October 14th is National Dessert Day. Why not enjoy some sweet treats today and all season long? Check out these Chicago spots that need to be on your radar.
Photo Cred: Levain Bakery
Levain Bakery is known for their delicious bread and scrumptious giant cookies. Their Fall menu is bringing some sweet delights and surprises.
- Fall Spiced Chocolate Chunk Cookie – decadent Valrhona chocolate layered with ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and molasses
- Pumpkin Ginger Spice Cake – perfectly spiced with pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
Kith Treats, the cereal-infused ice cream parlor from luxury lifestyle and fashion brand Kith, landed in Chicago (October 4th), bringing its cult-favorite soft-serve swirls, house-made waffles, and build-your-own creations to the Midwest for the first time.
Guests will find the full lineup of Signature Specials alongside Build-Your-Own options and Homemade Waffle Specials, including house-made waffle cones and made-to-order Kith Belgian waffles. Chicago-exclusive ice cream specials will debut at opening, and the outpost will also carry Kith Treats’ global inline apparel collections on site.
I went to the exclusive media preview today and you’re in for a treat tomorrow (grand opening, October 15th). Located at the Catalog at Willis Tower (233 S Wacker Drive) this is the 100th store and second Chicago scoop shop.
Van Leeuwen is also bringing back its limited-time Jeppson’s Malört Ice Cream. First introduced at the Wicker Park shop, this bold Chicago-inspired flavor sold out in less than 48 hours – and now it’s returning exclusively to the Willis Tower location for a limited time. Guests can enjoy complimentary scoops of this special flavor alongside 30 of Van Leeuwen’s signature favorites, sundaes and shakes.
Sokolatopita_Couresty of Life With Criss Photography
Try the decadent & moist Sokolatopita, a supremely moist chocolate cake soaked in chocolate syrup, layered with chocolate mousse, and finished with candied lemon zest and delicate honey tuile feathers. Pair it with a pour of Xynisteri Commandaria, a legendary dessert wine from Cyprus with notes of caramel, cocoa, figs and honey, the ideal match for every decadent bite.
At Daisies in Logan Square, dessert is always a must. With everything from house-made seasonal pies and ice cream bars to decadent cakes, a fan favorite is the Gooey Butter Cake, which layers the sweetness of honeynut squash with the crunch of house-made granola and the lightness of pepita mousse, showcasing the season’s flavors in every bite.
Kindling – Maple Flap Jack Short Stack Cake
Who says dessert can’t be breakfast? At Kindling helmed by James Beard Award Winning Chef, Jonathan Sawyer, guests can indulge in the Maple Flap Jack Short Stack Cake, a decadent twist on classic blueberry pancakes. Layered high with almond-blueberry cake, maple glaze, buttercream, and a rich royal cream cheese, this sweet creation offers the perfect indulgence for National Dessert Day.
The PB&J Bombs are our grown-up take on the childhood favorite, elevating the classic combo with rich dark chocolate, silky peanut butter crème, and bright strawberry marmalade. Finished with caramelized hazelnuts and crunchy croquant, it’s a nostalgic indulgence reimagined for National Dessert Day
Ambar, Chicago’s newest Balkan restaurant, serves Krempita: a delicately light mille-fuille style flaky pastry dough. Layered with vanilla custard and fresh raspberries, this European dessert is a delicious way to celebrate National Dessert Day.
Sifr invites guests to celebrate National Dessert Day with its Warm Date Pudding, a comforting dessert layered with rich salted caramel ice cream and a crunchy hazelnut crumb. From the Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024–winning kitchen, this indulgent treat perfectly balances sweetness and nutty texture, making it an irresistible finale for any dessert lover.
This National Dessert Day, Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian, whose name means “Tell Me, Tell Me”, invites dessert lovers to indulge in pure chocolate bliss. The new Italian hotspot in Lincoln Park from Executive Chef Matt Eckfeld features a decadent Chocolate Cake, crafted by Pastry Consultant Casey Doody, with layers of tender buttermilk chocolate cake, velvety chocolate mousse, and a scoop of creamy vanilla gelato. It’s a show-stopping finale that’s as playful and inviting as the restaurant itself.
Swadesi tempts guests with its Jaggery Chocolate Chip Cookie, a decadent twist on the classic made with nutty brown butter, caramelized jaggery sweetness, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Crafted to balance rich flavor with a hint of savory contrast, this indulgent treat offers a uniquely comforting bite that elevates the beloved cookie to something truly special.
El Che – Coconut Tres Leches Cake
El Che’s Coconut Tres Leches Cake is a vibrant twist on the beloved classic, soaked for rich flavor and topped with airy whipped cream. Bright lime zest and crunchy cashew brittle add balance and texture, making this dessert both indulgent and refreshing.
Brasero’s Coconut Soft Serve Sundae is a playful yet elevated take on a classic, layered with toasted coconut and rich chocolate sauce. Guests can keep it simple, make it tropical with seasonal fruit and strawberry coulis, or take it indulgent with an affogato pour or a splash of Fernet Vallet. It is a refreshing finish with a touch of decadence.
Galit’s beloved Chocolate Chunk Halvah Cookie is more than just dessert, it’s a symbol of community. First created during the restaurant’s takeout era, the cookie quickly became a cult favorite, and today it’s still offered as a sweet gesture of gratitude to the neighborhood and city that supported Galit through its toughest days. It is also available at Galit’s lil sis, Cafe Yaya.
Diners at the legendary basketball star’s Magnificent Mile restaurant can take their dessert game to new heights while indulging a selection of all new desserts. The revamped menu includes sweets like Pear and Caramel Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Cream Pie as well as the restaurant’s famed chocolate cake – now with a better-than-ever recipe! The larger-than-life dish features 23 alternating layers of chocolate buttermilk cake, swiss buttercream and fudge ganache that’s then topped with whipped cream, chocolate bark and a touch of gold for a rich and decadent finish to any meal.
il Carciofo’s gelato and sorbetti are crafted in-house daily, highlighting both timeless favorites like pistachio, gianduja, and chocolate as well as seasonal delights such as sweet corn blueberry gelato and bright, refreshing fruit sorbets. Each scoop is a balance of rich flavor and artisanal care.
Valedor Launches “Mindy’s After Dark” with Mindy’s Bakery
JBF award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal teams up with Valedor for a sweet, seasonal collab. Mindy’s Bakery, located just steps from the cocktail bar, draws lines down the block and fills the air of Wicker Park with the sweet smells of yeast, flour and sugar each morning. Valedor is joining forces with Mindy for Mindy’s After Dark.
This rotating seasonal menu features one specially-crafted cocktail and one decadent dessert, each using Mindy’s famous chocolate blends, and bringing together the best of Valedor’s cocktail program and Mindy’s signature sweets.
Guests can enjoy:
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Dulce Chispa (“Sweet Spark”) Cocktail – $15
A decadent twist on Mindy’s Mexican hot chocolate with Courvoisier, served in a traditional jarrito de barro mug and crowned with perfectly toasted meringue -
Mindy’s Signature Chocolate Cake – $12 per slice
Rich and moist chocolate buttermilk cake layered with velvety chocolate buttercream
Mindy’s After Dark highlights Valedor’s commitment to supporting local culinary talent while offering guests unique, elevated dining experiences.
