New Orleans Desserts That Go Beyond Beignets and Leave You Craving More

When most people think of New Orleans sweets, beignets are probably the first thing that comes to mind—and for good reason. These fluffy, powdered sugar-dusted delights are iconic to the Crescent City, offering a perfect sweet bite with a cup of café au lait. But while beignets are an essential part of the local dessert scene, they’re far from the only treat worth indulging in.

During my recent trip, I set out to explore more of what the city and its surroundings have to offer in terms of unique and delicious desserts. From creamy king cakes to colorful macarons, New Orleans is full of hidden gems that deserve your attention. And yes, some of these spots happen to be outside of New Orleans proper—so don’t come for me, Metairie is just a quick hop over the bridge and these treats are worth the detour!

Maurice French Pastries – Metairie, LA

Tucked away in Metairie, just a short drive from the city buzz, Maurice French Pastries feels like stepping into a Parisian patisserie—with a distinct New Orleans soul. While their famed Doberge cake draws plenty of attention (and rightfully so, with its silky layers and rich filling), what really brought me back was their stunning pastry case.

I’m talking flaky, perfect cannolis, buttery croissants, and—most importantly—a king cake unlike any other I’ve found in the city.

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This one’s filled with cream and layered with almond and fresh strawberry slices, creating a dreamy twist on the traditional Carnival treat. It’s part classic, part dessert innovation, and hands-down my favorite version of king cake to date. Maurice’s is the kind of place that makes you want to take your time, linger over something sweet, and maybe grab an extra pastry for the ride home.

Hansen’s Sno-Bliz – New Orleans, LA

Tucked away on Tchoupitoulas Street, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz is more than just a snowball stand—it’s a piece of New Orleans history. Opened in 1939 by Ernest and Mary Hansen, this family-run gem is believed to be the oldest snowball stand in the United States still using the original electric ice-shaving machine that Ernest invented in 1934. That machine, which earned a U.S. patent in 1950, produces the finely shaved ice that makes New Orleans snowballs so special.

The wait here can be long—Hansen’s moves at its own pace, and lines often stretch out the door. But there’s something beautiful about that. It’s a chance to slow down, chat with locals, and savor the anticipation of a truly unique treat. Once you get your snowball, the payoff is undeniable: light, fluffy ice drenched in homemade syrups like wedding cake, nectar cream, and lavender honey. Each bite is a refreshing, nostalgic experience that transports you straight into the heart of New Orleans’ culinary tradition.​

If you love snowballs and appreciate a touch of history with your dessert, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz is a must-visit. Just be prepared to wait—but trust me, it’s worth it.

Brennan’s – New Orleans, LA

At Brennan’s, they take a beloved New Orleans classic—bread pudding—and give it a deliciously unique twist by using Krispy Kreme doughnuts instead of the traditional bread. This decadent dessert combines the sweetness of the famous glazed doughnuts with the rich, custardy texture of bread pudding, making for a fusion that’s nothing short of indulgent. While bread pudding is a well-loved dessert with deep roots in New Orleans, this version adds a modern spin that’s definitely worth trying.

We took ours to go, and while it was still good, I have to admit it’s probably best enjoyed fresh at the restaurant, especially when paired with a scoop of ice cream. The warm, gooey dessert definitely lost a bit of its luster after the ride, but even so, it’s still a treat that showcases just how creative the culinary scene in New Orleans can be.

Antoine’s Bakery – Gretna & Metairie, LA

A cozy, no-frills spot originally tucked away on the West Bank in Gretna, Antoine’s Bakery delivers big on flavor and local charm. While most people know it for its Carnival-season king cakes—rich, doughy rings often hailed among the city’s best—the magic here goes well beyond Mardi Gras. Their fresh-baked eclairs, petit fours, and old-school Italian cookies keep locals coming back year-round. And if you can’t make it to Gretna, good news: they’ve opened a second location in Metairie, making it easier than ever to get your pastry fix.

But what really stopped me in my tracks were the glazed beignets. A lot of people don’t even know Antoine’s makes them, and honestly, that’s part of the appeal—they’re one of New Orleans’ best-kept dessert secrets. These aren’t your typical powdered-sugar pillows; they’re glossy, golden, and dripping with glaze. The first few bites are warm, pillowy perfection, but by bite five, you’ll be deep in a sugar spiral—in the best possible way. Whether it’s dessert or breakfast (or both), these glazed beignets are an indulgent experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

The Gumbo Shop – New Orleans, LA

The Gumbo Shop is a New Orleans institution, offering a classic taste of the city’s most famous dish—gumbo. With a history stretching back to 1975, this casual spot delivers both tradition and flavor in every bowl. But what really stood out to me wasn’t just their rich, savory gumbo (which is, of course, fantastic), but their bread pudding.

