Blog, Recipes

Chocolate Desserts New York – Best Spots & Recipes Inside!

Posted by

admin

On March 22, 2025

0 comments

Explore New York City’s extraordinary chocolate dessert landscape, from artisanal bakeries to world-class chocolatiers. This comprehensive guide reveals where to find the richest cakes, most decadent brownies, and innovative chocolate creations across all five boroughs, plus easy recipes to satisfy your chocolate cravings at home.

The Rich World of Chocolate Desserts New York

Chocolate Desserts New York offers an extraordinary world of cocoa indulgence that ranks among the finest globally. New York City stands as a global epicenter for culinary innovation, and its chocolate desserts scene represents perhaps the sweetest expression of this creative energy. From small-batch artisanal chocolatiers crafting bean-to-bar confections to acclaimed pastry chefs pushing the boundaries of what chocolate can become, the city offers an unparalleled landscape for chocolate enthusiasts.

The chocolate desserts New York ecosystem encompasses extraordinary diversity – classic French-inspired pastries executed with technical perfection, nostalgic American classics elevated through exceptional ingredients, and boundary-pushing creations that transform chocolate through unexpected techniques and flavor combinations.

“What makes New York’s chocolate scene so exceptional is the convergence of global influences, technical expertise, and relentless innovation,” explains Michael Laiskonis, Creative Director at the Institute of Culinary Education and former Executive Pastry Chef at Le Bernardin. “The city attracts world-class talent while demanding excellence, creating an environment where chocolate artisans must continually evolve and perfect their craft.”

This guide navigates the vast and vibrant landscape of cocoa treats NYC, helping chocolate lovers discover exceptional experiences across all five boroughs while understanding what distinguishes truly remarkable chocolate creations from merely good ones.

Best Chocolate Desserts NYC: Manhattan’s Top Destinations

Manhattan hosts the highest concentration of exceptional chocolate confections NY, with distinct neighborhoods offering different chocolate experiences.

Upper East Side & Midtown Elegance

These neighborhoods maintain exacting standards with sophisticated interpretations:

Kreuther Handcrafted Chocolate

This atelier from acclaimed pastry chef Marc Aumont creates:

Signature chocolate bonbons: Meticulously crafted with hand-painted designs and unexpected flavor combinations
Single-origin chocolate bars: Showcasing distinctive characteristics of specific cacao regions
Seasonal specialties: Limited-edition creations highlighting unique seasonal ingredients

La Maison du Chocolat

This Parisian institution’s New York outposts offer:

Classic ganaches: Perfectly balanced chocolate fillings with subtle flavor infusions
Pralines: Traditional hazelnut and almond creations with exceptional texture
Signature hot chocolate: Intensely flavored drinking chocolate available to enjoy in-store or take home

Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Known for avant-garde flavor combinations:

Global-inspired truffle collections: Incorporating unexpected ingredients like curry, wasabi, and bacon
Super dark bars: High-percentage cacao offerings for serious chocolate connoisseurs
Drinking chocolates: Elixirs featuring global spice combinations and ceremonial preparations

Downtown Chocolate Innovation

Lower Manhattan offers creative approaches to chocolate cakes NYC:

Dominique Ansel Bakery

Beyond the famous Cronut, Ansel creates exceptional chocolate items:

Chocolate cookie shot: Chocolate cookie cup filled with vanilla milk
Dark chocolate mousse cake: Layered creation with varying chocolate textures
Mini chocolate soufflé: Made-to-order individual chocolate soufflé

Magnolia Bakery

Known primarily for cupcakes, their chocolate offerings deserve attention:

Chocolate pudding: Silky, rich pudding with whipped cream
Devil’s food cake: Classic chocolate layer cake with perfect crumb
Double chocolate chunk cookies: Bakery-style cookies with generous chocolate pieces

Breads Bakery

This acclaimed bakery offers excellent choco sweets NY:

Chocolate babka: Perhaps the city’s most famous chocolate-swirled bread
Chocolate rugelach: Laminated dough with chocolate filling
Chocolate chip cookies: Distinctive thin, crisp-chewy texture with high-quality chocolate

Brooklyn’s Chocolate Scene

Brooklyn has emerged as a powerhouse in the chocolate desserts New York landscape.

