Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Okay, I’m just gonna come out and say it: I’m a total sucker for pumpkin spice.
Call me #basic, but it’s the truth.
In fact, I’m all about everything fall: the colours, the coziness, the sweater weather, and yes, pumpkins and pumpkin spice.
There’s just something comforting and nostalgic about it; Like grandma’s kitchen or the warm scent of pumpkin pie that wafts from the table at holiday dinners with family and friends.
I think that’s really why pumpkin spice blew up years ago, not so much because everybody loves the flavour but because it evokes cherished memories and warm, fuzzy feelings in so many of us.
In any case, I do look forward to sipping a pumpkin spice latte or two come fall, but I rarely splurge on more than a couple of them the whole season because:
A) they’re insanely expensive, and
B) the most popular of all pumpkin spice lattes (the Starbucks “PSL”) contains potassium sorbate (a chemical preservative), and rather than actual spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, it contains “natural flavours,” which are really just chemical flavour extracts taken from foods (or spices) and isolated, so you get all of the flavour with none of the actual nutrition or health benefits.
To learn more about natural flavours and why they’re not really natural at all, be sure to read this, and then read this. Then you can at least make an informed decision about whether you’re cool with consuming them or not.
If you’re subscribed to my monthly magazine, Modern Homesteading Magazine, this month’s issue is all about spices, including their amazing health benefits and wide range of medicinal properties. To subscribe for free and get the latest issue delivered straight to your inbox, click here.
I knew there must be a better, healthier, cheaper way to enjoy pumpkin spice lattes at home, so as soon as I started growing my own pumpkins a few years ago, I decided to try my hand at making my own.
I found a few recipes for homemade pumpkin spice syrup online (the basis for all pumpkin spice lattes) and over the years I’ve tried a handful of them, but I always found them either too sweet or too pumpkin-y or too pulpy.
But this year was different. I got the ratios just right, and I took the extra step of straining out most of the pumpkin pulp before bottling the syrup so that there wouldn’t be as much sediment in my latte.
I ended up with a pumpkin spice syrup that, when combined with home-brewed espresso and steamed milk, not only rivals the Starbucks PSL, but also contains all natural ingredients and no added preservatives. AND it costs just pennies per batch.
Fresh pumpkin vs. canned
I always make my own pumpkin purée from our homegrown sugar pie pumpkins. Not only is it cheaper than buying it from the store, but I also know that the pumpkins were grown organically and are 100% safe and healthy to eat.
If making your own, be sure to start with a good pie pumpkin variety for maximum flavour! (Jack-O-Lantern and other decorative varieties of pumpkins are too watery and not flavourful enough to eat or use in this recipe).
However, if you don’t grow your own pumpkins and can’t access locally grown organic pumpkins to make your own purée, you can use store-bought canned pumpkin purée instead. Just keep in mind that this may push the cost up just slightly, especially if you’re using a good, organic brand.
Also, if using canned pumpkin, make sure to use pumpkin purée and not pumpkin pie filling or mix as the latter contains added sugar, preservatives and “natural flavours” too.
As a rule of thumb, always check the ingredients on any store-bought or packaged product, but especially with canned pumpkin, make sure to look for a brand of pumpkin purée that only contains one ingredient: pumpkin. I recommend this brand of organic pumpkin purée if you’re opting for the canned version.
Aside from the pumpkin, you’ll need some brown sugar, ground pumpkin spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and allspice), a splash of pure vanilla extract and water.
That’s it! No potassium sorbate. No chemically-derived “natural” flavours. No handing over $5.00 for a latte. Just good, honest, made-from-scratch food.
Now, lest I have you thinking this is some sort of health food, remember that it is a syrup, so there’s definitely a fair amount of sugar in here. But if you’re gonna enjoy a sweet treat, I believe you’re always better off eating the real deal and leaving chemical additives at the door (or the coffee shop). This homemade pumpkin spice syrup is made with 100% real food ingredients, so you can do just that:)
How to use your homemade pumpkin spice syrup
I love adding a little of this pumpkin spice syrup to homemade lattes. Honestly, I enjoy our homemade PSLs more than going out to a coffee shop!
But if you don’t have an espresso maker, you can still add a little of this syrup to your cup of coffee or to sweeten up your black tea.
If you make your own homemade kombucha, you can also use your homemade pumpkin spice syrup to flavour your second ferment (or do what I did and use the pulp you strain out to flavour your next batch of kombucha).
