Pumpkin Treats Taking Over New York This Fall
Fall has officially arrived in New York City, and you know what that means: pumpkin everything is back! From cozy cafes in Brooklyn to fancy bakeries in Manhattan, orange-hued goodies are popping up everywhere.
I’ve tracked down the most delicious pumpkin treats that you absolutely need to try this season.
1. Pumpkin Pie Milkshake at Black Tap Craft Burgers
Black Tap is famous for their over-the-top milkshakes, and the pumpkin pie version doesn’t disappoint. This Instagram-worthy drink comes piled high with toppings that could be a dessert on their own.
The shake itself tastes like drinking liquid pumpkin pie. Whipped cream, pie crust crumbles, and even a mini pie slice sit on top.
Bring your appetite and your camera! Locations in Midtown and SoHo serve this seasonal special through November.
2. Pumpkin Spice Babka at Breads Bakery
Traditional Jewish babka gets a fall twist at this Union Square favorite. Swirls of pumpkin spice filling wind through soft, pillowy dough in the most beautiful pattern.
Each slice reveals layers upon layers of flavor. The bread stays moist for days, making it perfect for breakfast or afternoon snacks.
Fun fact: bakers start preparing these at 3 AM to ensure fresh batches throughout the day. Grab a whole loaf to share with family and friends.
3. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at Stumptown Coffee
Coffee lovers rejoice because this drink combines your caffeine fix with autumn flavors. Smooth cold brew gets topped with a cloud of pumpkin cream foam that looks almost too pretty to drink.
The foam is made with real pumpkin and vanilla, not artificial syrups. As you sip, the sweet cream mixes with bold coffee for balanced taste.
Available at all NYC Stumptown locations, this beverage works great as a morning pick-me-up or afternoon treat.
4. Pumpkin Doughnuts at Dough
Forget basic pumpkin spice because Dough takes things up a notch. Their pumpkin doughnuts are made from scratch daily using cake-style dough that’s incredibly soft and moist.
A glossy pumpkin glaze coats the outside while toasted pepita seeds add a nice crunch. The doughnut itself tastes like actual pumpkin, not just spices.
You’ll find these beauties at their Brooklyn locations in Bed-Stuy and City Point. They’re best enjoyed warm with a glass of cold milk.
5. Pumpkin Spice Cronuts at Dominique Ansel Bakery
Walking into this SoHo bakery feels like entering dessert heaven. The famous cronut gets a seasonal makeover with warm pumpkin spice flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Layers of buttery pastry meet creamy pumpkin filling in the middle. A light glaze on top adds just enough sweetness without going overboard.
Get there early because these sell out fast! I recommend pairing yours with a hot apple cider for the ultimate fall experience.
6. Pumpkin Ravioli at Eataly
Not all pumpkin treats have to be sweet! Eataly’s seasonal pumpkin ravioli proves that squash works wonderfully in savory dishes too.
Delicate pasta pockets get stuffed with roasted pumpkin and ricotta cheese. A simple brown butter sage sauce lets the filling shine without overpowering it.
The Flatiron location serves this dish in their restaurants, or you can buy fresh pasta to cook at home. It’s fancy enough for dinner parties but easy enough for weeknight meals.
7. Pumpkin Scones at Two Hands
Australian-style cafes have taken over NYC, and Two Hands leads the pack with their incredible baked goods. Their pumpkin scones strike the perfect balance between crumbly and tender.
Real pumpkin puree keeps them super moist inside. A maple glaze adds sweetness while maintaining that sophisticated cafe vibe.
Both Tribeca and Nolita locations serve these beauties all day long. They pair wonderfully with their flat whites or matcha lattes for a complete fall breakfast.
8. Pumpkin Spice Macarons at Ladurée
French elegance meets American fall flavors at this luxurious patisserie. Their seasonal pumpkin spice macarons look like tiny works of art with perfectly smooth orange shells.
The filling combines pumpkin ganache with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Each bite delivers that signature macaron texture: crispy outside, chewy middle, and creamy center.
Located on Madison Avenue, Ladurée packages these beauties in gorgeous boxes that make excellent gifts. Prices run higher than regular cookies, but the quality justifies every penny.
9. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies at Levain Bakery
Ever wondered what happens when cheesecake meets cookie? Levain Bakery figured it out with this monster-sized creation that weighs nearly half a pound.
Real pumpkin puree gets mixed into the dough along with cream cheese chunks. The result is a soft, gooey center surrounded by slightly crispy edges.
One cookie easily feeds two people, though I won’t judge if you eat the whole thing yourself. Multiple locations across Manhattan make them super convenient to grab.
10. Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate at Max Brenner
Sometimes you need a warm drink that isn’t coffee. Max Brenner’s pumpkin spice hot chocolate delivers pure comfort in a mug with their signature thick, rich chocolate base.
Pumpkin syrup and fall spices blend into melted chocolate for maximum coziness. Whipped cream and a cinnamon stick complete the presentation.
The Union Square location offers cozy seating perfect for chilly autumn evenings. This drink tastes like a hug from the inside out, warming you completely.
