7 Pumpkin Spice Recipes to Warm Your Fall

As the crisp air of fall approaches, we bid farewell to the sun-soaked days of summer and welcome the enchanting season of vibrant foliage, cozy sweaters, and of course, the quintessential taste of pumpkin spice. This magical blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves has become synonymous with autumn festivities, providing warmth and comfort through delicious foods and beverages. Whether you're an ardent aficionado or a curious newcomer to this autumnal delight, we've curated seven pumpkin spice recipes that will not only warm your fall but also elevate your seasonal enjoyment.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Let’s kick off our list with the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL). This drink has become the unofficial herald of autumn, and making it at home can be a delightful experience. Here’s a simple recipe:

• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice (or mix your own!)
• 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (depending on sweetness preference)
• ¹⁄₂ cup of strong coffee or espresso
• ¹⁄₄ cup of heavy cream (optional)
• Whipped cream, cinnamon, and extra pumpkin pie spice for garnish

To prepare:

1. Mix milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat until the milk is hot but not boiling, then froth with an immersion blender or whisk vigorously.
2. Brew your coffee or espresso, pour it into a mug, and add the frothed pumpkin mixture.
3. If you desire, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and dollop on top, garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.

🍂 Note: For an extra touch of flavor, add a dash of vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Start your day with the warm embrace of Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, a perfect blend of autumn flavor with a hearty breakfast. Here’s how to make them:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 1 ¹⁄₄ cups of milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter

To cook:

1. Whisk together dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, milk, egg, and melted butter.
2. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, avoiding over-mixing to keep pancakes fluffy.
3. Cook on a preheated, greased skillet or griddle. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles

Combine the delight of snickerdoodles with the warmth of pumpkin spice to create Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles:

• Cookie Dough:
  • 2 ³⁄₄ cups of flour
  • 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of baking soda
  • ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of pumpkin puree
• Rolling Mixture:
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

To prepare:

1. Combine dry ingredients, then cream butter, sugars, egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree. Gradually add the flour mixture.
2. Chill the dough for 30 minutes. Mix sugar and pumpkin pie spice for rolling.
3. Shape dough into balls, roll in spiced sugar, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.

🍂 Note: Ensure your baking soda and cream of tartar are fresh for the best rise and texture in your cookies.

Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with Pumpkin Spice Donuts:

• 1 ³⁄₄ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons of baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• ¹⁄₄ cup of unsalted butter, melted
• ¹⁄₂ cup of sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons of vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₂ cup of pumpkin puree
• ¹⁄₂ cup of milk

Here’s how to bake them:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, pumpkin puree, and milk.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pipe or spoon into the donut pan.
5. Bake for about 12-15 minutes. Once cooled, dust with sugar or drizzle with icing.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Create a comforting coffee cake infused with pumpkin spice:

• Cake:
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup of pumpkin puree
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Topping:
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of chopped nuts (optional)

To prepare:

1. Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, add eggs, pumpkin puree, sour cream, and vanilla.
2. Incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
3. Pour batter into a greased pan, sprinkle with the topping, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-45 minutes.

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Experience the rich, creamy allure of Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake for your festive gatherings:

• Crust:
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of graham cracker crumbs
  • ¹⁄₃ cup of melted butter
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of sugar
• Filling:
  • 24 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 cup of pumpkin puree
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
  • 3 eggs

To prepare:

1. Prepare the crust by combining crumbs, butter, and sugar, press into a springform pan, and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes.
2. Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth, then mix in pumpkin, sour cream, vanilla, and spice. Add eggs one at a time.
3. Pour over crust and bake at 325°F (165°C) in a water bath for about 55 minutes. Let cool and chill before serving.

Pumpkin Spice Cocktails

For those cooler evenings, explore the adventurous side of pumpkin spice with these cocktail recipes:

• Pumpkin Spice Martini:
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz pumpkin liqueur
  • ¹⁄₂ oz vanilla liqueur
  • ¹⁄₂ oz Irish cream liqueur
  • Spice blend for rim (equal parts sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon)
• Autumn Sangria:
  • 1 bottle of red wine
  • 1 cup of apple cider
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of brandy
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of sugar
  • Fresh apple slices
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • 1 orange, sliced

By integrating pumpkin spice into your cooking and baking, you bring the essence of fall into every bite and sip. These recipes offer a spectrum of indulgence, from heartwarming lattes to festive cakes and sophisticated cocktails, proving that the allure of pumpkin spice transcends traditional boundaries. Whether it’s the first pumpkin spice latte of the season, a sweet breakfast pancake, or an elegant evening drink, these recipes embody the spirit of autumn in the most delightful way.

What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

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If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and a hint of clove.

Can I make these recipes vegan?

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Yes, many of these recipes can be adapted to be vegan. Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, egg substitutes, and look for vegan-friendly pumpkin puree.

How can I store these baked goods?

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Store baked items in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or refrigerate for longer storage. Most can also be frozen for a month or more.

What are the health benefits of pumpkin spice?

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Pumpkin spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves have various health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties, improved digestion, and potential blood sugar regulation.

Can I make pumpkin spice cocktails non-alcoholic?

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Absolutely! Use pumpkin spice syrup or natural juices to mimic the flavors, and opt for alcohol-free spirits or substitutes for an equally delightful experience.