Name: Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups water; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 8 tablespoons pumpkin pie filling, divided; 4 cinnamon sticks; 4 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg; 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger; 2 teaspoons whole cloves; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup is the perfect way to bring cozy autumn flavors into your coffee, tea, lattes, or even desserts. Made with real pumpkin pie filling, warm spices, and a touch of sweetened condensed milk, this syrup is rich, aromatic, and far better than store-bought versions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with real pumpkin for authentic flavor.
Perfect for coffee, lattes, milkshakes, or baked goods.
Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Stores well so you can enjoy pumpkin spice all season long.
A budget-friendly alternative to café pumpkin syrups.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups white sugar
8 tablespoons pumpkin pie filling, divided
4 cinnamon sticks
4 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons whole cloves
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and stir until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
Stir in 6 tablespoons pumpkin pie filling, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Bring to a simmer and cook 8 to 10 minutes until spiced and fragrant.
Strain mixture through cheesecloth into a bowl to remove solids. Return liquid to the saucepan over low heat.
Stir in sweetened condensed milk and the remaining 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie filling. Cook, stirring, until the pumpkin is fully dissolved, about 5 minutes.
Let cool slightly, then transfer to a clean jar or bottle. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Servings and timing

Yield: about 16 servings (approx. 2 cups)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap sweetened condensed milk for heavy cream or half-and-half.
Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a richer flavor.
Add star anise or cardamom for a unique spice profile.
Make it dairy-free by replacing condensed milk with coconut milk.
Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar or adding more pumpkin pie filling.

Storage/Reheating

Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Shake or stir before using, as pumpkin may settle at the bottom.
Do not freeze, as the texture may separate.
Reheat gently on the stovetop if you prefer it warm.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling?

Yes, but add extra spices and a little more sugar since puree is unsweetened.

How much syrup should I use in coffee?

Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup and adjust to taste.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, swap sweetened condensed milk for coconut condensed milk or omit it for a lighter version.

Do I need to strain the syrup?

Yes, straining removes the whole spices and keeps the syrup smooth.

Can I use ground spices instead of whole?

Yes, but the syrup may have more sediment and need extra straining.

How do I make it thicker?

Cook the syrup a little longer on low heat to reduce and thicken.

Can I use this in baking?

Yes, it works as a sweetener in muffins, cakes, or frostings.

Is this syrup very sweet?

It’s moderately sweet; you can adjust by reducing sugar or adding more pumpkin.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply scale up ingredients, but allow extra simmering time for flavors to develop.

What drinks pair best with this syrup?

Coffee, lattes, hot chocolate, chai tea, or even cocktails.

Conclusion

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup is a versatile and flavorful addition to your fall recipes. Whether you stir it into coffee, drizzle it over pancakes, or add it to baked goods, this syrup brings warm pumpkin spice flavor to every sip and bite. Simple to make and perfect for gifting, it’s a seasonal staple you’ll want to keep in your fridge all autumn long.

Maggie