What is the latest dessert trend in NYC in 2024?

Dessert trend in NYC in 2024 : New York is a melting pot of cultures and flavors, offering desserts that reflect its vibrant diversity. In 2024, these 30 desserts have captured the hearts and taste buds of New Yorkers, ranging from iconic classics to modern innovations. Each recipe below includes a brief description, historical aspect, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions.

Dessert trend in NYC in 2024: Why do NEWYORKERS love these desserts

New Yorkers have a diverse palate and a deep appreciation for culinary experiences, which makes these desserts beloved across the city. Here are some reasons why these desserts are so popular:

1. Cultural Diversity

New York is a melting pot of cultures, and its dessert offerings reflect this diversity. Classics like baklava, tiramisu, and churros hail from different parts of the world and resonate with the city’s multicultural population.

2. Indulgence in Quality and Creativity

New Yorkers value quality and innovation, which is why desserts like red velvet cake and cronut—both visually stunning and indulgent—are a hit. Pastry chefs and bakeries in the city are constantly reinventing these treats to offer something unique.

3. The Love for Nostalgia

Desserts such as apple pie and strawberry shortcake evoke memories of home, family gatherings, and simpler times. This nostalgic appeal makes these timeless classics a favorite for locals seeking comfort food.

4. Accessibility and Trendiness

In New York, desserts are not just about taste; they are part of a lifestyle. Trendy options like milkshakes loaded with toppings or photogenic pavlovas fit seamlessly into the city’s vibrant social media culture. Bakeries and food trucks make these treats readily available, creating an on-the-go dessert culture.

5. Celebration of Seasons

New Yorkers love desserts that align with seasonal ingredients and occasions. Pumpkin pie in autumn, peppermint bark during the holidays, and coconut macaroons for Passover all add a festive charm to their respective seasons.

6. Pairing with Coffee Culture

Desserts like tiramisu, cheesecake, and cookies pair perfectly with New York’s thriving coffee culture. A slice of cake or a pastry alongside a latte makes for a quintessential New York moment.

7. The City’s Love for Sweet Escapes

Living in a fast-paced environment, New Yorkers see desserts as small luxuries—a moment of indulgence amidst the hustle and bustle. The comfort of a creamy creme brulee or the warmth of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie offers a brief escape from daily stress.

8. Iconic Status of New York Bakeries

Renowned bakeries like Magnolia Bakery and Levain Bakery have cemented their place in dessert history, drawing tourists and locals alike. Their iconic recipes, such as banana pudding and oversized cookies, are must-tries.

9. Dessert as a Social Experience

Sharing desserts at a local diner or a rooftop restaurant has become a social ritual. Desserts like chocolate fondue and milkshakes with extravagant toppings are designed for communal enjoyment and Instagram moments.

10. Endless Variety

New Yorkers love having options, and this list of desserts offers something for every mood and preference, from light pavlovas to decadent mud pies. Variety keeps the excitement alive and caters to the city’s ever-evolving taste.

Desserts in New York are more than just food—they are experiences that bring joy, comfort, and a sense of connection. This is why these 30 iconic treats continue to be loved by New Yorkers and visitors alike.

30 Most Popular Dessert Recipes in New York 2024

1. New York Cheesecake

The quintessential dessert of New York, this creamy and rich cheesecake is a timeless classic. Known for its dense texture and buttery graham cracker crust, it’s a staple in New York bakeries.

Historical Aspect

The origins of the New York cheesecake date back to the 1920s when German immigrants introduced cream cheese as a key ingredient, differentiating it from traditional European cheesecakes.

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese (4 packages)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Graham crackers (for crust)
• Butter

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Blend graham crackers and butter, pressing the mixture into a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla.
4. Pour batter over the crust and bake for 55 minutes. Cool and refrigerate before serving.

2. Black and White Cookies

Half vanilla, half chocolate icing, these iconic New York cookies are both a treat and a symbol of the city’s unity.

