30 Famous New York Desserts You Need in Your Life
If you are like me, your Instagram feed is full of food pics. I follow so many foodie accounts, which might explain why I am always hungry. With so many picture-perfect desserts it can be hard to keep up. Well if you are looking for some insta-famous desserts in New York City you have come to the right place. I complied a list of 30 famous (or soon to be) New York desserts that you need in your life. Maybe just skip the subway and walk a bit so you don’t feel too bad about all the sugar coming your way.
Check out my other NYC posts for some additional inspo:
Central Park Self-Guided Walking Tour
3 Reasons Why You Need to Visit NYC’s Edible Cookie Dough Shop
1. The Cronut
Can you name a more famous New York dessert? This iconic pastry burst onto the scene 5 years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Crowds line up for hours before the bakery opens to get their hands on this flaky treat. (I may or may not have waited over an hour on a freezing cold December morning #worthit)
The Cronut is a half croissant, half donut hybrid filled and glazed with cream. Every day the Cronut is offered in one variety until sell out. You can look forward to flavors like Matcha Golden Pineapple or Burnt Vanilla Smoked Caramel.
Where To Get It: Dominique Ansel Bakery
Why You Need It: Because it is the freaking Cronut
2. Fluffernutter Cookie Dough
How many times have you eaten raw cookie dough and been a little worried that your mom was right and you will get sick? Well throw that fear away and enjoy a scoop of SAFE TO EAT cookie dough! (insert ALL the praise hands emojis)
You can seriously get a scoop of cookie dough on a cone like it’s ice cream. This adorable shop has flavors like Nuts For Nuts (peanut butter + reese’s cups + reese’s pieces), Fluffernutter (peanut butter + dark
chocolate chips + marshmallow fluff), & of course Signature Chocolate Chip. Read even more about this treat in my post here.
Where To Get It: DŌ
Why You Need It: Because you can eat cookie dough without your anxiety kicking in and telling you that you will get salmonella. If that’s not living the dream I really don’t know what is.
3. Sweet N’ Salty Crazy Shake
$15 for a milkshake might seem absurd. But then again, these shakes are kind of absurd. These over-the-top concoctions are garnished with a variety of toppings (like pretzel rods, cookies, cotton candy, and lollipops). You can even get a full slice of cake on top of your shake!
Where To Get Tt: Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
Why You Need It: To keep your Insta feed relevant
4. Bite-Sized Tie-Dye Cupcake
These tiny cupcakes are the perfect size for indulging. You can try a 6-pack and not feel that bad because they are so small. But don’t let the size fool you. They are so delicious, colorful, and topped with a cute little garnish (if you can’t tell I really dig their aesthetic).
I am not a big icing person so the ratio of these cakes to icing is PERFECTION. Try flavors like Tie-Dye, Chocolate Chip Pancake, or Triple Chocolate Fudge.
Where to Get It: Baked by Melissa
Why You Need It: They are so little that you won’t feel too guilty about eating a dozen
5. Cereal Milk Soft Serve
It was always a good day when mom let me pick out a “sugar cereal” at the grocery store. I have some quality childhood memories of watching cartoons with my brother while we enjoyed some Cocoa Puffs or Cookie Crisp. One of the best parts about “sugar cereal” was slurping up the sweetened milk left in the bowl.
The folks at Milk Bar have recreated this flavor in their cereal milk soft serve. Get a swirl, add sprinkles, and ride the nostalgia wave.
Where To Get It: Milk Bar
Why You Need It: So you can relive your childhood for a minute
6. Strawberry Cheesecake
You are kind of obliged to get a slice of New York cheesecake while you are visiting the city. So why not get THE BEST cheesecake in New York. Visit the 45th Street location for the perfect post-theater treat.
Where to Get it: Junior’s
Why you Need it: Because you know you want to eat a slice of NY style cheesecake in New York
7. The 24-Layer Chocolate Cake
There are 24 hours in a day and 24-layers in this cake….coincidence? I mean it wouldn’t take me an entire day to eat this slice but maybe think of it as a celebration of making it through another day? I don’t know, use whatever excuse you need and get a piece of this cake!
