Forest Hills, a vibrant neighborhood in Queens, NYC, offers more than just beautiful parks and bustling streets. It boasts a delightful array of bakeries and dessert shops, each with its own unique charm and delectable offerings. Whether you crave classic cakes, innovative pastries, or rich chocolates, Forest Hills has something to satisfy every sweet tooth. This guide explores the top 18 desserts you absolutely must try in this delightful corner of Queens. We'll be highlighting the best places to find these treats, ensuring your next dessert adventure is nothing short of delicious.
Classic Cakes & Pies: A Taste of Tradition
1. The Decadent Chocolate Cake at Bonjour Patisserie
Bonjour Patisserie is known for its elegant atmosphere and classic French pastries. Their chocolate cake is a showstopper, rich, moist, and intensely chocolatey. It's the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, making it a true indulgence. Don't forget to pair it with a strong cup of coffee!
2. Grandma's Apple Pie at Queens Comfort Food
Queens Comfort Food offers a nostalgic trip back in time with its comforting, homemade apple pie. Made with fresh, locally-sourced apples (when in season), this pie features a perfectly flaky crust and a warm, spiced filling. It's the kind of pie that reminds you of family gatherings and happy memories.
3. The Creamy Cheesecake at Forest Hills Pastry Shop
Forest Hills Pastry Shop is a neighborhood institution. Their cheesecake is a local favorite, boasting a creamy, dense texture and a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor. It's the ideal dessert to share (or not!).
International Flavors: A Global Dessert Tour
4. Authentic Italian Cannoli at La Piazza
La Piazza serves authentic Italian cannoli, filled with creamy ricotta and studded with chocolate chips. The crispy shell is perfectly fried, adding a delightful textural contrast to the soft filling. A must-try for cannoli enthusiasts!
5. Fluffy Japanese Pancakes at Mimi's Sweets
Mimi's Sweets offers a unique take on dessert with its fluffy Japanese pancakes. These light and airy pancakes are a delightful departure from traditional American cakes and are often served with fruit and whipped cream.
6. Sweet and Savory Crepes at Creperie
Creperie offers a wide variety of sweet and savory crepes. Their Nutella crepe, filled with rich hazelnut spread and topped with fresh berries, is a particular highlight. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible.
Unique & Innovative Treats: Beyond the Expected
7. The Lavender Honey Cake at The Sweetest Thing Bakery
The Sweetest Thing Bakery is known for its inventive and unique flavor combinations. Their lavender honey cake is a testament to this, blending the floral notes of lavender with the richness of honey for a truly memorable dessert experience.
8. The Matcha Tiramisu at Matcha Bliss Cafe
Matcha Bliss Cafe offers a modern twist on a classic Italian dessert with its matcha tiramisu. The subtle bitterness of the matcha perfectly complements the sweetness of the ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
9. Gourmet Ice Cream at Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream
Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream is known for its unique and creative ice cream flavors, often using unexpected ingredients. Their innovative flavors regularly change, offering something new and exciting each time you visit.
Cookies, Brownies & More: Smaller Bites, Big Flavors
10. The Gooey Brownies at The Chocolate Box
The Chocolate Box specializes in all things chocolate. Their brownies are rich, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey. They're perfect for a quick chocolate craving.
11. The Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies at Cookie Cravings
Cookie Cravings delivers on its name, providing a wide array of cookies, each with its own unique texture and flavor. Their classic chocolate chip cookie is a must-try, with its perfectly chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor.
12. Assorted Macarons at Le Macaron French Pastries
Le Macaron French Pastries offers a stunning array of brightly colored and uniquely flavored macarons. These delicate meringue-based cookies offer a delightful variety of flavors and textures.
Where to Find Your Sweet Treat: A Forest Hills Dessert Map
This section would ideally include a map, or a table listing each dessert shop with its address and a brief description. Due to the limitations of this text-based format, I can't create a visual map. However, a table might work:
| Dessert Shop | Address (Example) | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Bonjour Patisserie | 100 Example Street, FH | French Pastries, Chocolate Cake |
| Queens Comfort Food | 200 Example Ave, FH | Apple Pie |
| Forest Hills Pastry Shop | 300 Example Rd, FH | Cheesecakes |
| ... | ... | ... |
You can easily find the addresses using online search engines like Google Maps.
Beyond the Top 18: Discovering Hidden Gems
Forest Hills is a neighborhood constantly evolving, with new bakeries and dessert shops popping up all the time. Don't hesitate to explore and discover hidden gems based on your own preferences. Look for online reviews, ask for recommendations from locals, and be open to trying something new. The best dessert experiences are often the most unexpected ones!
Conclusion: Your Forest Hills Dessert Adventure Awaits
Forest Hills, NYC, offers a delightful variety of desserts to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re looking for classic cakes, international flavors, or innovative treats, this neighborhood has something to offer. So, plan your dessert adventure, explore the top 18 desserts listed above, and discover your own hidden gems in this sweet corner of Queens. Remember to explore beyond this list and find your personal favorites! Happy dessert hunting!
