Pumpkin Steamer

This Pumpkin Steamer is like a cozy hug in a mug! Made with real pumpkin and warm spices, this warm drink is creamy and comforting. Top it with whipped cream and more spices for the ultimate fall treat.

Try these other warm drinks perfect for cold weather: Hot Apple Cider, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, Wassail Recipe, or Cashew Coconut Hot Chocolate. Or make up some Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix to keep on hand!

Better Than Starbucks

I don’t often indulge in fancy warm drinks. I’m not a coffee drinker. I love hot chocolate, but it’s pretty rare that I actually drink it. But when fall comes around and the temps start to drop, you can’t help but want to cuddle up on the couch, hot drink in hand.

There is a local bakery/cafe here that serves up a variety of steamers – which are basically just warm milk drinks. That is where I first got this idea back in 2013. And then I heard that you can get steamers at Starbucks as well. I am pretty sure that these restaurant drinks are just flavored with syrups. But this Pumpkin Steamer is made with real milk, flavored with real pumpkin, and spiced with lots of spices.

I know I’ll be keeping this around all fall and winter, especially when it starts to snow. I can’t think of a better way to keep warm!

Ingredients

• Milk: I will usually use 2% milk because it is what I keep on hand, but whole milk will be even more decadent. I’m sure milk alternatives, like almond milk, will work as well, but the steamer won’t be as rich.
• Sugar: I’m using light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar could be used as well.
• Pumpkin: You want pure pumpkin puree here, not pumpkin pie mix. You can totally use homemade pumpkin puree, but you’ll want to drain it a bit first to make sure it it is not too runny.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This not only adds a bit of sweetness, but texture as well.
• Spices: In the steamer, you will need pumpkin pie spice. And then I like to add a little bit of cinnamon and nutmeg to the top, but you could also just add more pumpkin pie spice. Or keep it off!
• Vanilla Extract: I’m using real vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Whipped Cream: The whipped cream is optional, but I totally recommend it. I have used both whipped cream from a can and homemade whipped cream and they will both work. The homemade whipped cream tastes better, but the canned is easier!

How to Make a Pumpkin Steamer

STEP 1: Add the milk, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla to a blender. Blend to combine.

STEP 2: Pour the mixture into a saucepan. Place over medium heat and heat just until warmed through. Serve topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Tips and Tricks

I will make up a batch of this and refrigerate it in mason jars. Then when I’m craving a mug, I can just pour it into one mug and reheat one serving. I like the mason jar because you’ll want to make sure and shake it well before pouring, as ingredients will settle at the bottom.

You can do this without a blender, but I find that it mixes much better in a mixer. If you are not using a mixer, you will want to whisk it very well.

You can heat this in the microwave, but I suggest cooking it on the stove. You have better control of the temperature, because you don’t want to boil the mixture.

More Pumpkin Favorites

Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Muffins with Chocolate Chips
Pumpkin Roll
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

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