The world is divided into two camps: those who wait breathlessly every season for Pumpkin Spice lattes and their accompaniments (a season which seems to arrive earlier and earlier); and those who roll their eyes with disgust at the idea of Pumpkin Spice-flavoured anything. If you’re in the former camp, Fall is the season for you, with cooler, crisper weather acting as the perfect backdrop – and shameless excuse – to consume all things pumpkin spice. But you don’t have to stick to the options at Starbucks — and you don’t even have to stick to lattes. Here’s a roundup of some of our favourite pumpkin spice treats around Ottawa.
Planet Coffee
24 York St.
Two things pumpkin spice die-hards may appreciate about the coffee latte at Planet Coffee: they don’t start making it until it’s actually Fall; and they make their pumpkin spice mix in-house, with actual pumpkin (no sugary syrups!). The result is a warming, not too sweet treat that actually tastes like the squash it’s named after.
Little Jo Berry’s
1303 Wellington St. W.
The perfect vegan indulgences can always be found at Little Jo Berry’s. Currently, they have a gluten-free pumpkin scone that’s dense enough to feel like a treat and small enough to keep the sugar surges at bay … but if you’re feeling frisky, try their pumpkin shake instead.
Purdy’s
Rideau & Carlingwood shopping centres
This proudly Canadian chocolate company’s take on the pumpkin truffle boasts notes of ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon — and they’re as pretty to look at as they are tasty to eat.
FlapJack’s
354a Preston St.
If you love the Fall and you have a huge appetite, stop by Flapjack’s for their seasonal sugar bomb of a sundae, set atop a cinnamon bun: in this case, of course, a pumpkin spice cinnamon bun.
Related — Best Paleo Meals in Ottawa
The Dreamland Café
200 Laurier Ave. W.
Tucked away quietly on Laurier Ave W., this cozy little spot calls itself a café and pasta bar – but you might want to stop by for their pumpkin pie shake, made with in-house pumpkin pie filling and ice cream, paired with their “bursting” pumpkin treat: a soft pumpkin scone, hollowed out like a jack o’ lantern to make room for thick, spice-topped whipped cream.
Lindt
Rideau Centre
If you’re #basic and you know it (no judgement here) pick up a classic PSL at Starbucks or try the Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew at Second Cup — and pair it with a couple of those famously smooth and creamy Lindt truffles in your favourite autumnal flavour.
Aux Delices Bakery
32 ByWard Market
Do millennials even remember where the original pumpkin spice flavor originated? Why, the pumpkin pie, of course — the superior dessert on offer at Thanksgiving, as far as this writer is concerned. So if you prefer your pumpkin delivery to be of the classic and traditional variety, this ByWard Market mainstay makes a very reasonably priced and unpretentious pumpkin tart (aka a personal sized pumpkin pie, so you don’t even have to share).