What is the latest dessert trend in NYC in 2024? Historical Aspect

These cookies gained fame in the early 20th century, originating in New York’s Jewish bakeries as a simple, affordable dessert.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Milk
• Baking powder
• Cocoa powder (for chocolate icing)
• Powdered sugar (for vanilla icing)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add eggs and milk to create a batter.
3. Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.
4. Ice half the cookie with vanilla icing and the other half with chocolate.

3. Cronuts

A hybrid of a croissant and a doughnut, the cronut combines the flaky layers of a croissant with the sugary glaze of a doughnut.

Historical Aspect

Created by Dominique Ansel Bakery in 2013, the cronut quickly became a worldwide sensation, cementing its place in New York’s dessert scene.

Ingredients:

• Croissant dough
• Oil for frying
• Granulated sugar
• Pastry cream (for filling)

Steps:

1. Roll and cut croissant dough into doughnut shapes.
2. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
3. Fill with pastry cream and coat with sugar.

4. Rainbow Bagels

These vibrant bagels are a visual treat and a favorite among dessert lovers looking for a unique New York twist.

Historical Aspect

Introduced by The Bagel Store in Brooklyn, rainbow bagels gained viral popularity in 2016, blending artistic creativity with a New York breakfast staple.

Ingredients:

• Bread flour
• Food coloring (various colors)
• Yeast
• Sugar
• Water

Steps:

1. Prepare dough and divide into portions, coloring each with different food coloring.
2. Layer and roll the dough into a log, then slice into bagels.
3. Boil and bake until cooked through.

5. Chocolate Babka

This sweet, twisted bread is filled with rich chocolate swirls, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Historical Aspect

Babka originated in Eastern Europe and was brought to New York by Jewish immigrants, becoming a popular pastry in delis and bakeries.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Yeast
• Milk
• Eggs
• Butter
• Dark chocolate
• Cocoa powder

Steps:

1. Prepare yeast dough and let it rise.
2. Roll out dough, spread chocolate filling, and roll into a log.
3. Twist the log and place in a loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes.

6. Strawberry Shortcake

A light and airy dessert, strawberry shortcake combines sweet biscuits with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, perfect for summer indulgence.

Historical Aspect

The recipe dates back to the 19th century and has been a staple of American desserts, particularly in the Northeast. The modern version flourished in New York during the mid-20th century.

Ingredients:

• Fresh strawberries
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Butter
• Heavy cream

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder, then cut in butter until crumbly.
3. Add cream to form a dough and bake as biscuits for 12–15 minutes.
4. Layer the biscuits with sweetened strawberries and whipped cream.

7. Rugelach

A traditional Jewish pastry, rugelach features a flaky dough filled with chocolate, cinnamon, or jam, making it a versatile favorite.

Historical Aspect

Brought to New York by Eastern European Jewish immigrants, rugelach became a bakery staple and a symbol of Jewish cuisine in the city.

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Flour
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Walnuts
• Chocolate chips

Steps:

1. Prepare the dough by blending cream cheese, butter, and flour. Chill for an hour.
2. Roll out dough and spread filling of choice (cinnamon sugar, jam, or chocolate).
3. Cut into triangles, roll into crescents, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

8. Banana Pudding

A creamy Southern dessert, banana pudding features layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and custard, topped with whipped cream.

Historical Aspect

While it originated in the South, banana pudding became a trendy dessert in New York, especially in the early 2000s, thanks to Magnolia Bakery.

Ingredients:

• Vanilla wafers
• Ripe bananas
• Instant vanilla pudding
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Sugar

Steps:

1. Prepare pudding mix with milk and chill.
2. Layer vanilla wafers, bananas, and pudding in a dish.
3. Top with whipped cream and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

9. Cannoli

A beloved Italian pastry, cannoli are crispy shells filled with a sweet ricotta cream, often enhanced with chocolate chips or candied fruit.

Historical Aspect

Brought to New York by Sicilian immigrants, cannoli have become a hallmark of Italian-American bakeries, especially in Little Italy.

