New York City desserts are seriously the best. If you can dream it, you can find it somewhere in the city. I’ve visited NYC 6 times, and I’ve slowly worked through my dessert bucket list. Of course, the list is always growing, but here are my 10 recommendations that you can’t miss in New York City!
Levain Bakery on 167 W 74th Street is my favorite dessert in the city. Their cookies are simply the best, and they’re always warm and delicious. I love the original bakery location because it’s close to Central Park, so it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the park with a yummy cookie. I’d probably take the train back to NYC just to eat some of these.
Levain Bakery sells their sweets at 8 NYC locations, and they also have a store in DC and Maryland.
2. Baonanas
Do you love banana pudding? Baonanas is a Filipino pudding shop, founded by first generation immigrants. This dessert is both adorable and Instagrammable, with 4 NYC locations. They have 33+ flavors, which are rotated and vary depending on the store. They also have some vegan flavors, like piña colada.
I went to the East Village location and got a scoop of The OG, which is the classic banana pudding with fresh banana and softed wafers. This dessert is seriously the mousse pudding of my dreams. You can even get an adorable macaroon on top!
You have to check this place out, especially if you love banana pudding as much as I do! I found this spot from Feed Your Girlfriend’s Instagram, which is an amazing account for NYC dessert ideas.
3. Ladurée
Ladurée is known for having some of the best macaroons in Paris. Luckily, they have locations in NYC, LA, and DC. These macaroons are a special dessert because it’s like having a taste of Paris. They’re soft, packed with flavor, and they come in an adorable box. This dessert spot is also an experience because the stores are beautiful and classy. If you’re in the mood for macaroons, you have to try this place!
4. Taiyaki NYC
“Home of the legendary fish-shaped ice cream cones” –Priya Krishna, ZAGAT
Taiyaki NYC is a Japanese ice-cream shop, with fish-shaped waffle cones. The waffle cones are the perfect combination of soft and crunchy, and the soft serve ice cream is to die for. This treat has become one of the most Instagrammable spots in NYC, and they have 3 locations throughout the city. If you love ice cream and cute Asian desserts as much as I do, this is your place!
Confectionery! is an adorable vegan sweet shop in the East Village. They sell a variety of desserts, including chocolates, macaroons, macaroon ice-cream sandwiches, and baked goods. I ordered a macaroon ice-cream sandwich, and it was amazing. The East Village is one of my favorite areas in NYC, so it’s no surprise that I found one of my favorite desserts here.
Both vegans and non-vegans will fall in love with this spot. Check out their Instagram too!
6. Petit Chou
Petit Chou is a French inspired pastry shop, specializing in choux pastries. Choux pastries are light and fluffy, with a hollow, custard filled center. These pastries are incredibly fresh and delicious, and they remind me of something you’d find on the streets of Paris.
Petit Chou sells cream puffs, eclairs, and many other fresh pastries. I found this shop when I was exploring the East Village, and I couldn’t resist walking in. Each dessert is intricate, hand crafted, and beautiful. Petit Chou reminds me that pastries are truly an art.
You have to check this place out, if you’re looking for a fresh, Parisian inspired dessert in the city.
Big Gay Ice Cream is a vibrant and colorful ice cream shop in NYC. They specialize in old-fashioned, soft serve ice cream, and they also serve sundaes, milk shakes, and floats. Their flavors are creative and decadent, with a variety of toppings.
My favorite ice cream here is the American Globs, which is a vanilla cone sealed in a chocolate shell. If you’re an ice cream fan, you have to check out one of their 3 NYC locations.
8. Van Leeuwen
Van Leeuwen is another fantastic ice cream spot in NYC, with a mission to, “make good ice cream that makes you feel good.” My favorite part about Van Leeuwen is their huge variety of vegan ice cream. They have tons of vegan options, ranging from traditional chocolate, to pumpkin cinnamon roll and churros and fudge. This is the perfect ice cream spot for both vegan and non vegans. They have 18 NYC locations, so it’ll be easy to stop in for a yummy waffle cone.
Lil Choc Apothecary is my favorite restaurant, and I make a point to eat here every time I’m in the city. The ambiance is charming, and the crepes and desserts are truly the best. They make everything from scratch, including the most delicious scones with jam. They rotate their scone flavors, but my favorite is their pineapple scone with raspberry jam. They’re so fresh that they were still warm when they arrived at my table.
Everything here is tasty, vegan, and gluten free. They also have amazing coffee and a huge selection of tea. I could talk forever about this place, but if you eat anywhere in NYC, it should be this place.
Farmers markets in the city are my favorite thing to do on a weekend morning. Union Square Green Market is filled with yummy treats like muffins, cinnamon rolls, scones and cookies. It’s the perfect spot to find fresh, homemade desserts from local vendors. There’s several vegan options too!
It’s a lot of fun to walk around, enjoy the skyline views, and stroll around the market with a treat. Union Square Farmers Market is one of the best spots in the city, and I highly recommend visiting if you’re in NYC on a Saturday or Sunday.
