Embracing Pumpkin Spice Season with a Hearthside Pumpkin Bread with Whiskey Glaze

 

As the crisp air of autumn creeps in and the leaves begin to turn, there’s no better way to welcome pumpkin spice season than by filling your home with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin goods. The scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves wafting through the kitchen instantly transforms any space into a cozy haven. This Hearthside Pumpkin Loaf, studded with chocolate morsels and crunchy pecans, is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply craving a slice of something indulgent, this loaf delivers all the flavors of autumn in every bite.

Hearthside Pumpkin Loaf with Fireball Whiskey Glaze

 For the Loaf:

½ c. butter

1 c. sugar

2 large eggs

1¾ c. flour

1 t. baking soda

½ t. kosher salt

1 t. ground cinnamon

½ t. ground nutmeg

¼ t. ground ginger

¼ t. ground cloves

1/8 t. ground allspice

¾ c. pumpkin purée

¾ c. milk chocolate morsels

¾ c. chopped pecans, divided

For the Glaze:

½ c. sifted powdered sugar

1 T. Fireball whiskey

1/8 t. ground nutmeg

1/8 t. ground cinnamon

  

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease and flour a 9"x5"x3" loaf pan or spray with Baker’s Joy.

Cream butter in a large bowl. Gradually add sugar, beating well until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with pumpkin, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in chocolate morsels and ½ c. pecans. Spoon batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top with the remaining ¼ c. pecans.

 Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

 Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, make the glaze.

Combine sifted powdered sugar, whiskey, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Drizzle glaze over the cooled loaf.

This pumpkin loaf is perfect for breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or even as a homemade gift for friends and family during the fall season. The combination of warm spices, sweet pumpkin, and rich chocolate makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. 

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Fireball Pumpkin Spice Muffins

 

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing like the warm, cozy flavors of fall to make you feel right at home. These Fireball Pumpkin Spice Muffins Muffins are the perfect autumn treat, blending the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the fiery kick of Fireball whiskey-soaked raisins. With a hint of cinnamon and cloves, these muffins (or muffin tops, if you’re feeling fancy) are a delightful addition to your fall baking lineup. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or just craving a seasonal snack, this recipe is easy to whip up and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into this boozy, spiced goodness that screams fall in every bite!Fireball Pumpkin Spice Muffins

1 c. golden raisins

½ c. Fireball whiskey

2 large eggs

1 c. pumpkin puree

1¼ c. granulated sugar

¾ t. ground cloves

¾ t. cinnamon

½ t. kosher salt

1/3 c. corn oil

1¾ c. flour

1½ t. baking powder

½ t. baking soda

 Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a muffin pan with Baker’s Joy or use paper liners.

In a small bowl, soak the golden raisins in the Fireball whiskey for 35 minutes. Don’t drain—the whiskey adds a bold flavor to the batter! Set aside. 

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until foamy. Stir in the canned pumpkin, granulated sugar, cloves, cinnamon, and salt. Add the corn oil and mix until everything’s well combined.

 In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.

 Add the dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture, along with half of the whiskey-raisin mixture. Stir until just combined. Add the remaining raisin mixture and mix gently—don’t overmix.

 Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops spring back when lightly pressed.

Let the muffins cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Success

- For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a crunchy, sweet crust.

- If you’re not a whiskey fan, swap the Fireball for apple cider for a non-alcoholic version (though you’ll miss that spicy kick!).

- These muffins freeze well, so make a batch and save some for those chilly fall mornings when you need a quick treat.

These muffins are a celebration of fall’s best flavors, with the whiskey-soaked raisins adding a fun, grown-up twist. They’re perfect for sharing at a harvest party or enjoying solo with a good book by the fire. What’s your favorite way to savor the season? Let me know in the comments!

