Gourmet coffee houses and manufacturers of specialty creamers often offer themed flavorings around certain holidays. For example, during the winter months, you can find gingerbread-, egg nog- or candy cane-flavored drinks or creamers while apple pie- or pumpkin spice-flavored creamers are often only available in the fall. However, with a little time and a few ingredients, you can make your own healthful pumpkin spice coffee flavoring from real pumpkin puree at home any time of the year.
Step 1
Warm the milk, pumpkin and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 2
Add the vanilla and spices and stir until combined.
Step 3
Remove the pan from the heat and cool.
Step 4
Pour the mixture into a blender and process for 10 to 15 seconds, or until foamy.
Step 5
Store the creamer in a covered jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This recipe makes about 20 oz.
Tips and Warnings
- For a lower-calorie version, substitute low-fat or skim milk for whole milk, or an artificial sweetener for the sugar. To make a pumpkin latte at home, bring 6 oz. pumpkin creamer to boiling in a large mug in the microwave or warm the creamer in a saucepan on the stove until it begins to boil and transfer to a large mug. Add 2 oz. hot espresso and stir. Top with 2 tbsp. whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. An 8 oz. pumpkin latte contains about 175 calories, 16 g protein and 175 mg calcium. You can replace the cinnamon, clove, ginger and nutmeg with 3 ¼ tsp. pumpkin pie spice. For a more intense pie flavor, double the amount of spice used.
- Do not use canned pumpkin pie mix; use canned or fresh 100 percent pumpkin puree. Many commercial coffee creamers are dairy-free. If you are lactose-intolerant, substitute lactose-free milk for whole milk.
Things You'll Need
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup canned or fresh pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp. vanilla extract
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp. ground clove
- ½ tsp. ground ginger
- ¼ tsp. nutmeg
- Saucepan
- Blender
- Airtight container
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