11 Top-Tier Chocolate Cakes in New York City (Ranked)

Magnolia Bakery became famous for cupcakes after that Sex and the City moment, but their chocolate cake deserves just as much attention. It’s a classic American-style layer cake with thick, glossy frosting that somehow manages to be rich without being too sweet. They have multiple locations around the city so you’re never too far from a slice.

Magnolia Bakery is a New York City staple made famous by Sex and the City. They’re best known for their delicious cupcakes and banana pudding. So, it probably comes as no surprise that a bakery specializing in cupcakes would churn out some of the best chocolate cake NYC has to offer.

The chocolate buttercream they use at Magnolia’s is out of this world. The smooth, silky texture paired with the richness of the cake is a match made in heaven. The cake is perfectly moist and not too sweet, making every bite enjoyable (and easy to go for seconds). Luckily, with so many locations sprinkled around the city, you won’t struggle to get your hands one of the best slices of chocolate cake in NYC!

Ovenly in Greenpoint and Cobble Hill does this intensely dark, almost bittersweet Brooklyn Blackout Cake that absolutely floored me the first time I tried it. Three layers of devil’s food cake with chocolate pudding in between, covered in chocolate cake crumbs. It’s not for the faint of heart and that’s exactly why I love it.

Ask any New Yorker their favorite place for chocolate cake in New York City, and the honest ones will mention Ovenly without hesitation. Ovenly’s version of the iconic Brooklyn Blackout has been attracting folks from all corners of New York State for years now.

Defined by an impossibly deep black color, this cake is no joke. In fact, if you have a friend who constantly complains about the lack of chocolate flavor in a chocolate cake while simultaneously taking shots of chocolate syrup from the fridge, this cake will stop them in their tracks.

Maison Pickle is a beloved restaurant on the Upper West Side where you can expect enormous servings, beautiful presentation, and an energetic vibe. Their 24-layer cake is no exception and just so happens to be one of the best chocolate cakes in New York City.

The cake is exactly what it sounds like, 24 layers of perfectly moist cake that require an entire high school football team to finish. There are two ways to enjoy your mountain of sugar, either chocolate or vanilla confetti cake, but let’s be honest…chocolate is the only way.

The large portion ensures leftovers for the next day (and the day after, for that matter). So not only is this one of the best slices of chocolate cake in NYC, but a single serving will do you good for multiple days, who doesn’t love that?

Locals tip If fear of judgment is going to stop you from ordering one of the best chocolate cake slices in New York City, opt to take your order to-go. Some days you just need all 24 layers to get you through it!

Veniero’s Pasticceria has been around since 1894, (yes, you read that correctly). They truly don’t make bakeries like they used to! This old-school Italian bakery is family-owned and operated over 120 years later. What originally started as a pool hall serving espresso and candy eventually shifted from billiards to baked goods (lucky us!).

Using fresh ingredients, this East Village bakery is responsible for some of the best chocolate cakes in NYC. Offering a variety of options, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a bakery with more chocolate cake flavors than Veniero’s. My personal favorite is the dark chocolate layer cake, while my husband refuses to leave without getting his hands on the chocolate banana strawberry shortcake.

Another crowd favorite we order from time to time is the chocolate fudge mousse cake when we want something rich. Regardless of what beautiful creation you choose to order, one thing is for certain, you’ll be leaving the shop holding one of the best slices of chocolate cake in New York City.

Little Cupcake Bakeshop (LCB) has had rapid growth since it first opened its doors back in 2005. Their claim to fame was the creation of the best cupcakes in America, which is why they’ve made our list of the best chocolate cakes in NYC. With sweet treats this addicting, it’s no wonder celebrities will brave the public eye for a bite.

If you’re a lover of all things dark and rich, their take on the Brooklyn blackout is impossible not to love. But if you like your chocolate. Another reason it’s easy to love Little Cupcake Bakeshop is that the innovation never ends here. Constantly churning out seasonal flavors and new concoctions, you’ll never get bored swinging by for a treat.

Locals tip Little Cupcake Bakeshop is located across the street from Prince Street Pizza, a famous pizzeria in the city. Make sure to grab a slice before finishing off with one of the best slices of chocolate cake in NYC from LCB!

Tiny but mighty is the name of the game for this delicious bakery in the Upper West Side. Epices opened in 2021 during the pandemic, but I believe their baked goods will make them a mainstay in the neighborhood.

It’s clear that the pastry chef has mastered French baking techniques because the treats they churn out here leave a lasting impression. Whenever I’m craving something sweet and chocolatey, I make my way to Épices Bakery and order myself the chocolate dome. The pocket-sized chocolate cake is satisfying and some of the best in NYC.

The spongey cake is layered with a hazelnut mousse covered in a ganache, offering the perfect serving size for a party of one! What stands out is the airiness of the mousse helps break up the intense chocolate flavor. The flavors work together in unison, creating one of the best chocolate cakes in New York City.

Walk into Amy’s Bread on any weekend morning, and you’ll find yourself lost in a sea of locals eager to get their hands on a baked good from this beloved neighborhood bakery. You’re also bound to find a few cheery folks walking out with boxes of some of the best chocolate cake in New York City.

The chocolate cake at Amy’s Bread really sets itself apart from the competition. It’s rich, moist, and perfectly airy, topped with a “chocolate silk.” My go-to location is in Chelsea Market. I grab a slice to go and set my sights on the neighboring park, Little Island, and enjoy one of the top slices of chocolate cake in NYC with epic views.

Mia’s Brooklyn Bakery is the kind of spot that will stop you dead in your tracks. The whiffs of baked goods and. The only bad thing I have to say about this bakery is that it is impossible to only order one thing! Especially if you’re looking for the best chocolate cake in New York City, Mia’s has options.

Chocolate fudge? Blackout? Tiramisu? Mia’s has you covered! I’m a sucker for the classic chocolate fudge cake slice, but you really can’t go wrong ordering anything behind the case. The best part? There are two locations in the city. One is in Brooklyn, and one is in Manhattan, near Rockefeller Center. You won’t have to make the trek out to Brooklyn every time to get your hands on some of the best chocolate cakes in NYC.

The cakes from Ladybird Bakery check all the boxes. They’re moist, flavorful, airy, and memorable. Plus, there’s a great selection of classic flavors to choose from. Unlike a lot of bakeries in NYC, Ladybird Bakery is more interested in baking fresh and flavorful baked goods than becoming an Instagram sensation.

You won’t find over-the-top flavors, colors, or decorations, but you will find one of the best chocolate cakes in New York City. The kind of cake that you crave often, and you won’t be able to forget about until you have another slice.

Ordering the Brooklyn Blackout (rich chocolate-forward cake) is non-negotiable. It’s a great cake to order for parties and celebrations that will have your guests blowing up your phone asking where the heck you got a cake so good from!