Rylee H.
Yelp
Every year, as August is coming to a close, and fall is nearing, Dairy Queen releases its famous Pumpkin Pie Blizzard. This seasonal treat has been a fan favorite since it was added to the Dairy Queen menu in 1991. The Pumpkin Pie Blizzard is a soft serve with pumpkin pie pieces incorporated into it. It is garnished with a dollop of whipped cream and a generous amount of nutmeg seasoning. For the past thirty three years, it has been hyped up as one of the best fall treats.
So, on November 16th, I decided to give it a try. As I took my first few bites, I quickly noticed that the flavor was extremely underwhelming. The pumpkin taste was so subtle that I could hardly taste it. For the most part, it tasted like vanilla ice cream with a slight hint of pumpkin flavoring. The "pumpkin pie pieces" that are mixed into the soft serve are simply flavorless chunks of pie crust that are thrown into the mix. In my opinion, they did not contribute any flavor to the dessert. I think that this dessert would be elevated in flavor if the pumpkin pie pieces included the actual pie component, rather than just the bland crust. This Blizzard, which is said to be fall in a cup, lacks the most important component- the actual taste of fall. If you are looking to find fall in a cup, Dairy Queen's Pumpkin Pie Blizzard is not going to fulfill that wish.
Additionally, I do not understand why so many people would want to have a chilly dessert during one of the coldest times of the year. After all, I am already shivering, why would I want to eat ice cream? A Blizzard should be enjoyed in the summer, not autumn. A Blizzard just does not seem to be the ideal fall dessert, especially for those who may live in cold regions.
When I saw my Blizzard sitting at the pick-up window, I was underwhelmed by its appearance. While the dessert is already unenjoyable, additionally, it is not aesthetically pleasing. The Pumpkin Pie Blizzard is a soft, dull orange color. However, real pumpkin pie is a deep orange. It didn't bring forth the cozy, autumnal vibe that I had been expecting. So, I think that if the Blizzard were colored more appropriately, it would at least appear to be a pumpkin pie product.
I would like to say that I typically enjoy Dairy Queen, especially their Blizzards. I am also a big fan of all things fall. So, when going into this experience with high expectations, I was extremely let down. The dull flavor of the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard, the nonideal coldness of it during the fall months, and the lack of resemblance to an actual pumpkin pie takes away from the fall feel that this sweet treat is intended to evoke. If you're looking to have a mediocre soft serve, Dairy Queen's Pumpkin Pie Blizzard would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you're looking to have a true fall dessert, I would recommend eating an actual pumpkin pie.