Now that Labor Day is over, you know what that means…IT’S FALL Y’ALL. It might not feel like it quite yet, but leggings and all things pumpkin spice are just around the corner. And most importantly – apples! I’ve never bought into the pumpkin spice trend, but I am an apple girl through and through. And one of my favorite things about the fall season is by far apple picking. There’s nothing better than driving out to one of the NC area orchards early on a Saturday to fill a bag full of fresh picked apples. Not to mention the apple cider and donuts offered at the orchards. But since it’s not quite cold enough – yet – to head to the mountains, I’ll settle for my second favorite thing- eating every apple dish in sight! Apple pie, apple tarts, apple anything and everything. I tasted them all and want to share the best apple desserts that Charlotte has to offer:
2. The Gallery South End: Apple Turnover
You have to wait 15 minutes to get this fresh baked turn over, but you won’t be sorry! It’s hot and flaky and served with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel. If I had it my way, everything in life would come with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle. P.S. if you’ve never been before, The Gallery is SO cute. The white washed decor is the perfect backdrop for the vibrant art work that’s on display. It’s the perfect place to grab a sweet something and a cup of coffee (or a glass of champagne)!
3. Gallery Restaurant at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge: Roasted Honeycrisp Apple
If you’ve never had a Honeycrisp apple, you’re about to experience a whole new world. Honeycrisps are my favorite apples and they’re at their absolute best during the Fall. Executive Pastry Chef Ben Kallenbach is highlighting the delicious Honeycrisp by roasting it with Maker’s Mark & Molasses and topping it with Maker’s Mark caramel cream, ginger pound cake, apple cider Maker’s Mark reduction, and caramel ginger ice cream. The Gallery Restaurant is running this as a special right now so don’t miss it!
4. Amelie’s– Apple Tart
Amelie’s never disappoints. The atmosphere, the coffee… and the desserts! Be still my heart. I’ve never actually been to Paris (apart for a quick layover), but I have a feeling that sampling as many of Amelie’s desserts as possible is probably pretty close to the real thing. The apple tart is a French classic. Not too heavy and just sweet enough!
5. Custom Shop – Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is my favorite dessert. Hands down, no questions asked. If there is bread pudding on the menu, your girl is getting it- and not sharing. The bread pudding from Custom Shop is made with brioche and has apples, walnuts, and dolce de leche ice cream on top. You heard me correctly. Check it out.
6. Crave Dessert – Bar Apple Pie Tacos
Apple. Pie. Tacos. Insanity! Genius. I didn’t know I needed an apple pie taco until I had one at Crave Dessert Bar. Now I dream about apple pie tacos. Crave has tons of inventive desserts you should check out while you’re there. I would recommend just trying all of them and saving yourself the stress of making the decision. My other favorite? The ice cream cookie sandwich. It’s rolled in bacon.
7. Cowfish – Apple Pie Wontons
As if I needed another reason to go to Cowfish. It’s already one of my favorite places to eat in Charlotte ( the seared sesame tuna is where it’s at), but then you throw apple pie wontons into the mix, and I might just move in. They’re flash fried and served with ice cream and caramel.
8. Beef and Bottle- Deep Dish Apple Pie
If you’re classic at heart and don’t want your apple pie stuffed into a wonton or a taco, Beef and Bottle is the place for you. As far as an apple dessert goes, it doesn’t get more classic than apple pie. They’ve been slinging All-American deep dish apple pie since 1958 and it’s the stuff your grandma used to make you on Thanksgiving. It’s so satisfying and oh-so-American.
