It’s National Dessert Day on October 14th, and Philadelphia is brimming with delectable delights to satisfy every sweet tooth. From artisanal bakeries to fine dining establishments, the city offers a myriad of options to make this day a truly indulgent experience. Here’s where you can celebrate and get your “sweet tooth” on.
The Twisted Tail lays out a curated cheese menu courtesy of Alexandra Jones featuring bourbon-soaked Kentucky beauties, beer-washed, ash-rubbed delights, and more. And, yes. Cheese is a dessert.
The legendary Famous 4th Street Delicatessen has been serving since 1923 and boasts one of the most noteworthy dessert displays in the city. Their selection includes Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Macaroons, Apple Strudel, Linzer Tart, Funfetti Cake, Cannoli Cake, Hamantashenk, and Rugelach. These classic and Jewish desserts are freshly baked and sure to delight any sweet tooth.
Jansen in Mount Airy offers a dessert that pays homage to Philadelphia: the decadent Chocolate “Love” Cake. This treat combines a melt-in-your-mouth brownie, smooth chocolate mousse, and caramel Bavarian cream, all topped with a chocolaty crumble and a mousse design inspired by the city’s iconic ‘LOVE’ sign.
Stella of New Hope’s Key Lime Milk Punch features vanilla vodka, lime cordial, amaretto, and lime juice—a dessert cocktail that’s the ideal end to a delicious meal. Urban Farmer’s Donuts and Cider features spiced donut holes topped with apple cider caramel and served with orange marshmallow ice cream.
Little Walter’s offers can’t-miss Polish-inspired desserts. The Pierogi Czekoladowe features a chocolate pierogi filled with peanut butter and served with vanilla ice cream. Another delight is the Paw Paw Pierogi, a mix resembling mango, banana, and a hint of tangy passion fruit, complemented by black walnuts and sweet sour cream. Additionally, they offer Lód Wodny, a rotating flavor of water ice, currently showcasing Potomac pear water ice, cider syrup, and puffed rye berries.
Oloroso offers its irresistible Basque-style cheesecake, a luscious tart cherry cheesecake with a crunchy pretzel crumble that adds a delightful twist to every bite. Enjoy the special Birthday Cake Churros served with icing and rainbow sprinkles for birthday celebrations.
Townsend features a Valrhona Soufflé with Pernod Crème Anglaise. This decadent signature dessert has been a menu staple since the restaurant’s inception 10 years ago and is an ideal finish to any South Philly evening.
Every day feels like National Dessert Day at Cake Life Bake Shop. Standout offerings include the Petal Pistachio Cookies, which are crispy, buttery shortbread iced and decorated with dried flower petals, crushed pistachios, freeze-dried raspberries, and rose sugar. Another favorite is the Dulce de Leche Cheesecake, a classic New York cheesecake topped with dulce de leche and crispy, chocolate-coated caramel pearls. For a twist on an Argentinian classic, try the Alfajores Cookies, featuring house-made dulce de leche sandwiched between two buttery vanilla shortbread cookies rolled in coconut flakes. The bakery also offers Vintage Cakes decorated with trendy Lambeth-style piping for an elegant touch. Sports fans can enjoy Gritty and Phanatic Cupcakes, Football Sugar Cookies, and Game Day Cupcakes.
Whether you have a penchant for classic confections or innovative treats, the city’s dessert scene is sure to satisfy your cravings. Celebrate National Dessert Day by indulging in these delightful desserts, and let your sweet tooth lead the way.