What could be more irresistible than fall in Champaign-Urbana? Quite possibly the delicious pumpkin cakes, bars, cookies (and more) that come around this time of year
It’s October … the air is getting crisper. Champaign-Urbana area pumpkin patches have opened. Thoughts of Halloween are in the air and we are ready for sweaters and bonfires.
That means it’s time for all things pumpkin — to eat.
As with all of our food trail posts we focus on locally owned restaurants or businesses around Champaign-Urbana and beyond. (This list is in alphabetical order.) You’ll also see several photos here. Go check out these places on Instagram because they offer delicious treats all year long — and just happen to be in pumpkin season right now.
Please note that some of these food delights are, well, seasonal. We’ve tried to note that where we can. Get your pumpkin fix soon, don’t delay.
Champaign-Urbana Pumpkin Food and Drink Trail
Art Mart, 1705 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign: If you’ve ever tried Art Mart’s pumpkin cookies, then you know why they are on this list. Made fresh for more than 35 seasons, these iced cookies make your mouth water on sight. Art Mart also offers plenty of other pumpkin options.
Central Illinois Bakehouse: One of its featured pumpkin items this year is pumpkin cheesecake macarons (drool). Central Illinois Bakehouse goods can be found at various locations around town, including Pekara, Urbana’s Market at the Square and other farmers markets.
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Curtis Orchard, 3902 S. Duncan Road, Champaign: With so many fall treats to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one. Since pumpkin is the focus here, we’ll note that Curtis Orchard offers pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting as well as take-and-bake pumpkin pies. However, it’s hard not to think of its apple cider slushies, fritters, and glazed or cake apple donuts.
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Hopscotch Bakery + Market, 802 W. John St., Champaign: Hopscotch has a delicious pumpkin cookie again this year. Try the golden pumpkin latte or cold brew cider while you’re there.
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Homestead Bakery, 1749B County Road 1900N, Arthur: One reader says, “Their pumpkin bars are simply heaven. The best pumpkin bars there are.” While you are there, make sure to check out the pumpkin cinnamon rolls too. And its adorable pumpkin cut-out cookies are also a favorite.
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Industrial Donut, 501 Commerce Dr., Savoy: Industrial’s pumpkin pie donuts and pumpkin flavored cake donuts already hit the store, and their run is usually short-lived. Watch Industrial’s Instagram page for updates and don’t delay!
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Jarling’s Custard Cup, 309 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign: A seasonal favorite you absolutely must try is its pumpkin pie snowstorm. Jarling’s uses a special house-made pumpkin pie mix, blended with vanilla wafers and custard. It even comes complete with whipped cream for that extra special touch.
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Just BEE Açaí UIUC: Seasonal favorites come and go, so no guarantees you’ll catch them this fall. If you can time it right, you have to try the seasonal favorite, chunky pumpkin nut butter.
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Lucky Moon Pies and More, 401 E. Oak St., Mahomet: Make sure to try its pumpkin pie donuts with a dollop of whipped perfection on the top.
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The Original Pancake House, 1909 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign: As if the pancakes weren’t already delicious enough, patrons look forward to OPH’s pumpkin pancakes. We think they are delicious with melted chocolate chips, whipped cream, and butter. Yum.
Pandamonium Doughnuts, 1105 Windsor Road, Champaign: Pandamonium Doughnuts’ pumpkin spice cake doughnut is always a fall fan pleaser. It features pumpkin spiced cake, cream cheese icing, toasted pepitas, and a dusting of pumpkin spice on top.
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Pies by Inge, 212 W. Washington St., Monticello: Whether you are looking for pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing, or cinnamon rolls with pumpkin buttercream frosting, Pies by Inge can meet your pumpkin cravings.
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Sidney Dairy Barn, 311 W. Main St., Sidney: Fans come back year after year for the pumpkin tornado, a blended concoction of ice cream, marshmallows, caramel, graham crackers, and a topping of whipped cream.
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Tasty Tart, 405 S. Neil St. Suite C, Champaign: Pumpkin tarts are on the October lineup!
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The New Sweet Indulgence, 2149 S. Neil St., Champaign: The New Sweet Indulgence’s pumpkin cinnamon rolls are eagerly awaited by superfans each year. Topped with frosting, pecans, and cinnamon drizzle, they aren’t your average cinnamon roll. “They are my favorite fall weekend breakfast.” “They just scream fall!” While you’re there, why not try a pumpkin muffin too?
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Whisk Coffee and Wine Bar, 1704 Patton Dr., Suite 4, Mahomet: Try pumpkin and other fall-themed beverages when you’re in a coffee mood (always a coffee mood), including some favs by Pies by Inge (see above).
Ye Olde Donut Shoppe, 1401 S. Neil St., Champaign: We need to discuss their seasonal pumpkin spice cake donut. With a perfect balance between the pumpkin and all the spices, you will not be able to eat just one. Try it plain or iced with cream cheese, with or without graham cracker crumbs or caramel drizzle. (We hear rumors of an upcoming gingerbread cake donut which may need its own post.)

Places we have found pumpkin treats in previous years but haven’t confirmed for this year
Cafe Kopi, 109 N. Walnut St., Champaign: Favorites last year included the pumpkin frappuccino, hot or cold pumpkin spice lattes, and iced pumpkin cold brew coffee. Kopi also featured pumpkin bread for a tasty treat with your morning or afternoon coffee (or both).
Know of someone or something we missed? Email us to let us know what you love about your pumpkin favorites and what makes them so delicious.
Find everything related to fall in Champaign-Urbana:
- Where to Take Fall Family Photos in Champaign-Urbana
- 17+ Pumpkin Treats to Try Around Champaign-Urbana
- 10+ Places to See Fall Colors in Champaign-Urbana (and a Fall Trail Map)
- Champaign-Urbana Area Trick or Treat Hours
- Where to Trunk or Treat in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Halloween Events at Zoos Near Champaign-Urbana
- Fall Leaf and Yard Waste Collection in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Haunted Houses and Where to Get Scared in Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Halloween Events and Activities
- Our Favorite Fall Parades in Champaign-Urbana
- 21 Things to Do During Fall (on a Budget) in Champaign-Urbana
- Fantastic Fall Festivals a Short Drive from Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Fall Fairs and Festivals
- Apples, Pumpkins and Corn Mazes in Champaign-Urbana
- Fall Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
- Where to Pick Apples Near Champaign-Urbana
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