It's Vegan Pumpkin Spice Time!

The weather's turning colder, the kids are back at school, and some of the leaves are starting to change. It's the best time of year- time for pumpkin spice!

While the pumpkin spice craze spans many, many products, one unfortunate theme among many popular pumpkin spice foods is the addition of milk or eggs. Yuck! How can vegans join in to pumpkin spice mania? Well, here are some of our favorite recipes.

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte - Yes, the quintessential drink of the season can be yours without the Starbucks cost or dairy (note- even asking for it made with nondairy milk won't make a Starbucks latte vegan, as the spice powder contains dry cow milk!). There are many ways to make a good latte. Trader Joe's espresso, and oatmilk barista blend, mixed with a shot of vanilla syrup and some pumpkin spice blend makes a good PSL. For a truly outstanding one, try this recipe from NoraCooks which uses pumpkin puree and syrup!

2. Pumpkin Cheesecake with Apple Cider reduction - This amazing vegan pumpkin cheesecake was an absolute hit at our Thanksgiving celebration last year. The full recipe can be found in one of our favorite cookbooks: Vegan Holiday Cooking, but involves 4 cups of vegan cream cheese, 2 cups agave, 2 cups soymilk, 1 cup pumpkin puree, and one cup silken tofu. Blend with a tablespoon of agar and a cup of arrowroot to make the cheesecake, adding in cinnamon and nutmeg as desired, and a dash of allspice. Takes just over 2 hours to bake at 350F. When serving later, boil 4 parts apple cider to one part sugar with some added nutmeg to create a delicious reduction on top. Your tastebuds will thank you! 

3. Super Simple Pumpkin Mac and Cheese! Following up a rather complex desert, how about a 15-minute vegan mac and cheese? Cashews and pumpkin puree turn this simple comfort food into an autumn treat! The recipe is HERE from Jess Larson. Try topping with pecans for added crunch!

4.Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes  Need a donut with your pumpkin spice latte? How about some Vegan Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Holes? This delightful recipe calls for pumpkin spice coconut milk. If you can't find that at your local store, just use regular coconut milk and add some pumpkin spice blend (or cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in to your desired amount). 

5. Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake This delicious mugcake uses protein powder to create an awsome dessert-feeling breakfast that's surprisingly healthy. Only one minute in the microwave! Recipe is HERE

How about you? What are some of your favorite pumpkin spice recipes?