What are the most sought-after fall treats at area bakeries?
As apples, pumpkins and Halloween decorations pervade central Illinois’ landscape in October; they also become a dominant theme in the area’s cuisine.
The greater Peoria area’s affinity for pumpkin spice in seasonal treats should come as no surprise, given that the region contains Morton, a community known as “The Pumpkin Capital of the World.”
Here's what some local bakeries have been doing with fall flavors.
Simply Sweet Cakes
Mike Crebo, co-owner of Simply Sweet Cakes in Tremont, called the Harvest pumpkin cupcakes the most popular fall treats at Simply Sweet Cakes. Made with (Morton-based) Libby’s Pumpkin and local ingredients, topped with pumpkin-infused cream cheese.
“Everybody seems to like pumpkin spice this time of year,” Crebo said.
More: Looking to pick apples or pumpkins? Check out these 7 places in the Pekin area
Caleri’s Café and Bakery
According to cook Joanna Moser, the most popular seasonal items at Caleri’s Café and Bakery in Roanoke appear to be pumpkin bars and the store’s pumpkin cheesecake cupcake.
“We have cream cheese kind of layered into it, and then we have a cream cheese frosting on top,” Moser said.
Triple Dipple’s Treats & Delicacies
Triple Dipple’s Treats & Delicacies in Chillicothe rotates its cheesecake menu daily. Fall flavors on the daily menu this time of year mean a brisk business day, said owner Harreld Webster. Popular fall flavors include Pumpkin Rumchata, Pumpkin Turtle, Caramel Apple, and Apple Cider.
“We had the caramel apple here a few weeks ago, and when that one comes out, people go crazy for it,” Webster said.
The Baking Baer
“The Caramel Apple Pie (cheesecake) is probably my personal favorite,” said Rebekah Baer, owner of The Baking Baer in Morton. “It has a buttery brown sugar wafer crust, and I do a cinnamon-apple sauce that gets swirled through the cheesecake along with a cinnamon-apple streusel. Then it gets more of the sauce on top as well as my homemade caramel drizzle.”
Baked Blessings by Lisa
Halloween themes rule the roost at Baked Blessings by Lisa where the most popular items are hand-decorated sugar cookies in the shape of pumpkins or candy corn.
“That’s our number one product,” said owner Lisa Rodeghiero. “Another really popular item this year has been a pretzel rod that’s wrapped in apple-flavored caramel and decorated.
This article originally appeared on Pekin Daily Times: What are the most sought-after fall treats at area bakeries?
