Once the calendar hits November 1, everyone starts seeing tunnel vision – sugar plums and peppermint mochas dance through everyone’s heads until the 25th of December, but what’s the fun in that? It’s still fall, people, which means you have another month to indulge in your Pumpkin Spice Latte without getting weird looks. So, if you’re looking to spice up a dark, drab day, look no further than these festive selections of fast food sweets for the fall.
Rally’s: Caramel Cheesecake Crunch Made with Twix Loaded Milkshake
Despite its somewhat cumbersome, unromantic name, this baby is a bad habit waiting to be born. You’ll want to stop by every day for this freakishly delicious milkshake. It starts out innocently enough as a simple vanilla milkshake, but it’s destined for greatness. First, they ooze in thick, rich caramel sauce. They follow that up with fistfuls (we imagine) of crushed-up Twix candy bars and hit blend. Mmmm. Then, they schlep in a thick layer of Philadelphia cheesecake filling and top that off with more crushed-up Twix. A deluge of whipped cream is the crowning glory, punctuated with an obligatory cherry. Mmmm.
Dairy Queen: Pumpkin Pie Blizzard
Back only for a limited time, the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard embodies everything that is autumn. And folks, we’re not talking pumpkin pie flavor here. We’re talking actual pumpkin pie, which they add in chunks to their thick ‘n’ rich, classic DQ soft serve. It’s all hand-blended together and capped with a dollop of delicious whipped topping. Then they sprinkle it with nutmeg and serve it upside down to show you just how thick it is. Some say the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard is even better than your mom’s pumpkin pie, but we’ll let you be the judge of that.
Dunkin’ Donuts: Maple Pecan-Flavored Latte
Maple pecan anything will warm you up on a frigid autumn day, but nothing hits a cold spot like a piping-hot maple pecan latte, new this season from Dunkin’ Donuts. Don’t worry. Even though D.D. is all about maple pecan this year, they haven’t sent the big orange squash into retirement. In addition to their usual pumpkin offerings, including muffins, donuts, and coffee, they’re introducing pumpkin cream cheese spread this year. It’s made with real pumpkin, and you can have ’em slather it on any of your bagels.
McDonald’s: Pumpkin and Creme Pie
New to McDonald’s fall lineup this year in select locations is the Pumpkin and Creme Pie. Made in the typical turnover fashion McDonald’s fancies, these crisp, baked pies are piped with sweet ’n’ savory pumpkin filling on the one side and a sweet creme filling on the other. If you’re not near one of the lucky locations that get to enjoy this pie, you can always get a pumpkin spice latte, which is back for the season.
Starbucks: Salted Caramel Mocha
The Pumpkin Spice Latte overshadows all of Starbucks’ other fall treats, but we’re here to recognize another seasonal favorite – the Saled Caramel Mocha. Imagine liquid toffee and you’d be right on the money with this one. The limited-time latte features Starbucks’ famous toffee nut syrup and mocha sauce, as well as caramel drizzle and a hint of sea salt.
Krispy Kreme: Pumpkin Cheesecake Doughnut
Pumpkins don’t go away after Halloween – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. This seasonal treat as rolled out by Krsipy Kreme along with two others, the Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut and the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Even if you’re not a fan of pumpkin, you’ll likely love this cream-filled dessert with just the right amount of spice. The cherry on top? Gingersnap cookie crumble.
Jamba Juice: Pumpkin Smash Smoothie
Jamba Juice’s fall favorite is the Pumpkin Smash Smoothie – a refreshing take on the traditional pumpkin spice flavors you see, well, everywhere else. With just a few key ingredients – frozen yogurt (nonfat), milk, ice, and pumpkin spice base – this fall treat is a healthier alternative to the other sweets you’ve probably already binged on since the first leaves started falling. And for those of you wondering, it’s gluten-free and vegetarian.
Caribou Coffee: Apple Blast Cooler
One of Caribou Coffee’s breakout fall drinks is the ever-popular Apple Blast Cooler, a cold seasonal drink for those of you who hate piping hot lattes or live closer to the equator. Despite its temperature, this beverage is to-die-for, made from a mix of apple cider, ice, and caramel.
Jack in the Box: Pumpkin Spice Shake
In the mood for something rich and a bit more filling? The Pumpkin Spice Shake at Jack in the Box will keep you satisfied, and you’ll be delighted to know this binge-worthy treat is made with real pumpkin, not that wanna-be fall flavor. This delectable treat is made from ice cream and pumpkin spice syrup with loads of whipped cream on top.
Looking for additional fall treats just in time for Thanksgiving? Check out these fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving in 2018.