Pumpkin Spice Latte-Caffeine Free

Chilly temperatures are around the corner and at this time of the year, all I can think of is about a delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte to keep me warm while enjoying a cozy movie night with my loved ones. Well, at least here in Utah if you do not ski there’s not much to do during Fall-Winter other than snuggle yourself up in a thick blanket while going through a marathon of some Netflix series. It may sound boring but for me, this is one of the most amazing moments of my life when I get to see how blessed I am for having my two little people and my big guy, Tony, in my life – a giant when it comes to protecting, providing, supporting and loving our family.

When you think of fall meals, it is almost automatic that your mind will be redirected to something that involves pumpkin and lots of cinnamon and of course I could not disappoint you. Therefore, I had to bring to you one of my recent discoveries, a delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte that is also caffeine-free. If you like pumpkin pies you’re probably going to love this recipe because it’s really as if you are tasting a warm and creamy pie in a mug. 

Putting the ingredients together is so easy that you can certainly be fearless to involve your kids into the preparation because this is sure to be a mess-free activity for the whole family thus you will create a sweet memory that will last forever with your children. 

As simple as it is this recipe is also versatile. You can make it a latte or try on a vegan version of it by adding almond, or soy milk or still use barley as a substitute for coffee if you’re like me and do not enjoy the taste of coffee. That is what I am sharing with you today. Any version you make is sure to be delicious and will give bring the fall spirit into your home. Let me mention that if you go for a coffee-free version I can assure you that this recipe will still offer that spice that you love in the Starbucks recipe with only a little difference, price.

Many local coffee stores and bakeries carry Pumpkin Spice Latte around this time of year and while they are all delicious they can get a little pricey and it’s certainly hard, if not impossible, to find a barley version of it.

This drink is seriously a great treat, especially after being out in the cold or to be added to your Thanksgiving After Dinner Menu, so the whole family can feel cozy while enjoying a sweet and warm recipe.       

Another great thing about this recipe is that it can be a satisfying substitute for dessert or an extra option. Whether you will be making this recipe as part of your Thanksgiving meal or just as a drink to wind down after a long day, this Pumpkin Spice Latte is a simple and yet delicious recipe to satisfy the pickiest eater.                        

As this type of drink is not popular or even made in Brazil, (no surprise, who would want a hot drink in a 40º celsius climate?) I was skeptical if I would like it but to my surprise, the taste of it is very familiar to me as it reminds me of a traditional dessert in my country made of rice and coconut that is so delicious. Yes, this Pumpkin Spice Latte is so far my favorite fall drink and even my 1 year old loved it. I think it will be my best friend throughout this fall and winter.

For those who know me, this statement above can sound a little weird as I am not a big fan of pumpkin but I could not ignore how delicious this drink tastes. The texture is as good and the savor combined with some heavy whipped cream and cinnamon really creates that magical feeling that only the end-of-year holidays can provide. I can already imagine game nights drizzled with this fall drink around the fireplace while the snow falls.

I have to say though that I don’t often indulge in these types of warm drinks but, when fall comes around and the temperatures start to drop, I can’t help myself and all I want is to cuddle up on the couch with a thick blanket and a hot drink in hand and my little monsters by my side.                                                     

As I mentioned before you are free to add the ingredients that please you most, however this particular steamer that you see in the pictures and in the recipe I made with all vegan and natural products and it is caffeine-free. This is pretty much a rule in my house that I like to follow when making food for my family. It may not be as practical as processed, can food but it’s sure to be healthier and this is what counts most to me.

I must mention that if you are looking for a creamy drink, whether you use plant-based or cow milk the texture will be the same as long you follow the recipe and add 4 tablespoons of pumpkin puree for every 2 cups of milk. 

Isn’t it good to know that while you are enjoying a tasteful drink you are also digesting a very healthy food? Incorporating pumpkin into your diet boots Vitamin E and K. A cup of pumpkin puree offers 2.6 milligrams of Vitamin E, which keeps your red blood cells healthy and protected from free radicals, while Vitamin K supports your bone and kidney function. Other surprise benefits of pumpkin that you can count on are weight loss as it keeps you feeling fuller longer, sharp vision, better immune system, lower cancer risk and also it may help diabetes.

I hope these are reasons enough for you to try this recipe and make it a go-to in your fall cold nights because here in my house we will see it a lot around. Well, let’s go over to the recipe. Shall, we? If you love to collect recipes do not forget that this recipe is ready to print as I made it available to you in a beautiful infographic. Enjoy it!

INGREDIENTS

2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk

4 tablespoons pumpkin purée

1 tablespoon maple syrup

¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for garnish)

¼ cup coconut whip (optional)

Clove (optional)

A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan on medium-low heat whisk together the almond milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Bring to a simmer and remove from the heat.

Divide the ‘milk’ into mugs, top each mug with a dollop of coconut whip and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and serve!