New York City is a food lover’s paradise, with every street corner offering something delicious. From famous restaurants to food trucks, the city’s diverse culinary scene has something for everyone. But when the summer heat kicks in, there’s no better way to cool off than with a refreshing and decadent dessert. From creamy ice creams to innovative pastries, New York offers a treasure trove of sweet spots that are perfect for summer indulgence. In this essay, we will take a tour of some of the best summer dessert destinations in the city, highlighting unique flavors, must-try treats, and hidden gems that make NYC a dessert lover’s dream during the warmer months.
1. Ample Hills Creamery: Ice Cream Meets Nostalgia
When it comes to ice cream, few places in New York City evoke as much joy as Ample Hills Creamery. Known for its rich, creamy textures and whimsical flavors, Ample Hills has become a staple for ice cream lovers across the city. Their ice cream is made in small batches, using fresh, local ingredients, and often includes homemade baked goods like cookies and brownies swirled into the mix.
One of the best summer treats at Ample Hills is the Salted Crack Caramel—a salty-sweet caramel ice cream filled with pieces of homemade saltine crackers coated in butter, sugar, and chocolate. The unique combination of sweet and savory makes it a perfect indulgence on a hot summer day. Another popular flavor is Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, which features chunks of gooey butter cake swirled into a creamy vanilla base.
With multiple locations across the city, including one in Gowanus with a rooftop deck, Ample Hills Creamery is the ideal place to relax with friends and enjoy a cool, refreshing treat after a long day of exploring.
2. Dominique Ansel Bakery: A Summer Croissant Fix
No list of New York City’s best dessert destinations would be complete without mentioning Dominique Ansel Bakery. The French bakery, famous for inventing the cronut—a croissant-doughnut hybrid that became a global sensation—also offers an array of other creative and equally delicious summer desserts.
In the summer, one of the must-try treats at Dominique Ansel Bakery is the Frozen S’more. Unlike a traditional s’more, this dessert features a creamy vanilla ice cream core, wrapped in chocolate feuilletine, and enveloped in a marshmallow blanket. The entire creation is torched to golden perfection before being served on a wooden stick, combining the classic flavors of summer in a modern twist.
For those who prefer something lighter, the bakery also offers their signature Watermelon Soft Serve, served in a wedge of real watermelon. The combination of juicy watermelon with soft serve is not only refreshing but Instagram-worthy as well, making it a popular choice during the sweltering summer months.
3. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream: Pushing Flavor Boundaries
For dessert enthusiasts looking to push the boundaries of traditional ice cream flavors, Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream is the place to be. Located in the Lower East Side, this artisanal ice cream parlor is known for its inventive and experimental flavors that surprise and delight even the most seasoned ice cream aficionados.
One of the standout summer flavors is the Burnt Honey Vanilla, which has a deep, caramelized taste that elevates the traditional vanilla ice cream to new heights. Another unique offering is Black Coconut Ash, a rich, coconut-based ice cream made with coconut milk and activated charcoal, giving it a striking black color and a distinct, nutty flavor.
Morgenstern’s also offers seasonal sundaes that change throughout the year, often inspired by popular summer fruits and flavors. Their American Eggnog Sundae is a festive choice, made with layers of eggnog ice cream, whipped cream, and caramelized pecans, capturing the essence of summer nostalgia in every bite.
4. Dough: A Doughnut Paradise
While ice cream tends to steal the spotlight during summer, New Yorkers with a sweet tooth know that Dough doughnuts are an equally indulgent option. Founded in Brooklyn, Dough has expanded across the city, offering large, pillowy doughnuts in a variety of creative flavors that are perfect for a summertime snack.
What makes Dough stand out is their commitment to quality ingredients and bold, inventive flavors. The Hibiscus Doughnut, with its vibrant pink glaze made from real hibiscus flowers, is a popular summer pick. The slight tartness of the hibiscus pairs perfectly with the soft, airy dough, making it a refreshing alternative to heavier desserts.
For something a little more indulgent, try the Dulce de Leche doughnut, which is generously filled with caramel and topped with toasted almonds. The richness of the caramel combined with the crunch of the almonds creates a textural contrast that keeps customers coming back for more.
5. Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream: Vegan Delights
Vegan and dairy-free dessert lovers rejoice! Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream has mastered the art of making creamy, flavorful ice cream using only plant-based ingredients. This Brooklyn-based ice cream company is beloved for both its traditional dairy flavors and its vegan options, which are made from scratch using simple, high-quality ingredients like cashew milk, coconut cream, and cocoa butter.
For summer, their Vegan Mint Chip is a refreshing choice. Made with fresh mint and studded with dark chocolate chips, it offers a cooling, indulgent experience without any of the dairy. Another standout is the Vegan Chocolate Oat Milk Cookie Dough Chunk, which combines the rich flavor of chocolate ice cream with generous chunks of oat milk cookie dough for a satisfying dessert.
With locations all over NYC, Van Leeuwen is the perfect destination for those seeking a refreshing, plant-based dessert during the warm summer months.
6. Taiyaki NYC: A Japanese-Inspired Summer Treat
For something truly unique, head to Taiyaki NYC, where Japanese flavors and New York creativity combine to create one of the most Instagrammable desserts in the city. Taiyaki is a traditional Japanese fish-shaped cake, usually filled with red bean paste, but Taiyaki NYC puts a fun twist on the classic treat by filling it with soft serve ice cream.
The Matcha Soft Serve Taiyaki is a fan favorite, combining the earthy bitterness of matcha with the sweetness of vanilla soft serve, all encased in the warm, fish-shaped taiyaki cone. Toppings like mochi, sprinkles, and Pocky sticks add a playful element, making this a fun, refreshing dessert for summer.
7. Levain Bakery: Cookies for the Soul
Though cookies might not be the first dessert that comes to mind during summer, Levain Bakery is a New York institution that should not be overlooked. Their massive, gooey cookies are the stuff of legend, and despite the summer heat, there’s always a line out the door of their Upper West Side location.
The classic Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie is a must-try, boasting a crisp exterior with a molten, gooey center. Paired with a cold glass of milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it makes for the ultimate indulgent treat.
