7 Unmissable Sweet Stops in New York and Europe

Dedicated dessert fans will know that baking is serious business and to find the very best bakeries requires extensive research and some trial and error, particularly when you're on unfamiliar turf.

We've taken some that work out of it for you by collating the homes of the most sought after sweet treats in New York and Europe where you're guaranteed the real deal. From the historical apple strudel of Vienna to the new bagels on the block in New York these are the go to places to get the source of your sweet:

The Bagel Store 
(Brooklyn, New York)

If you've got caught up in the rainbow coloured bagel frenzy, this Brooklyn bakery is their home. Owner Scott Rossillo styles himself as “the world’s premier bagel artist”. Check out the Instagram site for the multi coloured line up. And if your sweet tooth is still craving more you could even pick up a 'cragel' the half bagel, half croissant hybrid which was also invented in this very bakery.

Eileens Special Cheesecake
(New York)

A New York institiution, Eileen has been pumping out her special cheesecakes for nearly 40 years. Billed as a treat that's 'made with love' Eileen has become something of a TV celebrity as well as a beloved cheesecake stop. And if you can't make it to Eileen's, don't worry, there's a mail order service througout the USA.

The Ansel Bakery
(New York)

If you haven't yet tried it, this is the home of one of the most talked about pastries of all time - the Cronut - the croissant and doughnut hybrid created by the acclaimed pasty chef Dominique Ansel. Each month the bakery pushes out a new flavour of the month. Keep your eyes peeled for the Ansel Bakery coming to London soon.

Pasteis de Belem 
(Lisbon, Portugal)

You'll know when you've arrived at the home of the famous ‘Pasteis de Belém’ (pastéis de nata) by the giveaway queue outside. It's worth lining up for the famous Portuguese melt in your mouth custard pastries that have been made here since 1837 using a closely protected historical recipe. You can even even get a bumper selection boxed up while you're there to travel home with you.

Pierre Herme
(Paris, France)

Whilst Pierre Herme is technically the proven master of macarons, there's nothing much this 'Picasso of Pastry' can't turn his hand to. So if you're in Paris stocking up on his beautifully creative macarons why not use it as a chance to try the famous French 'Galette de Rois' as well.

Café Landtmann
(Vienna, Austria)

It's hard to avoid apple strudel in Vienna, but if you want to find the original home try this historical family cafe which boasts a long standing history with the apple laden pastry. Order one of the legendary apple strudels with fresh whipped cream and a frothy Melange coffee to enjoy it like a local. If you want to try making your own here's their original apple strudel recipe.

The Bakewell Pudding Shop
(Bakewell, UK)

In a quaint village in the heart of Derbyshire lies the home of the Bakewell Pudding where the puddings are still made by hand. The recipe is the result of a mistake made some 150 years ago that proved to be so delicious they carried on. For those not in the know, go with an appetite, this British pudding is not for the faint hearted - a flaky pastry base is topped with a layer of jam and filled with a thick egg and almond paste.