Black Tap’s Epic Milkshakes. Credit: Black Tap
New York City offers a million and one sublime ways to satisfy a sweet tooth. Seeing as how you’re buried under layers of clothing right now, why not take advantage of the added coverage by indulging in a few extra treats? These are our top choices for desserts to try before bathing-suit weather arrives.
Black Tap’s Epic Milkshake
If ever there was a social media darling of the dessert world, the milkshakes at Black Tap are it. These outrageous, sky-high concoctions are topped with everything from entire slices of cake, chocolate chip cookies, lollipops, pixie sticks and even ice cream sandwiches. Come early to the Midtown location to avoid long lines.
Slices of Heaven. Credit: Max Brenner
Max Brenner’s Chocolate Pizza
If Willy Wonka visited Manhattan, the chocolate wonderland that is Max Brenner would be his first stop. Choose from a menu of sugary confections like the signature chocolate pizza, featuring dough covered in cocoa goodness and a choice of toppings like peanut butter, roasted marshmallows, bananas and crushed hazelnut. You also can’t go wrong with the chocolate fondue tower or a luscious choctail.
Marea. Credit: Altamarea Group
Marea’s Delizie Al Limone
Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Marea elevates everything on its menu and dessert is no exception. The delizie al limone upgrades a traditional lemon chiffon cake, filled with creamy lemon curd and covered in citrusy syrup, by topping it with a white chocolate glaze and delicate micro flowers. It’s then served alongside lemon curd and Meyer lemon gelato. The flavors complement one another and the final presentation is impeccable.
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Dominique Ansel’s Milk and Cookie Shot
The innovative creator of the cronut is at it again. This winter, toast to tasty treats with a chocolate chip cookie shot glass filled with cool, housemade Tahitian vanilla milk that’s poured to order. This nostalgic bite is only available after 3 p.m., but if you just can’t wait, go for the frozen s’more on a stick to satisfy your craving.
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Levain Bakery’s Chunky Cookies
The ooey, gooey, oversized cookies at Levain Bakery pack a punch. Tourists and New Yorkers alike have been lining up to get a taste for years. Luckily, this storied shop now has a larger location on the Upper West Side so you can get your sugar fix without having to run across town during rush hour.
Café Boulud New York. Credit: B Milne
Café Boulud’s Seasonal Desserts
Four-Star Café Boulud New York epitomizes casual elegance and serves well-executed French fare on the Upper East Side. We adore the dessert menu, which includes seasonally inspired items as well as Parisian standards, such as molten chocolate cake. This winter, the standout is the Noix de Coco, a guanaja chocolate brownie accompanied by a creamy coconut pudding and coffee ice cream.
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Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding
Carrie Bradshaw and Sex and the City put Magnolia on the map for its pastel-colored cupcakes, but the banana pudding is the real secret sensation. Bursting with vanilla wafers and real bananas, this classic dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.
Milk Bar’s Tasty Truffles. Credit: B Milne
Momofuku Milk Bar’s Birthday Cake Truffles
These colorful, bite-size balls of birthday cake dough rolled in rainbow sprinkles and cake crumbs will make your taste buds tingle. Pick up a package at one of the many Milk Bar locations around the city. But come with your appetite because the shop delivers a host of other creative concoctions, like cereal milk ice cream, compost cookies and crack pie.
The Roof’s Bubble Waffles. Credit: Viceroy Central Park New York
The Roof’s Sweet Treats
The Winter Room at The Roof, situated on the top floor of the stylish Viceroy Central Park New York, glitters with faux snow, crystal-covered branches, twinkling lights and warm blankets. The romantic, lodge-inspired atmosphere is just place to enjoy shareable sweet treats, like chocolate fondue complete with all the fixings. The bubble waffles, with caramelized banana, vanilla Chantilly, walnuts and butterscotch, are also outstanding.
If you’d rather imbibe your sugar, the bar offers plenty of warming winter cocktails, including the Central Park Sleigh Ride, a hot chocolate spiked with Belvedere vodka and vanilla.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Westchester. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Westchester’s Chocolate Kiss Facial
If you’d rather save the calories, head out of the city to enjoy a Chocolate Kiss Facial during February at Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Westchester. Here you can indulge in a rejuvenating facial followed by an Eminence Organic Chocolate Mousse Hydrating Mask. The luscious offering also includes a Knesko lip treatment to plump and invigorate your kisses.
