Hey friends! Darian here from County Mama Cooking. With fall just around the corner, I can’t wait to break out all things pumpkin spice. Today I’m sharing my tips, serving ideas, FAQs and personal thoughts on the iconic flavor.
Pumpkin Spice
Equipment
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Cinnamon
- 2 tsp Nutmeg
- 2 tsp Ginger
- 1 tsp Ground cloves
- 1 tsp Allspice
Instructions
- Combine all spices into a bowl
- Mix well
- Store in an airtight container/ mason jar for up to 6 months
Video
Notes
Tips
Here are some tips to get the most out of that beloved pumpkin spice flavor:
- Use fresh ground spices whenever possible. The pre-ground stuff just doesn’t compare in terms of aroma and vibrancy.
- Play around with proportions to find your perfect blend. More cinnamon? Nutmeg? Ginger? Customize to your taste buds.
- Toast the spices briefly to intensify their flavor before blending.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper to give your spice a subtle kick.
- Use real pumpkin puree in baked goods when you can. It adds moisture and pumpkin flavor.
Serving Up Pumpkin Spice
The possibilities are endless when it comes to savoring the iconic flavor of pumpkin spice. Here are additional ways to incorporate it into dishes from breakfast to dessert:
- Scones with orange glaze for a tender morning treat
- Oatmeal topped with toasted pumpkin seeds, cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup
- Granola bars or energy bites for on-the-go snacking
- Roasted pumpkin seeds seasoned with pumpkin pie spice for a savory, crunchy snack
- Muffins with cream cheese or pumpkin butter filling
- Waffles topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce
- Crepes filled with nutella and banana
- Cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing – a gooey breakfast indulgence!
- Cookies sandwiched together with vanilla frosting
- Pudding made with coconut milk for a dairy-free dessert
- Milkshake with a graham cracker rim
- Chai tea latte with foamed milk
- Cupcakes with maple cream cheese frosting
The options are endless when it comes to infusing that beloved pumpkin spice flavor into sweet and savory treats! Get creative with these ideas or come up with your own.
FAQs
Here are some common questions:
What’s actually in this recipe?
Typical blends include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves.
Does this spice have any health benefits?
Yes! The spices contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
What’s the best way to make this spice?
Toast the spices briefly to intensify the flavors before grinding them together in a spice grinder.
How long does this spice last?
About 3-4 months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
What’s the ratio for making this spice from scratch?
A common blend is 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 1/2 teaspoon cloves.
Can I use this spice year-round?
Absolutely! It’s great in both fall and winter recipes, but also adds warmth to spring and summer dishes too.
Why I’m Crazy for this Spice
Oh friends, there’s just something about pumpkin spice that feels like home to me. Growing up, mom would make the most amazing pumpkin pies every Thanksgiving. The scent instantly takes me back to childhood.
As a busy mom of three kids and two dogs now, I also appreciate how pumpkin spice shortcuts my fall baking. With my homemade blend on hand, I can easily add that seasonal flavor to cakes, breads, muffins and more. It takes things up a notch without much effort.
My husband is also a pumpkin spice fanatic. He adds it to his oatmeal every morning once September hits. And the kids love it too – pumpkin spice mac and cheese is a favorite weeknight meal at our house.
So if you can’t tell already, I’m head over heels for pumpkin spice. It’s nostalgic, versatile and just makes everything cozier. I hope these tips and ideas get you excited to work some pumpkin spice magic into your own fall recipes.
Let the pumpkin spice obsession begin!
Wishing you a happy fall season, Darian