While fall has yet to officially arrive, as per usual the season has begun a bit early with limited-time menu additions in the form of everyone's favorite gourd — the pumpkin. Whether it's baked goods, a warm beverage, or even ice cream you're after, chains are delivering with the return of autumn flavors. Check out the following pumpkin creations that are either currently available or will hit menus soon.
Einstein Bros Bagels: This bagel chain is celebrating pumpkin in a big way. Einstein Bros is serving up baked goods such as Pumpkin bagels, Pumpkin Muffins, Pumpkin Scones, and, new to the menu, Pumpkin Bagel Clusters. Pumpkin Lattes will also be available as well as a new Frozen Pumpkin Pie drink. The real gem however, is the Pumpkin Walnut Crunch bagel, complete with an orange pumpkin shmear that is not to be missed.
Pinkberry: The frozen yogurt trend is still going strong and now that Pinkberry changes its flavors seasonally, it's no surprise that pumpkin continues to make the list. Pinkberry suggests trying its soon-to-return lighter pumpkin treat with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Starbucks: Starbucks is famous for its Pumpkin Spice Latte (this year is the beverage's 10th anniversary!), which has created something of a cult-like fan base. The seasonal drink is so popular that it returns every year in early September, well before the weather cools down. Starbucks even offers an instant coffee version of its Pumpkin Spice flavor. The coffee chain has other pumpkin treats too, such as pumpkin bread, pumpkin scones, and pumpkin cream cheese muffins.
McDonald's: Even more menu changes at this fast food chain has led to Mickey D's jumping on the Pumpkin Spice Latte trend. The new pumpkin pie spiced beverages will be available late September through mid-November.
Dunkin' Donuts: The Starbucks rival is also going crazy for pumpkin, adding its usual pumpkin doughnuts back to the menu. Also featured: pumpkin coffee, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin muffins, and even pumpkin-flavored coffee pods for those with single-cup machines. New items this year include a special Pumpkin Pie Donut, which is filled with buttercream and topped with graham cracker crust, and a Frozen Pumpkin Coffee Coolatta.
Dairy Queen: The Blizzard mavens are taking on pumpkin in frozen form. The Pumpkin Pie Blizzard returns annually, featuring pumpkin pie blended with soft serve and topped with whipped cream and nutmeg. The chain also typically offers pumpkin pie shakes and Moolattes.
Red Robin: Outposts of Red Robin are also "shaking" things up this year, with a milkshake made with Libby's@ pumpkin pie filling, vanilla soft serve, nutmeg, and graham cracker crumbs.
Trader Joe's: This grocery chain favorite probably takes the prize for the most seasonal pumpkin items. The store's signature pumpkin butter may not have hit shelves just yet, but a representative says it's only a matter of weeks before TJ's yearly pumpkin mania begins. Pumpkin bread, muffin mix, ice cream, and pumpkin spice coffee will also be available. Still not enough pumpkin to go around? Try out the Pumpkin Greek Yogurt.
The Cheesecake Factory: Every October The Cheesecake Factory brings back its signature pumpkin dessert. You guessed it — pumpkin cheesecake! Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake is also available, in case you're looking to spice things up a bit this pumpkin season.
Which seasonal pumpkin eats do you enjoy? Did we miss any of your favorites?
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