Best Dessert in New Orleans

"There are no shortcuts to quality” reads a sign on the cinderblock wall of the city’s most beloved shaver of ice and maker of syrups. Which means you are likely to wait for the pleasure of a creamy-textured snowball, made using a contraption developed in the 1930s by Ernest Hansen and based on sweeteners created by his wife, Mary. Flavors run from old-fashioned cream of nectar to trendy ginger-cayenne."

"Hansen’s was started in 1939 by Ernest Hansen, who engineered a loud, homemade machine that shaves the ice to a fineness that many argue is unmatched across the city. (Oh, and they will argue.) The shop is still run with considerable care and..."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Infrogmation of N... used under CC BY-SA 4.0. On a sweltering day in the heat of New Orleans, there is nothing better than a stop at Hansen’s Sno-Bliz for their famous flavored snowballs and shaved ice."

"It may be a cliche that cops love donuts, but that’s exactly what led to the creation of Blue Dot. Three NOPD officers combined their Chief Wiggum-sized passions for, yeah, coffee and donuts, and the result is a perfect little neighborhood joint stuffed with the classics and a few more creative options. If you want to get triple indulgent, snag the banana cream-filled with Nutella."

"But, what makes Blue Dot Donuts one of the places with the best donuts in New Orleans is the passion behind the counter. This hotspot was opened by three New Orleans police officers who simply love donuts. They offer nearly 50 different varieties at any given time, ranging from key limb crumb and wedding cake to pumpkin spice and sweet potato-filled donuts."

"Over in Mid-City, Blue Dot Donuts features a wide assortment of freshly made glazed, filled, cake, buttermilk and specialty doughnuts. The shop at 4301 Canal St. has earned four stars out of 181 reviews on Yelp. Look for raspberry doughnuts topped with powdered sugar, chocolate iced with coconut, Bavarian cream and an assortment of doughnut holes."

"Next up is the Garden District's Sucré, situated at 3025 Magazine St. With 4.5 stars out of 822 reviews on Yelp, the chocolatier and shop, which offers desserts, macarons and more, has proven to be a local favorite."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Infrogmation of N... used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Come to Sucré for their cupcakes, chocolates, gelatos and their tasty banana fosters."

"The team at Warehouse District food hall Auction House has an on-trend new cocktail menu for summer, offering a Kalimotxo that marries the traditional Basque punch and a Whiskey Sour; a Barcelona style G&T with gin, El Guapo tonic, thyme, clove, house tincture, and grapefruit; and the cloudy Pau Hana, made with rum, manzanilla sherry, lime, banana and pimento dram. The bright, plant-filled space makes for a nice setting to sip drinks, and there’s are new happy hour specials weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m."

"I actually went here twice because of its location, and it’s obviously got some delicious options. It was only a few minutes walk from our first hotel, Loews New Orleans, and also near the WWII Museum. The food hall is from the same team that’s behind the more well known St. Roch Market, and it has a number of different vendors."

"I've enjoyed everything from the Yum Woon Sen Noodles at Long Chim Thai Street Food to a Bibimbap Salad at Happy Jaxx to empanadas from Empanola Empanadas at Auction House Market ... all super delicious!"

"Bakers Dozen serves some of the best donuts in New Orleans, from the traditional classics to more creative creations such as a salty caramel pretzel donut. Everything here is bursting with flavour and some of the finest, most inventive ingredients around. Apple fritters and honeybuns are particularly delicious here, but you should definitely sample one of their seasonal specialty donuts while you’re at it, too."

"You have to get here early to get your fix, since they’re only open until 11 am (and closed Mondays and Tuesdays), but this straightforward spot is a favorite of local epicures and chefs for a reason. They make great basics, like the glazed twist, and do them brilliantly. But they also have a little more fun with themed specials, like during Carnival season when they make a mind-blowing donut king cake."

"Baker's Dozen in Jefferson has set itself apart with creatively themed doughnuts — munch on your favorite super hero for $1.50 — as well as delicious combinations like its sweet and salty caramel pretzel doughnut (pictured). All up, a nice neighborhood spot with lots of regulars."

"Even if you’re not planning a trip out to the Chalmette Battlefield for a morning of history, you’d do yourself a service by planning a stop on the way for a morning pick-me-up at Gerald’s, an old-school bakery that sells new school donuts. Their melt-in-your-mouth sweet dough is the perfect base for giant apple fritters, classic glazed donuts, cinnamon twists, and even more fanciful options like the ones that come covered in M&Ms."

