October is here, and as we transition into the cooler months, it’s easy to feel a little sad about the official ending of summer. But the new season has a lot to offer – think cosy nights in, warm knitwear, and, of course, pumpkin spice. With National Pumpkin Spice Day kicking of this month, there’s no better time to embrace the autumnal flavour. To help you get into the spirit, we’ve put together some comforting recipes that will keep you warm this autumn.
Pumpkin Spice Coffee
The autumn season cannot truly begin without a cup of pumpkin spiced coffee. Many coffee shops start to serve up their own versions of this seasonal treat, however there’s something special about making your own at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
480ml strong brewed coffee
120ml cup milk
1 tbsp pumpkin puree
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ginger
⅛ tsp cloves or allspice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream
A pinch of cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
Heat the pumpkin puree, spices, and milk in a small pan until warm. Once this has combined, stir in your brewed coffee. Once everything is heated to your desired temperature, pour into your favourite autumn mug. For a decadent touch, top your pumpkin spiced coffee with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. A quick and easy pick me up for a chilly day!
Pumpkin Spice Chai Cupcakes
To compliment your delicious drink, how about trying these delicious pumpkin spice chai cupcakes. These cupcakes bring the warming notes of chai and the sweetness of pumpkin together for a delicious autumn dessert.
Ingredients
120 g all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1tbsp chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves)
120g pumpkin puree
100g brown sugar
2 eggs
1tsp vanilla extract
120 ml vegetable oil
In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients, and in another, combine the wet ingredients. Gently fold them together, then scoop the batter into cupcake cases. Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes. Once they are golden take them out and let them fully cool. Frost your cupcakes with cream cheese icing to balance the spiced flavour with a hint of sweetness. Share with your friends and family and enjoy!
Pumpkin Spiced Soup
If something savoury is more to your taste, a pumpkin spiced soup is the perfect cosy autumn dinner.
Ingredients:
1 small pumpkin, peeled and cubed
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp pumpkin spice mix
2 cups vegetable stock
1 cup coconut milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté the onion and garlic until soft, then add the pumpkin cubes and pumpkin spice mix. Pour in the vegetable stock and simmer until the pumpkin is tender. Once cooked, blend the mixture until smooth, then stir in the coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread
Lastly, there is nothing quite like a warm, loaf of banana bread. So why not try this deliciously spiced baked good to truly get you in the spirit of autumn.
Ingredients
200 g all-purpose flour
100 g pumpkin puree
2 ripe bananas (mashed)
150 g brown sugar
100 g granulated sugar
120 ml vegetable oil
60 ml milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
80g chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 175°C and grease a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, mash the bananas and mix them with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
This bread blends the natural sweetness of bananas and the warmth of pumpkin spice together to create the perfect autumn breakfast.
Whether you’re a fan of sweet treats or a delicious savoury meal, these pumpkin spice recipes will help you fully embrace the autumn season. Throw on your cosiest outfit, light a candle, and enjoy all that October has to offer.