Are you craving the warm, comforting flavors of fall but trying to watch your sugar intake? Then you're in the right place! This sugar-free pumpkin spice syrup recipe is the perfect healthy and delicious alternative to traditional syrups, allowing you to enjoy all the autumnal goodness without the guilt. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for homemade cooking, and makes a fantastic addition to your coffee, tea, oatmeal, or even yogurt! This is one of those easy recipes that will become a staple in your healthy meals repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons erythritol or your preferred sugar substitute (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
Instructions:
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Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, applesauce, water, erythritol (or your chosen sugar substitute), pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using).
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
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Reduce: Continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup has thickened to your desired consistency. The longer you simmer, the thicker it will become.
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Cool and store: Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sugar-Free Pumpkin Spice Syrup:
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Use good quality pumpkin puree: The flavor of your syrup will be directly impacted by the quality of your pumpkin puree. Opt for a good quality, plain pumpkin puree, not the pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices.
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Adjust sweetness to your liking: The amount of erythritol (or other sugar substitute) is a suggestion; adjust it according to your preference. Start with less and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
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Don't overcook: Overcooking can cause the syrup to become too thick or even burn. Keep a close eye on it while it simmers.
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Experiment with spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices to customize the flavor. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger would be delicious additions.
Variations:
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Spiced Maple Syrup: Add 2 tablespoons of maple extract for a maple pumpkin spice twist.
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Dairy-Free Option: This recipe is already naturally dairy-free, but ensure your chosen sugar substitute is also dairy-free if needed.
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Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan, provided you use a vegan-friendly sugar substitute.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Please note that nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. This is an approximation based on using erythritol as a sugar substitute. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and quantities.
- Calories: Approximately 50-60 calories per 2 tablespoons
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g per 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: Very low, due to the use of sugar substitutes.
- Fat: Negligible
- Protein: Negligible
This sugar-free pumpkin spice syrup is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of fall. It’s versatile enough to enhance a variety of dishes, and its easy preparation makes it a perfect addition to your quick dinner ideas or even a special weekend treat. Enjoy!