Published: April 1, 2010

Easter is just around the corner and every confectionary company out there has something special for your sweet tooth. From chocolate bunnies and dinosaur eggs, to marshmallow animal pals and egg-shaped jelly beans, there’s no doubt that you can satisfy your sugary cravings (even if you only venture to Duane Reade).

Long gone are the days where we would spend Easter Sunday searching desperately for yummy treats. But just because we are adults doesn’t mean that we still can’t use Easter as an excuse to treat ourselves to some mouthwatering desserts (especially those of us ambitious Lent participants who haven’t had sweets in over a month). So to indulge your sweet tooth, check out these alternative but highly praised places that are serving up sweets in a delectable way.

ChikaLicious Dessert Bar
203 East 10th Street
Price: $6-$14 ($14 Prix Fixé)
Phone: (212) 995-9511
Hours: Thurs.–Sun. 3 p.m. – 10:45 p.m., closed Mon.–Wed.
Getting There: L train to the 3rd Ave/14th St. stop

This hidden gem is a foodie’s fantasy come to life. Serving up gourmet desserts with an Asian twist, this tiny heaven on Earth has been known to satisfy the most sophisticated palates. If you’re up for an adventure, try their ever-changing menu which includes desserts like a warm chocolate tart with pink peppercorn ice cream and red wine sauce or the clementine sorbet with yogurt panna cotta and Cointreau Agar Agar gelée. They even have a three course prix fixé menu for $14 (that can be paired with wine for an extra $7). Impress a date or revel in the culinary eccentricities of New York City at this boutique artisan find.

Spot Dessert Bar
13 Saint Mark’s Place
Price: $1.50-$8
Phone: (212) 677-5670
Hours: Sun.- Wed. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Thurs. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Getting There: 6 train to Astor Place stop, R or W train to Eighth Street stop.

This new dessert haven has plenty of sweets to satisfy your cravings. They have a great selection of dessert “tapas,” or mini plates to share. Some of their best dishes include the soft cheesecake with walnuts, orange and blueberries, the Ovaltine and Kobacha Roll, super sweet with rice krispies and condensed milk, and the Yuzu Eskimo, with Oreo, strawberries and raspberry foam. Check out their selection of cupcakes, cookies and ice cream, or have a healthy and fun bubble tea (with tapioca jellies) at the drink bar.

Ferrara Café
195 Grand Street (between Mulberry & Mott Streets)
Price: $3-$7
Phone: (212) 226-6150
Hours: Sun.-Fri. 8 a.m. – Midnight, Sat. 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Getting There: J, M, N, R, Q or 6 train to Canal Street station, B or D train to Grand Street station.

Simply the best Italian bakery in New York City, this Little Italy landmark is known for its delicious cannolis, napoleon cakes, fruit tortes and “lobster tails,” a type of delicious flaky pastry with creamy, sweet ricotta cheese inside. For a special taste of the Easter season, try the casatella, a classic egg bread braided around real eggs or the Panettone, a sweet bread studded with candied raisins and flavored with fruits and spices. For something more savory, bite into the Pizza Rustica, a delicious, rich whole milk and egg pie loaded with fine prosciutto ham and smoked mozzarella cheese, deemed the “Italian quiche.” Whatever you choose, this shop is a staple for all your Italian confectionary needs and is open year round for an authentic European treat any time.

Rice To Riches
37 Spring St (between Mott & Mulberry Streets)
Price: $5-$35
Phone: (212) 274-0008
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m. -11 p.m., Fri. -Sat. 11 a.m. – 1 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Getting There: 6 train to Spring St.-Lafayette St. stop, J or M train to Bowery stop, R or W train to Prince Street stop

This small yet outrageous place is known for its unique flavors of rice pudding, the sweet, feel-good treat you probably ate when you were a child. The Pinkberry of rice pudding, this place whips up heavenly flavors like rocky road, French toast, tiramisu, cheesecake, cappuccino and vanilla chip. They even let you add toppings like fresh fruit, cookie crumbs, coconut flakes and other treats. Take your special colorful plastic bowl and spoon home to reuse it as funky Tupperware when you need it!

Screme Gelato Bar
2030 Broadway (between 69th St & 70th St)
Price: $5-$7
Phone: (212)-362-2111
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 11 a.m. -12 a.m., Sat. 11 a.m.- 1 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Getting There: 1, 2 or 3 train to 72nd St. stop, B or D to 72nd St. station, or walk!

As authentic as it gets, this gelato bar is new to the Upper West Side and is serving patrons dishes of love and comfort with their frozen delights. Though it is a little pricey for just a small scoop, the intense flavors and density of the gelato will fill you up and satisfy your sweet tooth with just a few bites. Try their great, unique flavors like Ferrero Rocher, tiramisu, cookies and cream, pistachio and chocolate wafer. If the smell of the freshly made waffles doesn’t suck you in, the amazing, beautiful, and mouth watering presentations of the gelato sure will!

Veniero’s Pasticceria
342 East 11th Street (1st Avenue)
Price: $3-$15
Phone: (212) 674-7070
Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-12 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Getting There: L train to 1st Ave/14th St. stop, B or D to 2nd Avenue stop

This Italian pastry shop is known for its delectable delights including old-fashioned Italian cannolis that claim to be the best in town. Try something classic from the menu like a napoleon or a fruit tart or try an Easter specialty that is only made once a year. These include “egg drop” pignolatas in either chocolate or vanilla flavor (with lemon icing), grain pie, a specialty from Napoli made with a blend of wheat, ricotta cheese and diced fruit, with just a hint of orange, or you can indulge in an order of struffoli, a Sicilian treat of deep fried dough drenched in New York State honey and showered with non-pariel candy and bits of candied fruit. They are truly little drops of heaven!

Jacques Torres Chocolate Haven
350 Hudson Street at King Street (1 block South of Houston)
Price: $2-$22 per item
Phone: (212) 414-2462
Hours: Mon. – Sat. 9 .am. – 7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Getting There: 1 or 2 train to Houston Street stop.

A master of all things chocolate, Jacque Torres really knows how to make Easter treats delicious and fun! Try some special creations like the Robin’s Eggs; white chocolate painted eggs filled with peanut butter, the “Chirp ’n Dales” tuxedo Peeps; half dipped in dark chocolate with white chocolate bowties or the chocolate molded chickens. They even have chocolate covered matzos for Passover! Even better, there’s a Jacque Torres store right by Fordham (at 73rd St. and Amsterdam Ave.) so you can hop on over and grab some cute, fun, outrageously good chocolate just a few minutes away!

Economy Candy
108 Rivington Street
Price: $0.35-$20 per item
Phone: (800) 352-4544
Hours: Sun. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Getting There: F, J, M or Z train to Essex Street, Delancey stop

Definitely the coolest store in the city for a sugar fanatic, this familyowned business puts Willy Wonka to shame! With shelves full of candies from the past, present, overseas and everything in between, you’ll be able to find every type of candy you can think of. From candy necklaces, giant Pez dispensers, jelly beans and gummy bears to gourmet hand dipped chocolate and dried fruits, this place has got everything your heart will ever desire. Pick up some classic Easter candies like marshmallow Peeps, hollow chocolate bunnies, marshmallow Fluffy Cotton Tails or foiled chocolate eggs. Pay by the item or buy in bulk and leave your room mates hidden surprises on Easter morning!