Pumpkin for fall? Groundbreaking, we know. Still, as the air gets crisp and vibrant foliage starts to appear, pumpkins begin to enter our diets in various forms — and we couldn’t do autumn without them. Especially when they come in the form of dessert. Here are some of our favorite gourd-flavored sweets.
Great Country Farms
Pumpkin spice and apple cider doughnuts just make sense together. So while you’re exploring this beloved NoVA farm this fall, grab a PSS — pumpkin spice slushy — garnished with an ACD. You’re on your way to fall nirvana. 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont
Mom’s Apple Pie Company
Fall is nothing without pumpkin pie, and a fan favorite like Mom’s is your best bet for a stellar slice. All the pies at this family-run bakery are made with fruits and vegetables from its Loudoun County farm. While that means the pies will be fresh and flavorful, they’ll also sell out quickly, so go grab yours before it’s too late. Multiple locations
Nathan’s Dairy Bar
Ice cream may be the summer staple, but with a little pumpkin, you can enjoy it through autumn. When the leaves start changing color, Nathan’s pumpkin cheesecake flavor, made from pumpkin puree and cheesecake ice cream spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, is back on the menu. Your eyes may see a summer treat, but your taste buds will be screaming fall. 8948 Mathis Ave., Manassas
Bakeshop
This treasured bakery offers plenty of unique cupcake flavors — but the pumpkin cream cheese and pumpkin salty caramel are must-eats as we head toward Halloween. Whichever frosting flavor you choose to complement the warm pumpkin cake, you’ll feel the seasonal spirit after just one bite. 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington; 100 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church
Alexandria Pastry Shop and Catering
When pumpkin spice lattes make their return, you’ll be craving a fall-flavored snack to accompany your fall-flavored drink. This quaint pastry shop offers pumpkin tea bread all autumn long: It’s the perfect sweet treat sans frosting and frills. 3690 King St., Ste. H, Alexandria
Feature image, sriba3/stock.adobe.com
This story originally ran in our October issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
