When the craving for something sweet strikes, few confections can rival the delightful cream puff. This airy pastry, filled with luscious cream and often adorned with a dusting of powdered sugar, is akin to a cloud gently floating in the sky, bringing a moment of bliss to those who indulge in its ephemeral sweetness. In the vibrant tapestry of New York City’s culinary landscape, cream puffs take center stage in a variety of neighborhoods, each with its distinctive flair and unique charm. Below, explore ten exceptional cream puff purveyors across the city, complete with their addresses, contact information, and websites.
1. Patisserie Chanson
Location: 385 S 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Contact: (718) 486-9400
Website: patisseriechanson.com
In the heart of Williamsburg, Patisserie Chanson enchants with French-inspired pastries. Their cream puffs ooze with velvety vanilla custard and are encased in a crisp choux pastry, reminiscent of a Parisian little piece of heaven. Each bite transports you to the charming streets of France, blending tradition with a hint of avant-garde creativity.
2. La Patisserie
Location: 232 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016
Contact: (212) 779-8030
Website: lapatisserienyc.com
Nestled in the Kips Bay neighborhood, La Patisserie is a bastion of artisanal elegance. Their cream puffs feature a light, airy shell filled with decadent mascarpone cream accented by seasonal flavors. It’s a delightful journey that marries the old-world craftsmanship with the vibrant pulse of modern NYC.
3. Beard Papa’s
Location: 58 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
Contact: (212) 695-4000
Website: beardpapas.com
With its distinctive yellow boxes and playful vibe, Beard Papa’s offers a fun twist on the traditional cream puff. Located in the bustling Koreatown, their puffs are filled with a range of flavors from classic vanilla to exotic green tea. It’s a whimsical oasis where nostalgia meets the novel, making each bite a little adventure.
4. Little Cupcake Bakeshop
Location: 30 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 620-2240
Website: littlecupcakebakeshop.com
A gem in Nolita, Little Cupcake Bakeshop may be known for its cupcakes, but their cream puffs are a closely guarded secret that deserve the spotlight. Light and fluffy, these treats are filled with rich whipped cream and are frequently topped with seasonal fruit. Each cream puff embodies the whimsical spirit of this neighborhood’s artistic soul.
5. Cafe Patoro
Location: 221 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 964-1900
Website: cafepatoro.com
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Cafe Patoro is an establishment that seamlessly blends Eastern and Western influences. Their unique take on the cream puff showcases flavors like matcha and black sesame, transforming the classic into an ode to cultural fusion. A stop here is like diving into a contemporary art piece—vibrant, bold, and undeniably delicious.
6. Milk Bar
Location: 251 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (646) crew from 1 and 2:00-4:00 and 8:00-9:00 and 5:00 on Wednesdays
Website: milkbarstore.com
Milk Bar, helmed by the inventive Christina Tosi, takes the cream puff and elevates it to a new dimension. The ‘Cereal Milk’ cream puff is a whimsical delight that plays on childhood flavors, inviting nostalgia while producing a sensory experience rooted in modernity. Each bite is a playful reminder of summers spent in carefree kitchens.
7. Ippudo
Location: 321 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022
Contact: (212) 388-0088
Website: ippudony.com
Known primarily for its ramen, Ippudo’s dessert offerings, particularly their cream puffs, become the unexpected stars of the menu. The Japanese pastry chefs infuse rich custard with subtle yuzu notes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that beckons curiosity. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an exploration of taste that surprises and delights.
8. Magnolia Bakery
Location: 401 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 462-2572
Website: magnoliabakery.com
With a classic charm, Magnolia Bakery is synonymous with nostalgia. Their cream puffs are punctuated by rich chocolate ganache and complemented by a soft and squishy filling. Each puff is a whisper of past traditions while inviting patrons to savor the sweetness of the present.
9. Dominique Ansel Bakery
Location: 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (646) 369-0074
Website: dominiqueansel.com
A pioneer of the innovation pastry movement, Dominique Ansel tempts palates with his unique spin on cream puffs. Their signature flavors, including the Crème Brûlée, symbolize the perfect marriage of tradition with modern culinary artistry. Each bite is an invitation to marvel at the possibilities of pastry making.
10. Doughnut Plant
Location: 379 Grand St, New York, NY 10002
Contact: (212) 505-3700
Website: doughnutplant.com
At Doughnut Plant, the exhilarating flavors of cream puffs meld seamlessly with their renowned doughnuts. The cream-filled confections are a mix of textures and tastes that defy conventional dessert norms. A visit here is like stepping into a candy wonderland where creativity and flavor reign supreme.
New York City is a mosaic of cultures and flavors, each neighborhood contributing to the rich array of cream puffs that await discovery. Each establishment offers not just a dessert but an experience, transporting you across landscapes and memories with every flavorful bite. So the next time you seek sweetness, venture to one of these delightful havens and relish the cloud-like sensations of a cream puff.
