Sweet Celebration: National Dessert Day in North Alabama

Every year, dessert lovers unite on National Dessert Day to celebrate the sweetest part of any meal: the finale. In North Alabama, this is the perfect excuse to embark on a delicious tour through some of our region’s most beloved dessert makers. From creamy ice creams to homemade pies, rustic orchard treats, and decadent cakes, there’s a sweet indulgence waiting around every corner.

Why Celebrate Dessert in North Alabama?

North Alabama is known for more than scenic beauty and outdoor adventures; it’s also home to a rich tradition of Southern baking, orchard-grown delights, and small-town dessert artisans. On our website, you’ll find lists of local restaurants, bakeries, ice cream shops, and food trails that celebrate these unique flavors and hometown artisans.

So for this year’s National Dessert Day, let’s take a joyful ride through some of the tastiest stops in the region.

Ice Cream & Frozen Treats

Tess’ Place Ice Cream

A local favorite, Tess’ Place serves up classic and creative ice cream flavors, shaved ice, and gourmet sodas. Their quirky, friendly vibe makes it a perfect dessert-day stop.

Seven Daughters Scoops

Located in Cullman, Seven Daughters Scoops keeps a rotating menu of flavors and often offers grab-and-go freezer items. Whether you want a scoop now or take some home, they’ve got you covered.

Salty Cod Bakery & Gelato 

Though known for their savory fare, The Salty Cod also features a gelato & cake counter in their menu offerings. It’s a fun twist to visit a place where you can pair a main course with gelato or a sweet cake for dessert.

The Ice Cream Machine at Greenbrier Restaurant

While details are more elusive online, Greenbrier Restaurant’s ice cream machine is a local gem. If you're in that part of the region, it’s worth making a stop for a soft-serve treat.

Reeves Farm Peach Ice Cream

More than just a farm, Reeves Farm is known in local circles for their fruit-based dessert, especially their peach ice cream and cobblers. If you’re celebrating dessert day mid-summer, this is a must-stop.

Pie, Cake & Baked Goods

The Freight House 

The Freight House operates an in-house bakery with a stellar reputation for four-layer 9” round cakes, as well as homemade pies, buttercream table cakes, mandarin pretzel salad, and charming sugar cookies. Their dessert menu includes everything from Strawberry Cake to Key Lime Pie. 

Big Bob Gibson’s Homemade Pies 

Though famous for barbecue, Big Bob Gibson also bakes pies from scratch, selling them by the slice or whole. Flavors include chocolate, pecan, lemon icebox, coconut cream, and peanut butter. 

Wildflower Cafe’s Homemade Desserts

Wildflower Cafe is known locally for its homemade dessert offerings. It’s a great cafe to include on your dessert tour! Check locally or call ahead to see their current sweet specials.

Let’s Do Lunch 

Let's Do Lunch is a Decatur favorite that offers a standout dessert item: strawberry pretzel salad, available by the pan or in single servings. It’s a beloved local item that deserves a dessert-day shout-out!

Main Street Café 

Housed in the town’s historic former city hall and jail, Main Street Café serves a variety of Southern comfort foods — but locals know to save room for dessert. Their strawberry pretzel salad is a house favorite, layered with a buttery pretzel crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries on top. It’s a slice of small-town charm that’s as sweet as it is satisfying.

Orchard & Seasonal Sweet Stops

Isom’s Orchard – Apple Slushie & Apple Cider Donuts

Isom’s Orchard serves up orchard-fresh goodness: crisp apple cider donuts and apple slushies on warm days. It’s one of those places where dessert meets a fall or orchard vibe.

Candies & Confections

Morgan Price Candy Company (Decatur)

Morgan Price specializes in handcrafted chocolates, toffees, brittles, and creamy pralines, made in small batches using family recipes. Their candy is a perfect sweet gift or indulgence for National Dessert Day.

Suggested Dessert Day Itinerary

Here’s a sample schedule to make the most of National Dessert Day. Feel free to adapt based on your location, travel distance, and appetite:

1. Late Morning (10–11 a.m.)
   Start at Isom’s Orchard for apple cider donuts and a cool apple slushie.

2. Midday Treat (12–1 p.m.)
   Grab lunch nearby, then swing by Salty Cod for a scoop of gelato or slice of cake.

3. Afternoon Sweet Stops (2–4 p.m.)

   • Head to Reeves Farm for their peach ice cream or other fruit desserts

   • Make your way to Morgan Price Candy for handcrafted candies

   • Stop at Seven Daughters Scoops or Tess’ Place for scoops or floats

4. Early Evening (5–6 p.m.)
   Dine at a local restaurant and save room for dessert! Maybe get a slice of cake or pie at The Freight House or Big Bob Gibson

5. Dessert Finale
   End your day at Wildflower Cafe or Let’s Do Lunch with something homey and comforting like strawberry pretzel salad or a café dessert special.

Tips for a Sweet Day

• Call ahead: Some of these dessert shops change flavors or close early, so it’s good to confirm hours and availability.

• Pace yourself: If you try one thing at each stop, you’ll get a taste of each without overindulging.

• Share bites: Sample-sized orders or sharing will let you try more without going overboard.

• Bring a cooler: Especially helpful for ice cream or gelato stops if you’re traveling between shops.

• Take photos: Dessert is meant to be celebrated, so snap those colorful scoops, gooey pies, and artful cakes!

Final Sweet Thoughts

National Dessert Day is more than an excuse to eat sweets; it’s a chance to celebrate the people, places, and traditions behind those desserts. In North Alabama, you’re surrounded by old-time orchards, family bakeries, ice cream shops, and dessert artisans who pour passion and heritage into everything they create.

Whether your perfect day ends with a slice of cake at The Freight House, a scoop at Tess’ Place, or apple donuts from Isom’s, I hope you find your own sweet spot. Happy Dessert Day!