Picture this:
You’re at the beach, enjoying a beautiful Okanagan summer’s day. Sand, sun, snacks and a fashionable beach hat. You’re lathering yourself with Back to Earth sunscreen, when suddenly, BAM! A giant pumpkin hits you right in the face. Best to put the sunscreen away, because it’s Fall now b*tche$.
But that’s OK! Don’t panic (you’re already not panicking, we know). Because Fall in the Okanagan means gorgeous colours, crisp mornings and sunny afternoons, corn mazes and apple picking, and best of all, ALL THINGS PUMPKIN SPICE. And we love ourselves some pumpkin spice.
We’ve put together a list of our favourite pumpkin spice things so you can spend more time picking out new boots and sweaters, and less time hunting down the best pumpkin spice treats!
You’re welcome!
The Pumpkin Chai Latte
Get this magical treat at Teassential in Downtown Vernon. It’s made with their pumpkin chai black tea, real pumpkin, maple syrup, with an extra dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. The best part? There are no artificial flavours here, just the real deal pumpkin.
It’s basically like a pumpkin pie in a glass. This counts as a vegetable, right?
Don’t forget, pumpkin spice season doesn’t last forever! This gem is available now until mid-November at their shop downtown.
2. Pumpkin Molasses Cookie
OK, so we checked with Casey from Big Fat Lion Bakeshop in Kelowna, and she has confirmed that pumpkin DOES count as a vegetable.
Phew.
Since that’s the case, we’ll be taking our vegetables in cookie form this Fall. Because… pumpkin molasses cookies! It’s literally everything you know and love about molasses cookies but with the added bonus of pumpkin. Soft, full of flavour, and yes, technically a vegetable. WIN!
Oh, did we mention that all goodies from Big Fat Lion Bakeshop are vegan and gluten/egg/dairy/nut/soy/sesame free. WIN again!!
Order yours now at their website - www.bigfatlionbakeshop.com - or catch them at the Saturday’s Kelowna Farmers Market until October 10th.
3. Pumpkin Spice Tarts and Pies
No pumpkin spice list would be complete without some pumpkin pies and tarts. At Sweet Caroline’s Bakery in Vernon, they have been making pumpkin pies with 100% real pumpkin for over 25 years.
Top that off with a little (or a lot) whipped cream.
Um YUM?! Is there anything more Fall?
Call ahead to get some because they sell out FAST! (250) 545-0300
4. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
Let’s just talk about these cupcakes from Basic Batch Cupcake Co. for a second here. It’s a pumpkin cupcake (ok, amazing), filled with cinnamon cream cheese (sorry, it’s filled with what now?) and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sugar pastry (*droool*).
We’ll give you a second to re-read that and let the majesty of it set in.
OK, good now? And we know pumpkin spice is the theme of the day, but listen to some of these other Fall cupcake flavours: cinnamon bun…s’mores….caramel apple…
Message them on Facebook to get your hands on these limited time treats!
5. Pumpkin Spice Gelato with Pumpkin Spice Almonds
This one’s a double whammy.
Amore Mio Gelato in Kelowna makes their perfect pumpkin spice gelato and Sweet Hoopla in Vernon serves it up right topped with their pumpkin spice kettle roasted almonds.
That’s right, gelato and roasted almonds. This is pumpkin spice at a whole new level.
Who knew that gelato could be amazing in any season? (OK, we knew. It’s gelato, of course it’s always delicious)
6. Pumpkin Spice Latte
OK, so this one’s obvious. Pumpkin Spice Lattes (or PSL) are like, a thing, for Fall. A must have thing. You know who you are.
There are lots to choose from - ahem, certain chains offer the option every Fall - BUT one of our very favourites comes from Bliss Bakery at their Kelowna, West Kelowna and Peachland locations!
What can we say? It’s pumpkin spice and coffee. Which are basically essential life items at this point. Who can resist?
7. Pumpkin Spice Muffins
It’s a pumpkin spice treat you can have for breakfast! Get these delightful morning treats at Sweet Caroline’s Bakery in Vernon.
They’re a pumpkin spice muffin with a cream cheese filling. It almoooost sounds like a cupcake, but they call it a muffin OK? It’s a muffin. Breakfast food. Pass the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
8. Pumpkin Chai Cupcake
So speaking of cupcakes, have we mentioned these vegan and allergen free Pumpkin Chai Cupcakes? They’re from Big Fat Lion Bakeshop and they. are. delish.
If Autumn and a kitchen had a baby this would be it - a super moist (yes, we used the word moist) pumpkin cupcake base with the most luscious and light chai "buttercream". These babies pack a punch of flavour in all the right ways!
Wait, how many cupcakes are tooooo many cupcakes? There is no number right? Right?!
9. Pumpkin Chai Cheesecake
If you want to end your Okanagan Pumpkin Spice tour with something truly decadent, this is the place to stop. Pumpkin Chai Cheesecake from Bliss Bakery in Kelowna, West Kelowna and Peachland.
What more can we say except that these cheesecakes are made with sugar pumpkins from local gem Paynter’s Market. Share this pumpkin spiced treat with friends (great for Thanksgiving dessert) OR secretly, at night, with a glass of wine, so you don’t have to share with anyone (don’t worry, we won’t tell).
Our advice?
Enjoy pumpkin season while it lasts because pretty soon, BAM!
Candy cane… in your face!
Please share this post on facebook and tag all the friends you’d like to engage in a Pumpkin-Spice coma with! And don’t forget to pick up LOCAL treats from this list for your Thanksgiving dinner (and put in tupperware, and lie to your mother-in-law and say you made it).
