Forest Hills, a vibrant neighborhood in Queens, NYC, offers a delightful array of culinary experiences. Beyond its savory delights, Forest Hills boasts a captivating collection of dessert destinations, catering to every sweet tooth. This guide dives into the top 18 desserts you absolutely must try in Forest Hills, NYC, guaranteeing a truly sweet escape. We'll explore various styles and flavors, from classic cakes to innovative pastries, ensuring something for everyone.
Classic Cakes & Confections
1. The Decadent Chocolate Cake at Sweet Surrender
Sweet Surrender is a local favorite known for its rich and moist chocolate cake. The layers are perfectly balanced, not too sweet, and the frosting is simply divine. This is a classic for a reason.
2. Red Velvet Perfection at Gigi's Cupcakes
Gigi's Cupcakes offers a consistently delicious red velvet cake. Their cream cheese frosting is a perfect complement to the slightly tangy cake, creating a truly satisfying experience. They frequently have seasonal variations as well, so be sure to check out their offerings.
3. The Exquisite Cheesecake at Forest Hills Pastry Shop
Forest Hills Pastry Shop is a local institution, and their cheesecake is legendary. Creamy, rich, and with just the right amount of sweetness, it's a must-try for cheesecake lovers. They offer various flavors, including classic New York style, strawberry, and chocolate.
International Sweet Treats
4. Authentic Italian Gelato at Dolce Freddo
Dolce Freddo serves authentic Italian gelato, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their flavors are creative and delicious, offering a refreshing escape on a warm day. From classic pistachio to more adventurous options, there's a flavor for everyone.
5. French Macarons at La Parisienne Bakery
La Parisienne Bakery brings a taste of France to Forest Hills with their delicate and flavorful macarons. These colorful, meringue-based confections are a delightful treat, with a variety of fillings and flavors to choose from. Their almond-based shells are light and airy, a perfect texture for these miniature masterpieces.
6. Japanese Mochi at Sakura Sweets
Sakura Sweets offers a selection of delicious Japanese mochi, soft and chewy rice cakes filled with various sweet treats. These delightful treats are perfect for a light yet satisfying dessert.
Unique & Modern Desserts
7. Creative Cupcakes at Crumbs Bake Shop
Crumbs Bake Shop, while a larger chain, still offers consistently delicious and creative cupcakes. They often introduce seasonal flavors, keeping their menu fresh and exciting. The frosting-to-cake ratio is excellent, offering a balanced flavor experience.
8. Artisan Ice Cream at Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream
Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream offers unique and creative flavors not found at your typical ice cream shop. From unusual combinations to classic options made with top-notch ingredients, it's worth a visit for the adventurous dessert lover.
9. Gourmet Cookies at Levain Bakery (Nearby in Upper West Side)
While technically not in Forest Hills, Levain Bakery (a short trip away) deserves a mention for its legendary, oversized, gooey cookies. These are a must-have for any cookie enthusiast. Their chocolate chip walnut is a particularly popular choice.
Cakes, Pies & Pastries
10. Apple Pie at Forest Hills Larder
Forest Hills Larder often features homemade apple pie, a comforting classic. Their pies are typically made with seasonal apples, giving them a fresh and delicious taste.
11. Pecan Pie at The Baker's Table
The Baker's Table frequently offers a pecan pie that's a delightful treat. The rich, nutty filling is perfectly balanced, and the crust is flaky and delicious.
12. Assorted Pastries at Vienna Bakery
Vienna Bakery offers a wide selection of pastries, from croissants to danishes, all made with high-quality ingredients. Their selection is vast, making it a great place to try many different sweet treats.
Other Sweet Delights
13. Brownies at Your Local Coffee Shop
Many local coffee shops in Forest Hills offer delicious brownies, often homemade and served warm. This makes for a perfect pairing with your favorite coffee or tea.
14. Seasonal Fruit Tarts at Various Bakeries
Depending on the season, several bakeries in Forest Hills will feature fresh fruit tarts. These often utilize locally sourced fruit, creating a delicious and seasonal treat.
15. Miniature Desserts at Amici's Restaurant
Amici's Restaurant often offers miniature desserts as a complement to their meals. These are a perfect way to try a variety of sweet treats in a smaller portion.
Beyond the Traditional
16. Korean Bingsu at A Korean Dessert Shop (Check Local Listings)
If you are adventurous, try Korean bingsu, a shaved ice dessert with various toppings. Several Korean dessert shops may be located near Forest Hills and offer this unique treat.
17. Ice Cream Sundaes at Local Ice Cream Parlors
Many local ice cream parlors offer classic sundaes, a nostalgic and satisfying dessert. These often involve creative flavor combinations and plentiful toppings.
18. Homemade Treats from Local Farmers Markets
Forest Hills often hosts farmers markets, where you might find homemade desserts from local bakers. This is a fantastic option to support local businesses and discover hidden gems.
This list offers a starting point for your dessert adventures in Forest Hills, NYC. Remember to check local listings for current hours, menus, and seasonal offerings. Enjoy your sweet escape!