Ingredients:

• Ricotta cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Mini chocolate chips
• Cannoli shells

Steps:

1. Blend ricotta, sugar, and vanilla to create a creamy filling.
2. Pipe filling into pre-made cannoli shells.
3. Garnish with chocolate chips and dust with powdered sugar.

10. Red Velvet Cupcakes

With their vibrant red hue and tangy cream cheese frosting, red velvet cupcakes are a show-stopping dessert.

Historical Aspect

Red velvet cake gained popularity during the Great Depression, and the cupcake version became a trendy dessert in New York bakeries in the 21st century.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Sugar
• Buttermilk
• Red food coloring
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare cupcake batter by combining dry ingredients with wet ones.
2. Add red food coloring for the signature hue.
3. Bake for 18–20 minutes and frost with cream cheese icing.

11. Tiramisu

This no-bake Italian classic blends layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.

Historical Aspect

Introduced in the U.S. in the 1980s, tiramisu has since become a top dessert choice in New York’s Italian eateries.

Ingredients:

• Ladyfingers
• Espresso
• Mascarpone cheese
• Heavy cream
• Cocoa powder

Steps:

1. Brew and cool espresso. Dip ladyfingers briefly into espresso.
2. Whip mascarpone and cream until fluffy, then layer with soaked ladyfingers.
3. Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate overnight.

12. Black Forest Cake

A decadent German dessert, Black Forest cake layers chocolate sponge cake with cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.

Historical Aspect

Black Forest cake became popular in the U.S. during the mid-20th century and has remained a bakery favorite in New York.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Sugar
• Cherries
• Whipping cream
• Chocolate shavings

Steps:

1. Prepare chocolate sponge cakes and let them cool.
2. Layer cakes with whipped cream and cherries.
3. Decorate with chocolate shavings and more cherries on top.

13. Molten Lava Cake

This rich, decadent dessert features a chocolate cake exterior with a gooey, molten chocolate center that oozes out when cut.

Historical Aspect

Molten lava cake was popularized in the U.S. in the 1980s by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and has since become a fine-dining staple in New York.

Ingredients:

• Semi-sweet chocolate
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Melt chocolate and butter together, then whisk in eggs and sugar.
3. Fold in flour, pour into ramekins, and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are firm but the center is molten.
4. Serve immediately.

14. Matcha Mille Crepe Cake

This elegant Japanese-inspired dessert consists of delicate layers of crepes sandwiched with matcha-flavored cream.

Historical Aspect

Introduced to New York in the early 2000s, the mille crepe cake gained popularity at specialty dessert shops, blending Asian flavors with European technique.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Matcha powder
• Eggs
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Sugar

Steps:

1. Prepare crepe batter and cook thin crepes on a non-stick skillet.
2. Whip cream with matcha powder and sugar to make the filling.
3. Stack crepes with layers of matcha cream in between, chilling before serving.

15. Peach Cobbler

A Southern classic, peach cobbler features sweet, juicy peaches baked under a crisp biscuit topping.

Historical Aspect

Peach cobbler became a widespread American dessert in the 19th century, with New York adapting its version using fresh peaches during the summer months.

Ingredients:

• Fresh peaches
• Sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Butter
• Cinnamon

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice peaches and mix with sugar and cinnamon.
3. Prepare biscuit topping by combining flour, sugar, baking powder, and butter.
4. Spread peaches in a baking dish, top with biscuit dough, and bake for 35–40 minutes.

16. Key Lime Pie

This tangy, creamy pie is made with key lime juice and is known for its balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Historical Aspect

While originating in Florida, Key lime pie became a summer dessert favorite in New York due to its refreshing taste and simplicity.

Ingredients:

• Graham crackers (for crust)
• Condensed milk
• Key lime juice
• Egg yolks
• Whipping cream

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blend graham crackers and butter for the crust. Press into a pie pan and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Mix condensed milk, lime juice, and egg yolks, pour into crust, and bake for 15 minutes.
4. Chill and top with whipped cream before serving.