So you will find this cake on the Maison Pickle menu. I’ve never actually been inside the restaurant because they deliver! That’s right- I ordered a slice of this heavenly goodness and you can too! There really isn’t anything better than a kind delivery person dropping off a beautiful and perfect slice of cake at your door. God Bless America.
Where to Get it: Maison Pickle
Why you Need it: I’ve got about 24 reasons
8. Ice Cream in an Egg Waffle
Ice cream tastes better in a cone. Everyone knows that. But what you might not know is how freaking delicious it is in an egg waffle cone. This treat is apparently very popular in Hong Kong where they have been living the good dessert life since the 50s. A few years ago this treat was introduced at Smorgasburg and it has blown up in NYC ever since.
Egg waffles are the perfect crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside nest for ice cream. Top it with chocolate sauce and sprinkles (or cereal!) and BOOM– you are living the dream.
Where to Get it: Wowfulls
Why you Need it: 1. You NEED to go to Smorgasburg 2. Because it’s freaking delicious
9. Roasted Marshmallows
Who needs a campfire? At Squish you can enjoy a gourmet roasted marshmallow without leaving the city. If you want it toasted, untoasted, chocolate dipped, floating in hot chocolate, or in a S’more- they got you. Oh, and you can also get an ice cream shaped marshmallow in a cone because why not!
Where to Get it: Squish Marshmallows
Why you Need it: I mean have you ever seen a marshmallow this cute??
10. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cream Cheese
You are going to get a bagel in NYC. And you could get just any ole cream cheese. But why not venture to Alphabet City and try some cookie dough cream cheese? Fair warning- it is very sweet so maybe share this with a friend.
If cookie dough isn’t your thing they also have birthday cake and apple cinnamon cream cheese. Or you can get traditional flavors if you want to be boring.
Where to Get it: Tompkins Square Bagels
Why you Need it: So you can switch up your bagel routine
11. The Salty Pimp
At first glance, this might look like an everyday dipped cone. But trust me, one bite and you will know that you were so wrong. The Salty Pimp is a swirl of vanilla injected with dulce de leche and dipped in a salty dark chocolate shell. I am all in when sea salt is used properly. I know salty ice cream might sound weird but just try it for yourself. It’s not any weirder than their Cheeto dusted soft serve. Seriously- that was a thing.
Where to Get it: Big Gay Ice Cream
Why you Need it: Because it’s fun to order, reasonably priced, and freaking delicious. WIN, WIN, WIN!
12. Bouncy Cheese Cake
You’ve probably seen this all over the internet. Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of the taste, but when you are on Team Eating for the Insta than you have to try it at least once. It is super light and airy and really does jiggle. They don’t sell cheesecake slices so be prepared to leave the shop with an entire cake.
Where to Get it: Kiki’s Modern Cakes
Why you Need it: Because you know you want that Snapchat
13. The Carwash Donut
Yes, this donut shop actually operates out of a carwash. Enjoy the vanilla lavender doughnut while watching the cars being washed. The icing strips are colored to match carwash soap so the aesthetic is unbeatable.
If you don’t want to venture to the Westside Highway Carwash you can find these donuts all over town in various coffee shops.
Where to Get it: Underwest Donuts
Why you Need it: Donuts are really never a bad idea
14. A Bowl of Cereal
When you really need a sugar overload head to the Kellogg’s Cereal Bar. Choose from some classic cereals and over 30 toppings. I mean who doesn’t want Frosted Flakes topped with M&Ms, marshmallows, and PopTarts?
This is also a great spot to chill. The large space is filled with couches, hammock chairs, games, and an Instagram station. Yes, they actually provide lighting, props, and a designated spot to create your perfect Instagram flat lay.
Where to Get it: Kellogg’s NYC
Why you Need it: Because sometimes a smoothie just doesn’t cut it
15. Reese’s Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie
The new Times Square Hershey’s store might be smaller but it added a bakery and S’mores cart so who are we to complain? At the bakery counter, you can order brownies, candy balls, hot chocolate, and cookies. I am already a sucker for peanut butter cookies. They can only be improved by loading them with Reece’s Cups.
