Trendy and delicious dessert spots in Manhattan, NYC

Sweet treats that will make your day. With Valentine's Day just over the horizon, it's time to start thinking about where to take your sweetheart on this very special occasion. A nice restaurant that offers your significant other's favorite cuisine is always on point. But, why not take the romantic ambiance up a notch or two by enjoying an intimate candlelit dinner and then having dessert and coffee at another location?  Let the good vibes flow!

And, by the way, there's no need to wait for Valentine's Day to visit these enticing dessert spots that we are about to introduce you to. You can enjoy the sweet treats that they have to offer just about any time you care to; on date night, after brunch, or during your lunch hour.

The Little Pie Company - Theater District

   Referred to by dedicated foodies as the Big Apple's " best kept secret ", The Little Pie Company offers one-of-a-kind, homespun and comforting sweet treats in the heart of Manhattan's vibrant Theater District.  As you might have guessed, the menu here is all about pies. These scrumptious pies come in three delectable sizes: a 5"personal mini-pie; 8 "and 10". All pies are hand-crafted from start to finish, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients and baked to golden crust perfection in special small-batch ovens. The word frozen is never, ever used within these walls by founder and head baker Arnold Wilkerson. If the ingredient isn't in season then the pie is just not going to be made. 

The Little Pie Company offers a " theater of baking ", where Arnold and his team do their thing in an open baking kitchen. Situated right by a large picture window, passersby on the street will frequently gather to watch the bakers in action. The theatrical flourishes at this bakery are totally authentic. Arnold is a British expat who studied acting at London's historic  Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Mr. Wilkerson originally emigrated to New York City to become an actor but got sidetracked by his passion for baking. It kind of runs in the family. Arnold's love of baking comes from his grandmother whose specialty was apple pie, made with ripe, juicy apples straight from a large tree in her backyard. It gave the young Arnold a sense of serenity and joy to help his grandma out as she baked. And, oh the delicious aromas that wafted out of her kitchen!

All of The Little Pie Company's sterling creations are available for you to bring home and they ship nationwide. But, probably the best way to experience Arnold's pies is to take a seat in the cute surroundings, kick back and enjoy a personal pie or a slice together with a steaming cup of coffee, cappuccino, apple cider, herbal tea, or Jaque Torres fabulously decadent hot chocolate.

The menu is so extensive that we can't list everything in this article. However, we'll give you enough to tempt your taste buds like the Mississippi Mud Pie which features a trio of different chocolates. There's Grandma's special Apple Pie which has cozy nostalgia and loads of apple slices in every forkful; an incredible Berry Pie that is filled to bursting with fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries and the BEST Banana Coconut Cream Pie you will ever have. Arnold's Florida Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker crust ain't bad, either. The signature offering here, though, is the out-of-this-world Sour Cream Apple-Walnut Pie. Need we say more?  If you're craving something savory, Arnold has got you covered and then some with his Piping Hot Chicken Pot Pie, filled with chunks of white chicken meat, fresh cream and chicken stock, peas, carrots and onions. By the way, gluten-free pies are available upon request. Just speak to a member of the team and they will happily set you up.

Remember, at The Little Pie Company, a nice slice of pie ( or a mini-pie) equals unmitigated happiness! So go ahead and dig in!

Location and Hours:
424 West 43rd Street
New York N.Y. 10036
(212)  736-4780
www.littlepiecompany.com

Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 8 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM

Dominique Ansel Bakery - Soho

  A James Beard award winner, chef Dominique Ansel first came to fame in the Spring of 2013 when he created the CRONUT, a never-before-seen or tasted croissant and doughnut hybrid pastry. The cronut became the world's first-ever viral pastry on social media with no less a publication than Time Magazine naming the Cronut as one of the " 25 best inventions of 2013".  Since that time, Chef Ansel has refused to allow Cronut to define who he is as a pastry chef, continually challenging himself, over the years, to come up with a diverse and enticing array of sweet creations. One look at the chef's current menu at his bakery will be all the reassurance you need that the maestro of pastry has not lost his touch. Or, as Chef Ansel likes to say, " Don't let the creation kill the creativity."

