Fall is in full swing, and bakeries, cafes and stores all around Nashville are celebrating with seasonal treats. As someone who looks forward to Thanksgiving pumpkin pie all year, I felt called to the task of finding the best seasonal pumpkin-flavored desserts the city has to offer. Whether it’s doughnuts, ice cream or the tried-and-true Starbucks, here are the best ways to get your pumpkin fix before winter comes. 

Van Leeuwen pumpkin cheesecake ice cream 

This flavor is exactly how I would imagine a pumpkin pie turned into ice cream. This ice cream has the strongest pumpkin flavor out of anything on this list, and it does not disappoint. With chunks of cheesecake in the ice cream, it even has a texture similar to that of pumpkin pie. The cheesecake pieces are soft like a pie crust, and they add balance to the dessert’s sweetness. The only downside is that this ice cream melts faster than any ice cream I’ve ever seen, and even in a cup, it makes quite a mess. Van Leeuwen’s has multiple locations, including one in Edgehill, so be sure to stop by next time you’re in the area.  

Starbucks pumpkin cold foam 

Starbucks can sometimes seem like the be-all and end-all of fall flavors, with its pumpkin spice latte being credited for starting the pumpkin spice craze in the first place. Its pumpkin cold foam, though, is a relatively newer creation that can be added to your existing favorite drink. That versatility lets you add a nice hint of pumpkin, making it perfect for those who are not fully committed to pumpkin spice but still want to celebrate the fall season.  

Five Daughters Bakery pumpkin spice latte doughnut 

The 100-Layer Donut at Five Daughters Bakery never disappoints, with the croissant base providing a soft texture that makes it very easy to eat, especially for those who do not like dense desserts. They also offer miniature versions of the doughnuts, so they are perfect for those days when you feel like you deserve a small treat. The pumpkin spice latte doughnut has a pleasant cinnamon flavor that elevates the pumpkin flavor. They top the doughnuts with a large amount of frosting, but the thick texture feels as if it is topped with the filling from a pumpkin pie, without being too much. 

Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice sheet cake 

While it may seem less exciting to go to the grocery store instead of a local dessert shop, this cake does not disappoint. The perfectly moist cake tastes like cinnamon, nutmeg and, of course, pumpkin. The cream cheese frosting adds a tasty finish — layered not too thick — and it tastes like a perfect Thanksgiving pumpkin pie in cake form. Be careful, though; the light texture makes it incredibly appealing to eat the entire sheet in one sitting.  

Parlor Doughnuts pumpkin chai cheesecake doughnut 

I love pumpkin — which is why I can’t support this treat being called a pumpkin doughnut. The fluffy layering of the croissant base creates a perfect texture, but it lacks much pumpkin flavor. Other Parlor offerings, like the French toast doughnut, are very flavorful in the glaze and the croissant, so it came as a surprise that the seasonal item would fall flat. 

Le Macaron pumpkin macarons 

Le Macaron is located at Fifth + Broadway, and they offer a wide range of macaron flavors and coffee. The pumpkin flavor, similar to the Parlor doughnut, lacked actual pumpkin. However, the macarons were just chewy enough with an ideal amount of filling. If there was a more prominent pumpkin or cinnamon taste to the cookies, they would be the perfect treat to keep on hand in your room — but they still could make a nice gift.