Dessert is arguably one of the best parts of life, and New York City is confectionary heaven.
We're one of the largest and most diverse cities in the country, and while getting around isn't always the most convenient, there's always a food spots ready to fulfill any craving, any time. Whether you want a cupcake, donut or cookie during your lunch break, there are perfect spots around every corner.
Top-tier talent is drawn to our buzz-worthy streets, and with so many stellar bakeries across five boroughs, it's easy to get so caught up in reviews that you never even leave the house. That's why we did the work for you and curated a list of the 10 best bakeries in NYC to get you started.
we guarantee there is something on this list to satisfy your cravings. Honestly, try them all!
See also: The 11 Best Cheesecake Spots in NYC
Buttercup Bakeshop
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167 Madison Ave., 973 2nd Ave.; 200 Broadway, 61 E. 8th St. | Website
Buttercup Bakeshop has every dessert you could imagine: cupcakes, cakes, bars, cookies, puddings, bundts and pies. Imagination here is off the charts. Some of their most popular desserts include the apple pie a-la-mode cupcake, campfire s’mores bar, chocolate pudding trifle and salted caramel cake.
Levain
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340 Lafayette St.; 167 W 74th St.; 1484 3rd Ave.; 351 Amsterdam Ave.; 2167 Frederick Douglass Blvd.; 164 N 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 | Website
With seven locations spanning all of Manhattan and Brooklyn, Levain is a NYC staple. They have pretty much any sweet you could possibly crave, from their classic chocolate chip cookie, to their sour cream coffee cake, to their cinnamon butter brioche and walnut sticky bun. Can’t make it to the bakery? They also sell frozen cookies in select grocery store freezers.
Modern Bread and Bagel
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472 Columbus Ave. | Website
If you’re craving carbs (and who isn't?), check out Modern Bread and Bagel, specializing in breads, pastries and other snacks. This Upper West Side gem offers fresh breads such as challah and focaccia, bagels, pastries such as babka and rugelach, brownies, cupcakes, and snacks like chocolate bark, granola and bagel chips. Your cheat day called and said this was the spot.
Supermoon Bakehouse
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120 Rivington St. | Website
Among the Lower East Side, you'll find Supermoon Bakehouse. This place is world renown for the “cruffin,” their original creation that combines a croissant and a muffin. They also sell “care packs” that go live on their website every Monday at 6 p.m., which can be picked up or delivered throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, New Jersey, Staten Island, Long Island and Westchester.
Magnolia Bakery
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Multiple locations | Website
Magnolia is another classic New York City staple that every New Yorker knows. They serve the most delicious confections from cupcakes to cookies. Their famous banana pudding comes in a classic flavor as well as a special flavor of the month. If you haven’t tried Magnolia yet, stop what you’re doing and head to one of their three locations right now!
See also: Top 10 Cupcake Spots in NYC
Little Cupcake Bakeshop
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30 Prince St. | Website
Little Cupcake Bakeshop has the “Best Cupcakes and Cakes in the US,” according to Food & Wine, but all of their desserts should be award-winning. Some of their layered cake flavors include Blue Velvet, Peanut Butter & Jelly and Smores. They also serve many variations of dessert bars, like their Brownie Bar, Raspberry Fruit Bar and Cereal Treat. Additionally, they have ice cream, mini cheesecakes and cookies.
Flour Shop
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177 Lafayette St. | Website
Flour Shop is famous for their hefty explosion cakes, but they don't specialize in just one. They bake cake “push-pops,” “cakewiches,” cake balls, cookie cakes, and all kinds of custom-made creations. This bakery is great if you need to order a cake ahead for your best friend’s birthday, but you can also stop by their SoHo location any time to grab an afternoon pick-me-up.
Dominique Ansel Bakery
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189 Spring St., 17 E. 27th St. | Website
This bakery serves perhaps some of the most unique desserts in all of New York, but what they’re best known for are their “cronuts,” a heavenly croissant-donut creation. Other items on their menu include chocolate chip cookie shots, frozen s’mores, tiramisu, pavlova and much, much more.
Angelina Bakery
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575 8th Ave.; 1675 Broadway | Website
Angelina Bakery creates some of the most picturesque desserts in a peaceful setting. The hottest items on their menu include croissants, donuts, cakes and tarts. They also deliver and ship nationwide, so there’s no excuse not to try desserts from this wonderful bakery!
Ring Ding Bar
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79 Duane St. | Website
Ring Ding Bar bakes their contemporary take on the classic 1950s hand-held dessert daily, adding twists on old flavors and inventing new ones. These perfect dessert sandwiches feature two pieces of cake with frosting filling and a sugar shell. With flavors like ginger spice, pistachio raspberry, matcha and dulce de leche, there's no such thing as a bad order.
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