Go Back
To make the perfect Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy) - 1/4 cup pumpkin puree - 2 tablespoons cacao powder - 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste) - 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - Whipped cream (for topping) - Ground cinnamon (for garnish) - Optional: chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs for extra indulgence Each ingredient plays a key role in making this drink rich and flavorful. The milk gives it a creamy base, while the pumpkin puree adds a lovely autumn taste. Cacao powder brings in a deep chocolate flavor. Sugar sweetens the drink, and pumpkin pie spice adds warmth and spice. Vanilla extract enhances the overall taste, making it more inviting. Whipped cream on top not only looks beautiful but also adds a light, fluffy texture. Ground cinnamon on top offers a cozy aroma. If you want to take it a step further, chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs add a crunchy surprise. These ingredients blend together to create a delightful drink that warms you up. Feel free to adjust the sugar and spices to match your taste. Enjoy crafting this cozy fall treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, pumpkin puree, cacao powder, and sugar. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients together. Heat over medium heat. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth. 2. Continue heating while whisking. Watch for it to start simmering. Be careful not to let it boil. You want a nice, warm drink. 3. Once it’s hot, remove it from the heat. Stir in the pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract. Mix well to ensure the flavors blend. 1. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Fill them about three-quarters full. This leaves room for toppings. 2. Top each mug with a big dollop of whipped cream. It adds creaminess and a sweet touch. 3. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top. This adds flavor and a lovely aroma. If you want more, you can also add chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs for a fun crunch. Enjoy your cozy pumpkin spice hot chocolate! To make your pumpkin spice hot chocolate perfect, adjust the sugar and spice to your taste. Start with two tablespoons of sugar. If you like it sweeter, add more. For spice, use a half teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Taste as you go. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm kick. If you want a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk. These choices add a nice flavor. They work well with pumpkin and chocolate. Getting the right texture is key to a cozy drink. Whisk the mixture well over medium heat. This helps it blend smoothly. If it seems too thick, add more milk. If it feels too thin, let it heat for a bit longer. To froth your hot chocolate, use a handheld frother or a blender. This will give it a rich, creamy feel. Just blend for a few seconds until you see bubbles. It makes a big difference in the experience! Pro Tips Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor, consider using homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned. Roast and blend fresh pumpkin for a richer taste. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar based on your preference. You can also experiment with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile. Make it Vegan: Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond, oat, or coconut milk for a delicious vegan version of this drink. Enhance the Aroma: For an extra cozy touch, consider adding a few drops of almond extract along with the vanilla. It complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully. {{image_2}} You can make this hot chocolate vegan with a few simple swaps. First, use non-dairy milk. Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work well. They bring a nice creaminess to your drink. Just like dairy milk, heat it gently in a saucepan. Next, for the topping, swap the whipped cream. Use coconut whipped cream or a vegan cream alternative. This keeps the drink light and fluffy without dairy. You still get that rich taste. Let’s add some fun flavors! Caramel is a great choice. Drizzle it on top of your hot chocolate. It adds a sweet twist that pairs well with pumpkin spice. Nutmeg is another great idea. Add a pinch when you mix in the spices. It gives a warm fall flavor that enhances the drink. Using flavored syrups or extracts can also change the taste. Consider adding a splash of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. You can even use flavored extracts like hazelnut or almond. These will take your hot chocolate to a new level. These variations make this drink your own. Enjoy exploring different flavors! To keep your pumpkin spice hot chocolate fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge for later use. When you want to enjoy it again, pour the hot chocolate into a saucepan. Heat it gently over low heat while stirring. This will bring back its smooth texture. Homemade hot chocolate lasts about three days in the fridge. You can freeze pumpkin spice hot chocolate for later enjoyment. For best results, pour it into ice cube trays or a freezer-safe container. This way, you can freeze it in portions. When you want some, move the portion to the fridge to thaw overnight. For quicker thawing, place it in a bowl of warm water. Once thawed, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir it well to combine. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree? Yes, you can use pumpkin pie filling. It will add extra flavor and sweetness. Just cut back on the sugar you add. How do I make pumpkin spice hot chocolate for a crowd? To serve many, multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need. Use a large pot to mix everything together. Keep it warm on low heat, and pour into mugs as guests arrive. What can I use instead of cacao powder? If you don’t have cacao powder, you can use unsweetened cocoa powder. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious. Is it possible to make this drink ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Just store it in the fridge after cooking. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove. This hot chocolate recipe mixes rich flavors and cozy spices for a special drink. We combined milk, pumpkin puree, cacao, and spices to create warmth in every sip. You can adjust sweetness and texture to your liking. Consider vegan options or seasonal flavors for variety. Store leftovers easily and enjoy any time. Try this recipe, share it with friends, and warm up your day!

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

A cozy and indulgent hot chocolate infused with pumpkin spice flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 quarter cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoons cacao powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 quarter teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 serving whipped cream (for topping)
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon (for garnish)
  • 1 optional chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs for extra indulgence

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, pumpkin puree, cacao powder, and sugar. Whisk together over medium heat until fully combined and smooth.
  • Continue to heat the mixture while whisking until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
  • Once heated through, remove from heat and stir in the pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  • Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, filling them approximately three-quarters full.
  • Top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top for added flavor and aroma.
  • If desired, add chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs for an extra chocolatey crunch.

Notes

Serve with a cinnamon stick or a slice of pumpkin bread on the side for a cozy touch.
Keyword beverage, fall, hot chocolate, pumpkin, spice