17. Carrot Cake

A moist cake filled with grated carrots, spices, and cream cheese frosting, carrot cake is a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.

Historical Aspect

Carrot cake gained prominence during World War II when sugar was scarce, and carrots were used as a natural sweetener. It became a bakery favorite in New York by the 1960s.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Grated carrots
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Cinnamon
• Cream cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix dry ingredients, then add eggs and grated carrots.
3. Pour batter into a cake pan and bake for 25–30 minutes.
4. Frost with cream cheese icing once cooled.

18. Chocolate Mousse

This airy dessert is made with whipped cream and melted chocolate, offering a light yet decadent chocolate experience.

Historical Aspect

Chocolate mousse originated in France but became a fine-dining favorite in New York by the mid-20th century, often served in high-end restaurants.

Ingredients:

• Semi-sweet chocolate
• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Eggs

Steps:

1. Melt chocolate and cool slightly.
2. Whip heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold whipped cream into melted chocolate.
4. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

19. S’mores Bars

A twist on the campfire classic, s’mores bars layer graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows in a baked dessert.

Historical Aspect

Inspired by the traditional s’mores invented in the 1920s, these bars became a hit in urban areas like New York, bringing campfire nostalgia to the city.

Ingredients:

• Graham crackers
• Chocolate bars
• Marshmallows
• Butter

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer graham crackers on the bottom of a baking dish, top with chocolate and marshmallows.
3. Bake for 10 minutes until marshmallows are golden.
4. Cool and cut into bars.

20. New York Egg Cream

Not a cream or egg but a fizzy drink, the New York egg cream combines milk, seltzer, and chocolate syrup for a nostalgic dessert beverage.

Historical Aspect

Egg creams were a New York soda fountain classic in the early 20th century, especially in Jewish neighborhoods.

Ingredients:

• Milk
• Seltzer
• Chocolate syrup

Steps:

1. Pour cold milk into a glass.
2. Add chocolate syrup and stir well.
3. Slowly add seltzer while stirring to create foam on top.

21. Red Velvet Cake

This vibrant, velvety cake with a hint of cocoa is paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting, making it a showstopper for any occasion.

Historical Aspect

Red velvet cake gained fame during the 1920s at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York, solidifying its place in dessert history.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Buttermilk
• Red food coloring
• Sugar
• Cream cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix dry ingredients, then add buttermilk, food coloring, and sugar.
3. Pour batter into cake pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
4. Frost with cream cheese icing when cooled.

22. Churros with Chocolate Sauce

Churros are fried dough sticks coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a luscious chocolate dipping sauce.

Historical Aspect

While churros originated in Spain, New York bakeries and food trucks popularized them as a trendy dessert in the 2010s.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Water
• Butter
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Dark chocolate

Steps:

1. Prepare churro dough by cooking flour, butter, and water. Add eggs and mix well.
2. Pipe dough into hot oil and fry until golden.
3. Roll churros in cinnamon sugar.
4. Melt chocolate with cream for the dipping sauce.

23. Apple Crumble

This comforting dessert features baked apples topped with a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, and sugar.

Historical Aspect

Apple crumble became a favorite in New York during the Great Depression due to its simplicity and use of pantry staples.

Ingredients:

• Apples
• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Butter
• Cinnamon

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice apples and mix with sugar and cinnamon.
3. Combine flour, butter, and sugar for the crumble topping.
4. Layer apples in a dish, top with crumble, and bake for 30 minutes.

24. Pavlova

A light meringue dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits like strawberries and kiwis.

Historical Aspect

Although originating in Australia or New Zealand, pavlova became a favorite at New York brunches for its elegance and light texture.

Ingredients:

• Egg whites
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Heavy cream
• Fresh fruits

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in cornstarch.
3. Shape meringue on a baking sheet and bake for 1.5 hours.
4. Top with whipped cream and fruits once cooled.

25. Baklava

This rich, flaky dessert made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup is a Middle Eastern classic.

