As the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisp, it’s time to indulge in some fall flavors. And what better way to do that than with pumpkin spice and pumpkin pie syrup? These two ingredients are often used interchangeably, but they actually have some distinct differences. In this blog post, we’ll explore the nuances between these two fall staples, and give you some delicious recipes to try out. So grab your apron and let’s get started!
Ingredients
Pumpkin Spice
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves
Pumpkin Pie Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
Pumpkin Spice
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- Store in an airtight container.
Pumpkin Pie Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Let cool and strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Store in an airtight container.
Nutritional Information
Pumpkin Spice
- Calories: 18
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Sugar: 0g
Pumpkin Pie Syrup
- Calories: 112
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 7mg
- Sugar: 28g
Cooking Time
Pumpkin Spice
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 5 minutes
Pumpkin Pie Syrup
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Equipment
- Small bowl (for pumpkin spice)
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Airtight container
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin Spice
- Stir into coffee or tea
- Sprinkle over oatmeal or yogurt
- Use in baking recipes (such as pumpkin muffins or bread)
Pumpkin Pie Syrup
- Drizzle over pancakes or waffles
- Mix into cocktails (such as a pumpkin spiced latte martini)
- Use as a topping for ice cream or apple pie
Variations
Pumpkin Spice
- Use more or less of each spice to adjust to your personal taste
- Add a pinch of cardamom or black pepper for a spicier flavor
Pumpkin Pie Syrup
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth
Substitutions
Pumpkin Spice
- Use pre-made pumpkin pie spice instead of making your own
- Substitute ground mace for allspice if you don’t have it on hand
Pumpkin Pie Syrup
- Use honey or agave nectar instead of brown sugar
- Substitute pumpkin butter or pumpkin pie filling for canned pumpkin puree
Storage
Pumpkin Spice
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months
Pumpkin Pie Syrup
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month
Tips
- Make sure to strain the pumpkin pie syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bits of pumpkin
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk instead of water in the pumpkin pie syrup recipe
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness level of the pumpkin pie syrup by adding more or less brown sugar
- Both of these recipes can be easily doubled or halved, depending on your needs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pumpkin spice and pumpkin pie spice?
Pumpkin spice typically includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Pumpkin pie spice is very similar, but often includes more ginger and less allspice. Some blends also include cardamom or black pepper.
Can I use pumpkin pie syrup in place of pumpkin spice?
Yes, you can use pumpkin pie syrup in place of pumpkin spice in most recipes. Keep in mind that the syrup will add sweetness and liquid to the recipe, so you may need to adjust other ingredients accordingly.
Can I use pumpkin spice in place of pumpkin pie syrup?
No, pumpkin spice cannot be used in place of pumpkin pie syrup. The syrup provides a liquid base and sweetens the recipe, whereas pumpkin spice is simply a blend of spices.
Personal Thoughts
Both pumpkin spice and pumpkin pie syrup are delicious ways to add some fall flavor to your recipes. While they can be used interchangeably in some cases, it’s important to note that they are not the same thing. Pumpkin spice is a blend of spices, while pumpkin pie syrup is a sweetened liquid infused with those spices. I personally love adding pumpkin spice to my coffee and oatmeal, and using pumpkin pie syrup as a topping for pancakes and ice cream. I hope you’ll give these recipes a try and find your own favorite ways to use these fall staples!