Here we are, nearing the end of August and I have NOT ONCE made anything with pumpkin. This might not seem like unusual behavior for a normal person, but usually come this time of year I am elbows deep in pumpkin goodies, dreaming of scarves and boots, and counting down the days until my BFF, The Real PSL comes out to play for the season.
#AutumninAugust was born out of my impatience for the sweltering summer heat to be over and from my insatiable love for all the Fall things. Heck, I am usually the one driving the apple cinnamon scented bandwagon through your backyard pool party, even when temps are still well over 100º here in Phoenix.
But this year, I just can’t bring myself to get into the autumnal spirit. It has just been way too freaking, unbearably, disgustingly HOT to even fathom anything remotely “warm” and “cozy”. My go to ruse of kicking down the AC and lounging around in my fave hoodie, can’t even trick me into longing for those toasty flavors of Fall. I am still day dreaming about the days spent on the beach. Still craving refreshing fruity spritzers with tiny umbrellas. Still ready for a few more days by the pool. Still kicking around in my shorts and flip flops. Just the thought of long pants right now is enough to make me seriously nauseous.
So what’s a girl to do when September is creeping up quickly, temps are still in the 100’s and my love for Fall is nowhere to be found.? Chill out, that’s what.
In keeping with the spirit of #AutuminAugust (albeit, belated) and to get pumped up for Fall I am rounding up a baker’s dozen of the “coolest” Fall inspired treats to help beat the heat of the dog days of summer. Let’s roll!
1. No Churn Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
Let’s start things off right with the coolest, cool treat of them all…ice cream! This pumpkin pie flavored ice cream is just what is needed to get in the Fall mood without melting your face off. Bonus: it doesn’t take a fancy ice cream maker to churn up this treat, just mix it up and freeze!
2. Pumpkin-Apple Breakfast Smoothie
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when it tastes like dessert! Why not whip up this healthy and easy smoothie featuring two favorite seasonal flavors.
3. Frozen Almond Spiced Chai
This beautiful spiced chai shake is like a vacation to India with every sip. The preparation takes a bit of planning ahead, but I have a feeling it will be totally worth it.
4. Pumpkin Spice Latte Popsicles
You might think popsicles are for kids, but let these creamy frozen treats change your mind. Enjoy a PSL even when it’s still swimsuit weather. Suck on one while lying in your hammock and dreaming of the fall days yet to come.
5. Skinny Pumpkin Spice Frappucino
Another cool drink inspired by our friend, the PSL. Made with almond milk, this copycat recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan (minus the whipped cream) and is sure to be lighter on your waistline and your wallet.
6. Honeycrisp Apple Sangria
Because, booze. This delightful sangria is everything you love about mulled wine and cider, without the warmth. With this icy cool drink in your hand it won’t matter how hot it is outside because you can still enjoy a fave Fall flave, one chilled sip at a time.
7. (NOT) Grandma’s Dutch Apple Pie Boozy Milkshake
While we are talking booze, how about a cool slice of this Boozy Apple Pie Milkshake. Uhm, yes please! Full of spices, creamy ice cream and topped with a LEGIT dutch apple topping, the only warm feeling you’ll be getting here will be from the bourbon in your belly.
8. No Bake Smore’s Bars
One of the worst things about baking in the summer time is the heat it generates. When it feels like an oven outside already, the last think you want to do is run the oven and make the inside of the house a hot box as well. That’s why no bake treats are the life savers of summer! All the treat with none of the heat!
These No Bake Smore’s Bars are a cool compromise for a classic treat when those summer nights are too warm too huddle by the fire. Four ingredients. Five minutes. No campfire needed.
9. No-Bake Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Another no-bake goodie that brings to life one of my favorite pumpkin desserts in a no fuss, quick and easy version. Look at all the beautiful fluffy mousse. *droools*
10. Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
What’s better than a no bake pumpkin cheesecake? A no bake pumpkin cheesecake DIP! Boom! Cool and creamy, with all of the pumpkin spice flavor that you love without breaking a sweat. Dip in some cookies or chocolate covered graham crackers and it’s like two desserts in one!
11. Hot Apple Pie Cider
Want to spice things up without heating things up? This fireball apple cider will keep you cool on the outside and warm on the inside. Boom baby. This was my go to drink all last fall. I will be seeing you soon, my friend.
12. Frozen Hot Chocolate, Serendipity Style!
The most delicious oxymoron you could ever hope to find. Serendipity’s Frozen Hot Chocolate is the star of the menu for both locals and visitors alike at this NYC dessert destination. This copycat recipe has all the things you love about the legendary cold weather drink with an icy makeover that’s perfect for poolside.
13. No Churn Salted Caramel Toffee Pretzel Ice Cream
I was trying really hard to not put a bunch of obvious ice cream and milkshake recipes on this list, but dudes, just LOOK AT THIS ice cream. It looks so f*cking amazeballs I just could not resist. I want this Salted Caramel Toffee Pretzel Ice Cream in my face right NOW. Can’t. Even.
And that’s it! Stay cool, my friends! Fall is just around the corner.
XO! – H