As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, fall is the perfect season to cozy up at home and enjoy some classic autumn flavors. Pumpkin, the seasonal favorite, adds warmth and richness to both sweet and savory treats alike. At Evergreen Homes, we love helping you create a space you love—and that includes filling your kitchen with the delicious aromas of the season! Here are two must-try recipes: a comforting pumpkin bread that’s ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack, and a festive pumpkin spice mocktail to sip and savor all season long.
Classic Pumpkin Bread Recipe
This classic pumpkin bread is moist, tender, and bursting with warm spices. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ½ teaspoon ground cloves
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
– ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
– ¼ cup orange juice or water
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture
**Instructions:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, oil, orange juice (or water), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense.
- If desired, fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pumpkin Spice Mocktail Recipe
Warm spices and a hint of pumpkin come together in this festive pumpkin spice mocktail, perfect for a cozy night in or a fall gathering. This drink is packed with flavor, and it’s alcohol-free—making it a great option for everyone to enjoy!
**Ingredients:**
– ½ cup pumpkin puree
– 1 cup apple cider
– ½ cup orange juice
– ¼ cup maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
– Club soda or ginger ale, to top off
– Cinnamon stick and a slice of orange for garnish
**Instructions:**
- In a small pitcher or mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, apple cider, orange juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until well combined. Adjust spices to taste if desired.
- Fill a glass halfway with ice, then pour the pumpkin mixture over the ice, filling the glass about ⅔ full.
- Top off the mocktail with a splash of club soda or ginger ale for some fizz.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice for a festive touch.
These recipes bring the best flavors of fall right into your home, making it easy to enjoy the cozy, comforting feel of the season. Whether you’re treating yourself to a slice of pumpkin bread or sipping a pumpkin spice mocktail, these seasonal treats are sure to make your home feel like the ultimate autumn retreat. At Evergreen Homes, we’re all about helping you enjoy every season to the fullest—starting with fall’s tastiest flavors!