And of course, you can always swap maple syrup for pumpkin spice syrup and use it over pancakes, waffles or French toast, of enjoy over ice cream.
Preserving your homemade pumpkin spice syrup
I haven’t come across any approved canning recipes for homemade pumpkin spice syrup, so I definitely wouldn’t recommend canning it to preserve it. But you could always freeze it if you decide to make a large batch (you can easily double or triple the recipe below).
If freezing, leave at least a ½-inch of headspace at the top of the jar if using a wide mouth jar, or at least one inch of headspace if using a bottle or narrower mouth jar to allow for some expansion.
For more pumpkin recipes, growing and preserving tips, check out the following posts:
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin purée
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1½ cups water
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. ground ginger
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ tsp. ground allspice
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
- Reduce to a simmer over medium heat and continue to cook, stirring occasionally the until it starts to thicken up (about 15 to 20 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Then, strain syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids and pour strained syrup into a clean pint-sized Mason jar or glass bottle/jar of your choice.
- Place a lid on the jar/bottle and let cool on the counter before transferring to fridge (or freezer for longer-term storage). *This homemade pumpkin spice syrup will store in the fridge for about a week or in the freezer for at least 3 months.
Wishing you homemade, homegrown, homestead happiness 🙂
P.S. Want more modern homesteading? Subscribe for FREE to Modern Homesteading Magazine and get the latest issue delivered straight to your inbox!
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It’s easy to romanticize homesteading, but the truth is that those homegrown vegetables, those freshly laid eggs, that loaf of bread rising on the counter, and that pantry full of home-canned food takes time, effort and dedication. It doesn’t “just happen” overnight!
But if you work on learning one new skill at a time and gain confidence in it before moving onto the next, one day you’ll be looking back and marvelling at how far you’ve come.
That’s where I’m at now. Life today looks a lot different than it did 10 years ago, when our homesteading and self-reliance journey was just beginning.
Back then we still lived in our city condo and were just beginning to dabble in all of this stuff. But my husband Ryan and I felt a sense urgency to start pursuing a more self-reliant lifestyle, and we committed to taking small steps, one day at a time to make that vision a reality.
Over the years we’ve continued to put one foot in front of the other, adding new skills and tackling new projects along the way that have helped us get to where we are today.
While there’s always more we want to learn and do, as I look around me right now, I’m so grateful that we took those first steps, especially considering what’s happened in the world over the past few years!
If you’re also feeling the urgency to take the first (or next) steps toward a more self-reliant life, this is your final reminder that today is the last day to join The Society of Self-Reliance and start levelling up your homesteading and self-sufficiency skills so that you’ve got what it takes to:
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Link in profile to enroll before midnight tonight, or go to thehouseandhomestead.com/society
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There are so many reasons to grow your own food at home:
💰 Saves you money at the grocery store
🍴 Healthier than conventionally grown food
🔑 increases your overall food security
🫙 Gives you an abundance to preserve and share
But perhaps the number one reason is because it just tastes better!
Not only does food taste better when it’s freshly picked or allowed to ripen on the vine, there’s something about putting in the work to grow something from a tiny seed and then getting to see it on your dinner plate that just makes it so much more satisfying than anything you’ll ever buy from the store.
Plus, having to wait all year for fresh tomatoes or strawberries or zucchinis to be in season makes that short period when they’re available just that much more exciting!
With the world spinning out of control and food prices continuing to rise, it’s no wonder more people are taking an interest in learning to grow their own food at home. But that also means changing our relationship with food and learning to appreciate the work that goes into producing it and the natural seasonality of organically grown fruits and vegetables.
(It also means learning to preserve it so you can make the most of it and enjoy homegrown food all year long).
In my online membership program, The Society of Self-Reliance, you’ll learn how to grow your own food, from seed to harvest, as well as how to preserve it so you can enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor all year long!
You’ll also learn how to grow and craft your own herbal medicine, detox your home, become your own handyman, and so much more (because self-reliance is about more than just the food that we eat… But that’s a pretty good place to start!)
The doors to the Society are now open for a limited time only. Click the link in my profile or go to thehouseandhomestead.com/society to learn more.
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If you’ve been watching events unfold over the past few years and you’re feeling called to start “cutting ties” with the system and begin reclaiming your independence, The Society of Self-Reliance was made for you!
