Chris S.
Yelp
The Crumbl pumpkin pie--a seasonal treat that lures you in with its delicate piped crown of whipped cream and a golden, glossy filling--promises more than it delivers.
My visit to the Chelsea location took place on a cold, rainy November day, with a relatively short line of about five customers.
Most of them came in pairs or groups because, let's face it, Crumbl is a team sport.
The service was brisk and the place was spotless, but its compact size made me wonder how chaotic things might get on busier days.
This particular location is small, even tinier than the one on West Village, so I can only imagine how chaotic it gets on a normal day.
Still, on this dreary afternoon, the service was quick and efficient--no complaints there.
Now, onto the pie.
At first glance, it's Instagram-ready, wrapped in its quaint aluminum tin and neatly adorned with cream rosettes.
But dig in, and you'll find it's more of a mixed bag.
The crust? Delightfully flaky with a satisfying bite--no soggy bottoms here.
The filling, on the other hand, left me conflicted. It leaned more toward a custard-like consistency, jiggly and smooth, with notes of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg that screamed holiday cheer.
Yet, there was an unexpected sweet potato-like undertone, leaving me guessing whether pumpkin had a co-star in this production.
The custardy texture was almost pudding-like with an intriguing sweet potato-ish vibe... was it part pumpkin, part something else?
Whatever it was, it worked.
The whipped cream, while aesthetically pleasing, added more visual charm than flavor depth.
Personally, I prefer my pumpkin pie served warm; this one was served cold, which dulled some of its appeal.
I couldn't help but think it would've sung alongside a cup of coffee, so I'd recommend grabbing a latte beforehand or bringing one along.
If you're planning to try it, timing is key.
Crumbl's popularity means some staples might not be available when you visit (a tragedy for chocolate chip cookie purists).
All in all, the pumpkin pie was pleasant enough for the season, but not the game-changer I had hoped for.
It's worth a try--just temper your expectations and maybe bring a friend to help you dissect the experience.