Makes about 12 muffins

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Pumpkin Crumb Cake with Maple Bourbon Glaze

 

Generally speaking, I get a craving for pumpkin in mid-August, which is why you’ll find a lot of pumpkin recipes here on the blog during that time. I got the same craving this past August, bought quite a few cans of pumpkin purée, and then I never got around to using them. That changed last weekend when I was a whirling dervish in the kitchen. Over the course of three days, I spent about 24 hours on my feet in the kitchen experimenting with recipes. This one is delish! It’s good at breakfast, brunch, as a dessert at dinner, or any old time of the day. I found that it tasted better the second day, so that makes it wonderfully make ahead.Pumpkin Crumb Cake with Maple Bourbon Glaze

1¾ c. flour

1 t. baking soda

2 t. ground cinnamon

1 t. pumpkin pie spice

1/8 t. ground cloves

½ t. kosher salt

½ c. vegetable oil

½ c. sugar

½ c. packed dark brown sugar

1 15-oz. can pumpkin puree

2 large eggs, room temperature

¼ c. milk, room temperature

Crumb Topping

¾ c. flour

¼ c. sugar

¼ c. packed brown sugar

1 t. pumpkin pie spice

6 T. unsalted butter, melted

Maple Icing

1½ c. confectioners’ sugar

2 T. pure maple syrup

2 T. bourbon

 Preheat oven to 425°F. Line  an 8” x 8” pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2” overhang on two sides; spray with nonstick spray. .

 For the cake: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, cloves, and salt together until combined. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs and milk together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then fold everything together gently just until combined and no flour pockets remain.

 Pour into prepared pan.

 For the topping: Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice together until combined. Stir in melted butter with a fork until crumbs form.

Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F and then reduce the temperature to 350°F. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 30-40 minutes.

Lift cake from pan using parchment paper overhang and place on serving plate. Slide the parchment out from beneath the cake and drizzle on glaze.

 Make the glaze: Whisk glaze ingredients together until combined and smooth. Cover tightly and store at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I think this tastes better on Day Two.

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Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

 

It's pumpkin spice season and if you’re anything like me, you are finding yourselves with small amounts of leftover pumpkin from the various recipes for quick breads and muffins that you’ve tried. This recipe will make use of that in fine fashion; anywhere between 1/4 cup and 1/3 cup works just fine here, it’s not written in stone. Why spend top dollar, have to put on pants, and get in the car to buy one when you can whip up something magnificent at home? Feel free to experiment. If you happen to have Bailey’s Pumpkin Spice Liqueur at home, add some of that if you want. I won’t judge. I’m not your mom. For something even more decadent, add a scoop of ice cream -- pumpkin, cinnamon, and vanilla all work equally well here. Don’t ask me how I know.

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

 1 c. strong cold brew coffee, chilled

⅓ c. canned pumpkin puree

½ c. whole milk

2 T. pure maple syrup

1 t. vanilla extract

½ t. pumpkin pie spice

½ t. cinnamon

4-5 ice cubes

Whipped cream, for topping

Cinnamon, for topping

 Place all ingredients EXCEPT whipped cream and cinnamon garnish into the work bowl of a high-speed blender (I use one of those mini ninja blenders). Blend for 30 seconds until combined. Taste and adjust for sweetness, and top with a dollop of whipped cream and a few sprinkles of cinnamon.

Makes one serving.

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Happy Trails Pumpkin Bread

These days with the prices of everything so high, I hate to waste a thing. So when I found leftover pumpkin purée lurking at the back of the fridge, I knew that I had to use it in some way. I am still craving pumpkin, so I decided to make another pumpkin loaf. I wanted one that contained lots of goodies like fruit, nuts, and chocolate. I decided to use all of those ingredients — those that are generally found in trail mix — hence the name. Oh my goodness, is this stuff good! It is fabulous on its own, but over the top wonderful when spread with cream cheese (cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or plain), and I found it wonderful when slathered with (hold onto your hats here) peanut butter! This is a winner! I think this is the best pumpkin bread that I’ve ever had.

Happy Trails Pumpkin Bread

 1¾ c. flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

½ t. baking powder

½ t. ground nutmeg

½ t. ground allspice

½ t. ground cinnamon 

¼ t. ground cloves

1 c. white sugar 

½ c. brown sugar

½ c. canola oil

2 lg. eggs

1 c. solid pack pumpkin puree 

1/3 c. brewed coffee

 Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9” x 5” loaf pan with Baker’s Joy; set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon and cloves.

