Pumpkin Spice

Everything: 7 Cosy Dessert & Drink Ideas To Sweeten Your Autumn

Pumpkin spice is an adaptable mix that extends far beyond pumpkin recipes. Its comforting flavours go well with everything from coffee and biscuits to cakes and creamy puddings. Cinnamon is usually the primary spice, with ginger, nutmeg and cloves providing warmth and aroma. You can buy a pre-mixed blend or make your own this autumn. Check out seven ways to use pumpkin spice that will give you lots of tasty ways to celebrate the season. 

A pumpkin spice latte is an autumn favourite for good reason: it combines espresso, steamed milk and warming spices in one creamy, aromatic drink. To make pumpkin spice latte at home, stir pumpkin purée, a little sugar and pumpkin spice into warm milk before combining it with freshly brewed coffee. Finish with milk foam or whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon. It's a cosy afternoon pick-me-up when you want something a little more indulgent than your regular coffee. 

A homemade pumpkin spice cake combines the irresistible scent of autumn spices with a delicate texture and sweetness. The pumpkin purée provides moisture, while the cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg give the sponge its signature warmth. Cream cheese frosting or a dollop of softly whipped cream on top of the cooled cake makes for a decadent dessert. Enjoy it as a sweet treat with your morning coffee or tea, or save a piece for dessert after a hearty autumn meal.

If you love cookies that are soft and aromatic, try adding pumpkin spice to your next batch of baking. The pumpkin purée keeps them moist, while the cinnamon and ginger give them a nice, toasty taste that goes well with brown sugar. Depending on the recipe, you may need to adjust the flour or moisture content to prevent the dough from becoming too wet. Chocolate chips, chopped pecans or white chocolate pieces can be delicious add-ons. Bake until the edges are firm and the centres are still a little soft. Let the cookies cool and serve with milk or any hot drink.

Homemade pumpkin spice syrup is a handy way to bring seasonal flavour to more than just coffee. Simmer water and sugar with pumpkin purée and a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves, then strain if your recipe calls for a smoother finish. Once cooled, use a little in iced coffee, hot chocolate or a milk-based drink. You can also drizzle it over pancakes or stir it into porridge for a fragrant twist. Store the syrup in a clean, sealed container in the refrigerator. 

Hot chocolate gets a seasonal makeover when you add a pinch of pumpkin spice. Warm milk with chopped chocolate or cocoa powder, stirring until smooth, then add a small amount of the spice blend to introduce notes of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. For a richer drink, use dark chocolate; for a sweeter version, try milk chocolate and adjust the added sugar accordingly. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows. Start with a small pinch of spice, taste as you go, and let the chocolate remain the star of the drink.

Infuse a cheesecake with pumpkin spice for a special dessert. The pumpkin purée and warming spices give it a seasonal taste, while the buttery biscuit base provides a delicious contrast to the creamy filling. To achieve the desired texture, blend the filling until smooth, being careful not to overmix, and bake as directed in the recipe. Allow the cheesecake to cool slightly after baking, then chill it completely. Garnish the slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving.

Pumpkin spice pancakes are the perfect morning meal. Add a little pumpkin purée and a sprinkle of spice mix to your standard pancake batter. Adjust the liquid proportions as necessary to achieve a pourable consistency. Over medium heat, cook the pancakes until bubbles form on top and the edges start to firm up. Flip and cook the other side. Top with sliced banana, toasted nuts and maple syrup, and serve in a stack. You can make this fragrant, soft breakfast for kids and family without any special baking skills or equipment.

From a creamy latte to a slice of cake or a batch of freshly baked cookies, pumpkin spice can bring a familiar autumn warmth to an impressive range of treats. You don't need to use the blend in everything, either: a small amount can be enough to add fragrance without overpowering the other ingredients. Start with the recipes that appeal to you most, then experiment with the sweetness and spice levels to find your preferred balance.