National Dessert Day 2025 Complete Guide To Free Desserts And Special Offers

National Dessert Day, celebrated annually on October 14th, has become one of the most anticipated food holidays in the United States. This unofficial holiday offers dessert enthusiasts the perfect excuse to indulge their sweet tooth with special promotions, free treats, and exclusive deals from popular restaurant chains and food establishments across the country. Many participating businesses offer limited-time offers that include free desserts with purchase, buy-one-get-one-free deals, significant discounts on sweet treats, and special rewards for loyalty program members. This comprehensive guide details all confirmed and anticipated National Dessert Day specials for 2025, along with information about eligibility requirements, redemption methods, and participation details.

Confirmed National Dessert Day 2025 Offers

Numerous restaurant chains and food establishments have confirmed their participation in National Dessert Day 2025 with special offers and promotions. The following deals have been officially announced for October 14th, 2025:

Restaurant Chain Specials

• Beef-A-Roo: All desserts will be priced at just $1 on October 14th only. This limited-time offer provides an affordable way to satisfy dessert cravings.

• Bruster's: Customers can enjoy $2 off sundaes on October 14th exclusively. The discount applies to all sundaes purchased on National Dessert Day.

• Burger King: Free Cini Minis with any $3 or more purchase on October 14th. This popular fast-food chain offers a complimentary sweet treat with qualifying purchases.

• Friendly's: Something sweet will be added to customers' wallets on October 14th. While specific details about this promotion are not yet fully disclosed, customers can expect some form of sweet discount or offer.

• McAlister's Deli: New members who sign up for McAlister's Rewards between October 8th and October 14th, 2025, will receive a complimentary dessert with a $5 or more purchase (excluding taxes and fees) at participating locations only. This offer expires on October 14th, 2025, and is limited to single use. The reward can be found in the App in the My Rewards section within Special Offers and must be applied at checkout. The offer is not valid with any other offer or reward, or third-party delivery. A service fee applies to online and in-app orders, and additional fees and taxes may apply, as detailed at checkout. This promotion is void where prohibited.

• Nothing Bundt Cakes: Buy-one-get-one-free Bundtlets through October 19th with the code OCTBOGO25. This extended promotion allows customers to enjoy their famous Bundt cakes for several days after National Dessert Day.

• Taco Cabana: My TC! Rewards members can receive free small Sopapillas when they purchase two or more Tacos on October 14th. This exclusive member benefit is available only to loyalty program participants.

• The Cheesecake Factory: Rewards program members can enjoy half-priced desserts from October 13th through October 16th. The discount can be redeemed through dine-in, online pickup, or delivery via DoorDash. However, there is some discrepancy in the available information regarding the exact dates of this promotion, with one source indicating October 13-16 and another suggesting October 14-17.

• Tijuana Flats: Customers can receive a free 3-piece cookie dough flautas when purchasing any adult entrée through October 18th with the code DESSERTS25. This extended promotion provides nearly a week of complimentary dessert treats with qualifying purchases.

• Zaxby's: Half off all favorite shakes, including Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, and the iconic Birthday Cake flavor, through October 26th. This extended shake promotion allows customers to enjoy discounted desserts for several weeks following National Dessert Day.

Additional Confirmed Deals

Several other restaurants have confirmed their National Dessert Day offerings:

• Jack in the Box: Customers can receive a free order of mini churros with any purchase of at least $1 on October 14th.

• KFC: A free four-piece order of Cherry Pie Poppers with any $1 or more purchase online or through the KFC app on October 14th.

• Via 313: Free cinnamon sticks with any pizza purchase on October 14th.

• Edwards Desserts: Customers can enter for a chance to win 25,000 free slices of pie through October 14th on the company's website.

• Chuck E. Cheese: As part of the chain's Halloween Boo-Tacular event, kids can receive free Airheads candy now through October 31st, with a fun dance party at 6 p.m.

• Kilwins: From October 14th through October 19th, 2025, Instagram users who follow the official @Kilwins account can enter a sweepstakes by tagging a friend in a comment on the official post. Ten lucky winners will each receive a $50 Kilwins eGift Card, perfect for indulging in their favorite Kilwins desserts. Official rules for this sweepstakes are available on the Kilwins website.

Ice Cream and Treat Specials

Several ice cream and treat shops have confirmed National Dessert Day promotions:

• Baskin-Robbins: Customers can receive a free regular-sized scoop when they download the Baskin-Robbins app. This offer is available year-round but provides a perfect treat for National Dessert Day.

• Dairy Queen: A free small Blizzard Treat with app download, plus additional deals when customers download the DQ App.

• Krispy Kreme: A free doughnut when customers sign up for the Simple & Sweet rewards program.

Bakery and Cafe Promotions

Several bakery and cafe chains have confirmed special offers:

• Cheryl's: Customers can receive 20 percent off any online order of tasty treats with a specific promo code (the code is not provided in the source material).

• Ghirardelli: 15 percent off any order on National Dessert Day.

• Mimi's Cafe: A free classic two-pack of Mimi's muffins or croissants when customers join the eClub, with a list of participating California locations available.

