The Great Fall Flavor Debate: Pumpkin vs. Apple

fruits in fall apple pumpkin

Fall is in the air! While most can agree on a mutual love of autumn, we remain a nation divided on our favorite fall flavor: pumpkin or apple.

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Who doesn’t love the savory yet subtly sweet flavor of pumpkin on a crisp October day? Then again, we also love the deliciously refreshing taste of a freshly picked apple. So which flavor will be the ultimate fall favorite? Let the fall flavor face-off begin!

Fall Flavor Debate: Apple Orchard vs. Pumpkin Patch

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing the fall foliage at an idyllic mountain apple orchard like Carter’s Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville, VA. You and your little ones can peruse different groves of apples and taste a variety of fall flavors. While apples are nutritious and delicious, the apple cider doughnuts alone are worth visiting the orchard!

But a trip to the pumpkin patch, complete with a hayride, can be equally amazing! Pumpkin picking is definitely easier- you can always select them at Trader Joe’s or another favorite grocery store. But even at great pumpkin patches like Hunt Club Farm, it’s relatively easy for kids to get a pumpkin from the ground. They usually have small ones for the littlest ones to take with them. They will love to explore their favorite fall flavor.

Fall Flavor of Pie: Apple Pie vs. Pumpkin Pie

What’s more American than apple pie? But what would Thanksgiving be without a classic pumpkin pie?

Apple pie is probably America’s favorite pie, and easy to see why since it can be so versatile. Add a little caramel crisp, crumble, or cinnamon swirls for an extra fall flavor boost. And if you’re avoiding pie crust, you can get an equally delicious baked apple.

Pumpkin pies can be deliciously decadent, especially with that extra dollop of whipped cream! But overall, they usually have fewer calories than their appley counterparts.

Both taste delicious with vanilla ice cream, and either one in the oven will fill your house with the yummiest aroma. This might be the most equally-matched faceoff yet!

apple vs. pumpkin

Pumpkin-Apple Streusel Muffins

Why choose one when you could have both fall flavors in one delicious recipe?
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 18 muffins
Calories 253 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 cups apples peeled and finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar for the topping
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for the topping
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon for the topping
  • 1 tbsp butter for the topping

Instructions
 

Pumpkin-Apple Muffins

  • In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, combine eggs, pumpkin, and oil.
  • Stir the wet ingredient into the dry ingredients just until combined.
  • Fold in apples.
  • Fill 18 paper-lined muffin cups about three-fourths of the way full.

Cinnamon Streusel Topping

  • Combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
  • Add butter until the mixture consists of coarse crumbs.
  • Sprinkle about 1 tsp over each muffin.
  • Bake at 350° F until a toothpick comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove and cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Calories: 253kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 140mgPotassium: 72mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 2173IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg
Keyword fall, holiday, thanksgiving
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Fall Beverage: Pumpkin Spice Latte vs. Apple Cider

This category is another tough call. Apple cider is a little more of a universal crowd-pleaser. Little kids can drink it cold, or add some spices for an aromatic flavor-rich experience. Most of us like apple cider, but how many people say it’s their favorite drink?

Pumpkin spice lattes aren’t for everyone, but if you love it, you LOOOOOVE your pumpkin spice lattes or even pumpkin-flavored creamers if you can’t make it to Starbucks. The love of pumpkin spice lattes is almost a lifestyle for some fans.

So which fall flavor should win: a beverage we can all get behind, but don’t get too excited about, or a drink that has become a consuming passion for the devoted followers?

Fall Decor: Rustic Pumpkin vs. Versatile Apple

In terms of durability and variety, pumpkins present a formidable challenge! You can carve them, put them outside in the rain, and they still look great! Like small-scale decorations? Then get a few gourds! Prefer a bigger impact? Buy a giant pumpkin!

A classic bowl of apples, though more delicate, looks beautiful year-round. An elegant clear bowl with granny smith apples adds a great color pop to an otherwise neutral room all year-round. You wouldn’t really want to see pumpkins in May, but apples go the distance.

So do you want year-round understated elegance or a strong seasonal statement?

What’s Your Favorite Fall Flavor?

Two great choices, but what’s your favorite? Let us know on social #getfamilyapp, or debate with your friends and loved ones on your favorite family app!

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