This isn’t your average bread pudding—this one’s a showstopper. The flavors are perfectly balanced, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla mingling with a deep, caramelized richness. It’s topped with a luscious bourbon sauce that adds a nice, warm kick to every bite. By the time I reached this dessert at the end of my trip, my waistband was definitely getting tight, but there was no way I could throw in the towel. It was irresistible, and I found myself savoring every spoonful, even though I could barely breathe at that point. This bread pudding is definitely worth making room for.

Creole Creamery – New Orleans, LA

A retro ice cream parlor that feels like a step back in time, Creole Creamery has been a New Orleans institution since 2004. Located in the historic McKenzie’s Bakery building on Prytania Street, the shop maintains a 1950s-inspired ambiance, complete with black-and-white checkered floors and red vinyl booths. Owners David Bergeron and Chef Bryan Gilmore envisioned a classic American-style ice cream parlor with a twist, and they’ve delivered just that. ​

Known for its inventive flavors like lavender honey and the signature Creole cream cheese, Creole Creamery offers a delightful blend of traditional and creative ice cream experiences. The Creole cream cheese flavor stands out with its tangy richness, pairing wonderfully with other offerings. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking a nostalgic yet innovative dessert outing.​

Luca Eats – New Orleans, LA

Luca Eats might be known for its sandwiches, but don’t be fooled—this spot knows how to end a meal on a sweet note. Their Nutella-stuffed beignets offer a fun twist on the classic, filled with creamy chocolate-hazelnut goodness. But the real surprise? The Oreo beignets.

Yes, they’re essentially deep-fried Oreos—just like the ones you’d get at a county fair—but I won’t judge them too harshly for that. In fact, they’re pretty darn good, and the crispy, gooey combination is hard to resist. While the savory menu is certainly worth a visit, make sure to leave room for these sweet treats—because when you’re here, dessert is definitely worth saving room for.

Haydel’s Bakery – New Orleans, LA

A true New Orleans institution, Haydel’s Bakery has been family-owned and operated since 1959—and when it comes to king cakes, they’re nothing short of legendary. During Carnival season, locals and out-of-towners alike line up (or ship in) these festive rings of cinnamon-swirled perfection, which come in a variety of fillings and are always topped with that signature tri-colored sugar sparkle.

Haydel’s doesn’t just make king cakes—they define what a king cake should be: rich, tender, and indulgent without being over-the-top. It’s a rite of passage for any dessert lover visiting New Orleans. And while their praline pound cake and mini pecan pies are also top-tier, make no mistake—king cake is the crown jewel here. If you only try one, make it from Haydel’s.

Sweet Handkraft – Metairie, LA

A rising star on the New Orleans dessert scene, Sweet Handkraft is where creativity and flavor collide in the most delightful ways. Known for its handcrafted, small-batch treats, this place brings bold Southern flair with a modern twist. Their macarons are not just delicate and delicious—they’re a colorful feast for the eyes, packed with inventive flavors. But the real showstopper? The macaron ice cream sandwiches, which marry the chewy, airy texture of the macaron with creamy, refreshing ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.

But that’s just the beginning. Sweet Handkraft also dabbles in Korean-inspired sweets, and I couldn’t resist trying one of their famous bubble cones. Soft and airy, these cones have a waffle-like texture, almost like a breakfast treat, but they’re stuffed with creative ice cream flavors that make each bite feel like a dessert adventure. Whether you’re craving something familiar or you’re in the mood to try something new, this is the place for anyone who appreciates innovation in their sweets.

Let’s face it: making room for extra calories beyond beignets can be a bit of a challenge, but trust me, it’s totally worth it when you discover the amazing desserts New Orleans has to offer. While the iconic beignet will always hold a special place in our hearts (and our stomachs), the city is full of other sweet treats just waiting to be savored.

From decadent king cakes to inventive ice cream concoctions, there’s no shortage of sugary delights to satisfy every craving. So, if you’re ready to work up an appetite for something beyond powdered sugar, let’s dive into the delicious desserts that make New Orleans—and beyond—truly a dessert lover’s paradise.

Pelican’s SnoBalls – Mandeville, LA

We braved the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway—that epic 24-mile stretch of water and sky—to reach Pelican’s SnoBalls in the quiet Northshore town of Mandeville. After white-knuckling it across one of the longest bridges in the world, we needed a reward, and Pelican’s delivered.

Founded as part of a larger Louisiana chain rooted in Baton Rouge, Pelican’s has become a beloved neighborhood staple known for doing sno-balls the right way: soft, cloud-like ice drenched in bold, nostalgic flavors. I went full tilt with a unicorn creation—cotton candy, bubblegum, and rainbow sprinkles—basically childhood in a cup.

We took our technicolor treats to a nearby park, where an alligator drifted through the bayou like a lazy local, and the sky turned gold over the water. Between the sugar rush and the sunset, it felt like we’d crossed the Causeway into a whole other world—one where summer never ends and dessert always comes first.