Williamsburg & Greenpoint

These neighborhoods host innovative chocolate confections NY producers:

Mast Chocolate: Pioneer in American bean-to-bar chocolate with factory tours
Fine & Raw: Specializes in raw chocolate processes that preserve flavor compounds
Raaka Chocolate: Creates unroasted chocolate with unexpected flavor profiles

Park Slope & Prospect Heights

Family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent chocolate options:

Four & Twenty Blackbirds: Though primarily known for pie, their chocolate offerings are exceptional
The Chocolate Room: Dedicated chocolate café with excellent cakes and hot chocolate
Colson Patisserie: Belgian-influenced bakery with outstanding chocolate pastries

BoroughNeighborhoodNotable Chocolate SpotsSpecialtiesManhattanUpper East SideKreuther Chocolate, La Maison du ChocolatBonbons, ganaches, pralinesManhattanSoHoDominique Ansel, BalthazarInnovative desserts, French pastryBrooklynWilliamsburgMast, Fine & Raw, RaakaBean-to-bar chocolate, unique barsBrooklynPark SlopeThe Chocolate Room, ColsonChocolate café items, Belgian pastryQueensAstoriaChip, La GuliChocolate chip cookies, Italian chocolateBronxArthur AvenueEgidio Pastry, Delillo'sItalian chocolate pastries, cannoli

Chocolate Cake Delivery New York: Indulgence at Your Door

For those seeking chocolate cakes NYC without leaving home, several outstanding bakeries offer reliable delivery services.

Manhattan Chocolate Cake Delivery

These bakeries deliver exceptional chocolate desserts New York throughout the borough:

Lady M Cakes

Known for precise layering and refined flavors:

Chocolate mille crêpes: Twenty layers of thin crêpes with light chocolate pastry cream
Double chocolate mousse cake: Contrasting dark and milk chocolate layers
Chocolate checkerboard: Visually striking alternating chocolate and vanilla cake

Milk Bar

Christina Tosi’s creative interpretations include:

Chocolate birthday cake: Chocolate version of their famous layered creation
German chocolate jimbo: Supersized cupcake with coconut-pecan filling
Chocolate malt cake truffles: Bite-sized chocolate cake balls

Deux Amis Bakery

This boutique bakery specializes in:

Brooklyn blackout cake: Traditional dark chocolate cake with pudding filling
Triple chocolate mousse cake: Layered creation with varying chocolate intensities
Chocolate cheesecake: New York-style cheesecake with chocolate variation

Brooklyn Delivery Options

Brooklyn-based chocolate desserts New York delivery standouts:

Ovenly: Delivers their exceptional Brooklyn blackout cake and chocolate cookies
Four & Twenty Blackbirds: Offers chocolate chess pie and other chocolate varieties
Butter & Scotch: Provides booze-infused chocolate cakes and brownies

Delivery Considerations

For successful chocolate cake delivery New York experiences:

Order timing: Most quality bakeries require 24-48 hours advance notice
Weather considerations: Many won’t deliver extremely temperature-sensitive items during summer heat
Delivery radius limitations: Some restrict delivery to certain neighborhoods or zip codes
Packaging innovation: Look for bakeries using specialized insulation techniques
Weekend surcharges: Many charge premium fees for weekend delivery

Categories of Chocolate Indulgence: NYC’s Sweet Taxonomy

The world of chocolate desserts New York encompasses several distinct categories, each with notable exemplars throughout the city.

Chocolate Pastry Excellence

French-influenced chocolate pastry reaches its apex at these establishments:

François Payard Patisserie

This acclaimed pastry chef creates:

Chocolate éclairs: Perfect choux pastry with chocolate filling and glaze
Chocolate religieuse: Stacked choux buns with chocolate pastry cream
Opera cake: Classic almond sponge, coffee, and chocolate layer cake

Patisserie Tomoko

This Japanese-French fusion pastry shop offers:

Chocolate sesame tart: Ganache infused with black sesame
Green tea chocolate mousse: Subtle matcha-chocolate combination
Chocolate passion fruit entremet: Multi-layered mousse cake with vibrant tropical accent

Cannelle Patisserie

This Queens gem provides:

Pain au chocolat: Exceptionally flaky chocolate croissants
Chocolate raspberry tart: Perfect pâte sucrée with chocolate filling and fresh raspberries
Chocolate-dipped madeleines: Classic French sponge cake with chocolate coating

Brownies and Bars: NYC’s Best

The humble brownie reaches its pinnacle in these fudge desserts specialists:

