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!
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.
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.
Pumpkin Pie Spice with Cardamon
Ingredients
- 4 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!
Get Your Guide on Creating Healthy and Delish Smoothies: Check out my “Smoothie 101” post for details!
Pumpkin Spice 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!
- Green smoothie (see recipe)
- Purple smoothie (see recipe)
- Red smoothie (see recipe)
- Kale and blueberry smoothie (see recipe)
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The smoothie sounds delicious, I’m definitely gonna try it!
Interesting recipe. I would love to try it out.
Thanks a lot for this recipe!
I must admit that I don’t like eating pumpkin but this looks delicious, so I will definitely use your recipe!
Omg! Yummilicious recipes. Can’t wait to try!
I surely going to try this pumpkin spice recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Yum! This looks great! Can’t wait to try it!
Love these ideas! Thanks for sharing.
Who would have thought cauliflower was in there!?
You’re right. Cauliflower is so easily hidden in a smoothie. Perfect veggie base!
I would love to try this pumpkin smoothie. It looks like it would be easy to make. I love trying different pumpkin dishes.
Yum! Saving this for later.
Thanks. I’m going to try this out. Sounds good.
Wow this looks so delicious. Definitely going to try it this fall season.
Sweet Passions
Thank you for posting this recipe. I love pumpkins they are so rich in nutrients and I love their flavour.
I had no idea pumpkin spice was so easy to make! And, I love the smoothie recipe. I’m going to give it a go this week. Question for you: do you think I could substitute cooked quinoa for the cauliflower florets/rice? I have some in the fridge to use up, and it *seems* like an okay substitution…
Hi Sage, maybe try a half cup of quinoa and omit the flax and add in a bit more fruit to see how it works out. I add the cauliflower to add in some veggies for breakfast and to also keep the calories down a bit. You could also sub out cauliflower with half a summer squash.
What a great way to engage in Fall flavors. Thanks for sharing this recipe and pics! I enjoy trying pumpkin spice foods/drinks during this season.
Saving for thanksgiving!
The pumpkin spice smoothie sounds delicious. Nutmeg makes any punch or smoothie taste good. Thanks for sharing.
I love making my own spice blends, thanks for this recipe
That sounds so yummy! I will definitely try it out.
I’ve never considered putting mango and pumpkin together in a smoothie. Yum!
This looks delicious and I can’t wait to try this! I love this season. Thank you and look forward to more.
Good to include pumpkin spice. The last day to try it before Halloween go for this year. Thank you for sharing!
It’s always handy to have the pumpkin spice ratio! thanks!
Homemade is always better! Love the addition of cardamom in this pumpkin spice seasoning blend. Thanks so much for sharing!
WOW! I absolutely have to try the Pumpkin Spice Smoothie, I have never had anything like that! Thank you for this recipe! Saved and will be trying 😀
Looks yummy!
I love pumpkin spice and had never thought of making my own blend! This is such a delicious combination of flavors. I can’t wait to test it out on everybody this Fall season 🙂
This is perfect timing! I just ordered some cardamom and am on my last teaspoon of pumpkin spice seasoning in my pantry. Time to make some!
I love pumpkin spice everything at this time of year! I use pumpkin spice (PS) almond milk creamer, eat PS yogurt and PS granola. I have made PS smoothies in the past but I love your idea of adding mango! Yum!
Ooooh LOVE pumpkin spice and can’t wait to try your smoothie recipe. I have never heard of cardamon before and looking forward to tasting your blend of spices! And I have tried many pumpkin muffins in my lifetime, but partial to Dunkin’ (of all places) too! 🎃