Next-level cheesecake, served popsicle-style, is the must-have treat at The Dirty Cheesecake. Photo courtesy of The Dirty Cheesecake

Where Can You Find the Viral Desserts Everyone’s Talking About?

1. The Dirty Cheesecake – Smithtown

What is it: This unique dessert spot has made a name for itself with its cheesecake on a stick; creamy cheesecake dipped in chocolate and topped with goodies like Fruity Pebbles, Reese’s, or campfire-inspired flavors that make for irresistible photos and bites.
Why it's viral: This takes an old-school dessert and makes it a mobile treat on a stick.
Kid-friendly or not: If your kids–or let’s be real, you–have been scrolling through dessert pics and saying “I need that,” then The Dirty Cheesecake should be on your must-try list.
Skip if: Your kid has issues with cheesecake texture
Price range: $$

2. Sugar Crazy – Plainview

What is it: For the latest viral gummy and chocolate treats, Sugar Crazy is our go-to.
Why it's viral: Edible cookie doughs, TikTok jelly fruits, Mystery Crunchers, Swedish candies, and more line the walls of this super sweet spot. 
Insider tip: The shop also doubles as a candy and gift store (with Pop Mart merch). There is bright, playful decor, and it’s a fun place to just browse, too! Plus, the store offers camp candy hauls shipped right to summer camp cabins and Rice Krispies cakes to celebrate a recent graduate.
Skip if: Your kid can't choose just one thing.
Price range: Varies

3. The Rainbow Rolls – Center Moriches

What is it: The Rainbow Rolls creates ice cream tacos using hand-rolled ice cream made right before your eyes. Customize your "roll" with a variety of mix-ins and toppings.
Why it's viral: While you can also order the traditional cup of ice cream, it's more fun to eat it from a colorful taco shell. 
Insider tip: Vegan ice cream options are available.
Skip if: The creamy/crunchy texture is a no-go for your kiddo (or opt for a cup!)
Price range: $

4. Stew Leonard's – East Meadow & Farmingdale

What is it: An iconic scoop of classic vanilla soft serve that’s dipped into a vat of Stew Leonard’s own rich, melted Wisconsin-made butter.
Why it's viral: The moment that melted butter hits the ice cream, it hardens into a translucent shell, but not before it's topped with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Insider tip: The butter cone is a specialty item and isn’t included with the free soft serve or coffee earned through points.
Skip if: You'd rather use your points for a free cone/cup! 
Price range: $

5. Dolce Bella – Oceanside

What is it: This Oceanside spot offers crispy cannoli shells filled with creamy ricotta and a rotating lineup of (often kooky) flavors. ​Another must-try here is the more velvety-textured cannoli pudding.
Why it's viral: Flavors such as yodel, pistachio brownie, and rainbow cookie keep locals and TikTok fans coming back for more.
Insider tip: The shop’s flavors change weekly, so there’s always something new to try. Picking up a mix of minis is a fun way for picky eaters to each choose their favorite.
Skip if: You don't like cannoli shells (or opt for the pudding, gelato, or Italian ice)
Price range: Varies

Dessert drinks plus a drive-thru? Find it all at Coffee Barn. Photo courtesy of Coffee Barn

6. Coffee Barn – Merrick

What is it: This two-lane drive-thru coffee stop serves up creative specialty caffeinated and dessert drinks with all the convenience of a drive-thru.
Why it's viral: It partners with small businesses to top drinks, including mini loaves of banana bread, donuts, cinnabuns, and more. 
Insider tip: Perfect for those rushed school mornings or weekend errands, the Coffee Barn also sells staples such as milk, bread, eggs, and more. You can also park and snuggle up in a seasonal igloo.
Skip if: the line is backed up on Merrick Road.
Price range: $$

Handcrafted doughnuts are made daily at NoFoDoCo's multiple Long Island outposts. Photo by the author

7. NoFoDoCo – Mattituck, Bay Shore & Massapequa

What is it: NoFoDoCo (short for North Fork Doughnut Company) makes fresh, daily, handcrafted doughnuts that are as fun to photograph as they are to eat. These aren’t your average glazed treats–think classic favorites alongside weekly rotating creative/seasonal flavors that keep kids excited and adults tempted to try just one more.
Insider tip: Try to get there early, on a weekday, or create a special order ahead.
Why it's viral: The shop hops on viral and seasonal trends and posts about limited availability on social, creating demand that often leads to items selling out.
Skip if: You don't like donuts.
Price range: $$

Sweets Not Your Thing? Savory Goes Viral, Too!

8. Take it Cheesy – Hicksville

What is it: If you’re looking for comfort food that’s bold, fun, and totally craveable, Take It Cheesy in Hicksville deserves a spot on your treat radar.
Why it's viral: This local favorite is all about cheesy, flavor-packed eats: Think Hot Cheetos chopped cheese sandwiches, TIC Paratha burgers, loaded chips, and more inventive twists on traditional indulgent menu items.
Skip if: You have a lactose or dairy allergy.
Insider tip: This is primarily a pickup and delivery spot.
Price range: $$

9. Hometown Bake Shop – Centerport

What is it: If there's a foodie combo you can think of, Hometown Bake Shop is probably putting it in a pie. From chicken & waffles to mac & cheese pies, these decadent deep dish pies are a full meal in and of themselves.
Why it's viral: Pizza pies are the specialty, whether sweet or savory. You can order breakfast, lunch, or dinner here in various forms, plus other menu staples.
Insider tip: Don't skip the breakfast, Dutch babies or sweet pies, either; there's lots to choose from.
Price range: $$$

10. Sweet 'n' Savory Crepe & Rice Pudding Bar – Port Jefferson

What is it: From breakfast crepes full of eggs and bacon or berries and granola to dessert crepes plump with s'mores or Nutella, banana and broken Reese's cups, Sweet 'n' Savory hits the spot.
Why it's viral: These made-to-order meals and treats can be eaten handheld style or with a fork and knife. Plus, the rice pudding bar, featuring rotating flavors and toppings, is nostalgic and creamy, perfect for little ones and grown‑ups alike.
Insider tip: The colorful and quirky vibe inside makes for Insta-worthy photo backdrops. The walkable village has sweeping harborfront views just outside. 
Price range: $$

Our Price Ranges: $=Under $10; $$=$10-$15; and $$$=$20+