Sweet Spots for National Dessert Day in Franklin, Williamson County, and Nashville, TN
National Dessert Day, celebrated annually on October 14th, is a sweet reminder to indulge in the simple pleasures of life. Whether you have a soft spot for classic Southern pies, can’t resist the allure of a rich chocolate cake, or enjoy a refreshing scoop of artisanal ice cream, this day offers the perfect excuse to satisfy your cravings. And there’s no better place to do so than in Franklin and Williamson County, where local bakeries, restaurants, and dessert shops create delights that are sure to make any dessert lover’s heart sing.
In this guide, we’ll point you to some of the best places to celebrate National Dessert Day, both in Franklin and Williamson County, TN. And if you’re looking to venture a bit farther, we’ve also included some standout dessert spots in Nashville!
So, grab a fork (or a spoon) and get ready to dive into some of the area’s most irresistible confections!
Bakeries and Sweet Shops in Franklin and Williamson County, TN
Franklin and Williamson County are home to an eclectic mix of bakeries and sweet shops, offering a wide range of desserts that are perfect for National Dessert Day. From bite-sized donuts and decadent pastries to artisanal chocolates and Southern pies, these establishments showcase both classic flavors and creative twists.
Offering a cozy atmosphere with charming outdoor seating, Triple Crown Bakery in Franklin provides a variety of artisanal, scratch-made desserts, like cakes, cookies, and pastries, and a traditional tea and coffee service. Guests can enjoy French press coffee or tea, each served with a sweet treat. Whether indulging in dessert or savoring a warm drink, this bakery is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a delightful experience. • 118 4th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Five Daughters Bakery
Renowned for its 100-layer donuts, Five Daughters Bakery in The Factory at Franklin offers a unique croissant-doughnut hybrid with flaky layers and rich fillings. Signature flavors like maple glaze and chocolate sea salt are available year-round, while monthly rotating flavors keep the menu fresh and exciting. Beyond its famous donuts, the bakery also serves cookies and other pastries. • 230 Franklin Rd Suite 11v, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Puffy Muffin
Known for its scratch-made desserts, Puffy Muffin in Brentwood offers a range of items crafted by skilled bakers and chefs. In addition to savory dishes like quiche, chicken salad, and casseroles, the bakery serves a variety of specialty desserts, including the chocolate bomb, lemon square, fruit tart, and Snickers cheesecake. With a menu that frequently changes to highlight seasonal flavors, they also offer convenient grab-and-go options. • 229 Franklin Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027 •
A beloved destination in downtown Franklin, Kilwins offers hand-crafted desserts like creamy fudge, caramel apples, and chocolates. Their house-made ice cream, available in a range of flavors, makes for an indulgent snack. Kilwins is a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, offering traditional confections with a classic touch. • 405 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064 •
At The Factory at Franklin, Fork of the South offers a selection of Southern-inspired sweets at its General Store, featuring old-fashioned candies, chocolates, jams, and honey. Additionally, their milkshake bar and micro creamery serve up handcrafted milkshakes and scoops of ice cream in flavors like vanilla, peach cobbler, and chocolate brownie. • 230 Franklin Rd Building 8, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Bubble Joy Candy Shoppe and Bubble Bar
Bubble Joy Candy Shoppe and Bubble Bar in Leiper’s Fork offers a fun, colorful experience with gourmet candies, custom drinks, and bubbly treats. Choose from natural sodas or seltzers at the Bubble Bar and customize your drink with flavored popping bubbles, syrups, and edible glitter. They also offer snow cones with sugar-free syrups and Jeni’s Ice Cream Street Treats, perfect for creating unique, refreshing combinations. This whimsical spot is a delightful destination for sweets lovers of all ages! • 4208 Old Hillsboro Rd Suite 8, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 435-3208 •
Known for its nostalgic bite-sized donuts, Tiny Little Donuts has two locations in Franklin and one in Spring Hill, TN. Offering flavors like cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, and lemon glaze, their donuts are perfect for any occasion. Customers can choose quantities from half-dozens and dozens to boxes of 100. Whether you’re grabbing a small batch or ordering for a crowd, Tiny Little Donuts provides a flavorful treat for any donut lover. •1203 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064 • 328 5th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064 • 4910 Main St, Spring Hill, TN 37174
Offering handmade, gluten-free macarons in flavors like chocolate praline, bubble gum, and salted caramel, Le Macaron in Franklin provides a delightful array of sweets. In addition to macarons, they serve gourmet chocolates, French gelato, and classic French pastries. Located at the food court in the CoolSprings Galleria Mall, it’s a great spot to grab a sweet confection on the go. • 1800 Galleria Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067 •
