Top 9 Desserts in Ithaca

Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet trail mix, chocolate-covered nuts, or sour gummies, this is the place for you. You can even make mixed bags if you so choose. There are dozens of jelly bean flavors, gummy shapes, and all different kinds of “chips”— chocolate, peanut butter, coconut, vanilla—you name it. Wegmans is also a great option if you’re simultaneously going grocery shopping, since you can kill two birds with one stone. The bulk section is perfect for those who just want one bite of dessert, or for people who are splurging for a larger portion. 

I’m sure you’ve visited CTB for the bagels and sandwiches, but have you ever gone simply for dessert? There are some interesting pastries, Rice Krispie treats, mousses, and ice cream that are worth trying. For anyone living in Collegetown, CTB is directly on your walk home, and a great spot regardless of the time of day; CTB opens early in the morning and stays open till 2 a.m. If dessert drinks are more your speed, try one of the milkshakes or a cookie-craze smoothie.

A classic summertime favorite, Sweet Melissa’s is an ice cream stand that’s only open during the warmer months. Their specialty is soft-serve ice cream, though they do serve a variety of sorbet and hard ice cream flavors. There are tons of dips and toppings to choose from, including sprinkles, nuts, and oreo pieces. It’s a perfect spot to spend some time outdoors.  

Attention all fro-yo lovers: Jason’s convenience store in Collegetown has a small but mighty fro-yo area! This is music to my ears, as I’ve been longing for a fro-yo spot in Ithaca since Smart Yogurt closed a few years ago (rip). There are only six flavors, but you pay by weight, so you can try as many as you want. With dozens of toppings and fix-ins to select, Jason’s is a fun dessert outing, especially if you don’t have a car. 

Essentially, the Trifle is a frozen cheesecake-ice cream blend, mixed with blueberry jam, whipped cream, graham crackers and almond crumbs. It is absolutely delicious, and although on the pricier side, a large portion. The Rook restaurant also has a late night menu, so this is a perfect place for those looking for dinner or lunch to compliment their sweet cravings.

The Dairy Bar may be on campus, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad ice cream! In fact, if you’ve ever tried it, it will probably give your other favorite ice cream stores a run for their money. The flavors, some of which Cornell students create, rotate on a seasonal basis, but there are also some classics that stay around all year. My personal favorite is Triple Play Chocolate, which is a chocolate ice cream base with fudge and plenty of chocolate chunks that is sure to satisfy chocolate fans. The Dairy Bar is a bit far from most Central Campus locations, but it’s only a 10-minute walk from Mann, Bradfield, or any class that you have on the Ag Quad. 

I’m not usually a rice pudding fan, but this dessert is one you do not want to miss. I was having dinner with a group of friends, and I had one bite before being unable to resist ordering my own! It’s a pretty generous portion size, and there is so much cinnamon baked inside. This is a hot dessert treat—perfect for freezing Ithaca winters. Check out Bickering Twins on Taco Tuesdays for some other sweet deals, and finish off your visit with this delectable creation. 

You don’t go to Cornell if you haven’t been here. I’m kidding, but Purity makes some of the best ice cream around. It’s primarily an ice cream shop, but there are tons of other dessert options and cakes galore. Additionally, if you visit on a weekend morning, try some of the sweet pancake stacks, such as the lemon ricotta. 

This is by far the best dessert you’ll taste in Ithaca. Yes, it is a half hour drive from campus, but worth every minute of your trip. There are never many flavors at once, but what makes the ice cream sensational is how fresh it is. For example, the maple: you can taste the maple leaves themselves, but not in a gross way. The mocha chocolate chip has literal espresso beans mixed in with the ice cream. 

Hopefully, you’ll get the chance to try a few of these yummy snacks before you graduate. Happy tasting!