If you’re headed to NYC this summer, then start bookmarking where you’re going to get your mid-day dessert (because that’s basically an official thing once the city’s humidity and high temperatures kick into full gear). We’ve saved you the trouble of doing the research and compiled a list of New York City’s best summer desserts, ranging from banana puddings to key lime pie sundaes. We’re not saying you have to try everything on this list, but we are saying that if you did, we certainly wouldn’t judge you.
Summer Desserts NYC: Upper East Side
It’s hard to find anything on Serendipity 3’s menu that you wouldn’t want to try, but the famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate should definitely top your list. Make sure you bring a friend and ask for two straws, because this unique take on a summer dessert should be shared with someone you love. Who says "hot" chocolate is only a winter treat? 225 E. 60th St., 212-838-3531, serendipity3.com
Summer Desserts NYC: Midtown West
While Magnolia Bakery may have accrued their long lines because of their cupcakes’ reputation, it’s actually the banana pudding that we’re putting on our summer dessert bucket list. Available in both classic and chocolate flavors, this delectable dish makes use of fresh bananas and is available in three individual serving sizes, as well as group portions. Locations in the West Village, Midtown East, Midtown West, and the Upper West Side. 1240 Ave. of the Americas, 212-767-1123, magnoliabakery.com
Summer Desserts NYC: Little Italy
Summer is the season for fresh fruit and there's no better use of them than when they top Caffe Palermo's classic frutti di Bosco cake. Chantilly cream meets short pastry beneath a collection of blueberries, blackberries, red currants, raspberries, and strawberries for an ideal blend of tart and sweet. 148 Mulberry St., 212-431-4205, caffepalermo.com
Summer Desserts NYC: East Village
Cone-lovers, get excited, because ChikaLicious Dessert Club recently created the most exciting cone you’ve ever laid eyes on. Inspired by the popular churro dessert, the coneCHURRO is the latest and greatest in the world of NYC sweets. Served with soft-served vanilla ice cream and your choice of toppings (sprinkles, almond bits, or sea salt caramel), none of this sweetness will go to waste. 204 E. 10th St., 212-475-0929, dessertclubchikalicious.com
Summer Desserts NYC: West Village
The Key lime pie specialty combination is the way to go when ordering up this locally made yogurt delight from Culture. Topped with graham cracker crumbs and drizzled with Key lime sauce, this dessert may actually be better than an actual slice of Key lime pie. As for the actual frozen yogurt, its tangy flavor only adds that much more to the overall creation. Additional location in Brooklyn. 60 W. 8th St., 646-823-9715, cultureny.com
Summer Desserts NYC: Hell's Kitchen
Forget ice cream sandwiches, because the traditionally used cookies cannot hold up to Holey Cream’s donut ice cream sandwich. Yes, you read that correctly. Stop by Holey Cream this summer to order up a monster creation made from a halved donut covered with a glaze, your choice of sugar-rich toppings, and stuffed with ice cream. Are you drooling yet? 796 Ninth Ave., 212-247-8400, holeycream.com
Summer Desserts NYC: East Village
What’s the best part of having cereal for breakfast? The leftover milk, of course! Momofuku Milk Bar has managed to capture that flavor and transform it into the most addictive soft serve you’ve ever tasted. Top it off with some crispy corn flakes and it’s like you’re having breakfast for dessert! Additional locations in Midtown West, Brooklyn, and the Upper West Side. 251 E. 13th St., 347-577-9504, milkbarstore.com
Summer Desserts NYC: Midtown West
Is there anything more refreshing than a heaping serving of shaved ice on a hot summer’s day? Unlikely. Grace Street serves up some of the best stuff in the city, and with flavors like black sesame, green tea, and sweet milk, you’ve definitely got to hit up this joint again and again. The toppings aren’t lacking either, with options that include red bean, mochi, and freshly sliced strawberries. 17 W. 32nd St., bygracestreet.com
Summer Desserts NYC: West Village
If you’ve never had gelato on a stick, that’s your first mistake. If you’ve never had chocolate-dipped, nut-covered gelato on a stick, that’s your biggest mistake. Head over to Popbar to have your choice of gelato (from green tea to peanut butter, your options are pretty much limitless) smothered in milk and white or dark chocolate and then coated with pistachios, peanuts, shredded coconut, and the like. 5 Carmine St., 212-255-4874, pop-bar.com
