Photo credits: Sweet Rehab

12 Best Desserts in NYC You Must Try In 2024 (+ What To Order)

Looking for the best desserts in NYC? Well, you’re in the right place!

New York City is a paradise for dessert enthusiasts, offering a number of options from classic New York cheesecakes to avant-garde creations that redefine sweetness.

We have curated 10 dessert havens in the city where you can savor the most heavenly treats.

Get ready to go on a sweet journey through NYC, one dessert at a time; there’s always room for one!

1. Grace Street Coffee & Desserts

Photo credits: Grace Street Coffee and Desserts

Grace Street Coffee & Desserts brings a taste of Korea’s dessert culture to the concrete jungle. The cafe’s warm and inviting ambiance inspired by the streets of Seoul, creates a cozy and comfortable space to enjoy their sweet offerings.

From Korean-inspired desserts to carefully crafted coffee, Grace Street offers a fusion of flavors that are hard to resist.

Grace Street’s menu perfectly combines traditional and creative desserts that don’t disappoint. The Ho-Dduk is a Korean donut filled with brown sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon. This showstopper is served hot with a side of vanilla ice cream— creating the perfect balance of warm, sweet, and cold. 

Another must-try is their Shaved Snow, a Korean-style bingsu that’s light and fluffy. It comes in a variety of flavors but the X.O.X.O is a crowd-favorite! Meticulously stacked in elegant, ribbon-like layers of creamy ice, this strawberry-flavored bingsu melts in your mouth with every bite.

What to order: Ho-Dduk, X.O.X.O Shaved Snow, Matcha Latte

Address: 17 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

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2. Spot Dessert Bar

Photo credits: Spot Dessert Bar

A nirvana for dessert lovers, Spot Dessert Bar boasts an enchanting ambiance that is both modern and cozy.

Established in 2009, Spot Dessert Bar has quickly become a go-to destination for cutting-edge desserts you can’t find anywhere else.

Their menu offers a creative fusion of Asian and Western flavors, presenting a diverse range of sweet treats that push the boundaries of traditional desserts.

The Harvest at Spot Dessert Bar is a delicious treat featuring layers of strawberries, soft cheesecake, chiffon cake, and whipped cream that creates a velvety and heavenly experience. The earl grey milk tea infuses a sophisticated touch, while Oreo crumbs allow for a satisfying crunch.

To complete this masterpiece, a refreshing raspberry sorbet is added for a burst of fruity brightness.

Another star of the show, their Matcha Lava is an absolute indulgence for matcha enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike. The dark chocolate cake exterior conceals a luscious, gooey matcha lava center that oozes with rich green tea flavor.

Topped with a dusting of matcha powder and adorned with crunchy chocolate pearls and cookie crumbs, each bite will make you fall in love.

The dessert is served with a scoop of velvety green tea ice cream, enhancing the matcha-infused journey.

What to order: Harvest, Matcha Lava, Golden Toast

Address: 13 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003

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3. Sweet Rehab

Photo credits: Sweet Rehab

Sweet Rehab is a high-end dessert and champagne bar located in the heart of SoHo. With an open kitchen, this beloved spot offers a magical experience for dessert lovers. Specializing in French desserts and viennoiserie baked goods, this spot is a must-visit.

From flaky croissants to rich chocolate mousse, Sweet Rehab takes you through the world of French desserts without a passport!

Sweet Rehab’s signature Dark Chocolate Eclair is an absolute masterpiece. The crunchy chocolate choux pastry dough encases a luscious filling of high-grade salted 70% chocolate cream from Valrhona. Topped with velvety salted dark chocolate glaze, the eclair takes indulgence to a new level.

The Le Miel dessert is another bestseller featuring a sweet crunchy almond dough base and a soft pistachio biscuit. The star of this dessert is definitely the white chocolate orange blossom cream, beautifully paired with fresh whipped honey.

What to order: Rehab Dark Chocolate Eclair, Le Miel, 100% Vanilla Mille Feuille

Address: 135 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012

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4. The Little One

Photo credits: The Little One

Tucked away in Chinatown, The Little One is a petite shop that holds a lot of charm. With just five tables, it offers an intimate setting to indulge in a carefully curated selection of Japanese teas and exquisitely crafted sweets.

The thoughtfully prepared miniature delights makes it a must-visit spot for those seeking a taste of Japanese sweets in the heart of the city.

A consistent crowd-favorite, the Matcha Banana Pudding will captivate your taste buds in just one bite. The smooth and velvety matcha pudding forms the perfect base, infused with the authentic essence of matcha that harmonizes with the fresh slices of ripe bananas. The homemade wafers are especially top-tier. If you’re a matcha connoisseur, this one is a must-try!

Their Yuzu Parfait is another must-order. The luscious yuzu cream is the heart of this dessert with the matcha cake providing a subtle earthy undertone, while the yuzu gel adds an extra burst of tangy citrus notes.

Topped with a dollop of velvety coconut cream and juicy grapefruit segments, every spoonful will blow your mind away.

