Pumpkin Spice Syrup with Maple Syrup

Why You’ll Love Maple‑Sweetened Pumpkin Spice Syrup

This syrup is beautifully balanced—real pumpkin for depth, warm spices for nostalgic autumn flavor, and pure maple syrup as a wholesome sweetener. It’s distinct from sugar-based syrups because:

• Pure maple syrup adds caramel-like depth and natural sweetness

• No refined sugar—ideal for more wholesome fall indulgence

• Real pumpkin puree enhances body, flavor, and color

• Multi-purpose—perfect for coffee, baking, breakfast, or gifting

• Easy to make with pantry staples, and customizable to taste

Ingredients You’ll Need

Core Recipe (Makes ~1 cup / 16 Tbsp)

• ½ cup pure maple syrup (Grade A amber or dark—your preference)

• ¼ cup 100% pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

• ¼ cup water

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

• Pinch of sea salt

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (added after cooking)

Optional Enhancements

• 1 cinnamon stick (infuse during simmer, remove before bottling)

• Dash of allspice or cardamom for extra warmth

• Orange zest (½ teaspoon) for brightness

• Cocoa powder (½ teaspoon) for pumpkin-chocolate twist

Equipment & Prep

• Small saucepan

• Whisk or spoon

• Measuring spoons and cups

• Fine mesh sieve (optional, for smoother texture)

• Sterilized glass bottle or jar with lid

• A tray or board with pumpkins, spices, mugs for staging

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and water. Whisk until smooth and homogeneous.

2. Add Spices & Salt

Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Whisk frequently to avoid clumping.

3. Simmer Gently

Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer—still whisking—about 4–6 minutes until well blended and slightly thickened. If using a cinnamon stick, add it now and remove before bottling.

4. Remove from Heat & Add Vanilla

Turn off heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow the syrup to rest off the heat for 30 seconds so flavors meld.

5. Strain (Optional)

For clear, velvety syrup (ideal for lattes and iced drinks), strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove spice sediment or pumpkin pulp.

6. Cool & Store

Let syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sterilized bottle or jar. Seal and refrigerate. Shake before use. Best used within 10–14 days; freeze in small containers if storing longer.

Delicious Ways to Use the Syrup

Fall Lattes & Coffee Drinks

• Hot Latte: Stir 1–2 Tbsp syrup into hot espresso or brewed coffee, top with steamed milk and froth. Garnish with cinnamon or nutmeg.

• Iced Latte or Cold Brew: Add syrup to cold coffee, stir, add ice and milk. Use syrup cubes for iced foam or topping.

Breakfast & Brunch

• Pancakes & Waffles: Drizzle warm syrup over pancakes or waffles—no need for added maple syrup.

• French Toast: Use syrup instead of standard syrup for a fall-inspired twist.

• Oatmeal or Overnight Oats: Stir into oats for natural sweetness and fall flavor.

• Yogurt Parfait: Layer with yogurt, granola, fruit, and a drizzle of syrup.

Tea, Chai & Steamers

• Add syrup to black tea or chai latte for a spiced pumpkin flavor.

• Heat plant-based milk, mix in syrup, and froth for a cozy fall steamer.

Baking & Desserts

• Use as a glaze over pumpkin bread, muffins, or cake.

• Stir into frosting or whipped coconut cream for pumpkin-themed desserts.

• Swirl into yogurt, ice cream, or pumpkin pudding for extra flavor.

Gifting & Drink Bar Setup

• Bottle in mason jars with fall-themed ribbons or labels.

• Add to your fall coffee bar: serve with espresso, steamed milk, toppings like whipped cream and cinnamon, along with mugs and napkins.

Variations & Flavor Twists

Vegan/Dairy-Free Drinks

This syrup is vegan—just add to non-dairy milk like oat, almond, or oat milk for plant-based drinks.

Mocha Pumpkin Maple

During simmering, whisk in ½ tsp cocoa powder for a chocolate-pumpkin mashup.

Spicy Pumpkin Maple

Add ⅛ teaspoon cardamom or a pinch of cayenne for gentle warmth.

Bright Maple Citrus Pumpkins

Include ½ teaspoon orange zest to brighten and balance sweetness.

Tips for Perfect Syrup Every Time

• Use real pumpkin puree for best texture and flavor. Avoid pie filling.

• Stir continuously while simmering to prevent scorching or clumping.

• Strain if you want a smooth, professional-textured syrup for lattes or foam.

• Adjust spice ratio gradually—strong spices like nutmeg can dominate.

• Monitor sweetness —pure maple syrup is sweet, so taste mid-cook if you want less intensity.

• Label and date your container for freshness; store refrigerated.

Nutritional Info (Approximate per Tablespoon)

Values vary slightly depending on syrup consistency and optional additions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this syrup without refined sugar?

Yes—this version uses maple syrup instead of refined sugar, making it naturally sweet.

Will the syrup clog milk frothers or espresso machines?

If unstrained, pumpkin solids may clog very fine espresso machine frothers. Straining before use is recommended if you have a commercial or handheld frother.

How long does it last?

Stored in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator, it lasts 10–14 days. Frozen cubes last 2–3 months.

Can I reduce the sweetness level?

Yes—use Grade A light maple or reduce total syrup amount; you can stretch with a bit more water if needed.

Does the syrup get too thick when chilled?

Maple syrup remains pourable when chilled due to its viscosity. If it thickens too much, warm slightly or stir in a teaspoon of water.

Is this syrup keto-friendly?

Not strictly—maple syrup contains natural sugars (~13 g per Tbsp). For a keto version, use erythritol or monk fruit instead.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Syrup with Maple Syrup is everything you love about fall in a bottle—authentic pumpkin flavor, cozy spices, and pure maple sweetness. It’s multi-functional: pouring over pancakes, stirring into lattes, swirling into baking, or gifting to friends. Elegant enough for entertaining, yet simple enough for weekday mindfulness.

When you crave the comforting taste of autumn—without artificial ingredients—reach for this homemade syrup. It adds depth, warmth, and sweetness with integrity.

Make a batch, pour a swirl, and savor the season. Your fall brunch setting just got a delicious upgrade.