Sleek and modern in its decor, the bakery still gives forth a homey, cozy touch. For such a big name in the industry, Chef Dominique makes sure that his bakeries' ambiance makes his customers feel "at home ". After all, YOU are the chef's honored guests. If you're not pleased, then neither is Chef Ansel.  Here you can indulge in chefs' delectable follow-ups to the fabulous Cronut. His Frozen S'Mores should be on every dessert lover's bucket list. It consists of crispy chocolate wafer chips with a vanilla ice cream center enrobed in a covering of honey-infused marshmallows and torched to order.  Continuing to make waves in foodie circles is chef Dominique's Blossoming Hot Chocolate. Your cup of creamy sinful hot chocolate ( Ansel's secret recipe ) is crowned by a marshmallow that is shaped like the petals of a flower. You will also want to try the almost indescribably delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Shots. Shaped like a shot glass, these chocolate cookies are filled with a pour of Madagascan vanilla milk. Sip the milk and then devour the cookie.

Other menu highlights include chocolate eclairs to die for; macarons that come in assorted flavors and a vanilla-hazelnut and creme Brulee tart that is so good, that you'll order a second serving to take home.  New additions to Dominique's menu are the Nutella Milk Bread which is made with milk brioche that is filled with Nutella pastry cream and crunchy caramelized hazelnuts. Not to be outdone is the Triple Pistachio Roll. Laminated brioche bread is filled with pistachio praline and pistachio cream and then topped with chopped, salted pistachios. Whether you are on your way to work, need an afternoon pick-me-up, or desire something sweet for dessert tonight, then indulge your senses with a trip to Dominique Ansel Bakery. You deserve it!

Location and Hours:
189 Spring Street
New York NY 10012
(212) 219-2773
www.dominiqueanselny.com

Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 8 AM to 7 PM

Spot Dessert Bar - Lower East Side

  Having opened its doors in November of 2009,  Spot Dessert bar continues to amaze one and all with delectable sweet treats that are so picturesque on your plate, that they look almost too good to eat. But, that's more than okay. Just get out your phone, snap a few pics to share with friends, dive in and enjoy. 

Founded by cousins Chai Huadwattana and Ace Watanasuparp, the duo, in tandem with chef Ian Kittichai, has created a dessert concept that mixes a strong respect for tradition with dazzling innovation. Think Western-style desserts influenced by the flavors of Asia and the cousin's native Thailand. As a child in  Bangkok, Ian Kittichai pushed a cart through the streets of his working-class neighborhood, helping his mother to sell food that she prepared at home.  As a young man, chef Ian received a scholarship to study haute cuisine in Australia and hasn't looked back since, winning acclaim at every restaurant where he's helmed the kitchen. Besides being an award-winning chef, Ian is also a television personality, appearing in numerous shows including Master Chef Thailand and Iron Chef.

Spot Dessert Bar's signature is "dessert tapas".  One of their most popular offerings is Harvest, an otherworldly concoction of layered soft cheesecake dusted with Oreo cookie crumbs, fresh as-can-be strawberries, a layer of chiffon cake and milk tea, topped with raspberry sorbet. You'll also want to try the Golden Toast which consists of honey-buttered toast, strawberries, whipped cream, cookie crumbs and condensed milk ice cream.  Chef's Matcha Lava treat is made with dark chocolate cake, matcha powder, and chocolate pearls and is crowned with a scoop of green tea ice cream. The flavor combinations are definitely out of the box, but enjoyably so.  And don't miss out on the addicting Miso Semifreddo with a cocoa olive oil cake, blood orange foam and blood orange segments. It is so very refreshing with a ton of natural sweetness.  The kitchen turns out some yummy cookie varieties,as well including Oreo and dark chocolate; caramel miso and fig with white chocolate.

Location and Hours:
13 Saint Marks Place
New York N.Y. 10003
(212) 677-5670
www.spotdessertbar.com

Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 12 PM to 12 AM
Friday and Saturday: 12 PM to 1 AM

Angelina Bakery - Times Square

   Only a few years ago, a young pastry chef by the name of Tony Park used to skateboard in the Times Square area, dreaming of one day owning a bakery in his adopted hometown of New York City. Now, at long last, that dream has become a reality with Angelina Bakery.  And, it is located, of all places, smack dab in the middle of Times Square.  Angelina Bakery is the home of the delectable BOMBOLONE, which is a light and fluffy version of the American doughnut. Filled with scrumptious chantilly cream and dusted with confectioner's sugar, the Bombolone comes to you directly from Palermo, Sicily with love. Yes, you heard that correctly; Palermo is Chef Tony Park's hometown.