What to order: Matcha Banana Pudding, Yuzu Parfait, Hojicha Tiramisu

Address: 150 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

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5. ChikaLicious Dessert Bar

Photo credits: Chikalicious Dessert Bar

Satisfy your sweet tooth at ChikaLicious Dessert Bar in NYC. Tucked away in the East Village, this cozy spot serves handcrafted desserts that are sure to please any palate.

This chic dessert bar, run by pastry chef Chika Tillman and her husband Don, offers a unique dessert experience that is hard to find elsewhere in the city.

ChikaLicious Dessert Bar is the place to be for those seeking a sweet and satisfying escape amidst the hustle and bustle of NYC.

ChikaLicious’ Yogurt Panna Cotta with Watermelon Sorbet and Frosted Pistachio is a stunner. The dish presents creamy and luscious yogurt panna cotta gorgeously complemented by the refreshing watermelon sorbet. Every bite you take is an explosion of summer freshness that beats the heat!

The Fromage Blanc Island “Cheese Cake” highlights a smooth and velvety fromage blanc base that balances the tangy and creamy flavors. With an island of fresh fruits, the dessert bursts with natural sweetness and vibrant colors. The combination of flavors is simply divine, and each bite feels like a heavenly journey for your taste buds.

What to order: Yogurt Panna Cotta with Watermelon Sorbet and Frosted Pistachio, Fromage Blanc Island “Cheese Cake”, Dessert Bento, Warm Chocolate Tart

Address: 203 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003

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6. Mango Mango Dessert

Photo credits: Mango Mango Dessert

Do you love mangoes? Mango Mango Dessert, a dessert chain born in New York and now spreading its sweetness across the world, is a true haven for mango lovers!

Embracing the essence of mangoes, their menu overflows with delectable treats that capture the sweet and tangy magic of this juicy fruit.

One standout on their menu is the Mango Pancake, a heavenly creation that marries a soft and fluffy pancake with luscious slices of fresh mango and creamy goodness.

For those seeking a refreshing tropical treat, the Mango Sago fits the bill perfectly— a delightful Hong Kong-style dessert featuring juicy mango chunks, delicate sago pearls, and a hint of creamy coconut milk.

What to order: Mango Juice w. Sago, Mango Pancake, Mango Mousse Cake

Address

  • 63 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
  • 23 Saint Marks Place New York, NY 10003

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7. Seed + Mill

Photo credits: Seed+Mill

Nestled in the vibrant Chelsea Market, Seed + Mill is a dessert paradise where they’ve breathed new life into an ancient seed. Prepare to be enchanted by their sesame-based desserts, where the unexpected flavors of tahini and halva will take your taste buds on a thrilling journey.

The ambiance is equally captivating— sleek and modern with a minimalist touch, letting their exquisite desserts shine.

Among their bestsellers is the heavenly halva, a flaky sesame sensation that’s simply irresistible. With a number of flavor choices, the Toasted Sesame and Pistachio halva stands out, with the latter earning rave reviews for its perfect fusion of sweetness and nuttiness. 

Another heavenly creation is their Vegan Tahini Soft Serve. This award-winning ice cream is made with an oat milk base and sprinkled with halva crumbles that you’ll absolutely love!

What to order: Pistachio Halva, Toasted Sesame Halva, Vegan Tahini Soft Serve

Address: Chelsea Market, 409 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011

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8. Lady M Cake Boutique – New York

Photo credits: Lady M Cake Boutique

Lady M Cake Boutique is a crêpe lover’s dream. Known around the world for its gorgeous layered cakes, Lady M combines French pastry techniques with Japanese precision to create a dessert experience that is both visually stunning and delicious.

The boutique itself is elegantly designed, creating a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere.

Indulge in a heavenly experience at Lady M Cake Boutique with their renowned Mille Crêpes cakes, including the must-try Signature and Green Tea flavors.

The Signature Mille Crêpes is a worldwide favorite, boasting paper-thin handmade crêpes harmoniously layered with a divine light pastry cream. The gentle caramelization on top adds a touch of perfection, and with each bite, the alternating layers of crêpes and cream melt effortlessly in your mouth.

For the green tea enthusiasts, the Green Tea Mille Crêpes is a true gem. This one boasts at least twenty handmade crêpes beautifully layered with a luscious green tea pastry cream, skillfully infused with the essence of green tea.

The cake is then adorned with a finishing touch of Japanese powdered matcha, making it a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.

What to order: Signature Mille Crêpes, Green Tea Mille Crêpes, Strawberry Shortcake

Address

  • 41 East 78th St, New York, NY 10075
  • 36 West 40th St New York, NY 10018
  • 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite U New York, NY 10112
  • 1178 Broadway New York, NY 10001
  • 101 Liberty Street, Suite 1415 New York, NY 10006
  •  498 Red Apple Ct Central Valley, NY 10917

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9. Sweet Moment

Photo credits: Sweet Moment

Sweet Moment NYC is a cute café located in the heart of NYC’s Little Italy and Soho. Famous for their mountain high Bingsoos (Shaved Ice) in various flavors, as well as cute and tasty Bottle Cakes, in-house made Pastries, and Cookies crafted by their own pâtissier.

The café takes pride in their amazing coffee, using La Colombe beans, and boasts talented Baristas who create captivating latte art.

