New York Bakeries:

10 Spots that Rise to the Occasion

It's a sure bet that a city that takes its coffee so seriously would expect nothing less than perfection when it comes to its baked goods. Those high expectations have catapulted many of the city's most beloved confections to celebrity status, from the deli-staple black-and-white cookies that have made appearances on everything from Seinfeld to Sex and the City, to the cupcakes that once drew lines out the Magnolia Bakery door and around the block. Below, we've highlighted a few more can't-miss spots and signature sweets worthy of star-status in their own right.

^# 1

Three Tarts 164 Ninth Avenue

Chelsea: Bite-Sized Decadence

Good things come in small packages and the miniature sweets at Three Tarts might give jewelry a run for its money. The bite-sized desserts are as fashionable as they are flavorful with options including colorful French macaroons, jewel-toned parfaits, and chocolate espresso ganache tarts garnished with edible silver leaf.

^# 2

Minamoto Kitchoan 608 Fifth Avenue

Midtown Center: Stylish Sweets from Singapore

The confectioners at this Japanese-style bakery specialize in "wagashi" sweets, which are high in plant protein and contain virtually no animal fats. Saccharine fillings made from red and white beans, sweet potatoes, and white peaches are folded into delicate cakes that could double as edible works of art.

^# 3

Sweet Revenge 62 Carmine Street

West Village: Baked Goods and Brews

While there's no shortage of cupcake and vino pairings, this dessert and wine bar takes the concept a step further by also matching its artisanal cupcakes with more than 20 beers. Complementary couplings include a black & tan cupcake with Young's Double Chocolate Stout or a pumpkin spice cupcake with Kopparberg Pear Cider.

^# 4

Doughnut Plant 379 Grand Street

SoHo: Gourmet Donuts with a History

If there's a donut gene, baker Mark Isreal has it. The airy, yeast-based donuts that drew orders from the likes of Dean & Deluca trace their roots back nearly 100-years to Mark's grandfather Herman. Today at Doughnut Plant, they join ranks with Mark's own innovative cake and filled donuts, such as a chocolate "blackout" donut filled with house-made chocolate pudding, dipped in chocolate glaze, and sprinkled with chocolate cake crumbs.

^# 5

Chikalicious 203 East 10th Street

East Village: Wine and Dine

An open layout allows guests to watch as chefs and sommeliers prepare miniature flights of desserts paired with complementary wines. Clients choose their main dessert from options such as mocha and hazelnut trifle or lemongrass panna cotta, with each dessert preceded by an amuse and followed by assorted petit fours.

^# 6

Lady M Cake Boutique 41 East 78th Street

Upper East Side: Cakes, Crepes, and Crepe-Cakes

This shop’s signature dish, the mille crepe, alternates airy crepes with flavored cream to create a 20-layered dessert that is both decadent and light. Available in flavors such as green tea, chocolate banana, and coconut, it’s just as drool-worthy as the bakery's apple gallettes, coffee mousse cakes, and chocolate gateaus.

^# 7

Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant 4 Clinton Street

Lower East Side: King of Biscuits

New York Magazine twice named Neil Kleinberg's blueberry pancakes the "best in the city", but it's his melt-in-your mouth buttermilk biscuits that led Martha Stewart to proclaim him "King ". While they provide a flaky foundation for melted cheddar and scrambled egg sandwiches, they're perhaps best appreciated with a simple dollop of house-made raspberry jam.

^# 8

Momofuku Milk Bar 382 Metropolitan Avenue

Williamsburg: Habit-Forming Pies, Cakes, and Cookies

Named by Bon Appetit as one of the most “exciting bakeries in the country,” this shop offers haute versions of classic desserts. Popular items include the shop's signature "crack pie", an addictive slab of buttery blondie-like indulgence and salty-sweet "compost cookies", which incorporate coffee, pretzels, potato chips, and butterscotch.

^# 9

BabyCakes NYC 248 Broome Street

Lower East Side: The Health Conscious Cupcakerie

Wheat, white sugar, soy, and dairy are just a few of the things you won't find at Erin McKenna's vegan bakery. What you will find is a line-up of decadent cupcakes and other sweets made with wholesome ingredients including agave nectar and spelt. Who knew biting into red velvet cupcakes or double chocolate crumb cake with dark chocolate sauce could be good for you?

^# 10

Baked 359 Van Brunt Street

Red Hook: Gourmet Lunchbox Desserts

The duo behind Baked draw inspiration from their favorite childhood treats, adding quality ingredients and interesting mixes of flavors. Star players on the menu include peanut butter and jam bars, seasonally flavored whoopee pies, and rich, fudgy brownies that are a favorite of Oprah.

Deal or no deal, our editors strongly recommend these businesses based on their reputation, popularity, and quality of service.