Indulge in the Sweetest Treats at the Best Dessert Shops in New Orleans
New Orleans, a city renowned for its rich culture, vibrant music scene, and culinary delights, is also home to some of the most irresistible dessert shops. Whether you have a sweet tooth or enjoy the occasional indulgence, New Orleans offers a variety of dessert destinations that promise to satisfy your cravings. From traditional Southern sweets to innovative modern confections, here are some of the best dessert shops in the Big Easy.
Sucré
Location: 3025 Magazine Street / 217 Royal Street / 636 Royal Street / 4711 Freret Street
A staple in the New Orleans dessert scene, Sucré is known for its elegant pastries, artisanal chocolates, and beautifully crafted macarons. This upscale dessert boutique offers a visually stunning array of treats that taste as good as they look. Sucré is the perfect spot for a luxurious dessert experience, whether you’re enjoying a decadent slice of cake or a box of their signature macarons.
Creole Creamery
Location: 4924 Prytania Street / 2565 Metairie Rd. / 6260 Vicksburg St.
For ice cream lovers, Creole Creamery is a must-visit. This charming ice cream parlor offers an extensive menu of unique flavors that reflect the vibrant culture of New Orleans. From Creole cream cheese and king cake to lavender honey and coffee, there’s a flavor for everyone. Don’t miss their famous “Tchoupitoulas Challenge,” a mammoth sundae featuring eight scoops of ice cream and various toppings.
District Donuts. Sliders. Brew.
Location: 2209 Magazine St. / 5637 Magazine St. / 527 Harrison Ave. / 1126 S Clearview Pkwy.
District Donuts. Sliders. Brew. is a trendy spot known for its oversized, gourmet donuts. Each donut is a masterpiece, featuring creative flavors like maple sriracha, Vietnamese iced coffee, and raspberry pistachio. In addition to donuts, District also serves sliders and a variety of craft coffee drinks, making it an excellent place for a sweet treat and a casual meal.
Angelo Brocato
Location: 214 N Carrollton Avenue
Angelo Brocato, a New Orleans institution since 1905, is beloved for its traditional Italian desserts. This family-owned shop offers a taste of Old World charm, from cannoli and biscotti to gelato and spumoni. Their Sicilian cassata, a cake filled with ricotta and candied fruits, is a must-try for any dessert enthusiast.
Café du Monde
Location: 800 Decatur Street / 4700 Veterans Blvd. / 56 Dreyfous Dr.
No list of New Orleans dessert spots would be complete without mentioning Café du Monde. Famous for its beignets and café au lait, this historic café is a quintessential New Orleans experience. The beignets, generously dusted with powdered sugar, are best enjoyed fresh and hot, making for a perfect indulgence at any time.
Willa Jean
Location: 611 O’Keefe Avenue
Willa Jean offers a modern take on classic Southern desserts. This chic bakery and café is known for its mouthwatering cookies, pies, and puddings. Their chocolate chip cookie served with a glass of milk, is a comforting and nostalgic treat. Willa Jean also serves various savory dishes, making it an excellent spot for brunch or an afternoon snack.
Haydel’s Bakery
Location: 4037 Jefferson Highway
Haydel’s Bakery is synonymous with Mardi Gras in New Orleans, thanks to its famous king cakes. However, their offerings extend beyond this seasonal favorite. Haydel’s also produces delicious cakes, cookies, and pastries year-round. Their pralines, a traditional Southern candy made from sugar, cream, and pecans, stand out.
Gambino’s Bakery
Location: 4821 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Just a short drive into the suburb of Metairie, you will find one of the local’s favorite bakeries, Gambino’s. Open since 1949, Gambino’s is a family tradition for many. They are known for their decadent doberge cakes as well as their famous king cakes. For those looking to share these specials out of town, Gambino’s delivers nationwide.
Gracious Bakery
Location: 2854 St. Charles Avenue / 4930 Prytania St.
Gracious Bakery is a beloved local spot offering a variety of sweet and savory baked goods. Their almond croissants, lemon tarts, and chocolate eclairs are just a few delightful options. With several locations around the city, Gracious Bakery is a convenient stop for a quality dessert.
Hansen’s Sno-Bliz
Location: 4801 Tchoupitoulas St.
No list of New Orleans dessert shops would be complete without at least one snoball stand. Hansen’s Sno-Bliz has been open since 1939 and is still run by the Hansen family today. This New Orleans classic even won a James Beard award in the American Classics category in 2014. Besides the classic snoball flavors, Hanson’s also has specialty toppings like ice cream, crushed fruit and marshmallow fluff. Sadly, like most snoball stands, Hansen’s is only open for the spring and summer months. Be sure to check if they’re open before your visit.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the dessert shops in New Orleans offer an array of sweet treats that will delight your taste buds. From traditional favorites to innovative creations, these dessert destinations provide the perfect opportunity to indulge in the sweeter side of life. So, next time you’re in the mood for a delectable dessert, explore one of these fantastic shops and discover your new favorite treat in the Crescent City.
