National Dessert Day, celebrated every year on October 14, is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to something sweet. It’s a day to forget calorie counts and simply enjoy the desserts that make you happiest. It’s also a fun reason to support local cafés bakeries.
Is National Dessert Day a big deal? We think it is. On Instagram alone, the hashtag #NationalDessertDay has been used in over 146,000 posts. It is also a day when bakeries, restaurants and others might offer customers free desserts, so it pays off to look for deals around National Dessert Day!
If you love celebrating all things food-related, be sure to check out our calendar of food days to discover even more reasons to try something tasty throughout the year.
When is National Dessert Day celebrated?
National Dessert Day, celebrated every year on October 14, is your yearly reminder to enjoy something sweet. It’s the perfect day to treat yourself or share your favorite desserts with family and friends. Mark your calendar for the upcoming dates and start planning your next delicious celebration:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | October 14, Wednesday |
| 2027 | October 14, Thursday |
| 2028 | October 14, Saturday |
| 2029 | October 14, Sunday |
| 2030 | October 14, Monday |
10 Iconic American Desserts to Have on National Dessert Day
National Dessert Day is your official excuse to enjoy all the sweets you love most. These desserts have been family favorites for generations and some are even celebrated on their own special days!
Apple Pie – Nothing says “home” quite like a warm slice of apple pie topped with melting vanilla ice cream. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert! You can celebrate National Apple Pie Day on May 13 and Vanilla Ice Cream Day on July 23—a perfect pairing for any sweet tooth.
Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, chewy, and filled with gooey chocolate chips, they’re the cookies everyone loves to bake and share. Born in Massachusetts with the famous Nestlé Toll House recipe, they’ve been America’s go-to homemade treat for decades. Celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day on August 4.
Brownies – Rich, fudgy squares of chocolate comfort that make any day instantly better. Celebrate National Brownie Day on December 8.
Cheesecake – Creamy, dreamy, and indulgent, this dessert feels like a slice of pure luxury. Celebrate National Cheesecake Day on July 30.
Pecan Pie – Sweet, buttery, and full of crunchy pecans, it’s the Southern favorite that defines holiday dessert tables. Celebrate National Pecan Pie Day on July 12.
Banana Pudding – Layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and silky pudding come together in this comforting Southern dessert. Celebrate National Banana Pudding Day on August 29.
Key Lime Pie – Tangy, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with a crumbly graham cracker crust. Celebrate National Key Lime Pie Day on September 26.
S’mores – Toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers—pure campfire happiness. Celebrate National S’mores Day on August 10.
Cobbler – Warm baked fruit topped with a golden, biscuit-like crust that tastes just like home. Enjoy National Peach Cobbler Day on April 13 or National Cherry Cobbler Day on May 17.
Red Velvet Cake – With its deep red color, tangy cream cheese frosting, and smooth texture, this classic cake adds a touch of elegance to any celebration. And has it’s own day on National Red Velvet Cake Day on September 18.
Fun Facts About Desserts
Did you know that the word “dessert” comes from the French word desservir, which means “to clear the table“? It’s a fitting name since desserts traditionally follow the main course. And if you’re a chocolate lover, you might be interested to know that cocoa has been consumed for over 3,000 years, dating back to the Mayans!
Five Fun and Creative Ways to Celebrate National Dessert Day
Make It a Movie-and-Dessert Night – Watch a film famous for its food scenes (“Julie & Julia,” “Chocolat,” or “Waitress”) and pair it with a matching treat.
Host a “Dessert Potluck” Night – Ask everyone to bring a dessert that represents their childhood or family tradition. It turns into a sweet storytelling evening filled with nostalgia and flavor.
Do a Dessert Word Search or Quiz – Create or print a dessert-themed puzzle, quiz, or bingo game—great for families, classrooms, or coworkers who need a midweek sugar-free mood boost.
Design a DIY Dessert Bar – Set up a station for sundaes, cupcakes, or crepes with different toppings so everyone can build their own masterpiece.
Go on a Dessert Crawl – Visit a few local bakeries or cafés in one afternoon and sample their signature sweets. Take photos and crown your “Dessert of the Day.”
📝 This article was originally published on September 11, 2024. It has been thoroughly updated, and the publishing date has been changed to reflect the new version.
