There’s no reason to drive to a coffee shop when you can make your favorite fall drinks at home with this easy pumpkin spice simple syrup recipe. It provides the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and is perfect for lattes, teas, or even drizzling over pancakes. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious syrup that brings the taste of fall to your kitchen!
Must-Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Tips to Make Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Start with higher heat, but once you see bubbles, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. A simmer consists of small bubbles around the side of the pan and a few in the center. There is no need to have a thermometer, but if you’re interested, a simmer occurs from about 180°F to 205°F.
Don’t over or undercook the pumpkin syrup. Manage the heat carefully to dissolve the sugar without boiling too vigorously, which can lead to crystallization or caramelization. It will become hard, and stick to your pan if you’re not careful!
Stir the pumpkin simple syrup so that the sugar does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Brown sugar: Substitute granulated sugar. Granulated sugar works well, but it lacks the rich flavors of molasses and caramel found in brown sugar.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Use pureed fresh pumpkin or sweet potato, or you can leave it out and just use the spices!
- Pumpkin spice: substitute apple spice or cinnamon, or add a tiny pinch of each clove, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. You can also make your own pumpkin spice blend!
We like to buy our spices from the Spice House. They have great quality, variety, and flavor!
Pumpkin Spiced Simple Syrup Recipe Variations
Adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand and your personal taste preferences. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, consider adding a dash or an eighth of a teaspoon to see how it affects the taste. If you enjoy ginger, feel free to add some to the syrup. The great thing about making simple syrup is that you can taste it as you go. You can either enhance the spice or enjoy the sweetness with just a hint of spice!
Equipment Recommendations
You just need a few simple equipment items for this recipe!
Check out our essential equipment guide to stock your kitchen with ALL the tools you need to prepare anything!
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup
By making your own simple syrup, you are in charge of what ingredients are going into your body! For example, our syrup uses real pumpkin instead of natural or artificial flavors.
Ingredient Control
Many pumpkin spiced beverages and foods have artificial flavors and artificial sweeteners. Making your own allows you to control the type of sugar, how much sugar, and the level or spice. A homemade version avoids unnecessary additives.
Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin is a great source of beta carotene, fiber, and potassium. These nutrients promote immune function, gut health, good cholesterol, and normal blood pressure. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not canned pumpkin pie filling, as this contains a lot of added sugar.
Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Spiced Simple Syrup
This pumpkin spice syrup is perfect for coffees, teas, cocktails, pancakes, and waffles. We recommend adding about one tablespoon for every 8 ounces of beverage, but you might start with even less if you don’t want it too sweet. It’s much easier to start with less and add more than try to dilute your drink! You can skip the coffee shop and enjoy a healthier latte at home! Drizzle some on top of pancakes or waffles for a delightful fall treat.
Storage Tips
Cool syrup and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The syrup will last up to one week, but give it a stir before using, because the spices and pumpkin may settle at the bottom.
Looking for pumpkin recipes to use up that can?
Healthy Pumpkin Banana Muffins
Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir to keep the sugar from sticking to the pan.
- Bring the liquid to a simmer, adjusting heat as needed, and cook for ~1-2 minutes or until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Remove from stovetop, add vanilla extract, and stir. Add to hot drinks, beverages, and more! Enjoy!