 In a large bowl with an electric mixer, blend sugars, oil, and eggs. Stir in pumpkin. Slowly blend the flour mixture into pumpkin mixture. While blending the mixture add coffee incrementally. Pour the batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake for 75-80 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.

 

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Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

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Fall is officially here, and my lifestyle has completely changed. With the cool nights, I’m leaving the windows open, I’ve put away my pastel pillows in favor of those in the colors of fall, and the fire is set in my fireplace just waiting for me to strike a match. I have also changed my methods of cooking. The crockpot has become a permanent fixture on my counter, and the smell of warm spices can be caught floating on the air in my neighborhood. Soups, stews, breads, and pumpkin everything is the order of the day. In case you are unaware (if you’re a new reader) my favorite dessert is cookies. I was wondering how I could alter one of my favorites to reflect my love of fall, and came up with this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies. One bite, and you’ll find that it’s hard to stop eating them. Seriously, I had to bag mine up and put them in the freezer, the temptation was so strong. The molasses helps to enhance the spices, but if you don’t want that taste to be as strong, cut back to 1 tablespoon.

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

¾ c. butter flavored Crisco
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
2 T. molasses
2 c. flour
2 t. baking soda
1 T. pumpkin pie spice*
¼ t. salt
Granulated sugar for dipping

In the work bowl of your stand mixture, cream shortening and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in egg and molasses. Sift together flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Slowly add the flour mixture to the shortening mixture, and blend the dough until thoroughly combined. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for one hour or up to overnight.

Remove dough from fridge, preheat oven to 375°F. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper or a Silpat. Using a cookie scoop, scoop up the dough, roll into balls, and roll in the granulated sugar to coat. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until they are puffed and cracked on top. Allow to cool a minute or two on the cookie sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes 36.

 *DIY version can be found here.

 

Pumpkin Breakfast Loaf

I don’t need the calendar to tell me that August has arrived, my internal hankering for pumpkin tells me it’s here. And today, as I tend to do every August, I rummaged around at the back of the pantry until I found a can of pumpkin that I bought last winter on sale, and set to work.

Generally speaking, Nordicware and I do not get along. However, a 20% off sale at Williams-Sonoma, coupled with rewards dollars, and free shipping led me to this beauty. It yielded a beautiful loaf. It was an absolute joy to work with, the loaf nearly extricated itself, and it washed up like a dream.

I’m calling this lovely, Pumpkin Breakfast Loaf, because it is just that. It is not a cake, pound- or otherwise, because it is not overly sweet. It doesn’t have an icing or glaze, it is just perfectly pumpkin-y, supremely spicy, with a chewy exterior and tender interior. It is perfect as is for breakfast, toasted and slathered with butter for “Elevenses,” alongside chicken salad at lunch, superb when slathered with clotted cream for afternoon tea, and makes a wonderful snack with a cup of coffee or cocoa in the evening. This is an all-around wonderful loaf, treat yourself and your family, and give it a try.

Pumpkin Breakfast Loaf

1½ c. flour
1 t. ground cinnamon
½ t. kosher salt
½ t. baking soda
½ t. baking powder
¼ t. ground cloves
¼ t. freshly grated nutmeg
2/3 c. granulated sugar
2/3 c. dark brown sugar
¼ c. whole milk
3 large egg whites
1 cup canned pumpkin purée

Preheat oven to 350° F. Thoroughly spray a loaf pan (I used this one) with Baker’s Joy; set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, and nutmeg; set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, milk, and egg whites until thoroughly blended. Whisk in the canned pumpkin until fully incorporated.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until combined. Do not over mix.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow to cool in the pan 10 minutes before removing. Store on the counter, covered, for up to three days.

Makes one loaf.

PRINT RECIPE

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Pumpkin Spice Liqueur

The truth is, I had no idea that pumpkin spice liqueur existed. You probably think I've been living under a rock. I haven't, and honestly, I can't recall how this first came to my attention, but, trust me when I tell you, I have jumped on the bandwagon in a big way. 

