20 Easy Pumpkin Spice Recipes for Autumn 2026: Cosy Drinks, Desserts & Breakfast Ideas
Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy warm spices, comforting drinks, and delicious homemade treats. From creamy pumpkin spice lattes to freshly baked muffins and fluffy pancakes, there are countless ways to bring the flavours of autumn into your kitchen.
Whether you live in the USA or the UK, pumpkin spice recipes are a wonderful way to celebrate the changing season without spending too much money at coffee shops or bakeries.
The best part? You don't need expensive equipment or professional baking skills to prepare many of these seasonal favourites.
Here are 20 easy pumpkin spice recipes for autumn 2026, including cosy drinks, breakfast ideas, sweet treats, and family-friendly desserts.
What Is Pumpkin Spice?
Pumpkin spice is a fragrant blend of warming spices traditionally associated with pumpkin pie.
Despite its name, pumpkin spice does not usually contain pumpkin.
The mixture commonly includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes allspice.
It adds a warm, aromatic flavour to coffee, cakes, biscuits, pancakes, and many other autumn recipes.
You can purchase a ready-made pumpkin spice blend or prepare your own at home.
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice
Before exploring the recipes, prepare a small jar of homemade pumpkin spice.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
Place all the spices in a clean, dry bowl.
Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture into an airtight spice jar.
Store in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct sunlight.
Use small quantities in your favourite autumn recipes and adjust according to your taste.
20 Easy Pumpkin Spice Recipes
1. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
A homemade pumpkin spice latte is a comforting autumn drink that you can prepare without visiting a coffee shop.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
1 cup (240 ml) milk
¼ cup (60 ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso
2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
1 tablespoon maple syrup
¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Add the milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice to a small saucepan.
Heat gently while whisking until the mixture is hot and smooth.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the coffee into a large mug.
Add the warm pumpkin milk mixture.
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top.
For a dairy-free version, use oat milk or another suitable plant-based alternative.
2. Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
If you prefer cold coffee, this refreshing autumn drink is an excellent alternative to a traditional hot latte.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
½ cup (120 ml) chilled strong coffee
¾ cup (180 ml) cold milk
2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
1 tablespoon maple syrup
¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Whisk the pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice with a small amount of milk until smooth.
Add the remaining milk and chilled coffee.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
Pour the pumpkin coffee mixture over the ice.
Stir and serve immediately.
3. Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Fluffy pumpkin pancakes make a delicious weekend breakfast for the whole family.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1 cup (125 g) plain flour
½ cup (120 g) pumpkin purée
¾ cup (180 ml) milk
1 egg
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions:
Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and pumpkin spice in a bowl.
In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, milk, egg, and melted butter.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently.
Heat a lightly greased non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat.
Pour small portions of batter into the pan.
Cook until bubbles appear, then turn and cook the other side until golden and cooked through.
Serve with maple syrup, yoghurt, or fresh fruit.
4. Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a convenient breakfast for busy autumn mornings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes, plus overnight refrigeration
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
½ cup (45 g) rolled oats
½ cup (120 ml) milk
¼ cup (60 g) pumpkin purée
2 tablespoons plain yoghurt
1 teaspoon maple syrup
¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients in a clean jar.
Stir until evenly mixed.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Stir again before serving.
Add chopped nuts, banana slices, or a little extra cinnamon if desired.
5. Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins
These soft pumpkin muffins are suitable for breakfast, afternoon tea, or an autumn snack.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20–25 minutes
Makes: 12 muffins
Ingredients:
1½ cups (190 g) plain flour
1 cup (240 g) pumpkin purée
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
2 eggs
⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F.
Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.
Mix the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and pumpkin spice.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, pumpkin purée, and oil.
Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Divide the batter between the muffin cases.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool before serving.
6. Pumpkin Spice French Toast
Give traditional French toast a seasonal twist with pumpkin and warming spices.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
4 slices of bread
2 eggs
¼ cup (60 ml) milk
2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Butter for cooking
Instructions:
Whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, pumpkin spice, and vanilla.
Dip each bread slice briefly into the mixture.
Heat a little butter in a frying pan.
Cook the bread over medium heat until golden on both sides and the egg mixture is fully cooked.
Serve with sliced fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup.
7. Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
This creamy smoothie is a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
½ cup (120 g) pumpkin purée
1 banana
¾ cup (180 ml) milk
¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice
1 teaspoon maple syrup
A handful of ice cubes
Instructions:
Place all the ingredients in a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Adjust the thickness with a little additional milk if needed.
Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
8. Pumpkin Spice Cookies
These soft, fragrant cookies are ideal for autumn gatherings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 12–15 minutes
Makes: Approximately 18 cookies
Ingredients:
1½ cups (190 g) plain flour
½ cup (115 g) softened butter
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
¼ cup (60 g) pumpkin purée
1 egg yolk
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F.
Cream the butter and sugar together.
Mix in the pumpkin purée and egg yolk.
Add the flour, baking powder, and pumpkin spice.
Mix into a soft dough.
Place spoonfuls of dough on a lined baking tray, leaving space between them.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until set and lightly golden at the edges.
Cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread
Pumpkin and banana create a moist, flavourful loaf that is perfect for autumn.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50–60 minutes
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup (120 g) pumpkin purée
1½ cups (190 g) plain flour
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
2 eggs
⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 175°C (155°C fan)/350°F.
Grease and line a standard loaf tin.
Mix the mashed bananas, pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, and sugar.
Combine the dry ingredients separately.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Transfer the batter to the prepared tin.
Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Allow the loaf to cool before slicing.
10. Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
This creamy drink combines chocolate with warm autumn spices.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
2 cups (480 ml) milk
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
1–2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Whisk the cocoa powder with a little milk to form a smooth paste.
Add the remaining milk, pumpkin purée, sugar, and pumpkin spice.
Heat gently in a saucepan, stirring until hot and smooth.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
Serve in mugs with an optional topping of whipped cream.
11. Pumpkin Spice Yoghurt Parfait
This easy no-bake recipe is suitable for breakfast or dessert.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
1 cup (240 g) Greek yoghurt
¼ cup (60 g) pumpkin purée
1 tablespoon maple syrup
¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice
½ cup (50 g) granola
Instructions:
Mix the yoghurt, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice.
Spoon a layer into two serving glasses.
Add a layer of granola.
Repeat the layers and serve.
Add fresh fruit for extra colour and flavour.
12. Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding
This make-ahead pudding is an easy way to prepare breakfast in advance.
Preparation time: 5 minutes, plus refrigeration
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
¼ cup (40 g) chia seeds
1 cup (240 ml) milk
¼ cup (60 g) pumpkin purée
1 tablespoon maple syrup
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
Stir thoroughly and allow to stand for five minutes.
Stir again to break up any clumps.
Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
Serve with fruit or yoghurt.
13. Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Homemade pumpkin waffles are a lovely choice for a relaxed autumn breakfast.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: According to your waffle maker
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1 cup (125 g) plain flour
½ cup (120 g) pumpkin purée
¾ cup (180 ml) milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions:
Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and pumpkin spice.
Whisk the pumpkin purée, milk, egg, and melted butter separately.
Combine the mixtures gently.
Pour the batter into the waffle maker without overfilling it.
Cook until golden and cooked through.
Serve with yoghurt, fruit, or maple syrup.
14. Pumpkin Spice Apple Crumble
Apple crumble is a classic autumn dessert, and pumpkin spice gives it an extra warming flavour.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the topping:
¾ cup (95 g) plain flour
½ cup (45 g) rolled oats
¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
⅓ cup (75 g) cold butter
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F.
Toss the apples with sugar, pumpkin spice, and lemon juice.
Transfer to a lightly greased baking dish.
Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Stir in the oats and remaining sugar.
Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until the topping is golden and the fruit is tender.
Serve warm with custard or vanilla ice cream.
15. Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites
These no-bake bites are convenient for a quick snack.
Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus chilling
Makes: Approximately 12 bites
Ingredients:
1 cup (90 g) rolled oats
⅓ cup (85 g) smooth peanut butter
¼ cup (60 g) pumpkin purée
2 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Stir until the mixture holds together.
Refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes.
Roll into small balls.
Store in a covered container in the refrigerator and enjoy within three days.
Use a suitable seed butter if you need a peanut-free alternative.
16. Pumpkin Spice Milkshake
A pumpkin milkshake is a sweet autumn treat for warmer days.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
2 cups (approximately 300 g) vanilla ice cream
½ cup (120 ml) milk
¼ cup (60 g) pumpkin purée
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions:
Place all the ingredients in a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour into two glasses.
Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top.
Serve immediately.
