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Pumpkin Spice, So Nice: Make Your Own; Try in Fall Recipes

Updated November 3, 2024

Pumpkin spice is definitely one of my favorite things about fall, so much so that I started making my own version. I use it year around but especially from September through November. I recently shared it during a girls’ weekend my by college BFFs. We used it in our morning pumpkin smoothies and afternoon apple cider mimosas! So good!

It’s time for whip up a jar of pumpkin spice and enjoy the flavors of autumn!

Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Blend; So Easy

I tried pumpkin pie spice from my local market, but found it it quite lackluster. I decided to make my own since I like experimenting with spice blends, adding in some cardamon for some extra zing. I love the citrusy and slightly sweet flavor of this pungent spice often used in Indian food (one of my favs; check out my Chicken Tikka Masala recipe!). It takes just a few minutes and so worth the effort to have on hand all season. Plus, it smells wonderful.

Pumpkin smoothie
My favorite fall smoothie using pumpkin spice was a big hit as a girls’ weekend!

There’s an obsession to enjoy this spice blend in virtually everything because it can fluctuate between sweet and savory. Add to your morning java, smoothie, yogurt or overnight oats; mix into your fall baking recipes (cookies, scones, muffins, apple crisp, pies); add to pumpkin or butternut risotto or pizza and roasted root veggies. The list is endless!

Don’t miss the smoothie recipe in this post that uses the spice blend to make a delicious pumpkin smoothie. It’s like a dessert in a glass (but healthy and nutritious!) that will convert non-smoothie drinkers to ask for more.

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Pumpkin Pie Spice with Cardamon

This is not your average pumpkin spice. It’s much better than generic store blends. Give cardamon a try; if you really don’t like it or have on hand, simply replace with a 1:1:1: mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves (which is a quick substitute for allspice by the way!). For those daring to try even more aromatic flavor, add in a pinch of ground black pepper or ground fennel to the recipe.

Ingredients

  • tablespoons  ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons  ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons  ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamon
  • 1 teaspoon cloves

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix all the spices together until combined well. Store in a small jar in a cool, dark place.

Must-Try Smoothie Using Pumpkin Spice Recipe

I have to admit, each season I’ll treat myself to a Dunkin’ pumpkin muffin for a whopping 550 calories. Yikes! Since embracing smoothies this year, of course that means I’m sharing a new pumpkin spice smoothie in this post that looks as good as it tastes. It has all the fall flavors I love and half the calories. Sweet sipping!

pumkin spice smoothie
Pumpkin spice goes on the road for girls’ weekend. It’s incorporated in the smoothie and sprinkled on the top with maple syrup for a little extra flavor!

Get Your Guide on Creating Healthy and Delish Smoothies: Check out my “Smoothie 101” post for details!

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Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

This tasty, aromatic and healthy smoothie is an easy trade for a pumpkin muffin or scone for breakfast. This nutritious recipe will fill you up all morning. I add in frozen cauliflower for extra fiber because it’s easily disguised without compromising flavor.
Servings 1 large smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup frozen cauliflower flowerets
  • 1/2 cup frozen mango
  • 1/2 medium fresh banana
  • 2 tablespoons flax (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons nut butter
  • 3/4 cup cashew milk (or milk of choice)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Using a Ninja smoothie Maker

  • Put all ingredients in the container and select the smoothie setting (blends for 50 seconds). After the first time you process it, check how thick it is, scrape sides and add water (or milk) as needed. Blend again on high speed to fully incorporate all ingredients.

Other Blenders (High Speed Recommended)

  • Put all ingredients into the container and blend until smooth. Check the consistency, scrape sides as needed. Add a little water (or milk), as necessary, and pulse until incorporated.  

Final step: Garnish

  • Pour into a large glass or to-go container. Sprinkle with pumpkin spice.
  • For a special treat, drizzle with maple syrup!

LOVE SMOOTHIES? Check out some of my other recipes to kickstart your mornings!

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89 thoughts on “Pumpkin Spice, So Nice: Make Your Own; Try in Fall Recipes

  1. Pumpkin spice isn’t super common in Aus and NZ so I’ve never had it but I’ll definitely be trying out this recipe for sure. Thanks for sharing – Ash 🙂

  2. Fall is my favorite season and one of the reason is because of all pumpkin recipes! I love to make pumpkin spice but I never actually made a pumpkin smoothie. I will definitely try it, thank you for the recipe.

  3. I absolutely love pumpkin-flavoured fall drinks but have never been brave enough to try making my own. I’m so excited to try out the smoothie. Thank you!

  4. 5 stars
    This reminds me of a pumpkin smoothie I’ve had at a juice place called Nekter. It’s literally my favorite drink there in the fall.

  5. 5 stars
    This sounds absolutely amazing! Pumpkin spice is such a fall favorite of mine too. I’d love to try the smoothie — pumpkin and spice in the morning sounds so cozy and delicious! 🍂

  6. 5 stars
    This pumpkin spice smoothie looks so delicious! I definitely will be making this soon as I am a smoothie lover! Thanks so much for this recipe!

  7. 5 stars
    Whenever there’s pumpkin on the menu, my credit card heats up. I love this time of year. Your pumpkin spice smoothie sounds delicious, I’ll have to try it. Thanks for sharing!

  8. 5 stars
    My mother always had pumpkin pie spice on hand, but I always forgot to purchase it. Now, I don’t need to. I will be following your recipe since I have all the ingredients on hand. Thanks for sharing!

  9. 5 stars
    You recipe came in so handy!! I had to make a recipe that called for pumpkin spice and I live 20 min away from the store. Guess what, I had all the ingredients in my pantry! Thank you so much for this recipe. ❤️😊 Life saver.

  10. 5 stars
    I am not a big fan of pumpkin spice products. But, I do appreciate you teaching us about the aromatic spice blend. I would try the smoothie recipe you shared; looks deliciously healthy.

  11. My daughter is a raving fan of this spice. I am from a culture where I have an abundance of spices in my kitchen. I love your detailed explanations and recipe and will surely try this too.

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