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Best Dessert Chains in the United States

By Doug Norrie | Published

Ranking The Best Dessert Chains in the United States

The best dessert chains out there offer some of the richest, sweetest, and most indulging menu options that you’ll ever find. We’ve ranked the best ones though some are easier to find than others. So after you’ve enjoyed a burger, pizza, or stopped at the best diners, make sure to swing by one of these places for something sweet.

Krispy Kreme

When it comes to donuts, most would agree that Krispy Kreme does it the best. Outpacing any other major donut chain in terms of flavor and quality of offerings is a good place to start. And it’s why they rank so high on the list over overall dessert chains. The raspberry-filled donuts are a staple and the original glaze adds something to every bite. 

Magnolia Bakery

Hit up Magnolia to mack on some cupcakes! The Saturday Night Live guys got it right in the “Lazy Sunday” sketch and why folks have come flocking back to this bakery time and time again. With only 30 stores worldwide, it might be a tougher time finding a spot to stop in. But it’s well worth it for the signature cupcakes and frostings.

Cold Stone Creamery

In terms of atmosphere, Coldstone Creamery might do it the best. It’s more than just a place to get a couple of scoops and a cone. They put on almost a full production with every serving, singing songs and ramping up the energy well beyond really any other franchise. Oh, and the ice cream brings it too with a unique style and awesome flavors.

Cinnabon

When it comes to dessert chains, the key is to do one thing and do it better than almost anyone else. That’s the case with Cinnabon who has perfected the art of the cinnamon rolls. These are baked daily, topped with the iconic cream cheese frosting, and pair perfectly with a cup of coffee. There are more than 1,200 locations all over the globe (often in malls) so finding one should be no problem.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen has the Blizzard and that alone is a reason to keep coming back to this dessert chain. They offer all types of flavors and combinations with the near certainty that you’ll find something on the menu that will satisfy the sweet tooth. But they Misty’s, cakes and more as well. 

Sprinkles Cupcakes

Like Magnolia, they specialize in cupcakes. And like Magnolia, they don’t have as many locations as the other entries on this list of best dessert chains. But man is it worth it to hit up one of their spots if you can. The cupcakes are baked fresh daily and they’ve done the frosting better than anyone in the business. Plus, in terms of presentation, it’s hard to compare with what Sprinkles puts on plates and in boxes.

The Cheesecake Factory

Unlike some of the other dessert chains here, with The Cheesecake Factory you might completely fill up on a meal before you even get to the last course. But that would be a mistake. It basically says it all in the name and in terms of what this place does best, well, it’s obvious. The New York-style and strawberry cheesecakes are some of the best on the menu and there’s a richness here that’s almost without compare. With more than 200 locations throughout the US you should be able to find one. Definitely leave room for dessert.