Fat Witch Bakery

Chelsea Market institution known for:

Original brownie: Perfect texture between fudgy and cakey
Snow Witch: White chocolate blondie variation
Breakfast brownie: Oats and dried fruit in a brownie matrix

Baked

Brooklyn-born bakery famous for:

The Baked Brownie: Deep, dark chocolate brownie with perfect crust
Brookster: Brownie-chocolate chip cookie hybrid
Sweet & Salty Brownie: Dark chocolate with salted caramel layer

Greyston Bakery

Social enterprise bakery creating:

Classic fudge brownie: The brownies used in Ben & Jerry’s ice cream
Vegan brownies: Exceptional dairy-free options
Walnut brownies: Perfect nut-to-chocolate ratio

Innovative Chocolate Desserts: NYC’s Creative Edge

The city’s most innovative pastry chefs continually reinvent chocolate desserts New York through unexpected techniques and presentations.

Chocolate Innovation Leaders

These establishments push boundaries:

Dominique Ansel Kitchen

The renowned chef’s West Village location features:

Made-to-order chocolate mousse: Prepared tableside with varying textures
Chocolate lavender tart: Perfect ganache with subtle floral notes
“What-a-Melon Chocolate: Chocolate “seeds” embedded in watermelon

Dirt Candy

Amanda Cohen’s vegetable-focused restaurant includes:

Chocolate “soil”: Inventive use of chocolate as a savory component
Vegetable-chocolate pairings: Unexpected combinations like carrot chocolate cake
Chocolate celery swirl sundae: Sweet-savory dessert with celery soda

Ample Hills Creamery

This Brooklyn-born ice cream company creates:

The Munchies: Pretzel-infused ice cream with chocolate-covered potato chips
Chocolate milk and cookies: Brown sugar chocolate ice cream with back-of-the-stove cookies
Mexican hot chocolate: Spiced chocolate with cinnamon and chile

Easy Choco Recipes NYC Style: Home Indulgence

Create exceptional chocolate desserts New York style at home with these recipes adapted from city pastry professionals.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake Home Version

This simplified version delivers authentic flavor:

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee
For pudding filling:
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F, grease two 9-inch round cake pans
Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt
Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; beat on medium speed 2 minutes
Stir in hot coffee (batter will be thin)
Divide between pans, bake 30-35 minutes until tester comes out clean
For pudding: whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks in saucepan
Gradually whisk in milk, cook over medium heat until thickened
Remove from heat, add chocolate, vanilla, and butter; stir until smooth
Cool both cake and pudding completely before assembling
Split each cake layer horizontally, creating four layers
Place one layer on serving plate, spread with pudding
Repeat with remaining layers, frost sides with pudding
Crumble trimmed cake scraps and press onto sides for traditional look

Quick New York-Style Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Inspired by Levain Bakery’s famous cookies:

Ingredients:

1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups high-quality chocolate chunks
1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F, line baking sheets with parchment
In stand mixer, cream cold butter and sugars until just combined
Add eggs and vanilla, mix until incorporated
In separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt
Add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mix until just combined
Fold in chocolate chunks and nuts by hand
Form into 6 oz balls (about ⅓ cup each), place on baking sheet
Bake 13-15 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft
Cool on baking sheet 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack

Seasonal Chocolate Specialties in NYC

The chocolate desserts New York scene evolves throughout the year, with distinctive seasonal offerings.

Summer Chocolate Innovations

Hot weather brings lighter cocoa treats NYC:

Frozen chocolate creations: Ice cream shops like Il Laboratorio del Gelato create seasonal chocolate flavors
Chilled chocolate desserts: Mousses and parfaits dominate summer menus
Chocolate-dipped fruits: Seasonal berries with chocolate enhance summer offerings

Fall Chocolate Pairings

Autumn brings warming spices and harvest flavors:

Pumpkin-chocolate combinations: Breads Bakery creates chocolate-swirled pumpkin babka
Apple-chocolate pairings: Four & Twenty Blackbirds offers chocolate-apple pie variations
Spiced hot chocolate: Cafés introduce warming spices to drinking chocolate

Winter Chocolate Indulgence

Cold weather inspires the richest chocolate desserts New York:

Drinking chocolates: City Bakery’s famous hot chocolate festival (February)
Chocolate fondue: Restaurants like Max Brenner feature indulgent sharing options
Chocolate soufflés: Winter restaurant menus highlight warm chocolate specialties

Spring Renewal

Lighter, brighter chocolate creations emerge:

Floral-chocolate combinations: Rose, lavender, and violet infusions appear
Easter specialties: Elaborate chocolate eggs and springtime motifs
Chocolate-berry pairings: Early berries complemented by chocolate components

Chocolate and Wine Pairings: NYC Wine Bar Experiences

Several New York wine bars have developed exceptional chocolate desserts New York pairings.

