Best Autumn Desserts In Baltimore
Cinghiale
822 Lancaster Street
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 547-8282
www.cgeno.com
At Cinghiale, with Italian cooking that is both authentic and straight from the heart, it's no surprise this place has designed delectable fall-themed desserts to celebrate the richness of the season. Travis Marley, its pastry chef, has crafted a divine Italian apple cake called torta di mele that comes served with Calvados (or apple brandy) gelato, spiced apple marmelatta and apple chip. In addition to tastes of vanilla, lemon, crushed walnuts and cinnamon, the torta di mele is made with fresh Cortland, Honeycrisp or McIntosh apples that are sprinkled into the batter as well as sliced and fanned thinly across the top before the entire cake is sprinkled with a flavorful layer of cinnamon and sugar. The spiced apple marmelatta uses a Granny Smith apple base that also plays on autumn-filled flavors such as oranges, cloves, cinnamon, star anise and dark brown sugar creating a scrumptious apple-inspired dessert that is not to be missed.
XS
1307 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 468-0002
www.xsbaltimore.com
In addition to serving the best sushi in Baltimore, the four-story success that is XS is well-known for whipping up a variety of unbeatable sweets and treats that will delight every mouth. Start by asking for a generous helping of warm pecan pie or a traditional slice of carrot cake topped with fluffy cream cheese icing to take the chill off the walk you likely encountered to get there (as parking often proves a challenge). Another excellent option is the mouthwatering turtle cheesecake made with chocolate, caramel and crunchy walnuts. For the ultimate chocolate lover, try its hearty chocolate lasagna layered with rich devil's food cake, both chocolate and white mousse, and a truly decadent ganache (or an icing/filling made from chocolate and cream). Then wash it all down with a comforting cup of hot chocolate, gingerbread latte or sugar cookie latte that will keep you happily insulated from the cold when it comes time to leave.
Dangerously Delicious Pies
2839 O'Donnell Street
Baltimore, Md. 21224
(410) 522-7437
dangerouspies.com
There's something about eating pies in the fall that takes people back to sweet-smelling dessert time in mom or grandma's kitchen, and Dangerously Delicious Pies is the place to find sweet and savory pies of every variety. A long-time autumn favorite, apple pies are available not only in their traditional form like the apple crumb pie, which comes with a toasty brown sugar, butter and oats topping, but also with tasty twists such as the caramel apple crumb, which adds the sweetness of caramel sauce to the topping, or the French apple pie that has tasty, plump raisins tossed into the mix and is topped with a sweet glaze. Another harvest-time favorite is The Mobtown Brown, a tempting pecan pie covered in Swiss chocolate ganache and caramel. As with many pies, this one comes highly recommended when warm and served a la mode. With strawberry rhubarb pie, sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie on the list too, there's no reason to go without pie this fall.
The Prime Rib
1101 N. Calvert Street
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 539-1804
www.theprimerib.com
Listed as one of the top five romantic restaurants in the country by Food and Wine Magazine, The Prime Rib steakhouse in Baltimore knows any romantic meal must be followed by an equally unforgettable and passionate dessert. Besides the yummy homemade pecan and apple pies with option for a la mode this autumn, couples seeking something a little different will enjoy the steakhouse's thick, signature housemade bread pudding and bourbon sauce. Or for a classic starry-eyed dessert, share a dish of crème brulée with its creamy interior and hard, caramelized sugar coating that will keep you feeling well-insulated for hours to come. If chocolate is your preferred method for getting through the chilly temps, then opt for the chocolate mousse pie or a hot fudge sundae with extra hot fudge; the best way to conquer the cold and your sweet tooth.
Related: Best Tasting Menus In Baltimore
Hoffman's Homemade Ice Cream
934 Washington Road
Westminster, Md. 21157
(410) 857-0824
www.hoffmansicecream.com
Although a short drive from Baltimore, the trip to this Carroll County dessert landmark is always worth it. Hoffman's original homemade ice cream recipe carries on since 1947, and today the store makes more than 50 flavors each year. Even on a cold day, its creamy, rich ice cream will tantalize your taste buds with seasonal flavors like pumpkin, cinnamon, apple pie and a Baltimore favorite, the Ravens Ripple. The Ravens Ripple comes in home or away varieties; the home version is raspberry ice cream and fudge swirls while the away consists of vanilla ice cream with blueberries. There's no better way to enjoy the fall and football season.
Keri Ann Beazell is a Baltimore writer following the latest developments in arts and culture, natural wonders, lifestyle and pets. She enjoys promoting thought-provoking discussions, education, new ideas and smiles among readers. Follow her on Twitter at @KtBlue16 and online at Examiner.com
