For better or for worse, summer is now a distant memory. One thing I embrace each autumn is the abundance of delicious apple desserts that are now within reach! Here are a few of our favorite (kid-approved) apple treats in the Boston area. Let someone else do the apple picking, and head to any of these bakeries, farms, and restaurants to indulge!
Apple crumb pie
Petsi Pies
Somerville
Petsi Pies is well known around greater Boston for their amazing pies, cookies, and cupcakes. But the rich, buttery crumb topping on their apple crumb pie can’t be beat. The pie is filled with a variety of locally grown apples, and it all just melts in your mouth. (And if you need an extra for later, this pie is available fresh and as a “take and bake” option!)
Apple cider cake doughnut
Union Square Donuts
Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Somerville
I’m a doughnut snob — there, I’ve said it — and I won’t settle for a less than a mouth-watering doughnut when the craving hits. Union Square Donuts leaves me breathless, and their apple cider cake doughnut — which is tossed in a perfect blend of cinnamon clove sugar — never lasts long in our house. If they’re out of stock when you get there, it’s probably my fault.
Apple cider doughnut ice cream
Fomu
South End, Fenway, Quincy Market
Fomu’s ingredients are all locally sourced and vegan. It’s never too cold for ice cream, and their apple cider doughnut flavor contains perfect little house-made cider doughnut chunks in every bite.
Classic apple pie, apple cinnamon pop tart, and apple spice snacking cake
Flour Bakery and Cafe
Boston and Cambridge
Flour Bakery is famous well beyond Boston for their baked goods, and their fall desserts really take the cake! The classic apple pie is delightful with its combo of granny smith and macintosh apples, just the right touch of cinnamon, and that perfect flaky pâte brisée crust. The apple cinnamon pop tart is jam packed with apples and a cinnamon sugar topping. And the apple spice snacking cake is just the right mix of snack and treat! If only it were fall all year long!
Apple claws and apple turnovers
Royal Pastry
Cambridge and Lexington
When you think of Italian bakeries, apples don’t always come to mind. But this classic pastry shop, which has been around since 1941, has a variety of apple-themed treats, including my favorite: the hard-to-find apple claws.
Apple cider doughnuts and apple cider
Red Apple Farm
Boston Public Market
I am a sucker for apple cider doughnuts and am not ashamed to say I’ve lost track of how many different varieties I’ve tried all over New England. When I’m in the city, I often make a stop here just for these outstanding hot donuts and apple cider — best of all, they’re available year round for a taste of fall anytime!
Apple pie waffles
Sweet Waffles & Boba
Chinatown
Who doesn’t love apple treats for breakfast?! This spot has created a beautiful, warm apple pie Belgian liege waffle with crushed Biscoff cookies. Breakfast and dessert at the same time — perfect!
Apple cider macarons and apple crumb tart
Clear Flour Bread
Brookline
Clear Flour specializes in authentic pastries and breads from Italy and France. Their entire menu is made fresh daily with no preservatives, and their apple treats are delectable!
Apple tart
Modern Pastry
Boston, Medford
This classic Italian bakery has been in operation for over 80 years, with many of their classics standing the test of time over generations. Their crisp apple tart is perfection! It’s not always available, so best to call ahead.
Caramel apples
Wilson Farm
Lexington
Freshly spun and gooey — who can resist! Pick up a caramel apple for your kids and sip some apple cider while the family checks out one of the farm’s many fall festivals and events.
Caramel apple cheesecake
Konditor Meister
Braintree
Well known for their exquisite wedding cakes, Konditor Meister also creates beautiful cheesecakes. Order one of these beauties for a fall family gathering or even Thanksgiving — your guests will be so impressed!
Apple pie a la Cold Stone
Cold Stone Creamery
Boston, Burlington, Holbrook, Mansfield, Medford, Southborough, Westford
French vanilla ice cream with cinnamon, graham cracker pie crust, apple pie filling, and caramel. How’s that for a fall sundae?
Brown butter apple cookies
Whole Foods
Andover, Arlington, Bedford, Bellingham, Beverly, Boston, Cambridge, Dedham, Framingham, Hingham, Lynnfield, Medford, Newton, South Weymouth, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Swampscott, Wellesley, Westford, Woburn
Going someplace and need to bring a snack to share? Pick up a pack of these brown butter apple cookies in the bakery section, place them on a nice fall plate, and no one will know you didn’t bake them yourself!
