Right around October each year, pumpkin spice lattes and scones take to coffee shops around the country to herald in the most tasty of seasons. But don’t limit your pumpkin spice experience to lattes and scones for the noble pumpkin’s prowess goes far beyond these standard October treats. Many Tacoma bakeries, cafes and other foodie establishments get creative with their pumpkin spice treats so you can branch out as far as your personal pumpkin vine takes you. ‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin spice!
Pumpkin Molasses Latte at Metronome Coffee
It only makes sense to start your day with a cup of coffee, but where many coffee shops and cafes will use premade pumpkin spice syrup, Metronome gets more creative than that. This 6th Ave coffee shop makes its own syrup for its pumpkin molasses latte. As the name would suggest, the molasses flavor lends something richer to this latte than a simple syrup might. It’s also a lot less sweet and uses real pumpkin puree. The result is a pumpkin coffee drink that’s deliciously flavorful, that actually tastes like pumpkin and is strong on the spice. Even those who don’t especially care for pumpkin spice drinks may enjoy this one.
Metronome Coffee – 3518 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406
Various Pumpkin Treats at Corina Bakery
Corina Bakery doesn’t necessarily have the same baked goodies in its case every day, but throughout October, you can bet they’ll have something to bring more pumpkin to your life. On the menu of possibilities, you’ll find pumpkin cake, spiced pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake. A special boon for those with dietary restrictions, you can also order vegan, soy free and gluten free pumpkin cakes, pies and loafs. While some of these may not be in the case every day, an item you’re likely to find almost every day is Corina’s gluten free pumpkin loaf, which is yummy enough that even non gluten-free eaters will enjoy it.
Corina Bakery – 602 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
Pumpkin Spice Cupcake at Hello Cupcake
Hello Cupcake serves up sweetness all year round, but during the fall, this cute little cupcake shop aims to parade out more than one fall flavor. You will find the obligatory pumpkin spice cupcake. The cake tastes like there may be actual pumpkin pie filling in the mix and the frosting is lightly cream cheese based and sprinkled with pumpkin pie spice. Beyond pumpkin pie spice, you’ll also find other autumn flavors throughout October.
Hello Cupcake – 1740 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
Pumpkin Spice Doughnut at Pao’s
Where many pumpkin spice treats are riding various trends and are priced accordingly, there’s still room on Tacoma’s treat scene for just a good ol’ fashioned doughnut without any pretense. Enter Pao’s. Doughnuts are super fresh, delicious and cheap. While the flavors tend toward traditional, you will find pumpkin spice doughnuts in October. If the pumpkin spice is sold out, they also have apple spice cake doughnuts regularly. Remember to bring cash as Pao’s doesn’t take cards.
Pao’s – 6919 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406
Various Pumpkin Doughnuts at Legendary Doughnuts
While some may find comfort in a traditional doughnut at Pao’s, others may want some pizzazz with their pumpkin doughnuts. If that’s the case, head to Legendary Doughnuts where you’ll often find more than one pumpkin option. Choices include pumpkin cake, pumpkin pie and pumpkin cream cheese. Pumpkin cake is simply what it sounds like—plain pumpkin cake with no topping. Pumpkin pie includes whipped cream topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice, while pumpkin cream cheese includes cream cheese frosting as a topping. The doughnuts are large and satisfying and would taste great with a glass of cold milk.
Legendary Doughnuts – 2602 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406
Bubble Tea at Bubbles
Perhaps the most surprising pumpkin spice item in town is pumpkin spice bubble tea, but why not take pumpkin spice to new frontiers? Bubble tea is inherently customizable, allowing you to choose your own adventure. First choose your tea, of which your choices are black milk tea, green tea, iced black tea, hot milk tea, hot green tea or a smoothie base rather than tea. Next choose your flavor (hint: choose pumpkin spice if the month is October). Choose your bubbles from boba (which are like juice-filled gelatin balls), jelly, tapioca, egg custard or basil seeds. Tapioca is probably the most familiar bubble tea option and consists of pea-sized chewy balls and flavorless tapioca. The pumpkin spice flavor is not the strongest pumpkin or spice you’ll taste, but this is guaranteed to be the most unique pumpkin spice treat in town.
Bubbles – 1724 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
