Pumpkin Spice Recipe Roundup
Shandra Martinez
| 3 min read
Michigan always feels and looks beautiful in autumn. Blue-sky days set apart by our gorgeous fall tree colors of reds, oranges and yellows. Cooler temperatures have us slipping into our favorite sweaters while farmers markets are brimming with just-picked apples. And pumpkin spice goodies are on all our favorite menus. For lots of people, fall is synonymous with the return of pumpkin recipes. And the melding of pumpkin plus spice flavors has been a big hit in recent years, infusing everything from coffee drink flavors and desserts to items for your home like candles and room sprays. If you’re a fan, we’re bringing you lots of ideas centered around fall’s go-to pumpkin spice flavor.
A flavor craze. Advertising research shows that pumpkin spice began as a flavor craze in 2003, about the same time Starbucks came out with its now uber-popular pumpkin spice latte. But foodies will tell you the flavor combo of pumpkin accented by the tastes of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove is nothing new. Whether it is sliced into pie wedges or baked into muffins and quick breads, pumpkin spice has been a scrumptious blend that has been savored for ages.
A year-round flavor. The real question about this craze might be why it only crops up in the fall. While pumpkins are harvested in early fall and wind up on porches as Halloween decor in October, canned pumpkin puree is relatively inexpensive and available on store shelves year-round. And pumpkin itself is a nutritional gem, packing plenty of fiber and vitamins and enough other good health benefits that it should be on our plates and in our cups year-round. Some highlights of a cup of cooked pumpkin, according to Healthline:
- Has less than 50 calories and very little fat
- Has a whopping 245% of an adult’s recommended daily amount of Vitamin A and nearly 20% of the needed Vitamin C
- High in beta carotene, which acts as an antioxidant and fights inflammation
Recipes for all seasons. So while fall might be a springboard for you to embrace pumpkin spice and add more pumpkin into your diet, we’ve got some tasty recipes that will carry you through the whole year. You can find some new favorites in this mix, whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, snack or a yummy dessert.
- Pumpkin pie overnight oats: A touch of Greek yogurt and a handful of pecans make this healthy blend feel like a decadent start to your day:
- Pumpkin Zucchini Bread: Every baker probably has a favorite zucchini bread recipe, but by mixing in pumpkin and – you guessed it – everybody’s favorite spice trio, this quick bread has fantastic flavor. Toast it for breakfast, serve it alongside a big green salad for lunch or slice it to offer with coffee for a mid-day treat.
- Fall Spiced Pumpkin Granola: Pumpkin seeds are the little stars in this recipe, along with dried cranberries, nuts and a pinch of spice. If you’re looking for a great pumpkin treat to give as a gift, this is a winner. Once it’s cooled, pack it into pretty jars. If you’re keeping it for yourself, it can be layered in a parfait or spooned up with a little milk.
- Pumpkin Smoothie: This icy treat can be made with milk or a little yogurt. It’s like sipping the flavors of fall through a straw.
- Roasted Pumpkin Soup: A touch of coconut milk and a drizzle of real maple syrup bring out all the flavors in this rich soup that will have you hoping for leftovers.
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Photo credit: BCBSM