Beloved for its from-scratch sweets, Merridee’s Breadbasket in downtown Franklin offers a wide selection of homemade desserts. Their famous pie flavors, like coconut cream and apple, are accompanied by rich cakes, such as carrot and chocolate. The bakery also serves a variety of pastries, including cinnamon rolls, fruit bars, muffins, and scones. Cookies, brownies, and specialty desserts round out the menu, making Merridee’s an ideal spot for a cozy, homemade treat. • 110 4th Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064 •
With a variety of inviting cookie options, Whitney’s Cookies in Franklin offers classic flavors like chocolate chip, brownie, and oatmeal raisin, as well as unique creations such as salted peanut butter cup and celebration sprinkles. They also cater to different dietary needs by offering gluten-free and vegan options. • 100 4th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Known for its freshly baked cookies, cookie cakes, and brownies, Great American Cookies, located in CoolSprings Galleria, is a go-to spot for dessert lovers. Their signature cookie cakes are customizable, making them a great choice for celebrations and special events. Alongside traditional favorites like chocolate chip and double fudge cookies, they offer other popular options such as chewy M&M, white chunk macadamia, and peanut butter supreme. • 1800 Galleria Blvd #2040, Franklin, TN 37067 •
Handcrafted chocolates made fresh daily using a three-generation European family recipe are the highlight at Schakolad Chocolate Factory in Franklin, Tennessee. Their selection includes signature truffles, chocolate-covered strawberries, and customizable chocolate gifts. Each item offers a luxurious chocolate experience for those seeking something truly unique. • 1735 Galleria Blvd #1037, Franklin, TN 37067 •
Dessert-Forward Restaurants in Franklin and Williamson County, TN
For those looking to enjoy a full dining experience followed by an indulgent dessert, Franklin and Williamson County, TN have an impressive selection of restaurants with exceptional dessert menus. These spots are known for serving up creative desserts that make the perfect end to a delicious meal.
Gray’s on Main
Located in downtown Franklin, Gray’s on Main offers a sophisticated dining experience with a selection of indulgent desserts. Known for its historic charm and Southern-inspired cuisine, the menu features dessert favorites like bourbon vanilla creme brûlée, coconut cake, and banana pudding. These flavorful options perfectly complement the restaurant’s refined atmosphere. • 332 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant
This iconic downtown Franklin spot is beloved for its classic Southern comfort food, and their dessert menu features treats that offer the perfect sweet finish to any meal. Each day, they offer a different flavor of cobbler, ranging from peach and blackberry to apple and more, all served warm and topped with Hattie Jane’s vanilla ice cream. In addition to their daily fresh cobbler, Puckett’s offers a variety of other desserts, including cinnamon roll bread pudding and a deep-fried brownie sundae. • 120 4th Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Cork & Cow
For those looking for a fine dining experience with equally fine desserts, Cork & Cow delivers. In addition to its expertly prepared steaks and entrees, the restaurant offers a selection of desserts like flourless chocolate cake and seasonal sorbets, providing the perfect sweet finish to a gourmet meal. • 403 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Primarily known as a lunch spot, Franklin Bakehouse also offers a tempting selection of sweets. Their menu features house-made honey vanilla yogurt parfaits with berries and granola, cinnamon rolls, blueberry lemon scones, muffins, and cookies. In addition, they provide a daily assortment of both sweet and savory pastries, ensuring something fresh and delicious is always available. • 100 E Main St, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Red Pony’s dessert menu features indulgent options like Crème Brûlée with vanilla custard and fruit, and the chocolate crémeux, accompanied by graham cracker, bourbon toffee, and almond butter. Unique choices like sweet potato pie with pepita brittle and toasted fluff bring a creative twist, while the comforting warm apple crisp pairs perfectly with vanilla gelato. Seasonal ice cream also adds a refreshing finish to their dessert offerings. • 408 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064 •
The Honeysuckle
The Honeysuckle in Cool Springs offers a dessert menu featuring items like honeysuckle pie, banana pudding, and blueberry cobbler. They also offer a simple scoop of ice cream for those looking for a lighter option. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, The Honeysuckle is a great choice for indulging in sweets, especially for celebrating National Dessert Day in Franklin, TN. • 1770 Galleria Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067 •
Cool and Creamy Treats: Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt in Franklin and Williamson County
For ice cream and frozen yogurt lovers, Franklin and Williamson County, TN offer plenty of delicious spots to celebrate National Dessert Day. From premium ice cream with unique flavor combinations to customizable frozen yogurt creations, these shops provide a cool, sweet way to indulge.