When I first launched this online membership program last year, my goal was to create a one-stop resource where members could go to learn and practice every aspect of self-reliance, as well as a space to connect with other like-minded people pursuing the same goal. And that’s exactly what you’ll get when you join!
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn inside the Society:
🌱 Food Security and Self-Sufficiency: Learn the art of growing and preserving your own food, ensuring you and your loved ones have access to nutritious meals year-round.
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🔨 Essential Life Skills: Learn essential life skills like time management, effective goal setting and practical DIY skills to become more self-sufficient.
As a member, you’ll enjoy:
📚 Monthly Video Lessons: Gain access to our ever-growing library of video lessons, with fresh content added each month.
📞 Live Group Coaching Calls: Participate in our monthly live group coaching calls, where we deep dive into a different self-reliance topic every month, and do live demonstrations and Q&A’s.
🏡 Private Community: Join our private community forum where you can ask questions, share your progress, and connect with like-minded individuals.
I only open the doors to The Society once or twice each year, but right now, for one week only, you can become a member for just $20/month (or $200/year).
In today’s world, self-reliance is no longer a luxury, a “cute hobby,” it’s a necessity. Join us inside The Society of Self-Reliance and empower yourself with the skills you need to thrive in the new world!
Link in profile or visit thehouseandhomestead.com/society to learn more.
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Got out for an early morning harvest today. Been up since 3am, contemplating life, the future and the past, the order of things…
There is a rumbling right now, not just in North America, but around the world. Many of us can feel it, and know we are on the precipice of something big.
I’d been hearing about this new song that’s become an overnight viral sensation, written by an (until now) unknown singer named Oliver Anthony. His new song Rich Men North of Richmond has had 14 million views on YouTube in the past week alone, so I decided to check it out.
I also saw a clip of him playing a Farmers Market last week, and anything that has to do with Farmers Markets always has my attention;)
I can’t tell you how many tears I’ve already cried listening to that song. If you’ve heard it already, you probably know what I’m talking about, and if you haven’t, I highly recommend giving it a listen. All I can say is it’s been a while since a song resonated so deeply with me, and in this strange new world, I know I’m not the only one.
One of the lines in Anthony’s song is “Livin’ in the new world, with an old soul,” and that’s something I think so many of us in the homesteading community can relate to.
Trying to cling to better days; To a simpler time; To the old ways, all while doing our best to get by in the new world.
The world has changed drastically in the last few years especially, and it’s set to change in immense ways over the next few years. Today I’m feeling thankful for people like @oliver_anthony_music_ who give a voice to what so many are feeling right now.
Know that if you’re feeling it too, you’re far from alone. And while the future may feel uncertain and even a little scary, remember that if we stand united, we the people are a force to be reckoned with.
(Continued in comments…)
Another garlic harvest in the books!
Garlic is easily one of my favourite crops to grow. It’s pretty much a “set if and forget it” crop. We plant in the fall and leave it to overwinter, fertilize a couple times in the spring, start watering only once the ground starts to dry out, and then harvest in the summer. We can even plant a fall succession crop after our garlic if we want so it really makes great use of garden space all year round.
Over the years we’ve managed to become completely self-sufficient with garlic. We now grow enough to eat all year (and then some!), plus we save our own seed garlic and usually have extra to sell or give away. And around here fresh, organic garlic ain’t cheap, so it’s a good cash crop for anyone who’s serious about selling it.
It took me a few years to really get the hang of garlic, but it’s one crop I’m now very confident with (knock on wood, because it’s always when we make statements like this that next year’s crop fails! Lol.)
A while back I compiled a comprehensive guide to growing, harvesting and using garlic both as an edible and medicinal crop. This is usually only available as part of a paid bundle (or in the fall 2022 issue of Modern Homesteading Magazine if you’re a subscriber;), but for a limited time I’m offering it for free, no strings attached!
Plus you’ll also get access to my step-by-step video lesson on planting garlic so you can set yourself up for success with your garlic crop this year.
Comment “Garlic” below or head to thehouseandhomestead.com/garlic-guide to get your free copy!
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Going through photos and videos from our trip to the @modernhomesteadingconference and the vast majority are of our daughter having the time of her life!
Even if I personally got nothing else out of this gathering (which I most certainly did), watching her discover her own love of this lifestyle outside of what we do at home made my heart grow three sizes!
Homesteading is about so much more than homegrown food and self-reliance. It’s about passing on invaluable skills and an understanding of and respect for our connection to the land that provides for us to the next generation.
