Pumpkin Spice Latte Popsicles are a delightful twist on the classic fall drink. You'll love these frozen treats that combine the cozy flavors of pumpkin, coffee, and warm spices. They're easy to make at home with simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, strong coffee, milk, and pumpkin pie spice. Just blend everything together, pour into molds, and freeze overnight. You can even add toppings like white chocolate or graham crackers for extra indulgence. These popsicles are perfect for warm autumn days when you're craving pumpkin spice but it's too hot for a latte. Stick around to uncover the secrets behind creating these tasty autumn-inspired popsicles.
Key Takeaways
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Popsicles combine pumpkin puree, coffee, milk, and warm spices for a unique frozen treat.
- The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal cooking skills and common ingredients like pumpkin puree and strong coffee.
- Freezing overnight ensures optimal texture and flavor, with popsicles ready to enjoy after at least 8 hours.
- Customization options include adjusting coffee strength, using milk alternatives, and adding toppings like white chocolate or graham crackers.
- These popsicles offer a refreshing alternative to hot lattes, perfect for warm early fall days or as party treats.
History
The pumpkin spice latte craze paved the way for this frozen treat's creation. You might remember when Starbucks introduced their famous PSL back in 2003, and it quickly became a fall favorite.
As the drink's popularity soared, creative food enthusiasts began to experiment with the flavor in new ways. Around 2015, you'd start to see pumpkin spice-flavored everything, from cookies to candles.
It was only a matter of time before someone thought, "Hey, why not make this into a popsicle?" The exact origin of the pumpkin spice latte popsicle isn't clear, but it likely emerged from food bloggers and home cooks looking for a way to enjoy the flavor during warmer months.
These frozen treats gained traction on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, where people shared their homemade versions. Soon, small-batch ice pop makers and even some larger companies caught on, offering their take on the trendy dessert.
Now, you can find recipes online or buy pre-made versions in some stores, allowing you to enjoy that cozy fall flavor any time of year.
Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Latte Popsicles are a delightful frozen treat that combines the cozy flavors of fall with the refreshing nature of a popsicle. This innovative dessert takes the popular coffee shop beverage and transforms it into a cool, creamy indulgence perfect for those lingering warm days at the end of summer or as a unique twist on autumn flavors.
These popsicles capture the essence of a Pumpkin Spice Latte, featuring a rich blend of pumpkin puree, coffee, milk, and warm spices. The addition of sweetened condensed milk provides a luscious texture and balances the flavors, while a touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall taste profile. This recipe is simple to make and requires minimal cooking, making it an ideal project for both novice and experienced home cooks alike.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth and well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or spices if needed. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving a small space at the top for expansion. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until solid. To remove the popsicles, run the molds briefly under warm water to loosen them.
For best results, use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the pumpkin puree and coffee. You can adjust the coffee strength to your preference, using espresso for a more intense flavor or decaf for a caffeine-free version.
If you don't have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can make your own by combining ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. For a more indulgent treat, consider dipping the frozen popsicles in melted white chocolate and sprinkling them with crushed graham crackers before serving.
Cooking Steps
You'll start by brewing a strong espresso coffee and mixing your pumpkin spice ingredients separately.
Next, you'll combine all the ingredients in a blender, making sure everything is well incorporated.
Step 1. Brew Strong Espresso Coffee
To kick off your pumpkin spice latte popsicles, you'll need a robust coffee base. Start by brewing a strong espresso or concentrated coffee. If you've got an espresso machine, that's perfect! Pull 2-3 shots of espresso for each batch of popsicles.
Don't worry if you don't have an espresso maker, though. You can use a moka pot, French press, or even instant espresso powder to create a potent coffee concentrate.
For those using a regular coffee maker, brew your coffee at double strength. This means using twice the amount of ground coffee you'd normally use for the same amount of water.
Let the coffee cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients. If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the cooling process by pouring the hot coffee over ice cubes.
Step 2. Mix Pumpkin Spice Ingredients
With your coffee base ready, it's time to whip up the quintessential pumpkin spice mixture. In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and a pinch each of ground nutmeg and ground cloves.
Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you've got a smooth, aromatic paste.
Now, let's add some creaminess to your popsicle base. Pour in 1 cup of whole milk and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. If you're feeling adventurous, you can substitute the milk with your favorite non-dairy alternative.
Whisk everything together until it's well combined and the spices are evenly distributed.
Here's where the magic happens: slowly add your cooled espresso to the pumpkin spice mixture. Start with about 1/2 cup and taste as you go.
You're aiming for that perfect balance of coffee and pumpkin flavors. Remember, the freezing process will slightly mute the flavors, so it's okay if it tastes a bit strong now.
