'Tis the season for pumpkin spice and everything nice.
Here are some of the Bay Area's finest autumnal indulgences.
Humphry Slocombe's Pumpkin 5 Spice Ice Cream
For those who find the holidays sad—and who dread whatever nightmare before Christmas 2020 may bring—Humphry Slocombe's seasonal scoop is a sweet balm for the soul. Chef Jake Godby combines Chinese five spice with plenty of pumpkin, and then serves it up in sundae form with marshmallow fluff, caramel, and graham crackers for all the fall feels. // Available at 2790a Harrison St. (FiDi), the Ferry Building (Embarcadero), and online at humphryslocombe.com.
Manresa Bread's GF Pumpkin Muffins (+More)
When it comes to baked goods, we never need an arm-twist to steer toward Manresa Bread. Extra motivation: new gluten-free pumpkin muffins that taste like the real deal (better, actually). Wash 'em down with a pumpkin spice latte and place your pre-Thanksgiving order for a GF pumpkin mousse cheesecake—when you order by October 18th, they'll throw in a free bag of seasonal granola. // Locations in Campbell, Los Gatos, and Los Altos, manresabread.com
Savion's Sweets Pumpkin Perfection Cupcakes
Formerly called Cups and Cupcakes, Savion's Sweets' Pumpkin Perfection cupcakes are just that. Expect dense pumpkin spice cake slathered with cream cheese frosting and a generous embellishment of orange sprinkles. These cupcakes are available by special order by the dozen. // 451 Ninth St. (SoMa), cupsandcakesbakery.com
Dynamo Donut's Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Donut
Pumpkin spice meets fried dough? Oh hell yeah. Dynamo Donuts' gourd-tastic flavor plays well with chocolate chips and a nutmeg glaze—because decadence. // 2760 24th St. (Mission), dynamodonut.com
The Ice Cream Bar's Pumpkin Gingersnap Ice Cream
TBD if the bar's adult PX Pie ice cream soda (made with Anderson Valley Fall Hornin' Pumpkin Ale) will return this year, but you can currently grab a pint or quart of their nut-free pumpkin gingersnap ice cream. Orders must be placed online first for store pickup or delivery. Note: Pecan pies are also on the menu! // 815 Cole St. (Cole Valley), theicecreambarsf.com
Mariposa Bakery's Pumpkin Whoopie Pie
Mariposa Bakery's luscious pumpkin chocolate-chip muffins are a favorite every year, but this year's we're reaching for four-packs of pumpkin whoopie pies with a dollop of creamy filling. Pumpkin spice tea loaves and pies are also available and, as always, it's all gluten-free. // Locations in Oakland and SF, and also available to order online; mariposabaking.com
Le Marais' Classic Pumpkin Pie
There's something to be said for a tried-and-true, classic pumpkin pie. Oh, the nostalgia. Few do it better than Le Marais Bakery, whose buttery pâte sucrée crust is filled with pumpkin cream made from organic Straus cream, French butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh ground ginger. Each pie serves around 10 people...that is, if you choose to share. // Three locations in SF; pumpkin pie will be available to order beginning late October; lemaraisbakery.com
Pretty Please Bakeshop's Pumpkin Panna Cotta (+ More)
Detour from the gourd-norm with a pumpkin panna cotta as well as pumpkin cheesecakes, cupcakes, and even twinkies! Same-day pumpkin pies are also available for those quick enough to grab 'em. We recommend calling in advance: 415-347-3733. // 291 Third Ave. (Inner Richmond), prettypleasesf.com