Historical Aspect

Baklava was introduced to New York by immigrants in the late 19th century and has since become a bakery favorite.

Ingredients:

• Phyllo dough
• Chopped walnuts
• Butter
• Honey
• Sugar

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer phyllo dough with butter and walnuts.
3. Bake for 45 minutes until golden.
4. Pour honey syrup over warm baklava.

26. Creme Brulée

This French dessert features a creamy custard base topped with caramelized sugar for a satisfying crunch.

Historical Aspect

Creme brulee gained popularity in New York’s fine-dining scene during the 1980s, becoming a symbol of sophistication.

Ingredients:

• Heavy cream
• Egg yolks
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla.
3. Pour mixture into ramekins and bake in a water bath for 30 minutes.
4. Chill, then caramelize sugar on top with a torch.

27. Strawberry Shortcake

This dessert combines layers of buttery shortcake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries for a light, fruity treat.

Historical Aspect

Strawberry shortcake has been a summer favorite in New York since the 19th century, especially during berry-picking season.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Strawberries
• Sugar
• Heavy cream
• Baking powder

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder to form the shortcake dough. Bake until golden.
3. Slice strawberries and whip cream.
4. Assemble layers of shortcake, strawberries, and cream.

28. Banoffee Pie

A decadent British dessert made with bananas, toffee, and whipped cream in a buttery crust.

Historical Aspect

Banoffee pie gained popularity in New York during the 1990s as an imported treat from the UK.

Ingredients:

• Digestive biscuits
• Butter
• Bananas
• Condensed milk
• Heavy cream

Steps:

1. Prepare the crust by mixing crushed biscuits and butter. Press into a pie pan.
2. Boil condensed milk to create toffee and spread over the crust.
3. Layer with sliced bananas and whipped cream.

29. Coconut Macaroons

Chewy and sweet, these bite-sized treats are made with shredded coconut and condensed milk.

Historical Aspect

Coconut macaroons were introduced to New York through Jewish communities, often enjoyed during Passover.

Ingredients:

• Shredded coconut
• Condensed milk
• Egg whites
• Vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla.
3. Whisk egg whites until stiff and fold into the mixture.
4. Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.

30- Toblerone cheesecake

A Toblerone cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the unique flavor of Toblerone chocolate, famous for its honey and almond nougat. This dessert is a decadent treat that’s perfect for chocolate lovers.

Historical Aspect:
Toblerone was created in 1908 in Switzerland by Theodor Tobler and Emil Baumann, with its distinctive triangular shape and the combination of milk chocolate, honey, and almond nougat. Over the years, the beloved chocolate has become a popular ingredient in various desserts, including cheesecakes.

Ingredients:
Crust:

• 200g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers)
• 100g melted butter

Cheesecake Filling:

• 600g cream cheese (softened)
• 200g sour cream
• 150g powdered sugar
• 200g Toblerone chocolate, chopped
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• 50g Toblerone chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for melting the chocolate)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

Crush the digestive biscuits or graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this by using a food processor or placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.

In a bowl, combine the crumbs with the melted butter. Mix until well combined.

Press the crumb mixture into the base of a springform pan to form a firm crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Learn more about New York Cheesecake history: The Creamy Delight

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a saucepan over low heat, melt the Toblerone chocolate until smooth, stirring constantly. Once melted, let it cool slightly.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
• Add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
• than the melted Toblerone chocolate and mix until smooth.
• plus the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assemble the Cheesecake:

• Pour the cheesecake filling onto the cooled crust in the springform pan.
• Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Bake the Cheesecake:

• Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
• Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. Then transfer it to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Prepare the Topping:

• Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, melt the remaining Toblerone chocolate with the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
• Drizzle the melted chocolate over the chilled cheesecake for a glossy finish. You can also top it with extra chopped Toblerone pieces if desired.

Serve:

• Slice the cheesecake and serve chilled. Enjoy the perfect combination of creamy, chocolatey goodness!