Notable Chocolate-Wine Pairing Destinations

These establishments excel at complementary combinations:

Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar

Specializes in thoughtful pairings:

Chocolate flights: Curated selection with matched wines
Wine-infused chocolates: Custom creations with complementary profiles
Dessert wine specials: Regular events featuring chocolate and wine

Casellula

This Hell’s Kitchen gem offers:

Cheese and chocolate pairings: Unexpected but successful combinations
Port and chocolate matches: Classic combinations executed superbly
Custom pairing boards: Staff-created combinations based on preferences

Ruffian Wine Bar

This East Village spot features:

Natural wine and chocolate: Unique pairings with low-intervention wines
Regional matchings: Wines paired with chocolates from the same geographic areas
Chocolate producer spotlights: Featuring specific chocolatiers with appropriate wines

DIY Pairing Guidelines

For creating your own chocolate desserts New York wine pairings:

Match intensity levels: Pair delicate milk chocolates with lighter wines, dark chocolates with fuller-bodied options
Consider origin: Chocolates from specific regions often pair well with wines from similar climates
Contrast can work: Sweet whites often complement bitter dark chocolate
Think beyond red: While red wine and chocolate is classic, white, sparkling, and fortified options offer excellent matches
Spice alignment: Chocolates with warming spices pair well with similarly spiced wines

Artisanal Chocolate Shops: NYC’s Bean-to-Bar Scene

New York has emerged as a center for craft chocolate production, with several chocolate confections NY makers controlling the process from raw beans.

Manhattan’s Chocolate Craftspeople

Small-batch producers creating distinctive bars:

Kee’s Chocolates: Handmade truffles with unique flavor profiles
Stick With Me Sweets: Jewel-like bonbons with artistic designs
ROYCE’: Japanese chocolate outpost with distinctive offerings

Brooklyn’s Chocolate Pioneers

The borough leads in bean-to-bar innovation:

Raaka Chocolate: Unroasted chocolate with unexpected flavor combinations
Jacques Torres: One of the city’s first artisanal chocolate producers
Cacao Prieto: Single-origin Dominican chocolate made in Red Hook

Queens Chocolate Innovators

Emerging chocolate scene with international influences:

Aigner Chocolates: Historic Forest Hills chocolatier with traditional techniques
Brigadeiro Bakery: Brazilian chocolate specialties
Sugar Freak: Southern-influenced chocolate desserts with unique twists

Chocolate Tourism: NYC Sweet Experiences

Beyond just eating chocolate desserts New York, several immersive experiences allow deeper engagement.

Chocolate Classes and Workshops

Hands-on learning opportunities:

Institute of Culinary Education: Professional-level chocolate courses open to the public
Raaka Chocolate: Factory tours and truffle-making workshops
Kreuther Chocolate Experience: Small-group sessions with Master Chocolatier Marc Aumont

Chocolate Walking Tours

Guided explorations of the city’s chocolate cakes NYC and other treats:

Cocoa Walking Tour: SoHo and Greenwich Village chocolate shop circuit
Underground Donut Tour: Includes exceptional chocolate donut varieties
DIY Brooklyn Chocolate Trail: Self-guided tour of Williamsburg chocolate establishments

Chocolate Festivals and Events

Annual celebrations of all things chocolate:

The Big Chocolate Show: Industry showcase with tastings and demonstrations
NY Chocolate Festival: Consumer-focused event with numerous vendors
Salon du Chocolat: International chocolate exhibition with NYC edition

Diet-Specific Chocolate Options in NYC

Dietary restrictions need not limit enjoyment of chocolate desserts New York.

