[Photo: Kathy YL Chan]

It's a Carrot Cake ($9.50) served warmed, and best devoured like a muffin—more hearty than sweet, carrots finely grated, a gentle dusting of powdered sugar in place of frosting. But beneath lie brushes of a silky cream cheese concoction. This is what would happen if you whipped cream cheese with straight-up heavy cream; it'd be equally decadent spread on morning toast. Thin-sliced sweet poached pineapples and a quenelle of subtle brown butter ice cream make ideal accompaniments.

Union Square Cafe

21 East 16th Street New York, NY 10003 (map)
212-243-4020
unionsquarecafe.com

About the author: Originally from Honolulu, Kathy YL Chan blogs at Kathy YL Chan, where she chronicles her eats and travel adventures between Hawai'i, New York and beyond. She firmly believes that there is always room for dessert.