Being around so many other kids and families who are also pursuing a homesteading lifestyle helped show our little one that this is a movement that is so much bigger and greater than what our own family does on our little plot of land. This is a lifestyle worth pursuing, with a community unlike any other.
Glad to be back home and more excited than ever to involve my kids in everything we’re doing. But also, I think I speak for my whole family when I say we can’t wait to go back someday!
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#homesteading #modernhomesteading #raisinglittles
If you’re simply looking for ways to save a little extra cash this summer and live well for less, here are 12 tried and tested frugal living tips for summer that you can use to save money this season without sacrificing a thing.
Head over using the link in my bio!
https://thehouseandhomestead.com/12-frugal-living-tips-summer/
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A brand new issue of Modern Homesteading Magazine just dropped!
In this issue:
🌱 How to forage and use five common edible and medicinal weeds
🏠 A sustainable, affordable alternative to traditional homes, greenhouses and more
👨👩👧👦 Tips for managing a homestead while raising a family (big or small!)
🫙 What to focus on when preserving food for true food security
🌹 How to grow and arrange your own cut flowers at home
🍓 The many ways to preserve summer berries (including 5 delicious recipes!)
💇How to make your own all-natural herbal hair care products at home
🧑🌾 Why “community sufficiency” is the new self-sufficiency
And more!
Visit modernhomesteadingmagazine.com (or click the link in my bio) to subscribe or login to the library and read the latest issue.
Plus, be sure to check out all of our past issues as well! There’s a wealth of information in our library on everything from farming and gardening to cooking and canning to herbal medicine, natural living and so much more!
*** This will be the last quarterly issue! ***
This little magazine has grown so much over the past 4 years and 32 issues, and now it’s time for another exciting evolution.
I’m excited to announce that we will be moving to an even more robust annual publication with the intention of offering the first ever print edition this fall if there is enough demand.
I’m also excited to announce the brand new Modern Homesteading Magazine blog, which is currently under construction and will be launching soon. While we will still be maintaining digital subscriptions, the blog will be accessible to all, free of charge, so that more people might benefit from the empowering and increasingly important information that we cover in each issue.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this issue happen! @homesteadingfamily @oatsandhoneyhomestead @omnivore.culture @thetaylor.leigh @doeraydesign (and more who don’t have IG pages;)
And a HUGE thank you to everyone who has subscribed over the years. Modern Homesteading Magazine would never have become what it is today without each and every one of you.
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If you’ve ever grown your own garlic, you might have noticed the spiral-shaped shoots that suddenly pop up in the centre of the stem, usually about a month or so before the garlic bulbs themselves are ready to be harvested.
These are garlic scapes, and believe it or not- they make delicious pesto! Get the recipe through the link in my bio- https://thehouseandhomestead.com/garlic-scape-pesto/
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This honey and chive blossom vinaigrette is a frugal, easy and healthy homemade salad dressing that pairs beautifully with fresh garden salads all season long.
Get the recipe through the link in my bio.
https://thehouseandhomestead.com/chive-blossom-vinaigrette/
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Whether you live in the city and grow a few herbs on your balcony, have a few backyard chickens in the suburbs or live in the country and have a larder full of enough home-canned food to survive the apocalypse, if living a more homemade, homegrown, self-sufficient lifestyle is important to you, Modern Homesteading Magazine was made for you!
Read it today through the link in my bio!
https://modernhomesteadingmagazine.com/
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This radish top pesto recipe makes good use of the edible radish greens that often get discarded once they’re separated from the root. The end result is a peppery, slightly spicy twist on a classic pesto recipe.
A perfect condiment for all your summer snacking!
https://thehouseandhomestead.com/radish-top-pesto-recipe/
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Can I sub sugar and use honey or splendor
Hi Dina,
Yes, you could but I would probably add less if using splenda or Stevia as they are much sweeter in flavour than regular sugar. The honey would also give it a slightly different flavour but I imagine it would still be delicious! Maple syrup is another option that would probably fo nicely with the flavours in this pumpkin spice syrup:)
This is delicious! I found that a 15 ounce can of pumpkin makes 3 1/2 recipes. I put 1/2 of the 3 1/2 recipes in the freezer and will enjoy the other 1/2 right away. The solids strained from the liquid make a delicious pumpkin butter. This is a hands down winner! Thank you for sharing it!
That is wonderful, Tamara!
I’m so glad you like! 🙂
Going to try this on the weekend, thank you! 🙂