Summer is almost over, and autumn lovers like myself are getting ready for cooler weather and cozy drinks. With Dunkin’ dropping their pumpkin-filled fall menu yesterday and Starbucks’ fall lineup just days away, I can practically taste the fall of it all. But this year, fall tastes more like apples and less like pumpkin. That’s right; multiple chains are focusing on an apple-forward fall menu over the traditional pumpkin, and I couldn’t be more excited.
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love pumpkin. I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for Dunkin’ to release their new pumpkin pie coffee chiller since they announced it, but when it comes to a cozy fall beverage, nothing is better than a hot apple cider. Starbucks seems to have gotten the message, as their fall lineup (releasing on August 25) includes Chaider. The new beverage can be ordered hot or iced, and features a spiced Chai twist on classic apple cider. But coffee shops aren’t the only places embracing apple over pumpkin.
McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s are all releasing apple items alongside or instead of pumpkin, and I’m more than ready to place some orders. McDonald’s dropped multiple caramel apple pie beverages, including a caramel apple latte and a caramel apple pie frappe, which I just might need to run out and order today. McDonald’s is no stranger to apples, as their handheld apple pies remain extremely popular to fast foodies everywhere (present company included).
Wendy’s and Dairy Queen are also leaning into an apple flavored autumn. Wendy’s released an apple crumble Frosty earlier this month that sounds simply divine. And Dairy Queen’s newest Blizzard is a caramel apple cheesecake dessert that will have even the hottest states ready for fall.
But sippables aren’t the only apple items being released. As part of their limited-time Decades menu, Taco Bell is bringing back their caramel apple empanada, which is officially available nationwide today. Even Cracker Barrel and Nothing Bundt Cakes have jumped on the apple bandwagon. The classic comfort food chain has a new apple cobbler cheesecake ready for dessert lovers, and for the breakfast baddies, Cracker Barrel’s apple French toast bake is also returning. Nothing Bundt Cakes has a new bundt cake on the horizon as well. Their brand new apple pie cake will be dropping for cake lovers all over the country on September 14, and you bet that I’ll be first in line that day to get my cake fix.
Fall is my absolute favorite season, and with all of the amazing food items releasing, I can barely contain my excitement. I’m personally most excited for Starbucks’ Chaider and the apple crumble Frosty from Wendy’s, and I see a trip to both chains in my future to get my apple on and my Autumn started.