13 Sweet Dessert Places Around NYC
Here is a collection of the best New York City dessert spots to visit with kids, perfect for a family celebration or just when everyone is in the mood for a special treat. Kids of any age will be thrilled, and let's be honest - you're going to be pretty satisfied yourself! Also, check out our picks for the city's best ice cream spots for families, too!
Kulu Desserts
Annette Parks: Whether you're in Queens or Brooklyn, Kulu is a MUST for kids, adults, and childish adults:) This Asian dessert mecca offers crepes, Bubble Tea, sweet soups, ice cream, pudding, and Hong Kong style delights in every color of the rainbow! And they serve lots of fresh fruit. Just imagine, you'll be feeding your kids real fruit!
Li-Lac Chocolates
Nancy L.: Since 1923, Li-Lac Chocolates has been serving New York City and they have several locations. Stop in and choose a hand-crafted treat to enjoy on the spot. Almond Bark and Butter Crunch are some of their best sellers and they also offer sugar-free and dairy-free options.
The Chocolate Room
Annette Parks: Who doesn't like chocolate? Nobody. Kids love this place because it offers everything to satisfy a cocoa lover's dream, such as brownies, cookies, ice cream, and hot chocolate! The family-friendly atmosphere is just what a mom can appreciate after a long day of traversing the streets of Park Slope, with a stroller in tow. And it's open late if you find that you need a post-dinner treat. . .
Dylan's Candy Bar
Annette Parks: Folks, this is the Disneyland of candy. If it's a hot day in the city, you've been walking a lot, and the kids need a little entertainment and joy, then merely step into Dylan's Candy Bar for the ultimate adventure! You're going to find many locations across Manhattan, but the one in Union Square is particularly fun! Every candy imaginable can be found here, and your children can load up a bag and take it with them on the go. Delicious, fun, and fanciful!
Dominique Ansel Bakery
Juan L.: Yes, there will probably be a line. And no, the Dominique Ansel Bakery isn't cheap (some single dessert items can be as much as $10-$20). But if you're looking for and willing to pay for a truly innovative dessert experience, your children will not be disappointed. Kids will love the flavor, color, and fun of items like the chocolate chip milk shot, the cronut, the chocolate chip cookie, and more...
Brooklyn Sweet Spot
Annette Parks: This remarkably sweet destination in Brooklyn is the perfect family retreat, offering cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, and so much more! Children are always welcome in the relaxed, family atmosphere. And this is a great destination for special occasions. They specialize in birthday cakes, graduation cakes, decorative cupcakes, and basically anything covered in frosting. We promise that once you try it, you'll be hooked.
Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man
Nancy L.: Max Brenner, located just south of Union Square, is a chocolate lover's paradise. This huge restaurant offers meals and amazing desserts that will satisfy kids and adults alike. Read their mouth-watering menu in advance. But if you just want to stop in for an on-the-go treat, try their Chocolate Bar option. They have locations in Philadelphia and Boston too.
Dough Doughnuts
Jennie Utsinger: Dough's huge donuts are handmade in small batches throughout the day. While all of Dough's donuts are delicious, the unique flavors, many inspired by Latin America culture and tradition, really shine: try a hibiscus or passion fruit yeast donut. When visiting the shops, kids (and adults!) will love peeking in the back to see how the donuts are made.
Holey Cream
Juan L.: Kids will absolutely love that they get to BUILD their own donuts here. Down to the glaze and the topping. Not to mention that the donuts and other desserts here are delicious. You can even ask them to slice the donut open and create a donut ice cream sandwich. Fun and yum...
M&M'S World
Annette Parks: Prepare yourself. . . Just prepare yourself. The silos brimming with every imaginable kind of M&M are enough to set any child alight with joy. And the fact that they're separated by color means that your child can create their own custom, colorful bag of chocolate! M&M's World is situated in Times Square, making it a tourist hot spot, but don't let anyone get in your way. You need to get your bag filled ASAP! There are also tons of fun gifts and souvenirs that children of all ages will enjoy. So brave the crowds, and amp up your chocolate game!
Dun-Well Doughnuts
Jennie Utsinger: This vegan donut shop has a stunning selection of flavors (such as vanilla chip, cinnamon sugar, pb&j), rotating daily, all of which are just as delicious as their non-vegan counterparts. They have a full espresso bar as well.
Serendipity 3
Annette Parks: Have you ever seen the movie Serendipity with John Cusack? Well, this is where it all started, and it's a fantastic place to go and get a frozen hot chocolate, sumptuous ice cream sundae, or any one of the delectable items that Serendipity 3 has to offer! Kids love this place thanks to the fun decor and general atmosphere of sweetness. Be sure to show up early, because a line always forms outside!
Lloyd's Carrot Cake
Annette Parks: I'm not going to lie. It looks like a hole in the wall, but the carrot cake is amazing!!! This small, family-run shop literally sells carrot cake to other countries. That's how good it is. They even have a location in Manhattan! But if you're a Bronx native, be sure to visit the original shop. They love it when kids come in, and enjoy the ignited smiles on little faces when they see the sumptuous carrot creations. Buttercream. . . lots of buttercream.
Primary photo: Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
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