Our Top Sweet Treats to Snack on This Fall & Winter
Fall and winter are arguably the best seasons for having a sweet tooth, and Richmond has plenty of seasonal goodies worth braving the cold weather for. Whether you’re picking up dessert for a holiday gathering or just need a little treat (no occasion necessary), here are 10 fall and winter favorites to add to your must-try list.
Image Source: Gelati Celesti
Gelati Celesti Pumpkin Gingersnap Ice Cream
The folks at Gelati Celesti upgraded a seasonal classic by mixing crunchy gingersnap cookie pieces into every bite of their handmade pumpkin ice cream. You can only get this fall treat as part of their seasonal lineup, though, so we recommend you watch their socials like a hawk to know when it’s available. Might want to get an extra pint or two to go while you’re at it.
Locations: 3004 Stony Point Rd (Bon Air), 5808 Grove Ave (Westhampton), 9357 Atlee Rd Ste 1105 (Mechanicsville), 1400 N Arthur Ashe Blvd (Scott’s Addition), 11805-5 W Broad St (Short Pump), 13487 Hull St Rd (Midlothian), and 8906 A W Broad St (West End)
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Image Source: Mama J’s
Mama J’s Rum Cake
Everyone knows Mama J’s for their savory soul food, but real ones know about their rum cake. You can only grab this rich, buttery, boozy dessert during the holidays, but it’s worth the wait. It also makes a great gift, but we totally understand if you’d rather keep it for yourself.
Location: 415 N 1st St (Jackson Ward)
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Image Source: First Stop Donuts
First Stop Donuts Cider Donuts
You can technically have First Stop’s apple cider donuts any time of year, but a warm cider donut covered in cinnamon sugar just hits differently once fall rolls around. They’re made fresh daily aboard First Stop’s converted school bus, so check the schedule to find out where they’re popping up next to get your fix.
Schedule found here
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Image Source: Whisk
Whisk Seasonal Macarons
No French-inspired bakery is complete without macarons, and Whisk is no exception. They change up their macaron flavors and designs with the season, so expect fall and winter flavors to join their already delicious lineup as the weather cools down. Grab one to go with your morning latte or fill a box to bring to your next holiday party.
Locations: 2100 E Main St (Shockoe Bottom) and 800 E Broad St (Library of Virginia)
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Image Source: Pearl’s Bake Shoppe
Pearl’s Bake Shoppe Candied Sweet Potato Cupcake
Pearl’s made a special cupcake for those of us whose favorite Thanksgiving side is sweet potato casserole. This seasonal treat starts with sweet potato cake, adds a marshmallow fluff filling, and tops it off with marshmallow buttercream and candied pecans. YUM.
Location: 5811 Patterson Ave (Westhampton)
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Image Source: Coco + Hazel
Coco + Hazel Hot Cocoa Flights
Why choose one hot chocolate when you can have three? Coco + Hazel’s seasonal hot cocoa flights let you sample different flavors topped with the kind of over-the-top garnishes this Bon Air shop is known for. The lineup rotates throughout the season, so you can hit them up for both fall- and winter-inspired cocoa.
Location: 2733 McRae Rd (Bon Air)
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Image Source: Shyndigz
Shyndigz Pumpkin Oreo Cake
Shyndigz takes its signature Oreo dessert and gives it the fall treatment with pumpkin cake layered with cream cheese icing and crushed Oreos. The spot refreshes the menu every month, so check out their calendar to see when you can grab a slice of this deliciousness.
Location: 1912 W Cary St (The Fan)
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Image Source: Proper Pie Co
Proper Pie Co Pumpkin & Salted Caramel Pie
This legendary Church Hill spot serves up some of the city’s best pies year-round, but if you haven’t checked them out in spring and summer, you definitely should this fall and winter for this seasonal offering. It pairs classic pumpkin filling with salted caramel for a sweet-and-salty upgrade that you didn’t know you were missing. Grab an individual pie for yourself or keep an eye out for holiday ordering if you’re willing to share.
Location: 2505 E Broad St Ste 100 (Church Hill)
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Image Source: Zazoli Sweets
Zazoli Sweets Dark Chocolate Peppermint Nonpareils
Keep a bag of these around for when you need just a little something sweet. These dark chocolate nonpareils are topped with crushed peppermint candy for a simple holiday treat that hits the spot. Plus, they come packaged up nicely enough to double as an easy stocking stuffer or hostess gift.
Location: 5712 Patterson Ave (Westhampton)
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Image Source: Country Style Donuts
Country Style Donuts Apple Fritters
This is another treat you can grab 365, but it’s also the perfect way to celebrate the temps finally dropping below 80 degrees. These oversized pastries are loaded with apples, fried until golden, and covered in glaze. Basically fall in a dessert.
Locations: 8900 W Broad St (West End) and 4300 Williamsburg Rd (Southside)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A born and bred Richmonder, Christine’s love of RVA runs deep. So does her love of words. She’s wanted to be a writer since she was 8 years old, leading her to earn a degree in Communication Studies from Roanoke College. Since then she’s edited and contributed to a handful of local and national publications. When she’s not working on her next article, you can find her taking walks throughout the city with her fiancé and their adorable rescue pitty Rosie. You can also find her on Instagram @christinewinder where she posts way too many photos of her cats.
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