Winter is a season of sweetness. There is nothing more enjoyable than a cup of coffee or tea and a lovely piece of cake on a gloomy, hazy winter day. Minhang is never known for time-honored deserts. People often talk about tang yuan or mutton, but in fact, there are heartwarming cakes concealed in the backstreets of the district.

Durian cake by The Me Maiting The strong smell of durian is not to everyone's liking, but even those who steer clear of the fruit itself often find the taste in cake quite acceptable.

The Me Maiting is believed to serve one of the best durian cakes in Shanghai. On top of the spongy cake foundation, the smell of durian blends harmoniously with cheesy cream.

The restaurant also serves durian pizza, which is great for those who like culinary adventure. And guess what? It is one of the most ordered dishes in the restaurant. Address: 1/F, Building 3, 158 Zhucheng Rd (Near Fudu Rd)

Chocolate lava cake by Tata Coffee Although the coffee served here usually gets a "meh" rating in online comments, the chocolate lava cake is something to be savored.

Before you even taste it, the cake's appearance will delight you. A bright red strawberry rests on top of the cake, ringed by whipped cream. Cutting open the hot cake, the "lava" flows out smoothly. The sweetness of the cake is offset by the fresh, somewhat tart flavor of the strawberry on top. Address: 538 Jinhui Rd (near Hongsong Rd)

Original-flavored Cake by Guzao Weidao Guzao Weidao literally means "old flavors." Just like its name, the store takes cakes back to basics, with no fancy toppings or fillings. But who needs fripperies when you can bite into a cake that is spongy, soft and moist. It’s a real treat. Address: 418 Xinzhu Rd (near Baocheng Rd)

Fruit puff pastry by Charles The look of the puff pastry alone arouses the appetite. The pastry here is puffy and cream oozes out from the edges. Charles’ pastry is crispy with a delightful buttery flavor. The not-too-sweet whipped cream and fresh fruit enrich the texture and taste. The perk? The serving size is huge, enough for two people.

The pineapple bun with butter is popular, along with the fruit puff pastry at this Cantonese cuisine restaurant. Address: B1, CapitaLand Mall (6088 Humin Rd)

Napoleon by K. MIYAKE This dessert, different from the traditional cream-flavored napoleon, is served with added chocolate flavor. The contrast of bitterness and sweetness is perfect.

This Japanese-style dessert shop has a variety of popular sweets, from matcha cake to cream profiterole and chestnut cake. Address: 18, Lane 3187, Hongmei Rd (near Hongsong Rd)

Cream cake by Ruby's Most everyone in Shanghai agrees that Ruby's cream cake is one of the best in the city. During the 1980s and early 1990s, these delicacies of pure cream atop spongy cake provided what became sweet childhood memories for many people.

After three decades, the cakes are no longer just birthday specials, and their quality hasn't lost any of its magic. Address: 240 Lanping Rd (near Jiangchuan Rd)Online stores: book the deserts and wait at home

Handmade Mango Cake by Hcake This handmade cake made by a Taiwan baker is so popular that the sales are limited every day.

The mango on top is styled into a flower, and vanilla added to the cake raises the taste to a sublime level. Wechat ID: H_Cake_sh

Handmade themed cake by Sweetmix Cake Living in Xinzhuang, this baker loves to try new themes every day. Cakes are made into different characters, such as Elsa from the Disney hit animated movie "Frozen."

Chocolate mousse is an enduring favorite. The chocolate taste is strong but pure, and the mousse is so smooth it melts on the tongue with the first bite. Wechat ID: sweetmix01