New York City is a dessert lover’s paradise, offering everything from classic treats to innovative confections. Whether you’re looking for the perfect slice of cheesecake, an Instagram-worthy pastry, or a decadent cookie, the city that never sleeps always delivers. From old-school bakeries to trendy dessert spots, here’s a guide to New York’s best desserts that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
1. New York Cheesecake at Junior’s
No dessert guide to New York is complete without mentioning the iconic New York cheesecake, and Junior’s is the undisputed king of this rich, creamy indulgence. Established in 1950 in Brooklyn, Junior’s has become a landmark for its classic, dense cheesecake. Served with a graham cracker crust or sponge cake base, Junior’s cheesecake has just the right balance of tangy cream cheese and sweetness. Whether you opt for the original plain version or try one of their flavoured varieties (like strawberry or chocolate swirl), every bite is a taste of New York’s dessert heritage.
2. Cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery
Created by pastry chef Dominique Ansel in 2013, the Cronut—a croissant-doughnut hybrid—has become a New York City phenomenon. Lines form daily outside Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo, with fans eager to taste the latest monthly flavour. Each Cronut is filled with flavoured cream, fried to golden perfection, and coated in sugar or glaze, offering the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant with the satisfying sweetness of a doughnut. While the Cronut remains a must-try, the bakery also offers other innovative treats like the DKA (a caramelized croissant) and the whimsical Cookie Shot (a warm chocolate chip cookie shaped like a shot glass and filled with vanilla milk).
3. Levain Bakery’s Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie
When it comes to cookies, few places can compete with Levain Bakery. Their Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie, weighing in at nearly 6 ounces, is legendary. Thick, gooey, and packed with rich chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts, these cookies are baked to a perfect golden-brown exterior with a molten, soft centre. Levain’s cookies are so beloved that people from all over the world flock to its Upper West Side location to get their hands on one. Other must-try cookies at Levain include the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip and Oatmeal Raisin—all equally indulgent and delicious.
4. Banana Pudding at Magnolia Bakery
While Magnolia Bakery became famous for its cupcakes, it’s their Banana Pudding that has truly stolen the spotlight. This light and creamy dessert is layered with chunks of fresh banana, vanilla wafers, and rich vanilla pudding. The result is a nostalgic yet irresistible treat that balances sweetness and creaminess with a touch of fruitiness. Magnolia offers different versions of the pudding, including a chocolate banana flavour, but the classic remains the top choice. Grab a cup to go or enjoy it in their charming West Village bakery, and you’ll understand why this simple dessert has become a cult favourite.
5. Milk Bar’s Cereal Milk Soft Serve
The brainchild of pastry chef Christina Tosi, Milk Bar has redefined the New York dessert scene with its quirky, nostalgic creations. The star of the menu is the Cereal Milk Soft Serve, which tastes exactly like the milk left at the bottom of a bowl of cornflakes. Topped with crunchy cereal crumbs, this dessert is a playful yet sophisticated take on childhood flavours. Milk Bar’s Crack Pie (now known as “Milk Bar Pie”), a gooey, buttery, and addictive confection, is another must-try, as is their Compost Cookie, loaded with pretzels, potato chips, coffee, and butterscotch.
6. Key Lime Pie at Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies
For those who crave something tart and refreshing, Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies in Red Hook is the place to go. This no-frills Brooklyn bakery has perfected the art of Key lime pie, using freshly squeezed key limes to create a perfectly tangy filling that balances sweet and sour notes. The crumbly graham cracker crust and a dollop of whipped cream on top make for the ideal summer dessert, but fans will tell you it’s worth indulging in year-round. You can opt for a whole pie or go for the mini Swingle, a frozen Key lime pie dipped in chocolate—a treat that’s portable and irresistibly delicious.
7. Chocolate Babka at Breads Bakery
A perfect mix of Jewish tradition and New York flair, Breads Bakery’s Chocolate Babka has become a city staple. This yeast-risen cake, swirled with ribbons of rich chocolate and topped with a sugary, crispy crust, is the epitome of indulgence. Breads Bakery’s version is particularly celebrated for its moist, doughy texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. The babka is baked fresh daily, and while the chocolate version is the most popular, their cinnamon babka is equally divine. Pair a slice with a coffee for the ultimate New York breakfast or afternoon treat.
8. Malai Ice Cream
For a more adventurous take on ice cream, head to Malai in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, where chef Pooja Bavishi infuses her frozen treats with the vibrant flavours of South Asia. Their ice creams are known for their smooth, creamy texture and innovative flavours like Turmeric, Mango Lassi, and Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds. Malai’s flavours are bold yet balanced, showcasing spices and ingredients rarely found in traditional ice cream Parlors. Whether you’re a fan of floral notes or want to try something exotic, Malai is a refreshing and exciting take on New York’s dessert scene.
New York’s dessert scene is as diverse and exciting as the city itself, and no matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s no shortage of sweet delights to explore. These top dessert spots not only reflect the city’s rich cultural mix but also its boundless creativity when it comes to satisfying a sweet tooth. So next time you’re in New York, save room for dessert and embark on a sweet journey through the Big Apple.
