the city is a dessert lover’s paradise. As you delve into the diverse culinary landscape, don’t hesitate to embrace the sweet delights that await.
Eclectic choices abound. Experience the decadence of a buttery croissant from a local bakery, or indulge in the creamy goodness of a hand-spun gelato from a vintage cart. Capture the essence of New York in a slice of iconic New York cheesecake, its buttery crust and velvety filling a timeless treat. If you yearn for a sweet escape, consider a scoop of lavender honey ice cream or a plate of colorful macarons, each offering a unique blend of flavors and textures.
For a truly unforgettable experience, journey beyond the familiar. Explore dessert cafes with whimsical names, each boasting a unique assortment. Discover hidden gems in charming neighborhoods, where passionate pastry chefs showcase their craft. Whether it’s a late-night slice of chocolate cake or a beautifully crafted éclair, New York City guarantees a memorable dessert experience. The city’s sweet sensations offer a delightful end to any culinary journey, leaving you with sweet memories to savor long after the last bite is gone.