I can’t seem to get my hands on enough pumpkin and apple treats this fall. Apple fritters, impossibly moist pumpkin bread, and all those spicy fall brews. Not to mention Trader Joe’s pumpkin explosion. Pumpkin flavored toaster pastries?? (I haven’t given in to those yet, but I don’t know how much longer I can restrain myself.) You’d think I’d be on autumn overload, but I’m not. Not even close. In fact, a few more fall favorites have won over my taste buds. Like this Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake that I found on Pinterest and made for a family mountain vacation. Delish!
This french toast has just the right amount of sweetness. I highly recommend making your own pumpkin butter like the recipe suggests.
My taste buds are such pushovers when it comes to fall’s triple threat of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. However, the newcomers have stiff competition from my tried-and-true fall favs. They’ll have to really put up a fight to get into the top five. So, before I make myself any hungrier I’ll get to the list.
1. Apple Fritters from Coston’s Apple House Country Store in Hendersonville, N.C.
Fresh apple fritters as big as your face. Need I say more? Word of warning: these treats are big enough to share, but don’t plan on wanting to.
2. Impossibly Moist Pumpkin Bread baked by my Mom-in-Law
I once at a whole loaf by myself. I wish I was kidding. The cinnamon sugar crust is key. Starbucks ain’t got nothing on this loaf.
3. Fried Apple Hand Pies from Coston’s
Yes, back to Coston’s. This little country store is a goldmine of apple goodness. Buttery, flaky crust wrapped around a sweet mixture of brown sugar and fresh honey-crisp apples makes it impossible to just have one. Did I mention they’re served warm?
**Note: Buy more than you think you can eat. Sharing is not an option.
4. Punk’n Harvest Pumpkin Ale by Uinta Brewing Co.
The first time I had this was in glass with brown sugar on the rim and a shot of bailey’s thrown in. The little pub that makes it appropriately calls it the Pumpkin Bomb. Unlike other brews that claim to be pumpkin flavored–this one actually is. Plus, fall’s trinity of flavors brings out the flavor.
5. Pumpkin Spice Pancake Mix from Trader Joe’s
No need to spend Saturday morning making pancakes from scratch with this perfectly spiced mix. Pour on the maple syrup for a yummy blend of spicy and sweet.
No, it’s not a mistake. The beloved PSL didn’t make my list. There were just too many other delicious fall concoctions that I love more, but if you have a good pumpkin coffee rec I’ll take it! Feel free to leave your favorite fall treat in a comment below. Who knows, maybe it’ll make my list in the years to come!
Writing between mouthfuls,
The Southern Bee