"While home to some of the best burgers in Greater New Orleans, locals love heading to Gerald’s Donuts for a quality sugar rush any time of day. They’re open 24 hours, so you’re never too far from one of their sweet, sugary treats. They also once took fifth place in the New Orleans King Cake Contest."

"Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, (504) 252-9498; 6901 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, (504) 277-0030; www.geraldsdonuts.com. Gerald’s Dozen includes any 12 ring doughnuts plus doughnut holes."

"About Pralines: New Orleans isn’t known for many sweets, but we love Pralines (praw-leens). These pecan-filled caramels are melted down and worked over until they almost look like chocolates. They are a refreshing twisting on the standard chocolate pecans found elsewhere in the United States."

"Southern Candymakers specializes in a praline with a less gritty feel (a common peril, given just how much sugar is packed into the candy) and a sweet potato variation that's just killer."

"The French Market is a bustling, open-air shopping center that can hold up over 220 vendors on a given day. You can shop for paintings, clothing and specialty items while enjoying the famous New Orleans street music and smells of fresh gumbo and jambalaya. The market has a ton of history, having existed on the same piece of land for more than 200 years."

"Address: 700-1010 Decatur StreetNew Orleans, LA 70130Phone: (504) 636-6400Website. French Market is a popular open-air market and food hall in New Orleans. The space has permanent food stalls serving local étouffée, char-broiled oysters, crawfish, and more."

"A beacon of locally made art and jewelry on Frenchmen Street since 2013, this evening market is open nightly from 7 pm to midnight or 1, depending on crowds. Right next door to the Spotted Cat and in the heart of the Frenchmen Street nuttiness, this brightly lit marketplace boasts a revolving roster of serious artists creating everything from sculptures made from flatware to Impressionist style streetcar scenes and inventive offbeat t-shirt designs. This is where locals in the know buy their gifts and art for the wall and wearing."

"Featuring handmade goods and artwork made entirely by local artists. Browse art, find gifts and meet local artisans. Take a break from the clubs to hangout in one of the outdoor living rooms and take in the ambience of the market and the fun of Frenchmen Street!"

"A favorite with the locals, Surrey's Café & Juice Bar is a casual eatery that serves fresh-squeezed juices, organic, and specialty coffees and freshly baked pastries as well as light and healthy fare for breakfast and lunch. Boasting two locations – one in the lower Garden shopping district on Magazine Street and one on Napoleon Avenue in Uptown – Surrey's Café & Juice Bar’s menu has favorites such as huevos rancheros with eggs, black beans, tortillas, and plenty of chilies smothered in a richly flavored mole sauce and the signature muffuletta, which is packed with cheese, salami, ham, and olive salad. The family-friendly cafés are decorated with plush plants, whimsical artwork, and regional music, and they are open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week."

"1418 Magazine St., (504) 524-3828; 4807 Magazine St., (504) 895-5757; www.surreysnola.com. Sauteed Louisiana shrimp in New Orleans-style barbecue sauce are served with bacon and green onions over grits with French bread croutons."

"Since its launch in Baton Rouge, Raising Cane’s has grown a household name, and the sauce is the thing of legends. Now, Nation’s Restaurant News named the chicken finger masters the fastest-growing chain in the nation for 2017. Check them out at any of their numerous locations across the city."

"Located in New Orleans, we serve only the highest quality chicken finger meals. It's our ONE LOVE. Our crew makes it happen, our culture makes it unique, and the community makes it all worthwhile."

"A Caniac combo includes six fried chicken tenders, tangy Cane’s sauce, french fries, Texas toast, coleslaw and a large drink."

"UptownWhat you’re getting: The Mini MooFeeling a little bit peckish for some cheesy comestibles?. You can’t do much better than St. James when it comes to cheese shops in NOLA. And if you have a finski in your pocket, you can get its Mini Moo, a cute little grilled number on wheat filled with melty Hook’s cheddar and served with fruit and chips."

"Cheese lovers rejoice, because St. James Cheese Company is the perfect place to indulge in a gooey grilled cheese, delicious salad, and a glass of wine or beer. I love their pimento cheese!. They also stock gourmet groceries, making this the perfect place to pick up afternoon snacks or picnic supplies."

"A local favorite in New Orleans, St. James Cheese Company has an extensive, high-end array of fromage. Visit St. James at either their uptown or Warehouse District venues for a few artisanal goods—and grab a sandwich to go while you’re there."