Give it one final whisk, and you're ready for the next step!
Step 3. Combine Ingredients in Blender
Now that your pumpkin spice latte mixture is ready, it's time to blend everything to perfection. Grab your blender and carefully pour in the cooled espresso or strong coffee.
Next, add the milk, pumpkin puree, and your homemade pumpkin spice mix. Don't forget to include a sweetener of your choice, like maple syrup or honey, to balance out the flavors.
Secure the lid tightly on your blender and start blending on low speed. Gradually increase the speed to medium-high and blend for about 30 seconds, or until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
You'll notice the mixture becoming smooth and creamy. If you see any chunks of pumpkin or spices, keep blending until they disappear.
Once your mixture is silky smooth, give it a quick taste. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice level if needed.
If it's too thick, add a splash more milk. Too thin? Toss in a few ice cubes and blend again. Remember, you're aiming for a consistency that's pourable but not watery.
When you're satisfied with the taste and texture, you're ready for the next step in creating your popsicles!
Step 4. Pour Mixture Into Molds
Once your blended mixture is ready, it's time to transfer it into popsicle molds. Carefully pour the pumpkin spice latte mixture into each mold, leaving about a quarter-inch of space at the top. This extra room allows the liquid to expand as it freezes, preventing overflow.
If you're using traditional molds with sticks, insert them now. For molds without built-in sticks, freeze the popsicles for about an hour before adding the sticks. This partial freezing helps keep the sticks upright.
Make sure your molds are on a level surface in the freezer to ensure even freezing. If you don't have enough molds, don't worry! You can use small paper cups as makeshift molds. Just remember to add popsicle sticks after partial freezing.
For extra flair, you might sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top of each popsicle before freezing. This adds a nice touch and enhances the pumpkin spice flavor.
Allow the popsicles to freeze completely, which usually takes about 4-6 hours, depending on your freezer's temperature. Once frozen solid, you'll have delicious pumpkin spice latte popsicles ready to enjoy!
Step 5. Freeze Overnight Until Solid
Patience is key when freezing your pumpkin spice latte popsicles. After pouring the mixture into the molds, it's time to let the freezer do its magic.
Place the filled molds carefully in your freezer, making sure they're standing upright. You'll want to leave them undisturbed for at least 8 hours, but overnight is best. This ensures that your popsicles freeze completely and evenly.
During the freezing process, the liquid mixture will slowly solidify, transforming into delicious, icy treats. If you're using wooden sticks, they'll become firmly embedded in the popsicles as they freeze.
Don't be tempted to check on them too soon – opening the freezer frequently can slow down the freezing process.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Spice Latte Popsicles offer a delightful twist on a fall favorite. You've now created a frozen treat that captures the essence of autumn in a refreshing form. As you enjoy your homemade popsicles, you'll notice how the creamy coffee flavor blends perfectly with the warm spices and pumpkin.
Remember, you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences. If you like a stronger coffee flavor, add more espresso. For a sweeter treat, increase the amount of maple syrup. Don't be afraid to experiment with different milk alternatives, like oat or almond milk, to create unique flavor combinations.
These popsicles are perfect for those warm early fall days when you're craving pumpkin spice but it's still too hot for a steaming latte. They're also great for parties or as an after-school snack.
Store any leftover popsicles in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. When you're ready to enjoy one, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before eating.
Happy fall, and enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Latte Popsicles!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pumpkin Spice Latte Popsicles Suitable for Vegans?
It depends on the recipe you're using. Traditional pumpkin spice latte popsicles often contain dairy, which isn't vegan-friendly. However, you can easily make vegan versions using plant-based milk and cream alternatives. Always check the ingredients to be sure.
How Long Can These Popsicles Be Stored in the Freezer?
You can store these popsicles in your freezer for up to 2 months. They'll be at their best within the first month, but you'll still enjoy them after that. Just make sure they're wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Can I Use Decaf Coffee in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use decaf coffee in this recipe. It's a great option if you're sensitive to caffeine or want to enjoy these treats later in the day. You'll still get that delicious coffee flavor without the buzz.
What Are Some Alternative Spices for Those Allergic to Cinnamon?
If you're allergic to cinnamon, you can try using allspice, nutmeg, or cardamom as alternatives. You'll get a similar warm flavor profile. For a completely different twist, you could experiment with ginger or cloves instead.
Are There Any Low-Sugar Variations of This Recipe Available?
Yes, you can make low-sugar variations. Try using sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. You'll also want to reduce or eliminate any added syrups. Unsweetened almond milk can help lower the overall sugar content too.
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