Indulging in a delectable sweet treat is the perfect way to conclude a satisfying meal, and America boasts an array of dessert chains that cater to every palate. According to a recent study conducted by OnePoll for Crumbl Cookies Media, one in six Americans enjoys dessert on a daily basis, underscoring the nation’s collective love for sweet delights.
Amidst the myriad dessert options available, choosing the perfect treat can be overwhelming. To help navigate this sugary landscape, we’ve compiled a list of the 13 best dessert chains in America. From iconic donut shops with over 75 years of history to contemporary ice cream parlors offering top-quality scoops, these establishments ensure that every indulgence is worthwhile.
13 Premier Dessert Chains Across America
1. Levain Bakery
Renowned for its incredible cookies, Levain Bakery has secured its place among America’s best bakery chains. With ingredients like semi-sweet chocolate chips, crunchy walnuts, caramel, and dark French cocoa, Levain’s jumbo cookies are a sensation. Boasting over a dozen locations in major cities and nationwide shipping, Levain Bakery ensures its irresistible treats are accessible to cookie enthusiasts across the country.
2. Ben & Jerry’s
A stalwart in the ice cream realm, Ben & Jerry’s has mastered the art of crafting uniquely named ice cream flavors using premium ingredients. Known for sourcing core ingredients on Fairtrade terms, Ben & Jerry’s has become an institution with over 600 locations worldwide. From sea salt fudge chunks to brownie batter, their offerings are a testament to decades of ice cream-making expertise.
3. Sprinkles
Pioneering the cupcake bakery trend since 2005, Sprinkles has become a go-to destination for cupcake lovers nationwide. With a diverse range of mind-blowing flavors, including strawberry, dark chocolate, triple cinnamon, and limited-edition seasonal options, Sprinkles ensures there’s a cupcake for every occasion. Beyond cupcakes, the chain offers cakes, cookies, brownies, and chocolate bars.
4. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
For those seeking top-notch ice cream made from the finest ingredients, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is a must-visit. Founded by James Beard Award-winning founder Jeni Britton, the brand is celebrated for its smooth texture and vibrant flavors. With options like Blackout Chocolate Cake and Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Jeni’s offers a delightful ice cream experience.
5. Magnolia Bakery
Exuding quality from recipes to branding, Magnolia Bakery gained fame after a cameo in Sex and the City. With over 20 locations and a diverse menu featuring cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and pies, Magnolia Bakery stands as a symbol of baking excellence. The banana pudding is a standout item, achieving a level of acclaim that extends beyond its New York City origins.
6. Krispy Kreme
A true donut icon, Krispy Kreme has been delighting taste buds for over 75 years. Offering a wide variety of flavors, including glazed raspberry-filled and cake batter, Krispy Kreme’s original glazed donut remains a fan favorite. The melt-in-your-mouth experience has earned it praise, solidifying its position in the hearts of donut enthusiasts.
7. Van Leeuwen
With its trendy ice cream offerings, Van Leeuwen has set the bar high for ice cream brands. Starting as an ice cream truck in New York City over 15 years ago, Van Leeuwen has expanded its footprint with dozens of locations throughout the country. Known for using the finest ingredients and offering vegan options, Van Leeuwen ensures a delightful ice cream experience.
8. Cinnabon
Cinnabon, established in 1985 in Seattle, has become synonymous with delicious, warm cinnamon buns drizzled with white icing. Offering signature rolls and innovative options like Caramel PecanBon and Churro Swirls, Cinnabon has over 1,800 locations worldwide, making it a convenient choice for cinnamon bun enthusiasts.
9. Beard Papa’s
Specializing in cream puffs, Beard Papa’s, founded over 20 years ago in Osaka, Japan, has gained fame for its double-layered puff-choux exterior and a pie crust filled with whipped cream and vanilla custard. Offering fun flavors like Oreo cookie crumble and strawberry, Beard Papa’s is celebrated as a dessert hidden gem.
10. Cold Stone Creamery
For customizable ice cream experiences, Cold Stone Creamery has been a favorite for over 30 years. Freshly making each flavor in-store with high-quality ingredients, Cold Stone allows customers to dream up their own creations or choose from signature offerings. With options like ice cream cakes, Cold Stone ensures a personalized and satisfying dessert experience.
11. Dairy Queen
A trusted name for delicious desserts, Dairy Queen, founded in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, offers a range of treats, including Blizzards with flavors like snickerdoodle and hot cocoa. Known for its iconic chocolate-dipped ice cream cones and cakes, Dairy Queen remains a reliable choice for dessert lovers.
12. Crumbl Cookies
Crumbl Cookies, with over 900 locations in the United States and Canada, has rapidly become a dominant player in the dessert scene. Known for its exciting cookie flavors that rotate weekly, such as pumpkin pie and cranberry crumb cake, Crumbl Cookies offers an extensive and ever-changing menu to cater to diverse tastes.
13. Tous Le Jours
Radiating elegance, Tous Le Jours, a renowned South Korean bakery chain established in the late ’90s, presents a variety of dessert delicacies. From custard buns and almond croissants to blueberry yogurt cream cakes and tiramisu, Tous Le Jours offers an extensive menu. With over 1,650 locations worldwide, it provides a sophisticated setting for enjoying desserts paired with warm tea or coffee.
Conclusion
In a nation where dessert is an integral part of the culinary experience, these 13 dessert chains stand out for their exceptional offerings, diverse menus, and widespread appeal. Whether you crave cookies, cupcakes, ice cream, or pastries, these establishments ensure that every sweet tooth is satisfied.