How to "Pumpkin Spice" Things Up This Fall
Have you ever wondered what the most widely loved season is?
If you're like me, you would have said fall without thinking twice. According to YouGov, fall is the leading season for a large population of America. Moreover, fall is a widely loved season due to the cool climates, football season, traditional activities like pumpkin carving, apple picking, haunted houses, and my personal favorite—baking fall treats. Therefore, we have made a list of five easy at-home baking recipes for your fall cravings!
1. Pumpkin Bread
To kick things off, we have pumpkin bread. Something so simple, yet so yummy!
Source: Food Network
Even though you might not think so, this carb-filled treat has tons of nutrients!
Ingredients:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon of baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups sugar
¾ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups shredded fresh pumpkin
1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
Not only is pumpkin bread delicious, but it holds an abundance of nutritional value. While pumpkin is a fiber-filled carbohydrate, it is still very beneficial for the body and has been shown to improve digestive health. In addition, there is a presence of vitamins A and C, which consist of antioxidants that provide a healthy heart and a beautiful complexion.
2. PUMPKIN BLONDIES
This one is for brownie and blondie lovers! Name something better than a seasonal blondie. I'll wait-
Source: I Heart Nap Time
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice
1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda
1 teaspoon of kosher salt
1 cup of unsalted butter
1 ¾ cups of sugar
1 large egg
1 ½ cups of pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
1 cup of chocolate chips
As we head into the holiday season, most try to watch their calorie intake. Fortunately, this thick, chewy treat can be a healthier alternative than most store-bought treats with its presence of protein and potassium.
3. PUMPKIN BARS WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
This perfect fall treat has a pumpkin-cream cheese combo– an excellent sweet and savory ratio for the taste buds!
Source: Sugar Apron
Ingredients:
15 oz. of pumpkin puree
2 eggs
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup of sugar
½ cup of vegetable oil
¼ teaspoon of ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of baking powder
½ teaspoon of baking soda
Frosting:
4 ounces of cream cheese
3 tablespoons of softened butter
1 teaspoon of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 cup of powdered sugar
Calcium, one of pumpkin’s leading nutritional values, brings good bone health, strong teeth, and strong heart rhythms. These bars are perfect if you decide to bring a treat to an event. The guests won’t get enough of this and will thank you for bringing something relatively healthy.
4. PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
Enough food talk; let's get into some drinks! A fall classic, the pumpkin spice latte is one of the most popular seasonal drinks. Most people do not prefer lattes made at home, but this recipe will have your tastebuds convinced you went to Starbucks!
Source: Warm My Soul
Ingredients:
¼ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
½ cup of milk
1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree
1 cup of coffee grounds
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of sugar
2 tablespoons of half and half
Even though we all wish we could, it is unrealistic to buy coffee daily. Making coffee at home is much more cost-effective, and can be just as good! As most coffee shops add lots of sugar additives and sweetening syrups, making your own coffee can be a healthier alternative.
5. PUMPKIN SPICE SMOOTHIE
Even though this recipe contrasts the crisp weather, we all know someone who enjoys a chilled drink at any point of the year. So, here is a seasonal option!
Source: Lemon Tree Dwelling
Ingredients:
½ cup vanilla yogurt
2 ounces of pumpkin puree
½ of a frozen banana
1 tablespoon of maple syrup
¼ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
4 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons of ground nutmeg
4 teaspoons of ground ginger
3 teaspoons of ground allspice
Add a cinnamon stick for garnish
Mix ingredients in a blender to desired consistency
In cold weather, most people prefer to drink something on the hotter side to warm up their bodies. However, drinking a cold beverage in cold weather can be just as beneficial.
While fall is a great time to get creative in the kitchen, you can make these recipes all year round if you're a pumpkin lover. We hope these recipes encourage you to "pumpkin spice" up your fall cravings.
Which recipe will you try this fall? Leave a comment below.