Tony, who is of Korean descent, was born in Palermo and raised by a loving Italian family. He was taught how to cook and bake by his grandmother Giuliana. The chef's Times Square bakery pays homage to grandma " Anna" as well as to honor his daughter Angelina. Chef Park studied pastry at the prestigious Scuola  Alberghiera in Palermo and, after working in several Italian cafes and bakeries, decided to emigrate to New York City. Chef Parker is the embodiment of what it means to live the American Dream.

If you are not familiar with the Bombolone, Angelina is the best place to be introduced to this delicious pastry. The first thing that will strike you, upon taking a bite, is how much less heavy the Bombolone is compared to its American counterpart. You can enjoy it without all of the guilt.  The chef has a variety of Bombolones for you to choose from and since he is always experimenting with flavors and ingredients there is always something new for you to try. Currently, three of the chef's most popular sellers are the Strawberry Cream version, the Pistachio Bombolone, filled with pistachio cream and sprinkled with crushed pistachios and the Glazed which is coated with a not overly sweet sugar glaze. Chef Antonio Parker also has considerable chops when it comes to whipping up cakes. Available whole or by the slice, Chef Tony's creations range from an insane Ferrero Rocher Chocolate cake and a Burnt Cheesecake to a divine Yogurt Strawberry Mousse offering and Tiramisu.  Also, there's no need to make the long subway ride to Little Italy. You can enjoy the best chocolate Chip Cannoli right here at Angelina Bakery.

As comfortable in a full-service kitchen, as he is at the baking oven, Tony features a limited but inviting menu of savory items including Pasta with your choice of either his outrageous pesto or Pomodoro tomato sauce. The sandwiches are something special, as well. You simply must try the ham, cheese and salad on freshly baked SPINACH BREAD or the Turkey, Mozzarella and lettuce on BEET BREAD. Incredible!

Location and Hours:
575 8th Avenue
New York N.Y. 10018
(212) 687-7100
www.angelinabakery.com

Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 7:30 AM to 9 PM
Friday and Saturday: 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM

Magnolia Bakery - West Village

    First having opened its doors in 1996 as a quaint mom-and-pop bakery located on a quiet street in Greenwich Village, Magnolia Bakery has since become an iconic brand with locations throughout Manhattan and as far afield as Chicago, Los Angeles, Kuwait and the UAE. Proof that good taste knows no boundaries. Magnolia Bakery first entered America's consciousness during an episode of the mega-hit HBO series SEX AND THE CITY. Two of the show's lead characters Carrie ( Sarah Jessica Parker ) and Miranda ( Cynthia Nixon ) can be seen sitting outside the bakery's Bleecker Street location enjoying cupcakes with pink icing while talking about Aidan, the new man in Carrie's ever-changing romantic life.

The motto here is " A dollop of buttercream makes everything better."  Once you've tasted one of their moist, decadent cupcakes, you will completely agree. If you've never been to Magnolia, then why not start your tasting journey with the famous Carrie cupcake, crowned with pink vanilla buttercream as well as an edible daisy flower? Chocolate lovers rejoice. The bakers at Magnolia now offer a very addicting cupcake that features not overly dense chocolate cake topped with chocolate buttercream. The Confetti cupcake consists of luscious and light vanilla cake topped with multi-colored confetti sprinkles and buttercream icing. Then there's the sensational Red Velvet cupcake, a Magnolia Bakery original which is a mix of chocolate and red velvet cake with a nice amount of whipped vanilla icing.

Over the last few years, Magnolia Bakery has become almost as renowned for its heavenly Banana Pudding as they are for its spectacular cupcakes. It is so good, even if you are not really a fan of banana pudding, Magnolia's version of this treat will convert you. The Magnolia team crafts this decadent dessert using fresh bananas, sliced just right, crumbled vanilla wafers and fluffy and surprisingly light vanilla pudding. This gotta-have-it pudding may just be as good, if not better than the one grandmother made for you when you were a kid. The folks at Magnolia also turn out some truly wonderful double fudge brownies, Blondies and Lemon Bars, made with a flat and flaky shortbread cookie-type crust with a nice amount of lemon meringue-style filling.

Location and Hours:
401 Bleecker Street
New York N.Y. 10014
(212) 462-2572
www.magnoliabakery.com

Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 9:30 AM to 10 PM
Friday and Saturday: 9:30 AM to 11 PM