Maple Grove Fall and Winter Desserts

Photo: Tate Carlson

Panera's pumpkin muffin

What with all the holiday planning and the onset of cold weather, it’s nearly impossible for the unsuspecting sweet tooth not to get a little carried away in November and December. There are holiday parties with bars, cookies and cakes, holiday gifts of truffles and fudge tied up in pretty packages, and of course, the pies that are a natural fit at family gatherings. If you’re one of those people who can’t stop thinking about the flavors of the season – pumpkin, apple, pecan, nutmeg, cinnamon and more – once the calendar turns to November, you’re going to love our list of restaurant desserts you can savor about town for the next few months. 

Pear and Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Dehn’s Country Manor

Mike Dehn describes the desserts served at Dehn’s Country Manor as “homestyle and rustic, like something your mother or grandmother would make.” The bread pudding is no exception, and throughout the season, the kitchen has several takes on the classic dessert with an almost universal appeal. The pear and cinnamon variety is made with nutmeg and craisins, and other flavors include banana and chocolate chip and traditional with raisins. The bread pudding switches out every 10 days or so and generally runs about $5.95. Other desserts to try this time of year, and there are a few, include apple blackberry cobbler, apple crisp, mango passion fruit cheesecake and Snickers pie. 11281 Fernbrook Lane N., 763.420.6460

Apple Crepe

Lynde’s Restaurant

Crepes were added to the menu at Lynde’s restaurant toward the end of summer, and if you haven’t already discovered it, the apple crepe with whipped cream ($3.95) is one you’re going to love. Other fruit crepes include strawberry, peach and blueberry, and there’s also a savory breakfast crepe with sausage and cheese. Lynde’s also serves pies by the slice, including apple and French silk. And if you’re looking for a value, Lynde’s is onto you with its new Tuesday night special, when you can get a burger with French fries and a beer for just $5.99! 209 County Rd. 81; 763.424.3696

Gingerbread Chai

Mountain Mudd Espresso

Are you one for drinking your dessert? The famous chai at Mountain Mudd – made in house rather than from a prefab mix – gets the holiday treatment once November rolls around. The Gingerbread Chai is spiced up with a gingerbread spice powder and can be made with milk, or hot water if you’re avoiding dairy. Other festive drinks include a pumpkin latte topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice, a cinnamon spice latte, a cinnamon mocha, and a hazelnut latte. Specialty drinks like these range from $3 - $4.50 in price. Pastries like the pumpkin bread also fly out the door at this time of year. 9712 63^rd Ave. N.; 763.533.9683

Pumpkin Mousse

Chez Arnaud

Chez Arnaud has been in business for less than a year, and head pastry chef Mia Hobus is having great fun with some of the bakery’s new creations for its first fall season. One of them is a pumpkin mousse, which is made into an individual sized portion and can be easily packaged to go. She is planning to do a pumpkin éclair, launched around the holidays, and the bakery was launching a new line of chocolate truffles, perfectly packaged for a last-minute gift solution. The prices for individual treats like the pumpkin mousse are under $5. Items are available for large catering orders with advance notice. 13332 Bass Lake Rd.; 763.568.7756

Apple Crisp

Henry’s Café

Owner Henry Lange likes to put a little twist on his apple crisp at Henry’s Café by making a crust of the oat crumbles on the bottom before he layers on the apples and more crumbles, giving the dessert a nice chewy base. A few of his other favorite desserts for this time of year are a classic bread pudding with his own butter sauce, pumpkin bars and chocolate banana cake. All desserts are made from scratch and availability can vary, but with most priced at $1.50, they’re a steal. 9691 63^rd Ave. N.; 763.533.2304

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