10 Must-Try Foods at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch
If you live in the Midwest, chances are you’ve heard of Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard. It’s a magical place just outside Omaha, Nebraska that started 40 years ago. They make so many delicious homemade foods—from pie to BBQ to all sorts of baked goods—that I had to narrow down to my top ten favorites for you to try.
If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check out my blog post Visit Vala’s Pumpkin Patch like an Expert.
I worked at Vala’s as a baker for a few seasons and absolutely loved it! This year I have an 8 month old to take care of, which is arguably more important for me. I miss my coworkers and being on the farm almost every day during the season, but I can’t miss out on a minute of her baby cuddles.
One thing I have cut out or at least minimized since I started breastfeeding is seed oils. There are a few fried foods on this list still, but there are some seed oil free/minimal foods too! The two pies here and BBQ are safe, and some of the others like pretzels I imagine have some but minimal. Ask at the location for any ingredient questions you have!
The 2024 season is nearly over! Be sure to reserve your Thanksgiving Market treats asap before they sell out!
Here are my top 10 favorite foods from Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard:
Brown Butter Salted Honey Pie
1.Brown Butter Salted Honey Pie
While still popular, I think this is one of the most underrated pies they make! This pie is made with a ton of butter lovingly browned, some honey, eggs, and other ingredients to make a delicious custard pie. They top it with some quality flaked salt to give the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Location: The Pie Barn
Salted Caramel Apple Pie
2. Salted Caramel Apple Pie
This pie is the most popular pie for a reason! It’s a classic apple pie in their homemade butter pie crust, topped with caramel and a little flaked salt. If you’re at The Pie Barn while they’re drizzling the caramel, you’re in for a treat! It’s so fun to watch. Bonus tip: if they have extra caramel ready, you can ask for some extra! Best when it’s not too busy.
Location: The Pie Barn & sometimes you can get a whole pie from the Exit Barn
3. Pulled Pork
They smoke their own meats since opening Ethan’s BBQ in the Cider Mill area. If you follow me, you know I love BBQ, especially pulled pork! You can get a sandwich and a side for around $15, which I think is a great deal, especially in this economy and inside a special event. I recommend all of the sides at Ethan’s. I like adding some of the pork to macaroni and cheese. The elotes bowl and baked beans (which has meat in it too!) are also really good.
Bonus tip: if you want to split something for a great price, get the 3 meat platter. It’s a lot of meat for two people plus 2 sides for around $30.
Location: Ethan’s Applewood Smokehouse
Caramel Crunch Pretzel
4. Caramel Crunch Pretzel
This festival special is my favorite every year! The pretzels are always good, but the caramel crunchy bits and caramel dip take this pretzel to the next level! It is a little on the pricey side, but worth getting at least once.
Location: Farmer Jack’s Pretzel Shack
5. Pumpkin Bars
These I had to have made hundreds of last season in the Big Barn Bakery! They remind me of pumpkin rolls I grew up on. The base is a pumpkin cake and it’s topped with a rice cream cheese buttercream.
Big Barn Bakery (Exit Barn)
6. Cinnamon Rolls
I love freshly baked yeast rolls, and these don’t disappoint! Grandma’s Kitchen makes giant cinnamon rolls and tops them with cream cheese buttercream. Get a box to take home for breakfast!
Location: Grandma’s Kitchen
7. Apple Cider Donuts
A classic fall treat! There are many places that make apple cider donuts, but Vala’s does them right. I’ve heard that they’re as good as the ones you find in upstate New York!
Location: Harvest Barn, Cider Mill, Exit Barn
8. Tater Twisters
This fried potato treat is fairly new to the farm. It’s a spiral cut (very large) potato that’s then fried. You can top it with your choice of seasonings. I like to do half and half with the different seasonings to mix things up. You can find them in the chicken area at Cousin’s Chicken.
Location: Cousin’s Chicken Shack
9. Giant Pretzel Meat & Cheese Board
This one is perfect for sharing! Head to the Cider Mill and order a giant pretzel to split with your family and friends. Find a cozy spot to eat on the porch overlooking the farm and maybe enjoy a cool glass of their homemade hard cider.
Location: Cider Mill
10. Cinnamon Bread
If you love cinnamon like I do, this should be on your list! It has all the magic of cinnamon rolls–cinnamon and sugar, sweet brioche bread, and of course icing to drizzle over the top. My husband argues these are even better than cinnamon rolls! I recommend having this in person or enjoy it within 24 hours for the best experience.
Location: Cider Mill