17. Pumpkin Spice Baked Oatmeal
Baked oatmeal is a comforting breakfast that can be prepared for several people at once.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 cups (180 g) rolled oats
1 cup (240 g) pumpkin purée
1½ cups (360 ml) milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F.
Lightly grease a baking dish.
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.
Transfer the mixture to the dish.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until the centre is set and the top is lightly golden.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
18. Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Dip
This simple sweet dip works well with apple slices, biscuits, or crackers.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
200 g softened cream cheese
¼ cup (60 g) pumpkin purée
2 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Place the cream cheese in a mixing bowl.
Beat until smooth.
Add the pumpkin purée, maple syrup, pumpkin spice, and vanilla.
Mix until creamy.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Keep the dip chilled and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.
19. Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake
This quick dessert is perfect when you want a small homemade treat without baking an entire cake.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons plain flour
2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients in a large microwave-safe mug.
Stir until smooth.
Microwave for approximately 60–90 seconds, checking that the cake is fully cooked.
Allow to stand briefly before eating.
Microwave cooking times vary according to appliance power and mug size.
20. Pumpkin Spice Rice Pudding
This creamy rice pudding is a comforting dessert for chilly autumn evenings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1 cup (approximately 180 g) cooked rice
2 cups (480 ml) milk
½ cup (120 g) pumpkin purée
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Combine the cooked rice, milk, pumpkin purée, sugar, and pumpkin spice in a saucepan.
Heat gently over medium-low heat.
Simmer for approximately 25–30 minutes, stirring frequently, until creamy.
Add a little extra milk if the mixture becomes too thick.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Recipes at Home
Choose the Right Pumpkin Purée
For these recipes, use plain, unsweetened pumpkin purée rather than ready-made pumpkin pie filling.
Pumpkin pie filling may already contain sugar and spices, which can change the flavour and sweetness of your recipe.
In the USA, canned pumpkin purée is commonly available in supermarkets.
In the UK, canned pumpkin may be available in larger supermarkets, international food shops, or online. You can also prepare your own purée using suitable cooking pumpkins.
Adjust the Sweetness
Many pumpkin spice recipes contain maple syrup, brown sugar, or other sweeteners.
You can adjust the quantity according to your preferences.
For recipes involving baking, remember that changing sugar quantities may also affect texture and moisture.
Store Pumpkin Purée Properly
Transfer unused canned pumpkin purée into a covered food-safe container and refrigerate promptly.
Follow the product's storage instructions and use refrigerated leftovers within the recommended period.
You can also freeze suitable portions for later cooking.
Experiment with Different Spices
Pumpkin spice can be adjusted to suit your taste.
If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavour, add a little more cinnamon.
For a warmer, spicier flavour, experiment with small amounts of ginger or nutmeg.
Start with modest quantities because cloves and nutmeg can easily overpower other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pumpkin spice made of?
Pumpkin spice is usually a mixture of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes allspice.
It is commonly used in pumpkin pie, coffee drinks, cakes, and other autumn recipes.
Does pumpkin spice contain real pumpkin?
Pumpkin spice itself usually does not contain pumpkin.
It is a spice blend, while pumpkin purée is a separate ingredient used in many seasonal recipes.
Can I make pumpkin spice recipes without dairy?
Yes. Many recipes can be adapted using suitable dairy-free milk, yoghurt, butter alternatives, or cream cheese substitutes.
Check individual product labels if you have food allergies or dietary restrictions.
What can I make with leftover pumpkin purée?
Leftover pumpkin purée can be used in pancakes, muffins, smoothies, oatmeal, soups, and other suitable recipes.
Store it safely and follow recommended refrigeration or freezing guidance.
Are pumpkin spice recipes suitable for Halloween parties?
Yes. Pumpkin spice muffins, cookies, cupcakes, milkshakes, and other seasonal treats can be served at Halloween gatherings.
Choose age-appropriate recipes and check guests' dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
Autumn 2026 is a wonderful opportunity to explore comforting homemade food and drinks.
From a creamy pumpkin spice latte to freshly baked muffins, pancakes, cookies, and warm desserts, these 20 easy pumpkin spice recipes offer plenty of inspiration for your seasonal menu.
You don't need expensive ingredients or complicated equipment to enjoy the flavours of autumn at home.
Choose a few recipes, experiment with your favourite spices, and enjoy preparing delicious seasonal treats with your family and friends.
Happy Autumn 2026!
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