With two locations in Franklin, Sweet Haven offers a variety of frozen treats, including super-premium ice cream flavors like bourbon pecan pie, cookie dough, and pumpkin spice. They also serve farm-fresh frozen yogurt, shakes, floats, and unique ice cream sandwiches. With plenty of topping options like caramel sauce, toasted coconut, and mini M&Ms, Sweet Haven provides a fun and delicious experience for any sweet tooth. • 1015 Westhaven Blvd, Franklin, TN 37064 • 214 E Main St, Franklin, TN 37064 •
Known for its unique, handcrafted ice cream flavors, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has locations throughout the area, including Franklin and Brentwood. Popular options like brambleberry crisp and brown butter almond brittle highlight their creative flavor combinations. Each scoop offers a unique taste, making Jeni’s a beloved destination for ice cream lovers seeking something a little out of the ordinary. • 211 Franklin Rd #100, Brentwood, TN 37027 • 4021 Aspen Grove Dr, Franklin, TN 37067
Sweet CeCe’s
Offering a fun, interactive frozen yogurt experience, Sweet CeCe’s in Franklin allows customers to create their own desserts. With a wide variety of frozen yogurt flavors and an extensive selection of toppings like fruits, candies, and sauces, it’s perfect for a personalized dessert. • 500 W Main St, Franklin, TN 37064 • 3021 Mallory Ln, Franklin, TN 37067 •
Beyond Williamson County: Nashville’s Must-Try Sweet Spots
Nashville, TN offers a dessert scene that’s perfect for celebrating National Dessert Day. Whether you’re craving something classic or adventurous, the city’s restaurants boast an impressive array of sweet treats, from indulgent cakes to seasonal sundaes. Explore some of the best spots in Nashville to satisfy your sweet tooth and make the most of National Dessert Day!
In addition to its Franklin location, Puckett’s Restaurant also has a Nashville spot, where dessert lovers can enjoy daily cobbler topped with Hattie Jane’s ice cream, cinnamon roll bread pudding, deep-fried brownie sundae, or banana peanut butter parfait. These Southern desserts provide the perfect finish to a hearty meal. • 500 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219
At Joe Muer Seafood in Nashville, their signature coconut cake is a standout dessert. This light and fluffy cake features layers of white chiffon, topped with cream cheese frosting and sweetened coconut flakes.• 500 11th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203 •
The Restaurant at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
The German chocolate torte at The Restaurant at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is a dessert not to miss. This decadent torte features layers of coconut meringue, salted whiskey caramel, and toasted coconut, offering a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. • 1414 Clinton St, Nashville, TN 37203 •
At Etc. in Nashville, the chocolate malt cake features layers of devil’s food cake, malted milk chocolate mousse, and dark chocolate glaze. The addition of pretzel crunch and salted caramel brings a balance of sweet and salty, while the white chocolate whip adds a creamy finish. It’s a decadent indulgence sure to satisfy even the most dedicated chocolate lover. • 3790 Bedford Ave, Nashville, TN 37215 •
The pumpkin spice ice cream sundae at Etch in Nashville is a perfect fall dessert. This seasonal treat combines pumpkin spice ice cream with brown butter blondies, salted caramel, buttered pecans, and a speculoos pizzelle. Topped with white chocolate whip and a cherry, it’s a delicious way to embrace autumn flavors. • 303 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37201 •
At Tailor in Nashville, theis a comforting dessert that offers a taste of tradition. This dish features homemade tea served with nankathai, a type of Indian shortbread cookie that Chef Vivek Surti has been making since childhood. • 620 Taylor St, Nashville, TN 37208 •
The 17-layer chocolate cake at Carne Mare in Nashville is a must-try for chocolate lovers. This impressive dessert features layers of espresso cake and chocolate caramel mousse, delivering bold and rich flavors in every bite. • 300 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 •
Homemade cakes are a standout at Chef’s Market, offering a variety of flavors by the slice. From classic chocolate to seasonal options, each cake is baked fresh with high-quality ingredients. Perfect for any occasion, these cakes have become a local favorite for dessert lovers seeking something special. • 900 Conference Dr #9, Goodlettsville, TN 37072 •
The apple fritters at Miel in Nashville are a fall favorite, offering a balance of sweetness and warmth. Served with prosciutto crème anglaise, this seasonal treat is an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy autumn flavors in an inviting setting. • 343 53rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209 •
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Franklin, Williamson County, and Nashville, TN
This National Dessert Day, treat yourself to the best sweets Franklin, Williamson County, and Nashville, TN have to offer. Whether you’re craving classic Southern pies, delicate French macarons, or creative 100-layer donuts, the local dessert scene is brimming with delicious options. Explore new flavors, revisit your favorite spots, or even embark on a dessert tour across the area! Whatever your choice, you’re sure to find something sweet to celebrate this indulgent day.