Indulge in the refreshing Melon Bingsoo at Sweet Moment— a true work of dessert art. This masterpiece features a base of creamy milk shaved ice adorned with a velvety melon sauce, chewy rice cakes, and crunchy cereal.

The dessert is further elevated with juicy fresh melon balls, a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream, and a delicate cigarette stick for added elegance. 

On the other hand, the Matcha Black Sesame is a one-of-a-kind creation, combining the earthy goodness of matcha with the nutty richness of black sesame. This comes with chewy rice cakes, crunchy cereal, and a scoop of matcha ice cream with sweet condensed milk and red bean. Topped with fresh strawberries and white chocolate shavings, this dessert is in a league of its own.

What to order: Melon Bingsoo, Matcha Black Sesame, Matcha Strawberry Bingsoo

Address: 106 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

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10. 75 Degrees Cafe and Dessert

Photo credits: 75 Degrees Cafe and Dessert

Nestled in New York, the 75 Degrees Cafe and Dessert allures visitors with a captivating selection of treats. Their menu showcases mouthwatering cakes and delectable pastries, each thoughtfully crafted to delight the palate.

The cafe’s enchanting ambiance enhances the entire experience, offering a sweet escape from the city’s busy atmosphere.

The Ube Mousse Bear at 75 Degrees Cafe and Dessert deserves all the love it gets. This adorable treat features a mascarpone and yogurt-based mousse infused with real ube, resulting in a creamy, dreamy texture that melts in your mouth. The subtle sweetness of the ube perfectly complements the smoothness of the mousse. Not only is it a feast for the taste buds, but the cute bear-shaped presentation is perfect for the gram!

Their Lazy Seal Pudding is a blissful milk-based pudding that comes in a heavenly combination of condensed milk and heavy cream. Topped with a generous drizzle of seasonal berry sauce, indulging in this dessert is like a momentary escape to dessert heaven where the world slows down, and all that matters is this Lazy Seal Pudding right in front of you.

What to order: Ube Mousse Bear, Lazy Seal Budding, Signature Strawberry Cream Cake

Address: 93 1/2 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

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11. Sweets Laboratory by Hanamizuki

Photo credits: Sweet Laboratory

Sweets Laboratory by Hanamizuki is a dessert hot spot that was founded in November 2021. This dessert spot is a continuation of the legacy of Hanamizuki Cafe, which was previously at the same location.

Sweets Laboratory is committed to promoting Japanese food culture in a new direction, with a focus on using premium quality ingredients for an elevated dessert experience.

The Matcha Made in Heaven is like embarking on a delicious matcha journey. This exquisite creation boasts a symphony of matcha-infused ingredients that will leave your taste buds in awe.

From the rich and velvety matcha ice cream to the luscious matcha custard, each layer reveals a depth of flavor that’s truly divine. To top it all off, the delicate matcha jelly adds a refreshing touch that elevates this dessert to pure perfection.

A coffee lover’s euphoria, the Mocha Me Crazy features a mocha crepe generously filled with mocha custard and topped with luscious whipped cream. As you take a bite, you’ll savor the lovely combination of coffee jelly, chocolate pearls, and cookie crumbles.

The dessert’s ensemble is further enhanced by the refreshing sweetness of fresh bananas and strawberries.

What to order: Matcha Made in Heaven, Mocha Me Crazy, So Matcha Love

Address: 143 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001

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12. Salon Sucré

Photo credits: Salon Sucre

Salon Sucré is not just your ordinary dessert spot; it’s a beautifully designed pastry shop and dessert bar. Chef Simon Herfray, hailing from France, brings his expertise and passion for pastries to every creation.

With his French culinary roots, Chef Simon ensures that each dessert is a masterpiece of flavors and artful presentation. If you’re interested, Salon Sucré offers not only delicious pastries, drinks, and crepes but also baking and cooking classes at their Atelier Sucré in the East Village.

Their Rocher is a masterpiece that promises to take your taste buds on a heavenly journey. The indulgence begins with a rich and velvety chocolate cake as its foundation. A luscious layer of vanilla mousse embraces the cake, adding a light and creamy touch that complements the chocolatey goodness.

And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, a generous drizzle of soft caramel cascades down, infusing each bite with sweetness.

A citrusy treat, Salon Sucré’s Lemon Tart captures the essence of sunshine in each bite. The delicate Pate Sablé crust serves as the perfect canvas for the tangy and zesty lemon curd, which bursts with fresh and vibrant flavors.

On top of this exquisite pairing, a cloud-like lemon mousse adds a light and airy texture that balances the tartness of the lemon curd.

What to order: Rocher, Lemon Tart, NY Apple

Address: The Market Line, 115 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002

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That concludes our carefully curated list of the 12 finest dessert havens that grace the enchanting streets of NYC! Whether you’re a local eager to uncover new dessert treasures or a wanderer yearning to savor the city’s sweet delights, these spots promise an unforgettable journey through the world of sweets. 

And when your dessert quest finds satisfaction, venture into the savory realm of NYC’s culinary wonders by checking out our list of the best Italian restaurants in NYC.