Fall is a season of fresh, cool air and colorful trees. For food lovers, it’s the perfect time to indulge in comforting flavors. There’s nothing quite like pumpkin spice that captures the essence of the cozy weather. In fact, it has become synonymous with fall. If you love this ingredient, you’ll appreciate these five easy pumpkin spice recipes you can do for your family and friends.
What Is Pumpkin Spice Made Of?
The common pumpkin spice blend consists of four ingredients — cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Sometimes, allspice is also included. You can buy it from the store or make it yourself. It’s popular during fall because of its nostalgic and comforting flavor profile.
5 Pumpkin Spice Recipes to Try This Fall
Pumpkin spice blend can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are recipes you’ll want to make throughout the entire fall season.
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Probably one of the most famous fall treats, the pumpkin spice latte is a comforting beverage that reminds you of home. While you can order it from Starbucks, making it at home is much cheaper. After all, you’ll only need a few ingredients to create one.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, then add more for garnish
- ¼ cup of hot espresso or coffee
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, pour milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, vanilla extract and spice. Whisk until warm, not too hot.
- Blend everything in an immersion blender until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Pour into a mug, then garnish with whipped cream, pumpkin-spice foamed milk and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Pumpkin Risotto
Risotto is a well-loved Italian appetizer. This is your sign if you haven’t tried making it in your kitchen. Instead of creating the traditional risotto, add autumnal notes and impress your family with a pumpkin risotto this fall. This recipe only requires nine ingredients — many of which are readily accessible.
Ingredients:
- 2 quarts of concentrated chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 tablespoons of shallot, minced
- 16 ounces of arborio rice
- ½ white wine
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon of sage, chiffonade
- 1 cup of pure pumpkin
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the chicken stock. Wait until it simmers.
- Pour oil and sauté shallots and garlic until the latter appears toasted. Add rice until everything is coated with oil.
- Scoop a ladle of heated chicken stock and add it to the rice. Allow it to absorb the liquid before pouring a ladle full.
- After pouring one or two ladles, add white wine. Wait for the rice to absorb it.
- Continue adding stock until the rice is tender.
- Turn off the heat and add parmesan cheese, sage and pumpkin. Serve and enjoy.
3. Pumpkin Pie Dip
This pumpkin pie dip recipe is ideal for dippable treats, from cookies to vanilla wafers. Make it when you’re expecting guests for a party or during the weekend afternoon to treat the kids to a heartwarming, tasty treat. Got leftovers? No worries. You can put the dip in the refrigerator for two to three days.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix
- ½ cup canned pumpkin
- 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
- Ginger snap cookies
Instructions:
- Beat vanilla pudding mix and heavy cream in a mixer for about a minute or two until stiff peaks form.
- Add pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin. Stir to combine, then chill if you want it to be a bit cold.
- If serving immediately, pair it with ginger snaps or other snacks.
4. Pumpkin Pie Nice Cream
If you’re looking for a pumpkin spice recipe that’s dairy-free and vegan, this is the one for you. This easy-to-make dessert also contains bananas, which contain high levels of potassium and low acid content.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of unseasoned pumpkin puree, chilled
- 1 ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 4 ripe medium bananas, peeled, sliced and frozen
- 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, add more for garnish if desired
- Toasted chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions:
- Place pumpkin, bananas, pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup in a food processor. Process the ingredients until smooth.
- Chill in the freezer for a few hours.
- Add more maple syrup and garnish with pecans.
5. Pumpkin Soup
Kick-start the day with a hearty bowl of pumpkin soup. This may be simple, but it is enough to wow your family this fall. You can serve them in normal bowls. However, if you’re feeling fancy, put them in hollowed-out pumpkins. This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients, including the following:
Ingredients:
- 2 whole pie pumpkins
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- 32 ounces of vegetable or chicken stock
- ⅓ cup of maple syrup
- Salt to taste
- Dash of nutmeg
- Extra cream and toasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Put pumpkins on a baking sheet and roast them until slightly soft. Cool for a while, then slice it in half.
- Scoop out pulp and seeds, then put the pumpkin flesh in a separate bowl.
- In a pot, heat the pumpkin flesh, stock and maple syrup. Wait until it simmers.
- Mash out the big chunks, and then transfer them to a food processor or immersion blender. Process until velvety smooth.
- Add nutmeg, cream and salt, then blend again.
- Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds then serve.
Get Creative With Pumpkin Spice
The best thing about pumpkin spice is that it’s a versatile ingredient. After trying out these recipes, unleash your creativity and whip up delicious creations at home.