9 Boston Desserts That Could Rival North End Cannoli Legends
Boston’s North End is famous for its cannoli, with tourists lining up for blocks to taste these crispy, cream-filled treats. But there’s more to Boston’s sweet scene than just these Italian pastries.
Throughout the city, talented bakers create desserts that might just make you forget about those famous cannoli tubes. Here’s my personal tour of nine Boston desserts worth breaking your diet for.
1. Fluffy Ricotta Cheesecake at Bova’s Bakery
Walking into Bova’s at 3 AM for their ricotta cheesecake feels like discovering Boston’s best-kept secret. Unlike typical dense New York-style versions, this Italian-inspired delight is impossibly light and airy, with a subtle lemon zest that dances on your tongue.
Family-owned since 1932, Bova’s bakes these treats fresh throughout the day. The thin graham cracker crust provides just enough structure without stealing the spotlight from that cloud-like filling.
What makes this cheesecake special is how it transforms humble ricotta into something magical neither too sweet nor too heavy. I’ve seen locals buy whole cakes for special occasions, but a single slice is perfect for a midnight craving.
2. Tiramisu Torte at Modern Pastry
Hidden behind Modern Pastry’s famous cannoli counter sits their masterpiece: a tiramisu torte that could make an Italian grandmother weep with joy.
Each slice reveals perfect layers espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream that’s whipped to perfection, and cocoa dusting that tickles your nose before you take a bite. Modern’s take differs from standard tiramisu by incorporating a thin layer of chocolate ganache between the cream and ladyfingers. This small addition creates a textural contrast that elevates the entire dessert.
The family recipe remains closely guarded, though rumors suggest they import certain ingredients directly from Italy. Whatever their secret, this torte manages to be both authentic and innovative rich without being overwhelming.
3. Lobster Tail Pastry at Mike’s Pastry
If you’re brave enough to battle the perpetual line at Mike’s, skip the cannoli just once and grab their magnificent lobster tail pastry. Don’t worry no crustaceans were harmed in the making of this sweet treat! The name comes from its distinctive shape that resembles a lobster’s tail.
Crisp, flaky layers of pastry dough create a shell that shatters delightfully with each bite. Inside hides the real treasure: a rich, vanilla-scented custard cream that’s somehow both substantial and light as air.
Mike’s version is particularly generous nearly twice the size of others you’ll find around Boston. I’ve watched tourists’ eyes widen when handed these massive pastries, wrapped in the shop’s signature white box tied with blue string.
4. Boston Cream Pie at Caffè Vittoria
How could I write about Boston desserts without including the city’s namesake treat? Caffè Vittoria serves a Boston cream pie that honors the original 1856 Parker House creation while adding their own Italian flair.
Their version features three layers of butter-yellow sponge cake instead of the traditional two. Between each layer lies silky pastry cream infused with a hint of orange liqueur a subtle twist that brightens the classic flavor profile. The chocolate ganache topping achieves that perfect sweet spot: thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to melt immediately on your tongue.
Though Caffè Vittoria is better known for espresso and cannoli, locals know their Boston cream pie deserves equal fame. Enjoying a slice while sipping their excellent coffee makes for a quintessential Boston afternoon.
5. Brioche Bread Pudding at North End Pastry
Winter evenings in Boston call for North End Pastry’s brioche bread pudding comfort food elevated to art form. Using day-old brioche from their bakery ensures the perfect foundation: buttery, slightly sweet, and substantial enough to soak up their rich custard without disintegrating.
Each spoonful delivers contrasting textures crispy caramelized edges giving way to custardy centers studded with plump raisins soaked in rum. A drizzle of warm bourbon caramel sauce transforms this humble dessert into something extraordinary.
The owner once told me they bake small batches throughout the day to ensure freshness. This attention to detail explains why locals brave snowstorms for this treat. When served warm with a scoop of their housemade vanilla bean gelato melting alongside, it’s worth every calorie.
6. Maple Bacon Donuts at The Paramount Bakery
Bacon for dessert? The Paramount Bakery’s maple bacon donuts make a compelling case. These yeast-raised beauties arrive fresh from the fryer each morning, their golden exteriors giving just the right resistance before yielding to pillowy interiors.
A generous glaze of real maple syrup (sourced from western Massachusetts) creates a sweet foundation for the star topping: crispy bacon bits that add savory crunch and a hint of smokiness. This perfect balance of sweet, salty, soft, and crunchy creates an addictive combination.
Lines form early for these treats, which typically sell out before noon. I’ve witnessed heated debates among Bostonians about whether these should be considered breakfast or dessert. My take? They’re too good to be limited to a single category enjoy them whenever the craving strikes!
7. Chocolate Almond Torte at Pastiche Fine Desserts
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Pastiche Fine Desserts creates a flourless chocolate almond torte that might be Boston’s most decadent dessert. Dense yet somehow not heavy, each forkful delivers intense chocolate flavor with a complexity that reveals the pastry chef’s expertise.
Ground almonds replace flour, providing structure while adding nutty undertones that complement the dark chocolate. A whisper of espresso powder enhances the chocolate without announcing itself. The exterior forms a delicate crust that gives way to a fudgy interior with perfect moisture.
The simplicity of presentation just a light dusting of cocoa powder and a small gold leaf belies the complexity of flavor. When paired with their housemade crème anglaise, this torte transforms from excellent to transcendent. I’ve seen chocolate skeptics converted with a single bite.
8. Homemade Cannoli at La Famiglia Giorgio’s
Yes, a cannoli made my list! La Famiglia Giorgio’s flies under the radar compared to the North End’s famous cannoli shops, yet their homemade version might be Boston’s best-kept secret. Unlike others who pre-fill shells (risking sogginess), La Famiglia fills each one to order, ensuring that perfect textural contrast.
Their ricotta filling strikes an ideal balance sweetened just enough without masking the cheese’s natural tanginess. Tiny chocolate chips and candied orange peel add bursts of flavor without overwhelming.
What truly distinguishes these cannoli is the shell slightly thicker than most, with a satisfying crunch that holds up to the filling without shattering into a million pieces on first bite. After dinner here, locals often skip dessert elsewhere, knowing these cannoli provide the perfect finale to any North End meal.
9. Rustic Apple Crostata at Bricco Panetteria
Tucked away in an alley behind Bricco restaurant, this basement bakery produces rustic apple crostatas that showcase New England’s favorite fruit. Unlike fussy, perfectly formed desserts, these free-form tarts embrace beautiful imperfection hand-folded edges cradle mounds of local apples with gaps that allow glimpses of the filling.
The pastry itself deserves special mention impossibly flaky layers achieved through a three-day process involving European-style butter folded repeatedly into the dough. Apples from Massachusetts orchards retain slight firmness, tossed with just enough cinnamon and brown sugar to enhance without masking their natural tartness.
During fall apple season, the bakery offers variations featuring different apple varieties Honeycrisp, Mutsu, or heirloom types. Paired with their housemade vanilla bean gelato, this humble crostata outshines many fancier desserts around town.