Additional Sweet Deals and Rewards Program Benefits

Beyond the confirmed National Dessert Day offers, several restaurants provide ongoing benefits through their rewards programs that can be utilized on this sweet holiday:

Loyalty Program Benefits

• Cheesecake Factory Rewards: Members consistently receive special dessert offers throughout the year, including the confirmed half-price promotion during National Dessert Day period.

• McAlister's Rewards: In addition to the new member promotion mentioned earlier, this program has previously offered 50% off up to two desserts with the purchase of one adult entree (online or in-person). While this specific offer wasn't confirmed for 2025, it has been available in previous years.

• Panda Express Rewards: In 2023, rewards members received a free apple pie roll from National Dessert Day through the end of the month. Similar promotions may be available in 2025, though this has not been confirmed.

• Outback Steakhouse: In previous years, customers could receive free dessert with the purchase of one adult entree by mentioning "Dessert Day" when ordering or using the code "SWEETS" in the app. This promotion has not been confirmed for 2025.

• Zaxby's: Previously offered free funnel cake with a $5 or more purchase (in-person or in the app). This specific promotion has not been confirmed for 2025.

Predicted Offers Based on Previous Years

While many offers have been confirmed for National Dessert Day 2025, several chains have not yet announced their promotions. Based on previous years' offers, the following deals may be available:

• Freebirds World Burrito: A buy-one-get-one-free deal when using a promo code has been offered in previous years and may be available again in 2025.

• Gopuff: A discount on Doughlicious products has been available in previous years and may be offered again for National Dessert Day 2025.

• Panda Express: The apple pie roll, introduced for National Dessert Day 2023, may be offered again as a free treat for rewards members.

It's important to note that these are predictions based on previous years' promotions and have not been confirmed for 2025. Customers should check with their favorite restaurants closer to October 14th for the most current and accurate information about National Dessert Day offers.

Tips for Maximizing National Dessert Day Deals

To make the most of National Dessert Day promotions and ensure a smooth experience, consider the following tips:

1. Check with Local Restaurants: While many national chains participate in National Dessert Day, individual locations may have different policies or may not participate at all. It's advisable to call ahead or check the restaurant's website or app for location-specific details.

2. Download Restaurant Apps: Many exclusive offers, including free desserts and discounts, are available through restaurant loyalty apps. Downloading these apps before October 14th can ensure access to all available promotions.

3. Join Rewards Programs: Several offers are exclusive to rewards program members. Joining these programs before National Dessert Day can unlock additional savings and benefits.

4. Read Terms and Conditions: Carefully review the terms and conditions for each promotion, including purchase requirements, expiration dates, and any restrictions that may apply.

5. Plan Ahead: Some offers require specific codes or need to be redeemed through certain methods (online, in-app, or in-person). Planning ahead can help ensure a seamless redemption experience.

6. Combine Offers When Possible: Some promotions may be combined with other offers, though many are limited to single use or cannot be combined with other discounts. Check the terms for each offer to maximize savings.

7. Take Advantage of Extended Promotions: Several restaurants offer promotions that extend beyond October 14th, providing additional opportunities to enjoy discounted or free desserts.

Special Considerations During National Dessert Day

When participating in National Dessert Day promotions, customers should keep several factors in mind:

• Participation Varies: While many national chains participate in National Dessert Day, participation may vary by location. Some franchises may choose not to participate or may offer different promotions than those advertised nationally.

• Purchase Requirements: Many free dessert offers require a minimum purchase amount. Customers should be prepared to meet these requirements to qualify for the promotion.

• Limited Quantities: Some offers may be subject to availability and limited quantities, particularly for popular items. It's advisable to visit restaurants earlier in the day to ensure availability.

• Applicable Fees: When redeeming offers through apps or for delivery orders, additional fees such as service fees, delivery fees, and taxes may apply. These costs should be considered when evaluating the total value of a promotion.

• Expiration Dates: Some offers, particularly those received through rewards programs, may have expiration dates that must be met to avoid forfeiture.

• One-Per-Customer Limitations: Many promotions are limited to one per customer or per transaction. Attempting to redeem multiple offers at once may result in rejection.

Conclusion

National Dessert Day 2025 promises to be a sweet celebration with numerous confirmed offers from popular restaurant chains and food establishments. From free desserts with purchase to significant discounts and exclusive rewards program benefits, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in favorite treats while saving money. By planning ahead, joining loyalty programs, and checking with local restaurants, customers can maximize their National Dessert Day experience and enjoy a variety of sweet offerings at discounted prices or no cost. As the date approaches, it's recommended to verify the latest offers with individual restaurants, as promotions may be updated or added closer to October 14th.

Sources

1. The Freebie Guy - National Dessert Day
2. KSAT - Here are some sweet deals for National Dessert Day
3. The Krazy Coupon Lady - National Dessert Day
4. Patch - Where to get free treats on National Dessert Day
5. Fetch - Celebrate National Dessert Day with Fetch
6. Merca20 - National Dessert Day 2025