The weather forecast calls for the first cool day in September and what do we do? Pull out the cozy sweater, the trusty pair of leggings, and scramble to get into the Starbucks line for the long-awaited PSL. There’s just something about a crisp chill in the air that makes you want to do all-things-fall — eat pumpkin spice everything, or chug apple cider while you flip through Netflix searching for Hocus Pocus or Coraline.
So I’m here to supply you with your spooky movie-watching snacks. Don’t worry PSL-lovers, your obsession will be fulfilled after being equipped with these recipes!
1. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
For this recipe, it’s easiest to start out with your favorite way to brew coffee. Personally, I like to use a pour-over drip, but if popping a Keurig pod into the machine and pressing a button is more your style, go for it. We don’t judge here. Once you have your brewed coffee, add ¾ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, ⅛ tsp ground cloves, and ¼ tsp of ground ginger and stir. Then, add your milk and sweeteners of choice. I prefer oat milk and no sweetener, but you can use anything from half-and-half to soy milk, from honey to Splenda, whatever your preference! Optional toppings include whipped cream, a dash of cinnamon, or maybe some festive pumpkin sprinkles!
2. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
The best and simplest recipe for pumpkin whoopie pies comes straight from the brand name of the pumpkin puree itself: Libby’s. This recipe is such a good one to have saved away for when you’re having company, when you’re going to a dinner party and need to bring the dessert, or just when you’re craving that moist and tangy duo of pumpkin cake and cream cheese icing. Find the recipe here.
3. Apple Dump Cake
This recipe is so easy and quick, you’ll be fall-dreaming in no time. You will need about 1 pound of apples, 1 ½ sticks of butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, ¼ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground cloves (or the premixed pumpkin pie spice) a splash of lemon juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract and one box of spice cake mix. Preheat the oven to 350. Peel and dice the apples and add them to a saucepan with ½ stick of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and cook down until the mixture starts to bubble. Add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and spices and mix. Add this apple mixture to a 13×9 pan and spread it evenly.
Dump out the cake mix (just the mix, don’t follow the instructions on the box!) evenly atop the apple mixture. Take your remaining stick of butter and cut it into slices. Place the slices on top of the cake mixture, spreading those out evenly. Bake for 30-45 mins, or until the top is brown and bubbly. Scoop some out into your favorite bowl while it’s still warm and don’t forget to top it with vanilla ice cream and caramel!
4. Pumpkin Pie Dip
This one I could eat right out of the bowl with a spoon! You’ll need 1 ½ blocks of 8 oz cream cheese, a 15 oz can of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice. Blend the cream cheese and sugar with a stand or hand mixer until combined, then add the remaining ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. Serve with ginger snaps, graham crackers, nilla wafers, apple slices, or just a spoon!
These recipes are making me so excited for fall! I can’t wait to switch on a spooky movie and eat some of these snacks to really get me in the fall spirit, and I hope you’ll do the same.
Featured image via Heidi Kaden on Unsplash
