Pumpkin Spice Up Your October!
Happy October! Before the month gears up for spooky shenanigans, we’re going to celebrate another autumn tradition that is oh so delicious and unavoidable! That’s right, we’re talking about pumpkin spice lattes! There’s no denying that pumpkin spice lattes are an October staple in coffee shops around the world. But why not take your pumpkin spice addiction to another level?
In this article, we’ll be discussing why pumpkin spice lattes have taken the world by storm and covering how to make your own scrumptious pumpkin spice latte tiramisu!
Why are Pumpkin Spice Lattes So Popular?
It’s been nearly 20 years since Starbucks launched the legendary pumpkin spice latte in 2003. A massive sales hit even back then, the pumpkin spice craze continues to thrive now, growing bigger each year!
There are a few theories as to why pumpkin spice lattes are ever-popular throughout October. Let’s take a look at the top 5 reasons that people can’t get enough pumpkin spice in their lives.
1. Cozy Flavors
The flavors of pumpkin spice are warm, comforting and remind us of coziness during October – a time of year where many places around the world are chilly and cold. The flavor profile also offers reminders of holidays like Thanksgiving, which only adds to the positive feeling that people have when they enjoy a pumpkin spice latte. After all, a drink that tastes like holidays and home is bound to be popular!
2. Limited Time Offering
Since pumpkin spice lattes are only available at a certain time of the year, there is a certain level of exclusivity associated with the drink. Unlike coffees that are available year-round, people often anticipate the arrival of the pumpkin spice latte, which is why people’s social media accounts and wallets go crazy whenever this iconic drink is back on the menu.
3. Luxurious Feeling
Slightly tying into the previous point, pumpkin spice lattes offer a feeling of affordable luxury to those who consume them. Not only are they exclusive to a certain time of the year, they are also flavored unlike anything else and taste of pure indulgence. This feeling of luxury on a budget may explain why people flock to get their hands on pumpkin spice lattes whenever they are available.
4. Notes of Nostalgia
The flavors in a pumpkin spice latte are not simply comforting, but they can often evoke feelings of longing and nostalgia. Since pumpkins are associated with so many traditional holidays, the taste of a pumpkin spice latte can trigger positive memories and bring back wistful feelings of great times gone by.
5. Addicting Taste
Sweet, savory, and rich, pumpkin spice lattes are a sensory delight for many people. The fact that this drink is only available during such a short window of time means that in many cases, people treat themselves to more pumpkin spice lattes since they taste so amazing and they are not available for too long. An addicting taste and a ticking clock are powerful motivators for people who love pumpkin spice lattes.
Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Latte Tiramisu
If you want to impress your friends and really get into the pumpkin spice spirit, why not try your hand at whipping up a super-simple, ultra-decadent pumpkin spice latte tiramisu? It takes all the best elements of the drink but cranks the flavor up while allowing you to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice at any time of the year. Best of all, there’s no baking involved, so preparation is simple once you have all of the necessary ingredients.
Ingredients for a Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte Tiramisu
The below ingredients will make one large pumpkin spice latte tiramisu that feeds 8-12 people. Make sure to use proper measuring spoons to get the amounts of each ingredient spot-on.
- 16 ounces of mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup of canned pumpkin
- 1/2 cup of light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 cup of strong brewed coffee
- 1/4 cup of coffee liqueur
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 54 ladyfinger cookies (about 16 ounces)
- Cinnamon and chocolate shavings as toppings (optional)
4-Step Process to Pumpkin Spice Deliciousness
Step 1:
Mix your canned pumpkin, mascarpone cheese, brown sugar, and spices until everything is well-combined. In a second large bowl, use a frother or manually beat your cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy peaks form. Finally, combine half of your whipped cream with your pumpkin mixture and refrigerate the remaining whipped cream.
Step 2:
Brewing the right coffee is key to get an authentic pumpkin spice latte taste in your tiramisu. Grind high-quality coffee beans with a burr grinder so that you get an even, powdery result. Make sure you tamp your coffee grinds nice and tight for maximum flavor extraction. Finally, ensure you have thoroughly cleaned your espresso machine with a cleaning kit so that your coffee tastes its best. When all the prep is complete, brew a strong cup of coffee.
Step 3:
Use a small bowl to combine your coffee and coffee liqueur. Give your ladyfinger biscuits a quick dunk into the mixture and arrange half of them in a single layer in a 13x9” dish or pan. Top your ladyfingers with half of your pumpkin mousse before adding the second layer of ladyfingers and then topping it with the remaining pumpkin mousse. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 4:
Just prior to serving, pipe the remaining whipped cream on top of the tiramisu and add any optional ingredients like cinnamon and chocolate shavings. Serve the tiramisu slightly cool or at room temperature.
Everyone Loves a little Pumpkin Spice
Get a little adventurous in the kitchen and take your love of pumpkin spice lattes to an all-new level. Follow our simple guide and create your own pumpkin spice latte tiramisu masterpiece and be the envy of your friends. And if you seriously can’t get enough pumpkin spice latte in your life, you can make this simple tiramisu recipe any time of the year!
