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To make the perfect pumpkin spice hot chocolate, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder - 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste) - ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for garnish) - ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract - ¼ cup whipped cream (optional for topping) - Pinch of salt Each ingredient plays an important role. The milk gives a creamy base, while pumpkin puree adds that rich, autumn flavor. Unsweetened cocoa powder brings the chocolatey taste we crave. Brown sugar adds sweetness, which you can adjust to your liking. Pumpkin pie spice gives that warm, cozy aroma. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, making it more inviting. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, and whipped cream makes it extra special. Now that you have your ingredients ready, you can start making this warm and comforting drink! - Combine milk and pumpkin puree Start by pouring 1 cup of milk into a medium saucepan. You can use dairy or non-dairy milk based on your choice. Next, add 1 cup of pumpkin puree. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth. Heat over medium heat until warm but not boiling. - Add cocoa powder and other ingredients Now, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to sweeten your drink. Then, measure ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and a pinch of salt. This will enhance the flavor. Whisk everything together until it is fully combined. Make sure there are no lumps. - Whisk until fully combined Keep whisking until you see a nice, creamy texture. This step helps blend all the flavors well. You want it to be smooth and rich. - Simmer and stir Stir in ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. - Serve with toppings Once your hot chocolate is steaming and ready, remove it from the heat. Pour it into mugs. For a special touch, top each mug with ¼ cup of whipped cream, if you like. Finish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for added flavor and charm. Enjoy every sip of your creamy comfort drink! - How to avoid lumps in hot chocolate: To keep your hot chocolate smooth, whisk the milk and pumpkin puree well. Add the cocoa powder slowly while whisking. This helps break up any lumps. If lumps still form, use a fine mesh strainer before serving. - Adjusting sweetness: Taste your hot chocolate before serving. If you want it sweeter, add more brown sugar. Start with a teaspoon at a time and mix well. This way, you control the sweetness. - Ensuring the perfect temperature: Heat your mixture over medium heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You want it hot, but not boiling. A gentle simmer is best for a creamy texture. - Creative serving suggestions: Pour your hot chocolate into clear mugs. This shows off the rich color. You can also serve it in small jars for a rustic look. - Visual garnish ideas: Top with whipped cream for creaminess. Sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice on top for a pop of color. You can even add chocolate shavings or a cinnamon stick for a fun touch. {{image_2}} You can easily adapt this pumpkin spice hot chocolate to fit your diet. - Vegan pumpkin spice hot chocolate: Swap the milk for any non-dairy milk. Almond, oat, or coconut milk work great. Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for sweetness. This keeps it creamy and delicious while staying plant-based. - Keto-friendly options: Choose almond milk or coconut milk with no sugar added. Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without extra carbs. You can also change the taste of your hot chocolate with simple additions. - Adding extra spices: Try adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also give it a spicy kick. These spices enhance the flavor and make it even cozier. - Incorporating flavored extracts: You can use almond or peppermint extract to switch things up. Just a few drops will change the drink's character and make it feel special. Experiment and find your favorite mix! To store your pumpkin spice hot chocolate, let it cool first. Then, pour it into an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. After that, the flavor may fade. Remember to check for any changes in smell or texture before drinking. When you want to enjoy your hot chocolate again, use a saucepan. Pour in the cold hot chocolate and heat it over low heat. Stir often to keep it smooth. Avoid high heat. This helps the drink keep its creamy texture. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This method is quick but may need a bit more care to keep it from getting too hot. Can I use a different sweetener? Yes, you can use different sweeteners. Try honey, maple syrup, or agave. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Each sweetener adds its own flavor. What can I substitute for pumpkin puree? You can use butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree. Both give a similar taste and texture. You can also use canned pumpkin if you like. How can I make this recipe in larger batches? To make more servings, simply double or triple the ingredients. Just keep the same cooking steps. Use a larger pot to mix everything well. Are there any health benefits to pumpkin spice? Yes, pumpkin spice has some health benefits. It contains spices like cinnamon and ginger. These have antioxidants that can help your body. They may also aid digestion. How does this drink compare to regular hot chocolate? This drink is creamier and richer than regular hot chocolate. Pumpkin adds fiber and vitamins. It can be a healthier option if you use less sugar. This blog post covered how to make a tasty pumpkin spice hot chocolate. We discussed the key ingredients, like milk and pumpkin puree. I included easy step-by-step instructions for preparing it. Plus, I shared helpful tips for perfecting the recipe and creative serving ideas. We explored dietary and flavor variations to fit your needs. Finally, I offered storage and reheating advice for leftover drinks. Enjoy this warm, comforting treat anytime. Embrace the fall flavors and share it with friends!

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with this Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate recipe! Perfect for chilly days, this creamy, flavorful drink blends pumpkin puree, cocoa, and a hint of spice for a cozy sip. It’s easy to make in just 10 minutes and customizable to your taste. Whether you enjoy it with whipped cream or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, this hot chocolate is sure to warm your heart. Click through to explore the recipe and delight in autumn's favorite flavor!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

1 cup pumpkin puree

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for garnish)

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup whipped cream (optional for topping)

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and pumpkin puree. Whisk together until well blended and heated through.

    Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the mixture. Continue whisking until fully combined, ensuring there are no lumps.

      Stir in the vanilla extract and let the hot chocolate come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, for about 3-5 minutes.

        Once the mixture is steaming and heated to your preference, remove the saucepan from the heat.

          Pour the pumpkin spice hot chocolate into mugs. If desired, top each with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor and visual appeal.

            Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2