Best Desserts Harlem NYC

Harlem New York has a plethora of excellent restaurants. However, in addition to amazing soul food, Caribbean, Italian, as well as a few Chinese and Mexican, you’ll find some of world class desserts. For those of you who have a sweet tooth like me, here is a list of some of the best desserts in Harlem NYC.

Best Desserts in Harlem NYC

Best Desserts Harlem NYC — *Trudy’s Ice cream Shop; Photo by Kathy Leonardo*; *All Photos courtesy of ETG*

Trudy’s Homemade Ice Cream

In Morningside Heights (the westside of Harlem) you’ll find Trudy’s Homemade Ice Cream. I walked in and met owner Steve Hlay, whose father bought the ice cream truck business from his former boss back in the 1950s.

After purchasing the business, Steve’s father and his wife pursued their own vision of making fresh homemade deliciousness. Their ice cream truck traveled from county fair to state fair across the eastern seaboard. They grew the business while raising their family. They created signature flavors such as strawberry, peanut butter and maple walnut. Now Trudy’s has expanded to twelve flavors.

Steve takes pride in the fact that he was able to open a brick and mortar shop for Trudy’s while his dad was still alive. It is obvious that he likes to meet new people. He also loves talking to Trudy’s loyal consistent customers.

While I was there, Steve was making lavender ice cream. See ETG’s instagram for a video that we made. He offered me a taste. It was subtle yet so scrumptious. Of course I also devoured an entire cup of cookies and cream (with Tate’s chocolate chip cookies). Be sure to pop in for a cup or a cone! Trudy’s Ice Cream, 975 Columbus Ave., NYC, 10025; https://trudysicecream.com

Hungarian Pastry Shop

Also in Harlem, the Hungarian Pastry Shop has been serving up sweet delicacies since 1961. Situated across from the stunning John the Divine Cathedral, the pastry spot has been a prominent fixture in the Morningside Heights neighborhood for 60+ years. The cafe celebrates authors of over 50 books on their author wall.

Enjoy danish, pastries strudel cake, cookies as well as coffee, tea, and more. Hungary Pastry Shop, 1030 Amsterdam Ave., NYC, 10025; https://www.hungarianpastryshop.com

The Monkey cup

Finally, if you are looking for a fun ambience, tasty croissants, strudels, muffins and other sweet treats in addition to latte art, the Monkey Cup is the place for you.

Owners Laura and Alfredo from Venezuela came to the U.S. seeking a better life. They opened the unusual jungle-themed coffeehouse in 2017. I wrote an article about the couple’s journey. CLICK HERE for additional info about the charming cafe and its story. The Monkey Cup, 1965 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, (118th street), NY 10026; https://www.themonkeycup.com

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