The sweetest day of the year is almost here. October 14 is National Dessert Day. (Yes, it's an official holiday, so mark the calendar.) Whether you love cake or can’t resist a creamy cannoli, New York City has plenty to offer.
Check out our favorite spots to satisfy your sweet tooth and celebrate throughout the city.
VENIERO'S PASTRY
342 E 11th St.
New York, NY 10003
In 1894, Veniero’s was born. Today, they’re still whipping up handmade pastries that are baked fresh daily. With over 200 dessert varieties, the bakery has something for everyone. Pick up a vanilla cannoli (or three), rainbow cookies, their signature New York cheesecake or tiramisu.
SQUISH MARSHMALLOWS
120 St. Marks Place
New York, NY 10003
At Squish Marshmallows, you can feel like a kid again and indulge in unique creations like a Marshmallow Ice Cream Cone or a Dessert Bacon, Egg and Cheese (only served on the weekends.) There are also homemade marshmallows available in a variety of flavors like Rocky Road, Banana Pudding and traditional S’mores that are roasted right in front of you with a blowtorch.
CUPCAKE MARKET
74 E 7th St.
New York, NY 10003
Despite its name, this charming bakery in the East Village specializes in custom face cookies. You can get one made to look like you or your pet. Or you can pick pre-made cookies featuring celebrities and pop culture icons like Kim Kardashian, Jerry Seinfeld, Michelle Obama, and Anna Wintour.
MOMOFUKU MILK BAR
Multiple locations in Manhattan
Milk Bar’s chef and owner Christina Tosi whips up cult-favorite treats that are impossible to resist. The best sellers include Milk Bar’s Birthday Cake (a vanilla rainbow cake layered with rainbow cake crumbs, topped with vanilla frosting) and Crack Pie (an addictive pie made with a gooey butter filling and toasted oat crust.)
UNDERWEST DONUTS
638 W 47th St.
New York, NY 10036
Located inside The Westside Highway Carwash, this spot serves up yummy cake donuts. Underwest Donuts features a variety of flavors like Maple Waffle, Milk & Honey, Brown Butter, S’mores, and Mulled Cider. As you wait in line, you can watch the car wash in action before taking your treat to go. Yes, it’s worth the trek from StuyTown.
BLACK TAP
Multiple locations in Manhattan
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beers takes milkshakes to the next level. Each milkshake is stacked high with toppings like whole slices of cake, fluffy cotton candy, and an entire chocolate chip cookie sandwich. Black Taps elaborately flavored and decorated milkshakes are Instagram-worthy and almost too beautiful to eat (well, almost!)