8 Pumpkin Spice Food & Drink to Sample this Fall in Raleigh, Durham & beyond

This Pumpkin Spice Food & Drink guide was updated in October 2020

It’s the time of year where many look forward to cooler weather, long cable sweaters, leather boots and, yes, Pumpkin Spice Lattes.  Love it or hate it, the PSL and other seasonal foods have many fans.  In addition to a lovely fall coffee drink, I also have a great round-up of autumn inspired food and drink to try during the fall in eateries across Raleigh, Durham and beyond.

Although pumpkin is not one of my go-to fruits, the execution of the squash in the following eight food and drink makes me look forward to this time of year, specifically so that I can indulge in the specialty treats.  I know you are bound to “fall” in love with these pumpkin food and drink, too, once you try them.

 

The Best Pumpkin Spice Food and Drinks in North Carolina: a Foodie’s Guide

 

1. Brigs Restaurants Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

When I first moved to North Carolina, my neighbor managed the Brigs location off of Creedmoor Rd. in Raleigh.  She raved about Brigs breakfast, especially their pumpkin pancakes.  It has been over 10 years since I first tried these pumpkin spice pancakes and it is tradition for me to visit them every year in October.  Due to their popularity, these pancakes are featured in Brig’s menu for two full months in both October and November.  The sweet aromas of these pumpkin pancakes are intoxicating.   The pancakes are also incredibly fluffy and delicious.  Very little syrup is needed for these delicious hot cakes that are topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon.  Brigs pumpkin spice pancakes are available in a one, two or a three stack.  Brigs Restaurants has locations in Cary, Raleigh, Durham, and Wake Forest.

 

 

2. Raleigh Rolls Pumpkin Pie Rolls 

I could not create this blog post without a nod to ice cream.  Raleigh Rolls autumn feature includes the Pumpkin Pie Rolls.  A sweet cream ice cream base is mixed together with pumpkin puree and chopped graham crackers on an extremely cold surface and is spread thin to create beautifully rolled ice cream using a spatula.  The ice cream rolls are placed in a cup and topped with whipped cream, ginger snap crumbles, and a ginger snap cookie.  The seasonal treat, launches October 1st, and is available in both a dairy-free and vegan option.  Raleigh Rolls is located inside Morgan Street Food Hall on 411 W. Morgan Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.

 

 

3. Sassool’s Pumpkin Blondie and Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Sassool serves fresh Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine in a fast casual setting.  The family owned business has locations in Cary, North Raleigh and inside Morgan Street Food Hall in downtown Raleigh.  Sassool collaborates with JP’s Pastry to provide two delicious pumpkin inspired desserts to their customers this fall: the Pumpkin Blondie and the Pumpkin Cheesecake.   The Pumpkin Blondie is only available at the restaurant’s Cary location, while the Pumpkin Cheesecake is only available at the Raleigh location.

 

 

4. Winston Grille’s Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Winston’s Grille is a locally owned and operated institution that has been around for over 30 years.  I started frequenting them over five years ago and fell in love with their charm and great customer service.  I enjoy all of their savory dishes but their homemade ice cream and confections make me weak in the knees.  One such dessert is their pumpkin spice cheesecake.  It’s creamy, delicious and balanced.  When you eat it, you are not left wondering whether it is a cheesecake or a pumpkin pie.  You KNOW it’s a pumpkin spice cheesecake.  Pumpkin fan or not, this autumn sweet is a must try for all dessert enthusiasts.  Warning… you will not want to share one bite.  Winston’s Grille is located at 6401 Falls of the Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27615.

 

 

5. Simply Crêpes Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte 

Simply Crêpes, located in Raleigh’s Lafayette Village, offers morning fare, entrées and desserts.  The restaurant  creates seasonal recipes in their kitchen from scratch utilizing local ingredients, when possible.  The Pumpkin Chai Latte is sweet and cinnamon forward with a nice amount of pumpkin essence.  The beverage can be prepared cold or hot and is available in only one size.  Simply Crêpes is located on 8470 Honeycutt Rd. #110, Raleigh, NC 27615.

 

 

6. Asali’s Pumpkin Spice Scones

Asali is located in Cary’s MacGregor Village.  The Mediterranean Cafe specializes in desserts, small cakes, small plates, coffees, specialty teas, and more.  I was happy to learn that Asali has a Pumpkin Spice Scone on the menu.  The scones are soft and tender with perfect crumbly edges.  Each scone is topped with a vanilla and pumpkin glaze for extra decadence.

 

 

7. Asali’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse over Spice Cake

I will preface that this gorgeous cake in quite a treat and one of my Asali fall favorites.  The combination of chocolate, pumpkin cheesecake and spice cake works beautifully.  In fact, this is one Asali confection that you will not want to share.  In addition to being delicious, the individual chocolate mirror-glazed dessert is exquisite.

 

 

8. Asali’s Autumn Mousse  

The Autumn Mousse features pumpkin, maple and vanilla bean mousse.  The tri-colored mousse is eye-catching, which is why I was immediately drawn to it.  When you dive into the autumn confection, I recommend taking a small scoop of the three layers and allow the flavors to meld in your mouth.  All of the above-mentioned Asali pastries will be available until mid to late October 2020.  Asali’s gorgeous blooming teas are a great accompaniment for anyone of the seasonal desserts on this list.  The MacGregor Village Cafe is located on 107 Edinburgh S Dr Suite 106-A, Cary, NC 27511.

 

 

All of these pumpkin spice food and drink are special, not only because of the use of the squash, but because of the careful execution of the fruit in each dish.  I appreciate how the pumpkin is used to complement each dish and not disguise the beautiful flavors of the squash.

Do you have a favorite pumpkin-infused dish that is served at a Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill area restaurant, bakery or ice cream shop?  Please share your recommendation in the comments section.  I would love to try your suggestion before pumpkin spice season comes to a close.

If you are a fan of “food lists” read my list of 6 Top Doughnut Shops in the USA  or 6 Top Hawaiian Shave Ice in Oahu.