Vegan Chocolate Destinations

Plant-based cocoa treats NYC specialists:

Confectionery!: All-vegan bakery and candy shop with exceptional chocolate offerings
Erin McKenna’s Bakery: Vegan and gluten-free chocolate desserts
By Chloe: Fast-casual vegan restaurant with excellent chocolate desserts

Gluten-Free Chocolate Havens

For those avoiding gluten while enjoying chocolate confections NY:

Noglu: French-inspired gluten-free patisserie with chocolate specialties
Tu-Lu’s Bakery: Dedicated gluten-free facility with exceptional chocolate items
Senza Gluten: Italian-inspired gluten-free restaurant with chocolate desserts

Sugar-Conscious Options

Reduced or alternative-sugar chocolate desserts New York:

Wild Olive Market: Offers keto-friendly and sugar-free chocolate options
Hu Kitchen: Paleo-friendly chocolate made with coconut sugar
SmartSweet: Reduced-sugar chocolate confections

Chocolate Gifting: NYC’s Most Impressive Options

For special occasions requiring memorable chocolate desserts New York gifts:

Luxury Chocolate Gift Boxes

High-end presentations for special occasions:

Kreuther Handcrafted Chocolate: Elegant boxes with hand-painted bonbons
La Maison du Chocolat: Classic French presentation with exceptional quality
Stick With Me Sweets: Jewel-box packaging with artistic confections

Corporate Gifting Programs

Business gift options for chocolate confections NY:

Jacques Torres: Corporate customization with branding options
Li-Lac Chocolates: NYC’s oldest chocolate house offers business programs
Neuhaus: Belgian chocolate with corporate packaging options

Custom Creations

Personalized chocolate cakes NYC and other desserts:

Magnolia Bakery: Custom messaging and design options
Ladybird Bakery: Personalized chocolate celebration cakes
Empire Cake: Custom sculpted chocolate cake designs

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Desserts New York

Where can I find the best chocolate cake in NYC?

For exceptional chocolate cake in New York, top choices include Lady M Confections for their Chocolate Mille Crêpes, Brooklyn Blackout Cake from Ovenly, Deux Amis Bakery’s Classic Chocolate Cake, and Breads Bakery’s Chocolate Babka Cake. For something more innovative, try Dominique Ansel’s Chocolate Soufflé Cake or Milk Bar’s Chocolate Birthday Cake with unique “naked” frosting style and crunchy crumbs.

What is New York’s most famous chocolate dessert?

Brooklyn Blackout Cake stands as New York’s most iconic chocolate dessert. Originally created by Ebinger’s Bakery (1898-1972), this legendary cake features chocolate cake layers filled with chocolate pudding and coated with chocolate cake crumbs. Though the original bakery closed, excellent modern versions can be found at Ovenly, Two Little Red Hens, and Butter & Scotch. Other iconic NYC chocolate desserts include Levain Bakery’s massive chocolate chip cookies and Jacques Torres’ famous hot chocolate.

Can I get high-quality chocolate desserts delivered in NYC?

Yes, many premium bakeries and chocolatiers offer delivery throughout NYC. Goldbelly partners with iconic shops like Levain Bakery and Magnolia Bakery for nationwide shipping. For local delivery, Caviar and DoorDash feature high-end options like Lady M and Breads Bakery. Specialty chocolate shops including Kreuther Chocolate and La Maison du Chocolat offer their own delivery services within Manhattan, while Milk Bar provides delivery throughout the five boroughs with their own system.

What are some unique chocolate experiences in NYC?

Beyond just eating chocolate desserts, unique NYC chocolate experiences include chocolate-making workshops at Raaka Chocolate in Brooklyn, chocolate and wine pairing sessions at Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar, bean-to-bar factory tours at Mast Brothers, and The Chocolate Room’s complete chocolate-focused café experience. For a theatrical experience, visit Max Brenner’s “Chocolate by the Bald Man” for chocolate pizza and syringe-dispensed chocolate. Seasonal events include City Bakery’s February Hot Chocolate Festival.

Where can I find specialty dietary chocolate desserts in NYC?

For vegan chocolate desserts, visit Confectionery! in the East Village, Erin McKenna’s Bakery, or By Chloe. Gluten-free chocolate lovers should try Noglu, Tu-Lu’s Bakery, or Senza Gluten. For reduced-sugar or keto-friendly options, check Wild Olive Market, Hu Kitchen, or SmartSweet. Many mainstream establishments now offer alternatives as well – Levain Bakery has gluten-free options, while Magnolia Bakery and Georgetown Cupcake provide vegan chocolate items with advance notice.

Posts