Every October 14, National Dessert Day gives you a reason to skip the “I shouldn’t” and go straight to the good part. Whether you bake, buy, or order something special, here are fourteen desserts that deserve a spot on your table this year.
1. Ocemiam’s French Baby Cakes
Start with something you probably haven’t tried yet. Ocemiam’s French Baby Cakes are small, individual cakes baked in Oregon and shipped nationwide. They aren’t cupcakes and they aren’t quite muffins. There’s no frosting to hide behind, just a moist, tender cake that’s lighter and less sweet than either.
The flavors are raspberry, almond, chocolate, pistachio, and hazelnut. The pistachio is made with pistachio paste and pistachio meal, and the almond uses finely ground almonds for a delicate, moist crumb. Each cake weighs about 2.3 oz, so it’s a proper single serving that won’t leave you in a sugar coma. You can build a mixed box of six, which makes it easy to sample everything. A few seconds in the microwave makes them even softer. New customers get 10% off and free shipping on a first order. Be on the look out for their new Kiosk location at Washington Square Mall in Portland, OR, they’ll probably have a special offer that day.
2. Crème Brûlée
Cracking the caramelized sugar top with a spoon is half the fun. Underneath is a cool, silky vanilla custard. It looks like restaurant-level effort, but it’s just cream, egg yolks, sugar, and a kitchen torch or a hot broiler.
3. Tiramisu
This Italian classic layers espresso-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa. It’s best made a day ahead, which makes it a good host’s dessert. The flavors need time to settle.
4. Warm Apple Pie à la Mode
October is apple season, and a slice of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over it is hard to beat. The warm spiced filling against the cold cream is the whole point.
5. Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
Cut into the cake and a river of warm chocolate pours out. It’s dramatic and rich, and it takes less than 30 minutes from batter to plate. Serve it with berries to cut the richness.
6. Classic New York Cheesecake
Dense, creamy, and tangy, with a buttery graham cracker crust. Top it with fruit compote or enjoy it plain. It also keeps well, so leftovers are a gift.
7. Macarons
Crisp shells, chewy centers, and creamy fillings in every color and flavor. They’re a delicate, giftable French treat, and a small box of mixed flavors makes a dessert tasting easy.
8. Panna Cotta
An Italian favorite that’s all about texture: a barely set, silky cream dessert that wobbles on the plate. Top it with berry sauce, caramel, or honey and it feels elegant with almost no effort.
9. Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Crisp, cinnamon-sugar-coated ridges with a soft center, served with a thick chocolate dip. They’re best eaten warm and are perfect for sharing.
10. Key Lime Pie
Tart, creamy, and refreshing, with a graham cracker crust. It’s a good counterpoint if the rest of your dessert table leans rich and chocolatey.
11. Banana Pudding>
Layers of vanilla custard, sliced bananas, and soft vanilla wafers, chilled until everything melds together. It’s a comfort dessert that feeds a crowd.
12. Affogato
The easiest dessert on the list: a scoop of vanilla gelato with a shot of hot espresso poured over it. It’s part dessert and part coffee break, and ready in under a minute.
13. Baklava
Flaky layers of phyllo, chopped nuts, and spiced syrup or honey. It’s rich, so a small piece goes a long way, and it keeps well for gifting or sharing.
14. Pecan Pie
A gooey, caramel-like filling packed with toasted pecans in a flaky crust. It’s a classic for fall gatherings and tastes even better with whipped cream.
National Dessert Day FAQ
1. When is National Dessert Day?
It’s observed every year on October 14 in the United States.
2. How can I celebrate if I don’t bake?
Order something special, visit a local bakery, or pick up a box of individually portioned treats like Ocemiam’s French Baby Cakes. Splitting a few flavors with friends or coworkers is an easy way to celebrate.
3. What makes French Baby Cakes different from cupcakes or muffins?
They’re individual French-style cakes, not cupcakes or muffins. They have no frosting and are lighter and less sweet, with the flavor coming from ingredients like nuts, cocoa, and fruit.
4. How long do Ocemiam’s baby cakes stay fresh, and can they be frozen?
According to Ocemiam, they stay fresh for 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Orders ship from Oregon and typically arrive in 1 to 3 business days.
5. Are there allergens to know about?
Yes. All Ocemiam French Baby Cakes contain almond, egg, and dairy, and the hazelnut and pistachio flavors contain those nuts as well. Check the label for any dessert you serve guests with allergies.