6 pastries and desserts to try in New York

New York isn't just about buildings, monuments, and museums. It's also about pastries! Here are the 6 must-try New York desserts you shouldn't miss.

1/ New York Cheesecake: The Star of New York

This cream cheese cake is the icon of New York bakeries. The recipe was patented in 1872 by William Lawrence of Chester, who had the idea of using Philadelphia cream cheese to create a cake. Cheesecake consists of a pie crust topped with the famous cream and finished with a coulis, usually made from red berries. It’s an interesting sweet and savory mix that can quickly become overwhelming if not made well. Check out our cheesecake recipe to make it at home!
The best New York cheesecake, in my opinion, is at Junior’s in the Food Court of Grand Central Station. If you have time, it’s worth heading to the Brooklyn neighborhood, to 386 Flatbush Avenue, where the original Junior’s restaurant is located.

The cupcake recipe is as simple as counting to four: one cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, and four eggs. The cupcake was born in the 1950s but has experienced a major resurgence in recent years, with increasingly elaborate decorations.
To taste a real New York cupcake, you can follow in the footsteps of Carrie Bradshaw, the heroine of the TV series Sex & the City, who favors the treats at Magnolia Bakery, in the SoHo neighborhood, at the corner of Bleecker Street and 11th Street.

According to legend and various accounts, the brownie recipe originated either in Chicago or in New England. What’s certain is that this delicious chocolate and walnut cake, rich in butter, quickly conquered America and the world. It’s typically served with custard or topped with whipped cream.
The best place to satisfy your brownie craving? Chelsea Market in the Chelsea neighborhood! You can compare the different bakeries and try brownies from Amy’s Bread and Fat Witch Bakery. Feel free to make multiple visits to get a proper taste!

The story of the cookie closely follows the history of New York. This small cake was brought to the new continent by the first Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam, the original name of New York. In Dutch, “koekje” actually means “biscuit.” The Dutch were eventually driven from American shores, but the cake remained. The most popular recipe is undoubtedly the chocolate chip cookie.
Another essential New York variant: the black and white cookie. This cookie is topped with dark chocolate on one side and white chocolate on the other. Absolutely delicious.
Here are two great bakeries to try authentic American cookies: Milk and Cookies and Insomnia Cookies, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood.

For me, the pancake recipe is a wonderful scientific experiment! This American take on the French crêpe has a remarkable property: it absorbs all liquids that touch it. Try it yourself: pour maple syrup on your pancake and watch as it completely soaks it up. Pure baking magic!
In the United States, pancakes are associated with breakfast, but nothing stops you from ordering one for dessert at a deli or restaurant. Just be warned—they’re quite filling!
The best place to eat a pancake? Head to one of the classic New York diners, those traditional restaurants frozen in the 1950s. A few well-known names: Remedy Diner on East Houston Street, Skylight Diner near Penn Station, and Manhattan Diner in the Upper West Side.

For many visitors, this is certainly the most eccentric American pastry out there! But what’s the idea behind making a cake with carrots? Set aside your doubts and give it a try! You’ll find this American specialty is quite enjoyable. Plus, carrots are excellent for your health.
To get a carrot cake worth your time, I recommend those from Amy’s Bread. Visit the Amy’s Bread location at Chelsea Market to enjoy a carrot cake at the counter while soaking in the market’s energy.

To discover New York’s food specialties, join our Food Tour in New York! This unique tour combines exploration of East Village’s iconic locations with tastings of New York’s signature specialties.