Top Pumpkin Dishes In Philadelphia
While thinking about autumn, you might have a flashback to Art History 101. Folk artist Grandma Moses was inspired to base a whole series of paintings on pumpkins, and cartoonist Charles Schultz entertained young and old audiences alike with his 1960s primetime special "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." Pumpkins are synonymous with simpler times, greetings from Mayberry and Aunt Bea's Thanksgiving pies. Pumpkin dishes, however, mean more than just once-a-year holiday desserts. Check out these top pumpkin dishes in the Philadelphia area that are heart-warmingly delicious.
Blackbird Pizzeria
507 S. 6th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 625-6660
www.blackbirdpizzeria.com
Blackbird Pizzeria is not simply known for its pizza pies. The all kosher, all vegan all of the time eatery does have some of the top vegan pies around, but this punk rock pizzeria also draws customers for its awesome desserts. After chowing down a scrumptious funghi, avocado or tofu pizza pie, dig into a pumpkin moon pie. Follow the scent of pumpkin to a big sweet treat comprised of a fluffy, dense cookie and buttery, sugary filling.
Capogiro Gelato Artisans
119 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 351-0900
www.capogirogelato.com
National Geographic ranked Philly gelato geniuses Capogiro the number one spot on planet Earth for delicious, handcrafted gelato. Owners John and Stephanie Reitano have been king and queen of the gelato world since 2002. Stephanie picks flavors according to the season and is currently creating new taste sensations with heirloom apples, sweet potatoes and pumpkin. Her pumpkin gelato is a rich, deep-flavored frozen confection made with spices but none of the fatty ingredients of America's favorite Thanksgiving dessert – pumpkin pie. So cut the calories this year with Capogiro's less fattening, more refreshing pumpkin treat.
Federal Donuts
All 4 locations
Philadelphia, PA
www.federaldonuts.com
The donut masters at FedNuts have apparently located an "ultra-rare native Pumpkin Donut vine." While that's a joke, their new creation, the Pumpkin White Chocolate donut, is not — thankfully. Look out for this fantastic newbie at all four locations starting the first week of October.
Magpie
1622 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
www.iluvmagpie.com
From mac 'n' cheese pot pie to the signature butterscotch bourbon, Magpie is dedicated to serving up pie, pie and more pie in both sweet and savory varieties. During the fall months, look out for the bakeshop's pumpkin pie topped with candied orange praline. Whether you eat it on its own or blended into an amazingly delish milkshake, this little taste of autumn is sure to get you in the spirit.
Metropolitan Bakery
262 S. 19th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 545-6655
www.metropolitanbakery.com
The piece de resistance of all things pumpkin might very well be Metropolitan Bakery's pumpkin walnut muffins. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and settle down with one of these sweet treats for a slice of paradise. Metro's muffins are packed with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin puree, walnuts, granulated sugar and brown sugar. If you're going to blow your diet, make it worthwhile. The bakery isn't afraid to share its trade secrets, either. You can find the mouthwatering pumpkin walnut muffin recipe on its website.
Related: Top Bakeries In Philadelphia
Pumpkin Restaurant
1713 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-4448
www.pumpkinphilly.com
The new rustic decor of Pumpkin fits perfectly with the restaurant's farm-to-table menu. Fresh seasonal dishes made with local ingredients are always a welcome surprise whenever the weather changes. As one would expect with a restaurant bearing the name of America's favorite large orange fruit, pumpkin makes a grand entrance on the menu each autumn. Don't miss the pumpkin bread. It's baked with hints of cinnamon and cloves and is topped with cranberry, pumpkin sorbet and coffee ice cream.
Town Crier Bakery at Peddler's Village
29 Peddler's Lane
Lahaska, PA 18931
(215) 794-9910
www.towncrierbakery.com
Autumn is the ideal time to take a scenic drive to Bucks County's Peddler's Village, a quaint village lined with 70 specialty shops and eateries. Make your first stop Town Crier Bakery. When fall rolls around, this old-fashioned bakery is heaven for pumpkin-passionate people. Seasonal specialties include pumpkin-filled doughnuts, pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate chunk pumpkin scones, pumpkin cannoli and pumpkin bread. And of course, you have to take home a box of the bakery's fabulous pumpkin cupcakes. These tiny cakes topped with a cream cheese vanilla frosting are to die for.
Susan DeFeo has been a professional writer since 1997. She served as a community events columnist for New Jersey's "Cape May County Herald" for more than a decade. A writer for numerous online publications, Susan has covered health, fitness, beauty and travel, all subjects that are near and dear to her as a married mother of seven children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