Oh and if you just want to browse the Hershey’s store, make sure you get your free chocolate sample at the front entrance!
Where to Get it: Hershey’s Chocolate World
Why you Need it: Because we all know that Reece’s are the Best!
16. Chocolate Fudge Cupcake
Are you going to take the train to Hoboken? Maybe. I don’t know. But if you want to try one of the Cake Boss’s treats without actually venturing into Jersey you are in luck. You can find a Carlos Bakery location in Times Square. This location has all of the same pastries and almost the same wait time, so really you aren’t missing out too much by skipping the original location.
Where to Get it: Carlos Bakery Times Square
Why you Need it: Because you’ve watched so many episodes that you have to know what the cake actually tastes like.
17. Gourmet Rice Krispie Treat
Can I just say that Rice Krispie treats are delicious? But surprisingly, you don’t see a lot of bakeries making this classic treat. Treat House has filled this void by offering their version of the thick and crispy squares. They put a twist on the original by offering flavors like Birthday Cake, Caramel Sea Salt, and Bubble Gum.
Where to Get it: Treat House
Why you Need it: Because, as we just talked about, Rice Krispie treats are dang delicious!
18. The Rainbow Bagel
If you are reading this list I am sure you know about the Rainbow Bagel. This is such a classic insta-famous dessert. What you might not know is that the menu doesn’t stop at the Rainbow Bagel. You can also get a Unicorn Bagel or a Cragel (a croissant/bagel hybrid). Head’s up, the shop is cash only.
Where to Get it: The Bagel Store
Why you Need it: It’s like Instagram IRL
19. Cereal Infused Soft Serve
This is the ice cream you never knew you needed. At Milk and Cream, you can choose your favorite cereal to be blended with vanilla or cookie dough ice cream. Finish it off with a drizzle or topping and you are ready for a good time. If the options seem overwhelming, don’t worry. Choose from one of their tempting signature blends. Personally, I think the Cookie Crisp Carnival (a blend of Cookie Crisp, cookie dough, & Oreos that is topped with cookie crunchies and chocolate chips) sounds heavenly.
Where to Get it: Milk and Cream Cereal Bar
Why you Need it: If you already thought cereal and milk went well together, you are in for a peak experience.
20. Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
This no frills-bakery might not seem like a place that would have an Insta-worthy dessert. But, once you order your sandwich you will understand. The staff puts so much effort into making each treat ready for an iPhone photo sesh.
Where to Get it: Milk & Cookies Bakery
Why you Need it: You can choose from any of their freshly baked cookies for your sandwich. Translation: You can have 2 different types of cookies! On one ice cream sandwich! Welcome to the 21st-century folks.
21. Ice Cream Topped with Toasted Marshmallow
Yes, the marshmallow topping is literally roasted after it has been placed on the ice cream. It’s so fun to watch and even better to eat. And you really can’t go wrong with any of their flavors. Holy Cannoli, Backyard Mint Chip, Nutella Smores, and Rainbow Cookie are just a few of your choices. Check them out at Smorgasburg all summer long.
Where to Get it: Bona Bona Ice Cream
Why you Need it: To learn that roasted marshmallows have more talents than just enhancing graham crackers
22. The Black and White Doughnut
Who needs a black and white cookie when you can have the doughnut version? Or if you want to take a less traditional route, try their filled square doughnuts. That’s right people, doughnuts no longer have to be round.
Where to Get it: The Doughnut Plant
Why you Need it: You can’t start every day with a bagel
23. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookie
Their mission was to create the world’s greatest chocolate chip cookie. During your research, I think you should also try their dark chocolate peanut butter chip cookie. Honestly, you can’t go wrong here. The cookies are thick and soft and chewy. Basically, they are all-stars. Oh, and if you are worried about crowds, be sure to check out the “line-cam” on their website. What a time to be alive.
