No flavor captures the essence of fall better than pumpkin pie spice. What's in pumpkin spice? Packed with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, pumpkin pie spice is the tastiest way to warm up after a chilly fall hike, a trip to the pumpkin patch, or a day at the apple orchard.
And while pumpkin spice everything seems like a fairly new trend, the spice itself has actually been around for a while. McCormick put the first pumpkin pie spice on grocery shelves in the 1950s as a more convenient way to make perfectly-seasoned pie. And, through the years, pumpkin spice has turned into a cultural touchstone for fall.
If you’ve limited your adventures to pumpkin spice pies or pumpkin spice lattes, it’s time to experiment. Try one of these unexpected pumpkin pie spice recipes for unforgettable fall cooking!
Must Try Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipes
1. Spiced Pumpkin and Pecan Congee
We love Pumpkin Pie Spice Oatmeal, and this easy-to-make congee puts a new spin on pumpkin spice breakfast porridge. Made from jasmine rice, this congee is rich-tasting and satisfying. It balances sweet and spicy flavors, thanks to chopped dates and, of course, pumpkin pie spice. In other words, it’s the ideal cozy fall breakfast.
2. Pumpkin Pie Spice Hot Chocolate
It’s official: pumpkin pie spice and chocolate make for the most comforting treat. And if you’re looking to warm up on a chilly fall day, this hot chocolate recipe is perfect. It’s incredibly simple to make — just add a few drops of McCormick® Pure Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend Extract to your favorite hot chocolate mix — and tastes deliciously creamy and rich.
3. Pumpkin Pie Spice Spread
If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate pumpkin spice flavor into your favorite meals, a multi-tasker like this pumpkin pie spice spread is a must-try. It’s delicious with just about anything — apple slices, your morning bagel or crackers — and even works as a mix-in for no-bake cheesecake.
4. Pumpkin and Apple Soup
Autumn is peak soup season, and this sweet and savory pumpkin apple soup should top your recipe list. A blend of pumpkin pie spice and ground ginger make this soup warming and comforting. And, because our recipe calls for time-savers like applesauce and canned pumpkin, you can get this soup on the table in under 30 minutes.
5. Twice Baked Pumpkin Pie Sweet Potatoes
If sweet potato casserole is your favorite food at Thanksgiving, you’ve got to give these baked sweet potatoes a try. A filling made with Greek yogurt and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice make these sweet potatoes creamy and satisfying, while a few drops of McCormick® Pure Orange Extract add even more holiday-inspired flavor.
6. Caribbean Chicken with Mango Coconut Sauce
While you probably think of pumpkin pie spice as a seasoning for sweet dishes, it works just as well with savory fare, too. This Caribbean chicken combines classic pumpkin pie spice with mangoes, coconut milk, onions and paprika for layers of sweet and savory flavor. It works equally well as a summer or fall dinner, so it’s ideal for starting pumpkin spice season early.
7. Fettuccine Pumpkin Alfredo
Hello, fall comfort food! This ultra-creamy alfredo sauce gets a hint of sweet and savory flavor from both pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice, putting an autumnal twist on a classic. Best of all, it takes just 35 minutes to make, so can unwind with your fave comfort meal even on the busiest weeknights.
8. Pumpkin Pie Spice Bourbon Cocktail
Surprise! Pumpkin pie spice is just as welcome at happy hour as it is breakfast, lunch and dinner. And this easy bourbon cocktail is a great jumping-off point into the world of pumpkin spice cocktails. Made with bourbon, simple syrup, pumpkin pie spice extract and just a dash of real pumpkin, this cocktail is warm and sweet but still sophisticated.
9. Pumpkin Pie Spice White Russian
Alternatively, this creamy pumpkin cocktail is ideal for nights you just want to curl up with a good book. Just a few drops of pumpkin pie spice extract transform a classic White Russian into an autumnal treat.
10. Grilled Bananas Foster
Of course, not every pumpkin pie spice recipe has to feature pumpkin, and this grilled bananas foster makes for a delicious dessert. Serve it in the summer to get a head-start on pumpkin pie spice cooking — and to make the most of grilling season — or fire up the grill in cooler weather for a warm and buttery fall treat.
