5 Pumpkin Spice Recipes That Go Way Beyond the Latte

Somewhere along the line, pumpkin spice became the unofficial mascot of the fall. It turns up in our coffee cups every September, makes an appearance in the bakery aisle, and convinces us that buying another candle is perfectly reasonable.

But, why should lattes have all the fun? That familiar blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves can work some magic in the kitchen, including a few you might not expect.

Whether you're craving something sweet or want to give dinner an autumn makeover, these five pumpkin spice recipes might be worth your while.

1. Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate already has a special place in our hearts, but adding pumpkin spice and creamy white chocolate makes it a proper fall indulgence.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips

• ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Whipped cream, optional

Instructions

1. Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.

2. Add the white chocolate chips and stir until melted.

3. Whisk in the pumpkin pie spice and vanilla.

4. Pour into a mug and finish with whipped cream.

2. Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

Coffee lovers, this one's for you. A little pumpkin spice gives the classic espresso martini a delicious autumn twist without turning it into a sugary milkshake.

Ingredients

• 1½ ounces vodka

• 1 ounce freshly brewed espresso, cooled

• ½ ounce coffee liqueur

• ½ ounce pumpkin spice syrup

• Ice

• Pinch of pumpkin pie spice, for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and pumpkin spice syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

2. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

4. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of pumpkin pie spice over the foam.

3. Pumpkin Spice Maple-Roasted Carrots

Pumpkin spice in a vegetable dish? Absolutely. Its warming spices work well with the natural sweetness of roasted carrots.

Ingredients

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

2. Toss the carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.

4. Roast for 20 - 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.

4. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Dip

This one will disappear quickly at your next party. It's creamy, lightly spiced, and wonderful with apple slices or graham crackers.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Beat the cream cheese until smooth.

2. Mix in the yogurt, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla.

3. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

4. Serve with apple slices, strawberries, or graham crackers.

5. Pumpkin Spice French Toast

Who says pumpkin spice has to wait for dessert? This cozy breakfast will make an ordinary weekend morning a little more special.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup milk

• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 4 slices thick bread

• 1 tablespoon butter

• Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

1. Whisk the eggs, milk, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla in a shallow bowl.

2. Dip each bread slice into the mixture, coating both sides.

3. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.

4. Cook the bread for 2 - 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Give the Pumpkin Spice Jar a Little More Attention

The nicest thing about pumpkin spice is that a little goes a long way. You don't need fancy equipment or an entire afternoon in the kitchen to enjoy it. Just a pinch can brighten up a cozy drink, add something unexpected to roasted vegetables, or make breakfast worth getting out of bed for.

If your pumpkin spice jar has been sitting in the cupboard waiting for its annual latte appearance, now’s the time to give it a promotion.

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