Where to Get it: Levain Bakery
Why you Need it: Oprah, Neil Patrick Harris, and Taylor Swift are all fans of these baseball-sized cookies
24. Boozy Ice Cream
That’s right. Booze + Ice Cream in one treat! Our 21+ friends can enjoy a scoop (or 2) of alcohol-infused ice cream at Tipsy Scoop. The cocktail-inspired flavors include Strawberry White Sangria Sorbet and Cake Batter Vodka Martini. (Oh and non-alcoholic varieties are also available)
Where to Get it: Tipsy Scoop
Why you Need it: For a new twist on Happy Hour
25. Anything at Ellens
Yes, literally get anything. You are not here for the food. This diner has a pretty standard menu, although I will say their milkshakes are delicious. The main reason you are here is for the performances. The waitstaff is comprised of aspiring Broadway stars who sing during your meal. The line gets pretty long so be prepared to wait. But once you are inside you will be treated to a non-stop show.
Where to Get it: Ellens Stardust Diner
Why you Need it: So you can hear the incredible singing waitstaff.
26. Cereal Coated Ice Cream Cone
Toppings don’t have to just be on the ice cream anymore. At Emack & Bolio’s, their cones get in on the action. They are dipped in melted marshmallow and coated in toppings like Fruit Loops, Oreos, Rice Krispies, and Cocoa Puffs. And if you think the cones are outrageous, get ready for the ice cream. Flavors include Chunk O’Funk (caramel ice cream with Oreos and chocolate covered pretzels) and Cosmic Crunch (vanilla with caramel, chocolate chips, nuts, toffee, and cookie pieces).
Where to Get it: Emack & Bolio’s
Why you Need it: The cones have toppings on them. Meaning you don’t have to eat the toppings right away. You can actually enjoy them further into your ice cream experience. Genius!
27. Strawberry Milkshake Doughnut
You could get a basic doughnut everywhere. (No hate but there is a Dunkin’ on almost every corner here) Why not try something different? At the Doughnut Project, you can enjoy flavors like Strawberry Milkshake, Prosecco, or Blueberry & Yuzu. If you are feeling extra freaky stop by the shop on a Saturday. This is the only time their exclusive Bone Marrow flavor is available. Yes, this doughnut is stuffed with a chocolate bone marrow pastry cream.
Where to Get it: The Doughnut Project
Why you Need it: Because you probably won’t actually try the Bone Marrow flavor
28. Create-Your-Own Cupcakes
If you need a dose of nostalgia stop by this school-room inspired cupcake shop. The decor is straight from your elementary school. Oh, and you HAVE to sit in one of the swing seats. You are going to get some serious playground vibes (and probably a pretty good ‘gram).
You can choose from a selection of filled cupcakes (like Cookies-N-Cream or Mixed Berry) or create your own treat. The DIY option includes your choice of a classic cupcake cake, a frosting, and toppings. You can also visit their sprinkle bar to add some additional flair.
Where to Get it: Molly’s Cupcakes
Why you Need it: A portion of their profits is donated to local schools. So do it for the kids.
29. PB Wins the Cup Ice Cream
Ben & Jerry’s may be the reigning king of “chunk” packed ice cream but they should start watching their back. This Brooklyn-based ice cream shop packs a generous amount of add-ins into every scoop. Some standouts include Ooey Gooey Butter Cake (vanilla packed with hunks of cake) and The Munchies (pretzel-infused ice cream with clusters of Ritz crackers, potato chips, pretzels and mini M&Ms). My all-time favorite is PB Wins the Cup (vanilla ice cream with chocolate flakes and homemade peanut butter cups).
Where to Get it: Ample Hills Creamery
Why you Need it: To cool you off as you walk along the High Line or wait in line for the Whitney’s pay-what-you-wish night
30. Peanut Butter Fudge Swirl Cupcake
After seeing the pastry case you will probably leave with a few items. This intimate shop serves a variety of classics like cheesecakes, pies, and cupcakes. Their marble cupcake is extremely popular and often sells out quickly. No worries if you miss it. You can’t go wrong with anything here.
Where to Get it: Two Little Red Hens
Why you Need it: Do we still need excuses at this point? You want a cupcake? Go get a cupcake. Life is short.
I hope you enjoyed the list! Comment below if you have tried any of these treats.
If you liked this post feel free to share it or pin it!
