Sure, fall is synonymous with everything pumpkin spice, but apples deserve just as much praise. Take a trip around the city and indulge in a few of these apple-flavored sweets.
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits – Apple Cider Pie
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This twist on a beloved classic might not taste like Grandma’s, but I’m guessing you won’t mind one bit. Cider custard, cider glaze, cinnamon sugar and a graham cracker crust make up this drool-worthy pie. Still hungry? Bang Bang’s biscuits and grits more than live up to the hype. You may find yourself needing a few to-go boxes.
4947 N. Damen Ave. & 2051 N. California Ave., Chicago
Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee – Michigan Apple Fritter
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Do-Rite regulars rave about this buttery confection and it’s easy to see why: the fritter is made up of cinnamon dough and Michigan apples dipped in a yummy cinnamon glaze. One reviewer described the baked good as a “Cinnabon with apples, but tastier.” Um, sign me up. Tip: make sure to arrive at Do-Rite early since the shop often runs out of their most popular items.
Various locations in Chicago
Xo Marshmallow – Apple Turnover Marshmallows
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A gourmet marshmallow shop? We are so there. Your kids will probably go into a sugar coma after visiting this hip Rogers Park confectionary, but these treats are totally worth it. Made with organic apple cider, nutmeg and cinnamon, the Apple Turnover flavor somehow crams all of the tastes of fall into a bite-sized marshmallow. Not an apple person (-gasp-)? Xo Marshmallow offers plenty of other tasty fall mallows, including pumpkin spice, maple and caramel corn.
6977 N. Sheridan, Chicago
North Shore Cider Company – Hard Cider
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After a long day of fall fun with the kids, you’re going to need a break. Grab a babysitter and head north to Evanston to try a variety of alcoholic ciders. Whether you’re a fan of dry, fruity or spiced, there’s something for every taste bud at North Shore. Oh, and the ciders are made from 100 percent organically grown fruit, so that makes them healthy, right?
707 Howard St. Units B&C, Evanston
The Fudge Pot – Caramel Apples
Trendy desserts are fun, but sometimes you just want a good, old-fashioned caramel apple. This Old Town chocolate shop is a long-standing Chicago favorite, offering all of the classic sweets you grew up eating. Their caramel apple flavors include walnuts, peanuts, plain caramel and cherry hard candy and, best of all, they’re available year ‘round. No judgment for grabbing a candy apple when those winter blues hit a few months from now.
1532 N. Wells St, Chicago
The Original Pancake House – Apple Pancake
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The Original Pancake House is all over Chicagoland (Hyde Park, Gold Coast, Forest Park, Glenview, etc.), so you have to try their one of their house specialties: the apple pancake. You can share this massive plate with your family since this oven-baked pancake is topped heavily with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon glaze. Yum!
Various locations in Chicago and the suburbs (items may vary in each location)
