Pumpkin Spice…and Everything Nice!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: pumpkin everything season (hooray for all of us who’ve been waiting not so patiently since the spring!). And the beloved spice blend known as pumpkin pie spice, with its soothing taste and pleasant aroma, can now be found in everything from lattes and mug cakes to popcorn and pancakes. Check out some of my favorite recipes and enjoy.
Pumpkin Spice…and Everything Nice!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: pumpkin everything season (hooray for all of us who’ve been waiting not so patiently since the spring!). And the beloved spice blend known as pumpkin pie spice, with its soothing taste and pleasant aroma, can now be found in everything from lattes and mug cakes to popcorn and pancakes. Check out some of my favorite recipes and enjoy.
Pumpkin Spice…and Everything Nice: Kettle Korn
I make so many variations of popcorn—sweet caramel, spicy, cheesy—but during the fall, this one most definitely becomes my front runner. I toss a big batch of air-popped popcorn (or a large bag of store-bought light popcorn), with an insanely delish and easy-to-make pumpkin sauce and then crisp it up in the oven. It’s just 45 calories a cup and provides a dose of filling fiber, so it’s a snack you can feel good about munching, whether you’re watching your favorite Netflix series, reading a good book or just looking for a satisfying nibble.
Pumpkin Spice…and Everything Nice: Mug Cake
Mug cakes are a wonderful dessert because they’re portion-controlled, require minimal prep, are fuss-free and involve basically no waiting (patience is not my strong suit, especially when it comes to dessert, haha). It’s such an easy way to satisfy the urge for pumpkin…and for cake. Choose your own topping: My personal recommendations: whipped cream, a sprinkling of cinnamon and dark chocolate chips. Is your stomach growling yet?
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: Ice Cream
So many pumpkin recipes are warm and soothing—think lattes, pie, pancakes, muffins—but we’re switching it up here with a chilly treat! This fall-inspired ice cream uses bananas as the base and then adds in rich pumpkin puree, sweet maple syrup, fragrant pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon. Feel free to use it atop a warm homemade pie or enjoy a scoop or two on its own with a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top.
Pumpkin Spice…and Everything Nice: Doughnut Holes
I consider this recipe a hole in one 😉 I love to whip them up for family get-togethers because everyone goes crazy for them—kids and adults alike. They’re simple to make and easyyyy to devour. They’re filled with pumpkin-y goodness and really hits the sweet spot.
Pumpkin Spice…and Everything Nice: Mini Cheesecake
Cheesecake is the ultimate splurge-worthy dessert. I make mine mini so they’re perfect portion-controlled treats, which works well because these bites are super rich and satisfying. And I give it a pumpkin twist to amp up the overall nutrition, incorporating a nice dose of beta-carotene, fiber and potassium. And hey, this decadent dessert even chips in some protein. Say cheese…cake!
Pumpkin Pie Spice…and Everything Nice: PPS Latte
Save cash and calories by whipping up your own flavorful and slimming Pumpkin Spice Latte. It requires just a few ingredients (most of which you probably already have in your kitchen) and a minute of your time for the easiest prep ever. There’s a latte love in this cup!
Pumpkin Spice…and Everything Nice: Pudding
Who doesn’t crave creamy pumpkin pie filling during the holidays? I found a creative—and, of course, healthy—way to enjoy it any time I feel like it (and there’s no baking required). I simply mix pumpkin puree into vanilla yogurt and stir in a little cinnamon or PPS. Then I top it with toasted nuts. It’s a deliciously filling breakfast or fun afternoon snack.
Pumpkin Pie Spice…and Everything Nice: Pancakes
Fall flapjacks are on the breakfast menu! In this recipe, you’ll fall hard for the flavors of pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon and maple. The yogurt-pumpkin topping is optional, but I highly recommend it (sooo yummy!) with the extra sprinkling of toasted pecans to make this recipe out of this world. Get ready to attack a stack.
