REAL Pumpkin Spiced Creamer

A seasonal classic with actual pumpkin in it, because if you’re going to lean into the fall coffee trope, you may as well do it RIGHT. This one tastes warm, subtly spiced, and I can guarantee you will be going to bed excited to wake up in the morning to add it to your morning drinky.

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, pumpkin, cinnamon stick, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Simmer 5–7 minutes to infuse flavor.
4. Remove from heat, strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids. Stir in vanilla.
5. Cool syrup completely.
6. Whisk together milk and cream in a jar or bottle. Stir in 1/3–1/2 cup pumpkin spice syrup (to taste).
7. Shake before using — pumpkin naturally settles.

Storage Instructions:

Store in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge and shake before using — the pumpkin may naturally separate, because it’s real. Use within 5–7 days. Not ideal for long storage.

Drink Inspo Ideas:

• Drink One: hot espresso / pumpkin spice creamer / cinnamon dust
• Drink Two: iced coffee / pumpkin spice creamer / whipped cream / nutmeg
• Drink Three: chai tea / pumpkin spice creamer / frothed milk / maple drizzle

🍂 Ingredient Swaps

Because not everyone stocks star anise or full-fat dairy — and that’s fine.

Pumpkin Purée

• Swap with: Roasted and mashed sweet potato, butternut squash, or canned sweet potato purée.
• Note: Texture and color may vary slightly, but the taste still hits the fall notes. 

Whole Milk + Cream

• Swap with:
  
• 2 cups half-and-half (simpler, still rich)
• 1 cup oat milk + 1 cup coconut cream (for dairy-free)

Sugar

• Swap with:
  
• All white sugar (cleaner flavor)
• All brown sugar (deeper, molasses-rich flavor)
• Maple syrup (use 3/4 cup syrup for every 1 cup sugar)
  
• Note: Using all maple will give it major cozy breakfast vibes — highly recommend.

Whole Spices

• Swap with:
  
• 1/2–1 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend instead of the full spice mix
• Ground cinnamon + ginger + nutmeg + clove (whatever you have on hand)
  
• Note: Start with less ground spice and increase to taste — they intensify quickly in syrup.

Vanilla Extract

• Skip it if you don’t have it. The spices carry the vibe on their own.