Cooking

8 Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin Spice – No Coffee Needed

Even though summer really hasn’t left us in Alabama, the season of pumpkin spice has already descended upon us. For many, the allure of pumpkin spice comes in the form of the iconic pumpkin spice latte (which Starbucks has already released this August). But what if coffee isn’t your cup of tea (or rather, coffee)? Or perhaps you don’t want to have have caffeine everyday but still want to enjoy the fall flavors? Luckily, there are plenty of alternative ways to enjoy this seasonal flavor without a sip of coffee involved. I want to share some ways you can incorporate this fall flavor without picking up a cup coffee and you only need one thing: pumpkin spice creamer.

That’s right, no collecting different spices off the racks and measuring a bunch of things. Just get yourself some creamer and you’re good to go. As someone who doesn’t enjoy coffee I wanted a way to partake of the cozy Fall flavors and so I started experimenting with pumpkin spice creamer since every grocery store is stocked full of it.

1. Tea

If you’re not a coffee lover but still crave a warm, comforting beverage, pumpkin spice tea is a delightful alternative. I’ve been making this a ton this season already and I’m obsessed with it. For me, I take a tea bag blend of chai and use a splash of pumpkin spice creamer with milk to make a sweet chai latte. This will give you a cozy drink with all the fall flavors you love, minus the coffee.

2. Smoothies

Smoothies are a year-round favorite, and they’re a great way to sneak in some pumpkin spice flavor during the fall. To make a pumpkin spice smoothie, start with a base of yogurt, add in the pumpkin spice creamer as your liquid, a banana for sweetness, and a handful of ice. Blend it all together, and you have a creamy, delicious smoothie that tastes like autumn in a glass. For an extra protein boost, consider adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder or a tablespoon of almond butter.

3. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is the a perfect chilly morning comfort food and to make pumpkin spice oatmeal, simply stir a couple tablespoons of pumpkin spice creamer into the batch. You can sweeten it with maple syrup or brown sugar and top it with chopped nuts or dried fruit for an indulgent treat. If you’re a fan of overnight oats, you can prep this the night before by mixing oats, milk, and a dash of your pumpkin spice creamer.

4. Pancakes and Waffles

Enhance your weekend breakfast with fall flavors by adding pumpkin spice creamer instead of milk to your pancake or waffle batter. For an even richer flavor, consider adding some pumpkin puree in place of bit of the liquid as well. Serve your pancakes or waffles with maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and you’ll have a breakfast that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite. For an added touch, top them with toasted pecans or a swirl of whipped cream.

5. Baked Goods

Pumpkin spice is also a fantastic addition to all sorts of baked goods. From muffins and bread to cookies and cakes, there are countless ways to infuse your baking with warm and cozy flavors. A lot of recipes call for a milk product and so merely replace some of the milk with your pumpkin spice creamer and enjoy a little spin on your favorite baked goods. I recently made banana pumpkin spice muffins by taking a family recipe and adding in some creamer instead of milk and it was a delightful spin on one of my favorite treats.

6. Ice Cream

Yes, pumpkin spice ice cream is a thing, and it’s as delicious as it sounds. If you have an ice cream maker, you can easily whip up a batch at home by adding pumpkin spice creamer to your favorite vanilla ice cream base. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still enjoy this treat by mixing store-bought vanilla ice cream with the creamer, then freezing until firm. For an extra-special dessert, serve your ice cream in a waffle cone or pair it with warm apple pie or a slice of pumpkin bread.

7. Hot Chocolate

For a non-coffee warm drink that’s perfect for cozy nights, pumpkin spice hot chocolate is a must-try. Simply make your favorite hot chocolate and add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice creamer to the milk as it heats up. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra indulgent treat. If you want to take it up a notch, add a splash of vanilla extract. This hot chocolate is sure to become your go-to drink for chilly autumn evenings.

8. Yogurt Popsicles

Yogurt is another versatile food that can easily be transformed with a bit of pumpkin spice. Stir a couple tablespoons of pumpkin spice creamer into plain or vanilla yogurt and freeze in your favorite molds until set. You can even add in granola, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of honey for added flavor and texture.

Pumpkin spice creamer is so much more than just a coffee flavoring—it’s a versatile blend of spices that can enhance many sweet dishes. Whether you’re sipping on pumpkin spice tea, enjoying pumpkin spice pancakes, or experimenting with pumpkin spice popsicles, there are countless ways to savor the flavors of fall without a drop of coffee.