The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Spoon University.
Fall has officially started and is surrounding us with its cozy presence, and what better way to celebrate than with a scoop (or four) of ice cream? We headed to Jeni’s and were excited to see that they had their seasonal menu out already, so of course we couldn’t wait to try the fall editions of the best sweet treat! The atmosphere in the shop was as warm and inviting as the flavors themselves, making it the perfect spot to indulge in a fall dessert. Initially, we planned to keep it simple with one scoop each, but with so many tempting options, who can resist trying eight flavors at once?
Spoiler–we went all out and a few of us shared two “Studies” and here’s the official taste test! Each flavor brought something special to the table, offering a blend of autumn-inspired spices and creamy textures.
TASTE TEST OF THEIR SEASONAL FALL FLAVORS
- Pumpkin Seed & Rye Cookie– 5/5
We’ve never heard of a flavor like this or even remotely similar but it did not disappoint. It had the perfect nutty flavor of real pumpkin seeds and did not lack in soft chunks of cookie that was slightly salty, adding the perfect complement of flavor to the ice cream. Everyone loved this one! It quickly became the top contender for our favorite fall flavor, setting the bar high for the rest of the tasting.
- Sweet Potato Marshmallow Praline– 4/5
This one also gave all the fall vibes and was good overall but had a stronger marshmallow taste than sweet potato or praline. The fall spice was a little mild and it could have used more praline pecan pieces, but if you love marshmallow, this one is definitely good! While it didn’t fully capture what we were hoping for, it still delivered a nostalgic flavor for the upcoming cooling weather.
- Miso Butterscotch Brownie– 4/5
This one was also such a unique flavor, and again, the saltiness was the star of the show. The dark chocolate brownie chunks were especially rich because of the salty flavors from the miso.This contrast between the sweet butterscotch and the miso’s savory edge made for an interesting experience. Some of us complained that it was a bit too salty but it’s worth a try! For those who enjoy bolder and more unconventional flavors, this one will definitely stand out, though it might be an acquired taste for others.
- Bay Leaf Cheesecake– 3/5
Seeing “Bay Leaf”, we were instantly skeptical about this flavor because bay leaf is known to have a pungent bitter flavor– an acquired taste for sure. But after trying a little, the conclusion was that it was pretty good overall and the herbal notes were subtle and balanced. It just felt like it was chai-flavored, so if you’re expecting a cheesecake flavor, this one might not be the one to get. Overall, it’s not a bad choice but the flavor of the ice cream is much different than what the name suggested.
TASTE TEST OF THE REGULARS
- Sweet Cream Biscuits and Peach Jam– 5/5
This was one of the best flavors and everyone loved it! It was so creamy, a little tangy, and had a good bit of peach jam that had real peach chunks and some biscuit pieces for texture. The sweet cream base added a richness that made each bite satisfying and enhanced the complexity of this flavor. This was perfect for the end of summer and is definitely worth a try!
- Texas Sheet Cake– 4/5
If you love chocolate, this is a must-try! It tasted exactly like eating a good iced chocolate cake but in ice cream form, and there were a lot of cake pieces throughout! It’s a perfect combination of a little sweet and a little salty!
- Brambleberry Crisp– 4/5
Everyone agreed that this was also really good with the berry and vanilla mixing with some toasted oat streusel. While the base was plain vanilla, the tart jam brought out a refreshing flavor, but could be considered too sweet.
- Tahini Oat Chocolate Cookie– 2/5
And finally, the Tahini Oat Chocolate Cookie. While it started off strong with a mix of chocolate ice cream and oatmeal cookie pieces, it left us with a chalky aftertaste. Definitely not a favorite in larger doses, good for a small taste if you’re curious!
THE CONCLUSION?
Jeni’s fall seasonal flavors are definitely worth trying and hit the spot if you’re ready for all the fall treats! But when you’re there, don’t forget to try some of the regulars too!
Jeni’s hack– get the “Study” and split it with your friends!