Sometimes we just want a little sweet treat, but the old bag of Haribos lying in our cupboard doesn’t quite do the trick. Puddings and desserts are an area arguably neglected by London’s foodie scene, but there are many great spots serving up sweet treats all over the capital. We’ve rounded up the best puddings and indulgent treats that the city has to offer – from doughnuts to cheesecake – so that you can make a meal out of dessert.

You’re going to have to accept that there’s no way you’ll look elegant or skilful digging into one of Chin Chin’s insanely indulgent treats.

Whether it’s their signature Hot Chocolate topped with an immense cloud of gooey marshmallow fluff, or a scoop of ice cream topped with an array of ambitious toppings ranging from bee pollen honeycomb to hazelnut sand, fully committing is the only way to tackle a Chin Chin dessert.

Note also their at-home offerings, like an ice cream pie in the post – how can you resist?

Find your local Chin Chin’s @ chinchinicecream.com

Possibly the best doughnuts in London. Crosstown started as a single market stall back in 2014, and now has sixteen locations serving up fresh, handmade doughnuts.

Flavours and fillings change seasonally, but highlights include the mouth-watering Cinnamon Scroll (think a cinnamon bun, but the dough is doughnut), indulgent Chocolate Truffle and a very American Apple Pie doughnut, vegan dough filled with apple compote and topped with vanilla icing and pie crust crumble – a limited edition Independence Day special. A must-try spot.

Find your local Crosstown @ crosstown.co.uk

Vying for the title of ‘most Instagram-able dessert’, you may well have seen pictures of Milk Train Café’s awe-inspiring ice cream cones topped with a cloud of candy floss and adorned with a blizzard of multi-coloured sprinkles.

The real thing does not disappoint. Select your own mix-ins to create your own unique flavour, or opt for one of their deliciously sweet sundaes. Find them in Covent Garden.

Read more about the delicious Milk Train treats @ milktraincafe.com

If you’re not feeling like ice cream – or if the weather’s not feeling summery – then you might be interested in trying something a little warmer, courtesy of Humble Crumble.

Starting as a stall in a farmer’s market and now found in high-profile Borough Market and Old Spitalfields Market, Humble Crumble has the genius idea of serving up one of the nation’s favourite puddings, all year round.

Whether it’s a classic apple crumble or a chilled Iced Berry crumble, and whether you want to top it with vanilla custard or torched meringue, Humble Crumble is the place to go for a delicious pudding, done classically or with a twist.

Find your nearest Humble Crumble @ humble-crumble.com

A permanent fixture on many a best-of desserts list, Cutter and Squidge currently has all its stores closed due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, but has provided an extensive menu for home deliveries that means fans can continue to get their dessert fix.

We recommend one of their indulgent brownie boxes, which also make great gifts. Or for a real treat at home, try their Afternoon Tea Delivery, which features four scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of brownies and lemon drizzle cakes, and even tea! Guaranteed to bring a smile when it lands on your doorstep.

Find your nearest Ctter and Squidge @ cutterandsquidge.com

Now for something a little different. Bao – fresh, steamed buns originating in China, filled with delicious savoury fillings like pork confit or fried chicken – have been on London’s foodie scene for a while now, but it’s the sweet versions of these buns that have us excited.

Bao London’s menu features mouth-watering options, like bao stuffed with Fried Horlicks Ice Cream, or Milk Tea Ice Cream bao depending on location. Try also their Peanut Milk to top it off. These buns are sweet, soft, indulgent – what more could you want?

Find your nearest Bao @ baolondon.com

If it’s cupcakes you’re after, head on up to Crumbs & Doilies. Flavours on offer vary, but have featured the sumptuous red velvet cupcake, moreish salted caramel and even Jammy Dodger, for a real nostalgic treat.

Alternatively, the cookies are incredible; thick, New York style, chunky – the humble chocolate chip cookie done very, very well. Swing by their Soho store, or order a box to enjoy at home. We seriously recommend.

Find Crumbs & Dollies @ crumbsanddoilies.co.uk

If you’re a cheesecake fan, then you’re going to like this one. Whipped London is the place to go for all kinds of cheesecakes, from classic vanilla New York style to mango, coconut and fresh lime.

Creamy, sweet and moreish, these cheesecakes are seriously good. Also serving chunky cookies, this spot serves up treats that are incredibly indulgent, and incredibly delicious. Their Covent Garden store is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth.

Find Whipped London @ whippedlondon.com

A family business founded in 2004, Primrose Bakery is the place to go for cakes and cupcakes that are as delicious as they are beautifully decorated.

Staple flavours feature all the classics, from Red Velvet to Carrot, and the specials vary daily, but include Lemon Meringue, Cookie Dough and Apple Crumble.

Their pies are also incredible, and include classic Banoffee, Treacle and Pecan flavours. They also do home deliveries, a very tempting offer.

Find Primrose Bakery @ primrose-bakery.co.uk

If you’re feeling like something a little fancy, then consider Maitre Choux. Describing itself as ‘the first and only choux pastry specialist patisserie in the world’, this spot was created by Three Michelin star-experienced chef Joakim Prat, and serves up incredibly beautiful choux pastries.

Their eclairs are legendary, and for good reason, ranging from Persian Pistachio to a Raspberry éclair topped with Italian Meringue. Now with locations in South Kensington, Soho, Kings Road and Bicester Village.

Find your nearest Maitre Choux @ maitrechoux.com