Champaign-Urbana's Favorite Pumpkin Treats

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 are doing booming business. Thoughts of Halloween abound and we are ready for sweaters and bonfires.

That means it’s time for all things pumpkin — to eat.

The pumpkin spice latte may have returned to area drink menus awhile back, but our locally-owned restaurants and businesses are only now hitting their maximal level of special pumpkin foods.

Please note that many of these food delights are seasonal. Get your pumpkin fix soon — don’t delay.

Pumpkin Cookie

As with all of our “favorite food” lists, we focus on locally owned restaurants around Champaign-Urbana and beyond. (This list is in alphabetical order.)

Champaign-Urbana Pumpkin Food and Drink Trail

Art Mart, 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.

Art Mart pumpkin cookies

Curtis Orchard, 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. Pumpkin ice cream, too!

Pumpkin ice cream at Curtis Orchard

Hopscotch Bakery + Market, Champaign: Hopscotch has a delicious pumpkin cookie again this year. Try the golden pumpkin latte or cold brew cider while you’re there.

Hopscotch vegan cookie

Homestead Bakery, 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.

Homestead Bakery pumpkin bars

Jarling’s Custard Cup, 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.

Just BEE Açaí, Campus: 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. Pumpkin overnight oats are great, too!

Just Bee Acai pumpkin overnight oats

Mariah’s Mums and More, Clinton: Something unique here are the “silos”, a latte with a donut resting on top. Pumpkin flavor available, of course!

Mariah's Mums and More pumpkin

The Original Pancake House, 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.

Pies by Inge, 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.

Sidney Dairy Barn, 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.

Tasty Tart, Champaign: Pumpkin tarts are on the October lineup.

Pumpkin Tasty Tart

The New Sweet Indulgence, 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.

Pumpkin roll Sweet Indulgence

Whisk Coffee and Wine Bar, Mahomet: Try pumpkin and other fall-themed beverages when you’re in a coffee mood (always a coffee mood), including some favorite treats from Pies by Inge (see above).

Ye Olde Donut Shoppe, Champaign: We need to discuss its 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.

Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Pumpkin Treats

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

Champaign-Urbana Pumpkin Food and Drink Trail

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