Rejoice, New Yorkers! It's no longer bathing suit season. What does that mean? No need to worry about those non-existent abs!
We kid. Sort of. But who cares, because for the next eight or so months, your sweaters and coats will be covering any imperfections. Just kidding, you're perfect as is.
It's time to grab those forks, spoiled fans, because we're about to give you the best guilty pleasures in NYC that are worthy of the caloric splurge.
We're chowing down on the most decadent, buttery, chocolatey, and sweet desserts in NYC.
We're pretty sure that it's impossible for you to feel sad after eating these sweets.
1. Made-to-Order Chocolate Mousse from Dominique Ansel Kitchen (137 7th Avenue)
Chef Dominique Ansel is known for his cronut. Even though it was his claim to fame, his creativity and talent far surpasses that sole baking achievement.
You might be asking yourself, "But spoiled, this dessert is so fluffy and decadent and delicious, it can't be unhealthy. Right?"
[anad]
We're just going to let you in on a little secret: anything that's as rich and flavorful as this chocolate mousse is definitely a cheat meal.
But gosh darn-it, if eating Dominique Ansel's "Made-to-Order Chocolate Mousse" is wrong, then we definitely don't want to be right.
2. Red Velvet Doughnut from Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop (727 Manhattan Avenue - Brooklyn)
munchies A few of our favorites from Peter Pan Donuts in Greenpoint. This is a no-judgment zone. 📷 by @crepesofwrath #eatmunchies #donuts
We really love doughnuts. When they're really inexpensive and especially delicious, we're hooked.
If you really like red velvet cake and doughnuts, you're going to dream of these.
The "Red Velvet Doughnut" from Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop is a cake doughnut, meaning, no yeast went in to leaven the dough. It's denser and more cake-like than a Dunkin' Donut.
Beware, New Yorkers, this little doughnut shop does not accept credit, so be sure to bring some cash along when you go.
3. Eclairs from Eclair Bakery (305 East 53rd Street)
We weren't huge fans of eclairs until recently. Now, we're wondering how we could have been so foolish to base a pastry's reputation on a few attempts at meager doughnut shops and bakeries.
If you want to know what a good eclair is supposed to taste like, grab a selection of eclairs from Eclair Bakery.
They have twelve flavors to choose from. We recommend the "Traditional," "Praline," or the "Pistachio" eclairs.
4. Brookster from Baked (various NYC locations)
forkmyface Chocolate chip cookie baked in a brownie shell. Worlds are colliding!!! #Seinfeld #eeeeeats #food #sweeeeets #nomnom #omnomnom #infatuation #baked #cookie #brownie #foodporn #foodpornshare #foodie #brooklyn #newforkcity #eatlikeshit #foodbeast #buzzfeedfood #instacookie #cookieporn #foodsharing #foodintheair #yget #WDYET #instayum #infatuation #junkfood
Have you tried (and subsequently failed) at some Pinterest baking hacks? We have too. We feel your pain. But the "Brookster" from Baked is what you wished your creation would have turned out to be.
[anad2]
It's the perfect way to satisfy both your brownie and chocolate chip cookie cravings without getting one of each.
The "Brookster" is a dark chocolate brownie tart filled with chocolate chunk cookie batter. It's the perfect balance of the crisp from a cookie and the soft, cakey, fudginess of a brownie.
,5. Chocolate Chip Cookie from Jacques Torres Chocolate (350 Hudson Street)
carb_city_betch Crispy edges, g🍪🍪ey inside 👅 #newforkcity #eeeeeats #instafood #eatupnewyork #foodie #newyorkeats #f52grams #nobsfood #eatnowplaylater #nycfoodgals #carbcitybetch #nycbrunchqueens #eatfamous #spoonfeed #foodie #foodporn #foodbabynyc #delicious #eatinNYC #infatuation #yum #instadaily #noleftovers #igfood #cookies #carbs #lunch #foreverhungry #chubbylife #fat #bigapplebites
One of our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipes from when we were younger was created by Jacques Torres. It was the first recipe we used from a recipe book, and we haven't switched recipes since.
Jacques Torres is a chocolate genius. His cookies are just as incredible. If you're like us, and you grew up on Nestle Tollhouse cookies, prepare for your mind to be blown.
[anad]
They're hands down the best chocolate chip cookie we've ever had. Especially if you ask for it to be heated prior to eating. You're in for a real treat.
6. Almond Croissants from Breads Bakery (various locations)
nycfooddelights Almond croissant 🌰🍞 #nuts#almonds#almondcroissant#croissant#breadbakery#nyc#nuceats#eat#food#breakfast#bread#tasty#delightful#pleasent#eatingnyc#manhattan#nycfood#nycfoodie#nycfooddelights
The "Almond Croissant" from Breads Bakery is definitely not the typical french croissant. However, it's so insanely delicious that people swear it's the best croissant in the city.
Their "Almond Croissant" is extra crunchy, compared to most traditional croissants, but the center has been brushed with a sugary syrup and a butter, egg-based almond cream.
The croissants are then sprinkled with sliced almonds.
7. Sticky Buns from Amy's Bread (various NYC locations)
cheatdayeats Where do you get your sticky bun fix? #cheatdayeats #eeeeeats #foodporn #picoftheday #stickybun #breakfast #brunch #nyc #amysbread #westvillage #thedailybite #nycwffdish #eater
To us, the best guilty pleasure is a big ol' cinnamon roll. But, when we had the "Sticky Buns" from Amy's Bread, it became our ultimate cheer up food.
We understand, they're very similar. But true die-hard cinnamon bun fans know that a sticky bun is oh so different.
[anad2]
The sticky bun has pecans or other types of nuts and is just stickier than cinnamon buns. Cinnamon buns have frosting and the cinnamon brown sugary buttery spread centers.
Amy's "sticky bun" is amazing and definitely hits the spot when it comes to a guilty pleasure.
8. King Kong Banana Split from Morgenstern's (2 Rivington Street)
Growing up, when we're feeling down and need a tasty boost, we'd reach for the tub of ice cream in the freezer. Spoon to face.
The "King Kong Banana Split" from Morgenstern's is so HUGE! It's got bananas, five scoops of ice cream, sesame caramel, and pineapple.
We know we can't eat the whole thing alone before it melts or we die from brain freeze, so we suggest bringing a buddy along for this one. Plus, it'll make the $20 price tag a lot easier when you split it.
Check out 7 Absolutely Insane Desserts to Treat Yourself to in NYC.