Summer may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean ice cream season is over. In fact, the cooler months might just be the best time to savor richer, spicier, and more indulgent flavors. These autumn ice creams capture everything we love about fall—warm spices, orchard fruits, holiday desserts, and a touch of decadence. Here are ten flavors worth scooping this season.
1. Maple Pecan Crunch
Nutty, buttery pecans folded into a base of sweet maple syrup make this ice cream feel like a warm flannel blanket in frozen form. The crunch of candied pecans adds texture, while the maple keeps things smooth and comforting. It’s especially good with warm waffles or drizzled over bread pudding.
🔗 Recipe: Maple Pecan Ice Cream
2. Pumpkin Pie
Classic autumn spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—blend with creamy pumpkin purée for a nostalgic bite that rivals the real pie. Some versions even swirl in a graham cracker crust crumble for added crunch. Pair it with whipped cream and you won’t miss the oven-baked version.
🔗 Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Recipe
3. Caramel Apple
Imagine your favorite orchard treat reimagined: tangy apple ice cream swirled with chunks of spiced caramel. The contrast of soft cake pieces against creamy apple-cider custard makes every bite special. It’s an excellent post-pumpkin-picking indulgence.
🔗 Apple Cider Donut Ice Cream
4. Brown Butter Bourbon
Rich, caramelized butter and a splash of bourbon transform a simple scoop into something downright decadent. The browned butter adds depth, while the bourbon gives a subtle kick that makes this flavor feel very grown-up. It’s ideal alongside pecan pie or dark chocolate cake.
🔗 Brown Butter Bourbon Ice Cream Recipe
5. Salted Caramel & Pretzel
Sweet meets salty in this addictive mix that keeps you coming back for “just one more spoonful.” The caramel ribbons are luscious, while the crunchy pretzel pieces add a satisfying snap. This flavor works especially well in sundaes with hot fudge and whipped cream.
🔗 Salted Caramel Pretzel Ice Cream
6. Chai Latte
A swirl of black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger gives this ice cream all the warmth of your favorite fall drink. It’s aromatic, slightly spicy, and pairs beautifully with ginger snaps or biscotti. Try it affogato-style with a shot of espresso for a cold-weather twist.
🔗 Homemade Chai Ice Cream
7. Sweet Potato Marshmallow
A playful nod to a Thanksgiving side dish—sweet potato ice cream topped with ribbons of toasted marshmallow fluff. The earthy sweetness of the potato makes the base richer than expected, while the marshmallow swirl gives it campfire nostalgia. It’s a conversation starter at any holiday table.
🔗 Sweet Potato Ice Cream with Marshmallow Swirl
8. Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake
Tart cranberry ripple cuts through velvety cheesecake ice cream, offering balance and brightness. This is one of those flavors that feels festive but not overdone, making it perfect for a holiday dessert buffet. It’s also delicious pressed into a graham cracker crust and frozen into an “ice cream pie.”
🔗 Cranberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
9. Spiced Pear & Ginger
Elegant and slightly floral, this flavor feels like autumn’s answer to summer’s peach ice cream. The ginger adds warmth and zing, while the pear provides natural sweetness and a silky texture. It’s perfect with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of crushed amaretti cookies.
🔗 Pear and Ginger Ice Cream Recipe
10. Chestnut Honey
Smooth, earthy chestnut paired with golden honey is as sophisticated as it is seasonal. This is a flavor you might expect in Europe, but it’s gaining popularity in artisan shops elsewhere. Try it as a refined finish to a dinner party, perhaps with roasted figs or a glass of dessert wine.
🔗 Chestnut Honey Ice Cream
These flavors prove that ice cream is a four-season treat. Whether you scoop them straight from the freezer or pair them with holiday desserts, autumn ice cream is a delicious way to savor the season.