Great Dessert Locations in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Cakes are baked with love at Baked by Susan.

Baked by Susan — Croton-on-Hudson

Pastry chefs tend to be as sweet as the products they serve, and Susan is living proof. The chef/owner at this sweet shop is behind the counter, covered in flour most days of the week, and always more than happy to help her customers. With a string of "Best of Westchester" awards to her credit, Susan's delectable sweets include options like blueberry pies and her mother's famous brownies. A recently opened  Croton-on-Hudson shop offers seating both inside and out.

Sugar Hi — Armonk

This sweets destination has done away with its waffles and "freak shakes," but visitors don't seem to miss them. With an assortment of colorful, playful, creative concoctions, there are tons of treats to choose from, including a doughnut-shaped, sprinkle-covered rice crispy treat. For the cookie dough fanatics, Sugar Hi serves it up in sliceable bar form in cravable flavors like birthday cake. Consider one of its over-the-top custom cakes for your next milestone celebration.

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Small Cakes' cupcakes are served in to-die-for flavors.

Small Cakes — Scarsdale

These are some seriously yummy cupcakes. Beautifully decorated, to-die-for flavors served by an equally sweet staff make this gem in Scarsdale a must-try. For Hostess cupcake lovers, try the chocolate buttercream, a much more sophisticated version of the childhood favorite, or the fresh Lemon Drop, another signature flavor with cream filling. Mmmmm.

Enjoy a liquid delight from Bona Bona.

Bona Bona — Port Chester

Chef and owner Nick Di Bona graced the screen on Food Network’s Chopped and wowed the judges with his ice cream. There is a very legitimate reason to visit his shop in Port Chester. With killer ice cream sandwich creations like the B-Dough (brownie AND cookie dough), the Italian Campfire Milkshake and wait for it…boozed up ice cream shakes to choose from, this spot really hits the spot for one and all. Check out hosting a birthday party for kids or a happy hour party for adults.

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Treats from Jean Jacques are worth waiting in line for. Photo by the author

Jean Jacques — Pleasantville

This is a reliable spot to get classically fancy French desserts by a classically trained culinary staff. The highlight of its pastry section is its signature mini pastries, smaller versions of its bigger cakes. Instead of choosing one large cake, get a variety of small ones for a tasting delight, instead. Anything with chocolate mousse in the description is perfection and highly recommended. It’s a French place, afte rall. Plenty of seating indoor and outdoor. 

Mount Kisco Diner — Mount Kisco

You’re going to want to snap a few shots of their epic shakes, pancakes, and other sweet-topped treats before you dive in and fill up on these colorful eats. Some of the best sweet creations in Westchester are hiding in this long-standing diner. Pancakes are a traditional breakfast choice; ones topped with fruity pebbles might not be as familiar. All their milkshakes are exceptionally over-the-top in the yummiest way and can be shared by the whole family. Happy bellies all around.

Glazed Over Donuts — Beacon

Grab a clipboard and pen and get ready to create your own delectable doughnut; what a fun process for the kids to be a part of. Choose from several options for glaze, topping, and drizzle,  and in minutes your own creation is served hot and ready to devour. Reasonably sized and priced, two per person is certainly not greedy, plus there’s so many options it might take two tries to get it right. Kids are guaranteed to have sticky hands, face and hair, so bring some wipes. Reminder to take some home to share.

Homestyle Desserts Bakery — Peekskill

Three words: Cannoli Chip Dip. This indulgence is a must-try and must-share at your next party and one of the bakery’s prized products. With more than 30 years in business there is a comfort in buying from the best. Wedding cakes and other custom cakes are stunning and delicious. Check out its seasonal cookie decorating kits, too.

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Treats from Emy Delights just ooze goodness.

Emy Delights — Hyde Park

For the vegan, gluten-free or those with allergies, Emy Delights in Hyde Park has all the standard bakery goodies and more. Check out the “large cookies” and cakes, local favorites.

Kids will be in a for a treat at Amanda’s Macaron Shoppe. Photo by the author

Amanda’s Macaron Shoppe — Arlington/ Poughkeepsie-Eastdale Village

It’s not hard to see why Amanda’s Macaron Shoppe has two locations in Dutchess County. With plenty of traditional and out-of-the-box flavors to choose from, it’s easy to fill up a box. As if classic macarons weren’t special enough, the shoppe also serves big macs (a larger version available in additional flavors), and the very impressive “Macarownie” (swoon). Order a glow box to give as a memorable gift. That's right, the bottom of the box of cookies is lit up.

Verdigris Tea and Chocolate — Hudson

It's rare to find a cafe quite like Verdigris Tea and Chocolate, the finest place to get a liquid treat, incliuding White Hot Chocolate or Cocoa Chai. Something cold? Gotta be the Lavender Lemonade. There is so much to choose from on their extensive list, from pots of tea to their inventive menu items. But that’s not all: The house pastry chef makes a stunning layer cake and chocolate hazelnut torte that almost look too perfect to eat.

Enjoy a sweet treat from Sweet Maresa's.

Sweet Maresa's — Kingston            

With ethically sourced ingredients, Sweet Maresa's offers her mouthwatering products tastefully wrapped and available for shipping or for local delivery. Don’t skip the pistachio cookie or the gooey goodness of her s'mores cookies, real taste bud pleasers. There’s plenty of fun items to pick up in the gift section of their store, too.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the bakeries/shops