I didn't want to go out and spend big bucks on a bottle of the stuff in case I didn't like it. Some pumpkin spice, let's face it, tastes really artificial. This caused me to head to the web and start searching for a recipe to make my own, just to give it a try. When I stumbled upon this recipe from Serious Eats that had spices that I love, and actual pumpkin, I knew I had to try it. 

It is easy to put together, and I didn't wait two hours after I made it to give it a little sip. I was amazed at how good this is! It reminds me a bit of Fireball, if you're familiar with that, only I think this is better. Another plus in having a recipe is that you can make it at home, so that means no trip out to the store, and it's a heck of a lot cheaper than buying the real thing.

We've been having some cool nights here, so that means I've been enjoying some nice soothing cups of hot tea. My favorite is Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea. This stuff is amazing – seriously the best tea I have ever tasted --and even more so if you add a shot of this pumpkin spice liqueur.

If you love pumpkin spice the way that I have come to love it, you have to try this. You’re going to be pleasantly surprised at how good this is, and I guarantee you, you’ll be making more than one batch. 

Pumpkin Spice Liqueur

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

4 cinnamon sticks

1 whole clove

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons pumpkin puree

3/4 cup vodka

Bring the water and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, and pumpkin puree and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes. Strain through fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth, pressing with the bottom of a ladle to extract as much liquid as possible.

Once syrup is cool, mix with vodka and let rest in a sealed glass container for a minimum of two days. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

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Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake Three Ways

Happy first day of fall!  With the coming season I’ve been experimenting with pumpkin coffeecake recipes.  Unsure whether I preferred a crumb topping to a streusel topping, I took a survey of family and friends to see which was the most popular.  After months of research (okay, two days, if you must know), it was a tie.  It seemed both toppings were equally loved.  Huh, I thought to myself.  Maybe I can come up with a recipe that uses both.  And I did.  This scrumptiously delicious coffee cake employs the use of both crumb and streusel toppings…or not.  Have it your way as they used to say in the commercials of a popular burger chain.  I made it with the streusel topping as a filling and topped it with crumbs.  But you can just use the crumbs, or just use the streusel, or break up the streusel and use half as a filling and the other half on top.  Can you say versatile?  It’s simply delicious, any way you slice it.

Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake Three Ways

STREUSEL TOPPING/FILLING

¼ cup flour

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons butter

¼ cup chopped pecans

CRUMB TOPPING

2 cups flour

2 sticks butter, softened

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1 Tablespoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon vanilla

COFFEECAKE

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 cup pumpkin puree

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon Buttery Sweet Dough Flavor*

Preheat oven to 350°F Spray a 9” x 9” square cake pan with Pam.  Line pan with parchment paper, leaving 2 extra inches overhanging the sides.  Spray parchment paper with Pam.

FOR STREUSEL TOPPING/FILLING:

Place all ingredients into the work bowl of a food processor; pulse until crumbly.

CRUMB TOPPING:

Mix all ingredients together until crumbly:

FOR COFFEECAKE:

Combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter and sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in pumpkin, vanilla extract, and Buttery Sweet Dough Flavor (if using). Gradually beat in flour mixture.

OPTION #1 – STREUSEL TOPPED COFFEECAKE

Spoon batter into prepared cake pan. Sprinkle Streusel Topping over batter. BAKE for 45 to 50 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.

OPTION #2 – CRUMB TOPPED COFFEECAKE

Spoon batter into prepared cake pan. Bake for 15 minutes.  Remove pan from oven and cover top completely with crumb mixture.  Return to oven and bake an addition 35-35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.

OPTION #3 – CRUMB TOPPED COFFEECAKE with FILLING (Pictured)

Spoon half of the batter into prepared cake pan.  Top batter with filling (streusel).  Cover filling with remaining batter.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and sprinkle the crumb mixture over cake.  Return to oven and bake an additional 35-35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.  Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.

 *If you don’t have this (and what a shame if you didn’t), just use 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring.