All my basics get in formation, because it's that time of year again. Pumpkin spice season is back, and as far as I'm concerned, when September 1st hits, I can start throwing back lattes like the world's going to end. Sure, we pumpkin spice latte lovers might catch a whole lotta flack for our addiction to the overpriced drink that oh-so-perfectly encapsulates the taste of fall, but the backlash is no match for the true nirvana reached when that first sip is taken.
If you're anything like me, you've now determined that one vehicle for pumpkin spice is simply not enough. Therefore, I bring you the ten best ways to use pumpkin spice that aren't in a latte. We're talking full-on decadence so be ready to sprinkle that spice in places you never thought you would.
1. Pumpkin Spice Cookie Butter Waffles
Drool. You heard me right, I'm drooling just dreaming about this recipe. Imagine biting into a perfect golden brown waffle and tasting fall. Hell yeah, actual fall. Veganize this recipe by substituting the egg with unsweetened applesauce, butter with some Earth Balance, and milk with some plant-based goodness.
2. 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins
These babies are as easy as they are delicious. Forget messy, confusing baking. Muffins that require only two ingredients and minimal effort? Count me in. Your days of running across town for obscure ingredients are over. Maybe less really is more.
3. Pumpkin Spiced Roasted Almonds
These little guys are fantastic because you can throw them on just about anything. Think salads, ice cream, granola, trail mix, and more. With fewer than five ingredients, you'll be tasting pumpkin spice all fall long.
4. Vegan Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
Confession time: I'm a total ice cream addict. On any given night you'll catch me chowing down on some Ben & Jerry's Non-Dairy Chocolate Fudge Brownie covered in almonds and sea salt. Here's a delicious recipe that transitions your favorite summer treat seamlessly into fall.
5. 5-Minute Pumpkin Spice Microwave Donuts
This ingenious recipe combines some of the best things in the world: pumpkin spice (duh), chocolate, and a microwave. You could even whip these donuts up in your dorm room for a delicious fall treat. And the finished product? #instagramworthy
6. Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
It's never too early to start filling your stomach will all things pumpkin spice! Make this delicious breakfast the night before and enjoy sleeping in late. Simply sub coconut milk yogurt for Greek yogurt and almond milk for dairy milk for a satisfying vegan start to your day.
7. Pumpkin Spice Brussels Sprouts
If savory flavors are more up your alley, this recipe is perfect for you. These aren't your grandma's brussels sprouts—they explode with all the flavors of fall. From the perfectly toasted veggies to the delicious combination of pecans and cranberries, you'll be making this dish all year long.
8. Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars
Never want to be more than an arm's length away from your precious pumpkin spice? Me either. That's what makes these granola bars so perfect. You can have them anytime, anywhere. Forget the expensive energy bars that line grocery store aisles. These are easy, healthy, and cheap to make.
9. Pumpkin Spice Nut Butter
Introducing the best way to combine two of the most perfect things on earth: peanut butter and pumpkin spice. This nut butter is low-calorie and delicious. Smear it on sandwiches, crackers, waffles, pancakes, bananas, or just eat it straight out of the jar, because it's that good.
10. Pumpkin Gnocchi
Get ready to step up your pasta game. This pumpkin spiced gnocchi only takes three ingredients, but gives you endless, carb-loaded options. Top it with a drizzle of olive oil, your favorite veggies, and some roasted nuts for an unforgettable meal.
Some say variety is the spice of life, but I'm pretty content just having it pumpkin.