How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Steamer (And A Fall Pumpkin Recipe Roundup)
By Katie Bennett, contributing writer.
After months of hot weather, fall is finally knocking at our door, complete with its beautiful temperatures and stunning foliage.
I love the sights, sounds and smells of this time of year. And my personal favorite flavor of fall is pumpkin!
It’s rich and delicious, and hello…it’s a vegetable! 🙂 So, to celebrate, I’ve created my own simple, Pumpkin Spice Steamer.
For those of you unfamiliar with the concept of a steamer, this is a coffee house drink typically comprised of steamed milk and a flavored syrup. It’s a latte without the coffee, so it’s a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly wonderfully-relaxing beverage choice for a night out (or a night in) and good conversation with girlfriends, husband or family.
It’s a delicious take on “warm milk” to wind down after your day. Steamers are my go-to when I find myself in coffee shops of an evening, particularly in cool weather. They’re like a hug.
An extra tip: Coffee shops will make this for you even if it’s not on the menu. I order one almost weekly during my accountability group time at Panera. The cashier doesn’t know what it is, but I describe it, they get a manager, and it’s wonderful. The best coffee shop variety is caramel. It’s called a Caramel Steamer. 🙂
But for now, let’s focus on how to make the extra-special pumpkin variety at home with real ingredients, not flavored syrup!
Pumpkin Spice Steamer
There are two simple components to this recipe:
- Steamed milk
- Pumpkin mixture
For this, you will need:
- a mug of milk (3/4 full)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- 2 Tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
This makes one mug of Pumpkin Spice Steamer. Multiply to feed a crowd!
Steamed Milk
So first let’s talk steamed milk. Anyone can steam milk in a sauce pan. I happen to own a milk frother because I love fun coffee drinks just that much!
So, how to do it in a sauce pan. Simply combine milk and vanilla to a sauce pan and heat while stirring or whisking. Once it’s hot and bubbly, it’s ready!
Pumpkin Mixture
Combine the pumpkin puree, sugar and pumpkin pie spice.
Slowly add the pumpkin pie mixture to your steamed milk while stirring.
Pour it into your favorite mug and enjoy!
Should you so desire to make it more latte-like, just add coffee or espresso here.
To make it ever fancier you can top it with whipped cream and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.
Now that I have you excited about pumpkin, and you have some left over pumpkin puree, here a few more tried and true pumpkin recipes.
A Few Other Favorite Pumpkin Recipes
Clean Eating Pumpkin Ice Cream
It looks like a dessert. It tastes like a dessert. It is a dessert! And yet it’s healthy.
Learn how to make pumpkin ice cream using only four ingredients: banana, pumpkin puree, maple syrup and pumpkin spice.
Find it here.
There something so warm and delicious about muffins. Pumpkin-Apple Harvest are perfect for morning play dates or coffee dates.
Whip up a batch, invite some friends over, and enjoy a little fall-themed, warm and welcoming fellowship and community. Oh, and your house will smell phenomenal.
The Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Admittedly not as healthy of an option, but you’ve just gotta love cinnamon roll anything. Adding pumpkin makes these cinnamon rolls truly moist and inviting.
Find it here.
Some ask “Why?” but I ask, “Why not?” 🙂
Make your waffles extra-special by adding a bit of fall-flavor. Top with maple syrup for a truly rich and wonderful combination.
What’s your favorite pumpkin recipe? Share a link in the comments!
