An Appetite for Autumn

A round-up of some of the best fall flavours in the city

Fall has arrived. And with that comes all the sights, smells, and of course, tastes of the season. Inspired by favourite activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches (Halloween!), and crisp mornings, shops and bakeries all over Hamilton have created treats that are sure to put you in the harvest spirit.

Hotti Biscotti
142 James Street North

@hottibiscotti

Apple Cinnamon Walnut Biscotti & Pumpkin Spice Biscotti – A biscotti is a classic pairing for coffee, and no one does it in Hamilton like Debby at Hotti Biscotti. This October, spice up your morning coffee with a featured seasonal flavour like Pumpkin Spice or Apple Cinnamon Walnut. Biscotti can often be dry, but these have a consistency perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own. Both have subtle flavours that give a hint of autumn, without feeling like you’ve fallen into the pile of leaves you just finished raking.

The Dessert Room
1048 King Street West

@thedessertroom

PUMPKIN SCONE – Want to start your day off right? A pumpkin scone is the way to do it, according to The Dessert Room in Westdale. But don’t be fooled by this simple breakfast. With its icing sugar glaze and vanilla bean paste, this scone will put you in a good mood, despite what the rest of the day may bring. The treat has a texture that’s not too hard and not too soft (Goldilocks would approve), and the ideal pumpkin flavour that tastes just like fall.

Cake & Loaf Bakery
21 Dundurn Street South

@cakeandloafbakery

Pumpkin OMG Bar – A take on their beloved OMG bar, the bakers at Cake & Loaf put an autumnal spin on the recipe and added pumpkin into the mix. It starts with a delicious combination of cheesecake and moist pumpkin cake and is topped with cream cheese icing, caramel drizzle, and candied pecans, all made in-house. Local ingredients are used whenever possible, helping to support neighbouring farms and sustainability in the process of making the most flavourful goods. They’re not lying when they say one taste will make you shout “OMG!”

Cherry Birch General
219 King Street East

@cherrybirchgeneral

Pumpkin Spice Latte & Pumpkin Spice Caramels – No fall list is complete without the quintessential Pumpkin Spice hot beverage. And while it can be found in plenty of places in the city, none are quite like the homemade latte you’ll find at Cherry Birch General. Owner Lisa, concocted a syrup unique to the café, using simple ingredients like maple syrup, spices, organic cane sugar, and of course, pure, bona fide pumpkin. Also in the shop are pumpkin spice caramels, made exclusively for Cherry Birch by Kitchener company Hugo and Nate Confections. These make the perfect treat to throw in your bag on the way out and save for a pick-me-up during a hectic day.

Crumbuns Bakeshop
788 Concession Street

@crumbunsbakeshop

Apple Crisp Cheesecake – Need something to bring to your Thanksgiving get-together? Crumbuns has the perfect apple crisp cheesecakes, made in miniature size so that each attendee can have their own. Sort of a cross between a classic apple pie (think local apples, soaked in brown sugar) and a traditional cheesecake with graham cracker crust, these hit the spot when you’re craving a snack and don’t want the guilt (there’s fruit!). If you’re visiting the shop and want a fall sampling, try their pumpkin pie bars, caramel apple cookie sandwiches, and pumpkin spice crumbuns.

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