Best Holiday Desserts in Philly

Machine Shop Boulangerie

If you’re looking to surprise the chocolate lovers in your family or friend group, Machine Shop (located in the Bok Building) has you covered. Among its delectable offerings are a chocolate caramel pecan tart and an assortment of other chocolate treats, including double chocolate pain au chocolat, milk chocolate praline cake, and a twice-baked chocolate hazelnut croissant.

Second Daughter

Be the star of any party when you show up with a treat from Second Daughter. This Black-owned bakery offers a variety of desserts—think apple galettes, spiced pumpkin tarts, and bourbon-smoked apple butter bundt cakes—that are nothing short of extraordinary, both in flavor and presentation. Their website features the full menu, along with options to place orders.

Isgro Pastries

Arguably the most famous cannolis in Philadelphia, the Isgro family has perfected their recipe since the early 1900s, with only three people knowing the secret ingredients. Bring a few (or a dozen) to your next gathering and mix and match a variety of fillings, from traditional ricotta with chocolate chips to vanilla cream and chocolate cream.

Levain Bakery

This posh New York bakery made its Philadelphia debut earlier this year. Its limited-edition holiday cookie tin features decadent dark chocolate peppermint cookies, along with a sleeve of its signature cookies, which are sure to make you the talk of your next gathering.

Franklin Fountain

During the holiday season, Old City’s classic ice cream parlor offers a celebratory dessert that embodies winter. Its yule log ice cream cake is an iconic twist on the festive log-shaped treat and is available for pre-order. The cake features chocolate cake, crunchy layers, and ganache, with your choice of vanilla, chocolate, coffee, peppermint stick, or caramelized banana ice cream.

Lore’s Chocolates

Nothing says “holiday season” quite like nonpareils, and Lore’s Chocolates may have the best in the city. Go big or small with these tiny chocolate morsels coated in sugar beads, choosing between quarter-pound or half-pound bags, or a one-pound box.

Mueller Chocolate Co

A visit to this Reading Terminal stand will leave you in awe with its exquisite collection of chocolate creations. Its chocolate-covered pretzels come in several flavors, including dark chocolate, half-dipped in chocolate peanut butter, white chocolate, and a party box that includes an assortment.

Flying Monkey Bakery

From October to January, Reading Terminal’s Flying Monkey Bakery brings back one of its most iconic offerings: the pumpple cake. This unique dessert features a pie baked inside a cake and is made in two variations: a chocolate cake with pumpkin pie baked inside, and a vanilla cake with apple pie baked inside. Stop by to grab a few slices, or place an order on its website (just be sure to give at least 72 hours’ notice).

Darnel’s Cakes

The dessert menu at Darnel’s Cakes features a spin on bread pudding made with sweet potatoes and salted caramel. Check out its website to find out when they’ll be at the Lansdale Farmers Market or East Falls Farmers Market, so you can stop by their stand.

Éclat Chocolate

Master chocolatier Chris Curtin’s confections are celebrated as some of the finest chocolates in America. He joyfully dedicated time to mastering the trade in Belgium, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Japan before establishing himself in West Chester. His elegant truffles, crèmes, caramels, and bars are available online and in various shops, including Di Bruno Bros.

Stock’s Bakery

Expect a long (but well worth it) wait when you visit this Fishtown landmark and bakery. Serving the community for over a century, the vanilla and chocolate pound cakes are at the top of most customers’ minds, but its collection of cookies and other pastries are also a hit.

Haegele’s Bakery

The expansive menu at Haegele’s Bakery offers something to satisfy every palate in your family. Choose from a wide array of desserts, many made in the German tradition, including exceptional pies (like pumpkin, blueberry crumble, and Boston cream), apfelkuchen (fresh apple cake), butterkuchen (butter cake), and a selection of seasonal strudels (including poppyseed, apple, and cherry).

Zsa’s Ice Cream

A refreshing twist on classic holiday treats, an ice cream pie from Zsa’s Ice Cream is sure to be the star of any holiday dessert spread. Visit its website to place an order or stop by to try one of their offerings, such as the caramel apple or maple brown butter pecan pie.