Five New York desserts worth the calories

Ever since Carrie and Miranda hashed out their love lives over a couple of vanilla-with-buttercream frosted treats, cupcakes have dominated New York’s sweet scene. And with good reason: a perfect cupcake fits in the palm of your hand, a toothsome blend of textures and tastes. These days, there’s even a cupcake for everyone, from the vegan (try Babycakes on the Lower East Side) to the diehard SATC fan (Crumbs, with locations throughout the city, offers a cosmo-flavored one) to the guy who wants something less dainty (Butch Bakery currently sells made-to-order creations like the “jackhammer,” chocolate cake with hazelnut frosting, and the “big papi,” cinnamon spice cake with dulce de leche filling, available for delivery in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn).

But visitors who only sample cupcakes are missing out on some serious deliciousness—and we’re not talking about the humble black-and-white cookie, which rose to prominence thanks to Seinfeld. Here are five other kinds of desserts worth seeking out. Try them now, before a famous actor gets photographed eating one . . .

Cannoli
Since 1894, Veniero’s has served cannoli, espresso, and other Italian greats in the East Village. To get the full effect of such history, sit in the café. Less old-school is Stuffed Artisan Cannolis, on the Lower East Side, which specializes in three bite–sized mini cannoli in unique options like bacon chocolate, pomegranate cognac, and birthday cake. The Cooper Square Hotel is within walking distance of both Veniero’s (342 East 11th Street) and Stuffed Artisan Cannoli (176 Stanton Street).

Donuts
Donuts for dessert? Oh, yes. Yes, yes, yes. True to its name, Bomboloni sells the small fried pastries stuffed with cream or jam known as bomboloni. Flavors include roasted chestnut and limone. In addition to the typical assortment of toasted coconut and honey dipped at the stuck-in-1964 Donut Pub, try the glazed bear claw—bigger than your hand, easy. It’s open 24 hours a day, because, frankly, when isn’t a donut a good idea? Stay at the Belleclaire, near Bomboloni (187 Columbus Avenue), and take the 1, 2, or 3 subway train to The Donut Pub (203 West 14th Street).

Macarons
These cookies might look like multihued Oreos, but they have a taste that’s utterly theirs. The light, meringue-like batter can be infused with fruit or floral essences, as can the buttery filling that goes between the two halves. The exotic flavors on offer at MacarOn Café include rose et litchee and passion fruit. J. Chanceux not only offers different flavors (nutella, peanut butter, etc.), but also different sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. MacarOn Café (161 West 36th Street) is close to the Affinia Manhattan, while the Best Western Bowery Hanbee Hotel is close to J. Chanceux (202A Mott Street).

Popsicles®
Unilever owns the name, but “frozen fruit on a stick” does sound rather unwieldy. Still, it’s one of the most refreshing treats you can have on a hot summer day, whatever you call it. New varieties are constantly being developed at People’s Pops, depending on what’s in season. We like the plum, organic yogurt, and tarragon. Popbar serves sorbetto, gelato, and yogurt—all portably packaged on a stick. The ingredients might be imported from Italy, but the results, such as the vanilla chocolate, with its mix of styles (drizzled, dipped), are 100 percent New York. The Maritime Hotel is located near People’s Pops (75 Ninth Avenue) and popbar (5 Carmine Street).

Tarts
Sweet or savory, tarts are really just delightful little pies. At the Village Tart, you can get a complete tart meal, beginning with the three mushroom or tart of the day, and finishing with the Meyer lemon meringue or other freshly made creation. At Three Tarts, you can try mini tarts like kumquat and pine nuts, as well as the homemade marshmallows for which the small shop is best known. There’s also a nicely curated selection of housewares and gifts. The Jane Hotel is almost equidistant between the Village Tart (86 Kenmare Street) and Three Tarts (164 Ninth Avenue).

–Jessica Allen and Garrett Ziegler of We Heart New York

[Photo credit: Flickr/gsz (Garrett Ziegler)]