Dairy-Free Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: The Ultimate Fall Coffee Recipe
Fall is in the air, and that means pumpkin spice everything! If you’re like me, you eagerly anticipate the return of pumpkin-flavored treats each year. But what if you’re dairy-free? Don’t worry, you don’t have to miss out on the pumpkin spice fun. This dairy-free pumpkin cream cold brew recipe is just as delicious as the original, if not better, and easy to make at home. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season without compromising your dietary needs. Get ready for a coffee experience that’s both comforting and invigorating!
Why This Dairy-Free Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Recipe Works
This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons:
* **Dairy-Free Delight:** It caters specifically to those who avoid dairy, ensuring everyone can enjoy a creamy, pumpkin-spiced coffee.
* **Easy to Customize:** You can easily adjust the sweetness, spice levels, and even the type of non-dairy milk to suit your preferences.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making your own cold brew and pumpkin cream at home is significantly cheaper than buying it from a coffee shop every day.
* **Healthier Option:** You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid artificial flavors, excessive sugar, and unhealthy additives found in many store-bought versions.
* **Impressive Flavor:** The combination of cold brew coffee, homemade pumpkin spice syrup, and creamy dairy-free topping creates a truly irresistible drink.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightful dairy-free pumpkin cream cold brew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
### For the Cold Brew Coffee:
* **Coarsely Ground Coffee:** 1 cup (about 8 ounces). Use your favorite coffee beans, ground coarsely. This is important for a smooth, less acidic cold brew.
* **Filtered Water:** 4 cups. Filtered water is essential for a clean and pure taste.
### For the Pumpkin Spice Syrup:
* **Water:** 1/2 cup. This will be the base of our syrup.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/2 cup. Adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness.
* **Pumpkin Puree:** 2 tablespoons. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
* **Pumpkin Pie Spice:** 1 teaspoon. A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves – the quintessential fall flavor!
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
### For the Dairy-Free Pumpkin Cream:
* **Dairy-Free Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup (e.g., Oatly Barista Edition, Silk Heavy Whipping Alternative). This is the key to a rich and creamy topping. Choose one that whips well.
* **Dairy-Free Milk:** 1/4 cup (e.g., Oat Milk, Almond Milk, Soy Milk). Adds lightness and helps to thin out the cream.
* **Pumpkin Spice Syrup:** 1-2 tablespoons (from the syrup you made earlier). Adjust based on your preferred sweetness and pumpkin spice level.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1/4 teaspoon. A touch of vanilla elevates the cream’s flavor profile.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Mason Jar or Pitcher:** For brewing the cold brew coffee.
* **Nut Milk Bag or Cheesecloth:** For filtering the cold brew.
* **Small Saucepan:** For making the pumpkin spice syrup.
* **Whisk:** For stirring the syrup and whipping the cream.
* **Electric Mixer or Frother (optional):** For whipping the dairy-free cream to a perfect consistency. While not absolutely necessary, it does create a lovely, light texture.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Glasses:** For serving your delicious pumpkin cream cold brew.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the dairy-free pumpkin cream cold brew! Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect result every time.
### Part 1: Making the Cold Brew Coffee
1. **Combine Coffee and Water:** In a large mason jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated.
2. **Steep in the Refrigerator:** Cover the jar or pitcher and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee will be. I usually go for 16-18 hours for a balanced flavor.
3. **Filter the Cold Brew:** After steeping, place a nut milk bag or several layers of cheesecloth over a clean pitcher or bowl. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the filter, allowing the coffee to drip through. Discard the coffee grounds.
4. **Store:** The cold brew coffee concentrate can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
### Part 2: Making the Pumpkin Spice Syrup
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
2. **Simmer:** Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. **Reduce:** Reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. **Cool and Store:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. Once cooled, store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
### Part 3: Making the Dairy-Free Pumpkin Cream
1. **Combine Cream and Milk:** In a bowl, combine the dairy-free heavy cream and dairy-free milk.
2. **Add Syrup and Vanilla:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of the pumpkin spice syrup (depending on your sweetness preference) and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. **Whip the Cream:** Using an electric mixer or frother, whip the mixture until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as dairy-free cream can sometimes become grainy if overwhipped. If you don’t have an electric mixer or frother, you can whisk vigorously by hand until the cream thickens.
### Part 4: Assembling the Dairy-Free Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
1. **Fill Glass with Ice:** Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. **Pour in Cold Brew:** Pour cold brew coffee over the ice, filling the glass about two-thirds full. You can dilute the cold brew with water or more dairy-free milk if you prefer a weaker coffee.
3. **Sweeten (Optional):** Add additional pumpkin spice syrup to the cold brew if desired, stirring to combine.
4. **Top with Pumpkin Cream:** Gently spoon or pipe the dairy-free pumpkin cream on top of the cold brew.
5. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, a drizzle of pumpkin spice syrup, or a cinnamon stick.
6. **Serve and Enjoy!** Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade dairy-free pumpkin cream cold brew!
## Tips and Tricks for the Best Dairy-Free Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
* **Use High-Quality Coffee:** The quality of your coffee beans will significantly impact the flavor of your cold brew. Opt for freshly roasted, high-quality beans for the best results.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** The amount of sugar in the pumpkin spice syrup and the amount of syrup you add to the cream and cold brew can be adjusted to your personal preference. Start with less and add more as needed.
* **Experiment with Non-Dairy Milks:** Different non-dairy milks will produce slightly different results. Oat milk tends to be the creamiest and frothiest, while almond milk is lighter and has a more subtle flavor. Soy milk is another good option, offering a neutral flavor and good frothing capabilities.
* **Don’t Overwhip the Cream:** Be cautious when whipping the dairy-free cream, as it can become grainy if overwhipped. Stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form.
* **Make Ahead:** You can make the cold brew coffee, pumpkin spice syrup, and even the pumpkin cream ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to assemble a quick and delicious pumpkin cream cold brew whenever you’re craving one.
* **Add a Pinch of Salt:** A tiny pinch of salt to the pumpkin spice syrup can enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
* **Get Creative with Garnishes:** Elevate your pumpkin cream cold brew with fun and festive garnishes. Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dusting of cocoa powder, a cinnamon stick, or even a small piece of gingerbread.
* **Infuse your cold brew :** Consider adding spices like cinnamon sticks or star anise directly into the cold brew steeping process for an elevated flavor.
## Variations and Adaptations
This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking! Here are a few variations and adaptations you can try:
* **Spicy Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pumpkin spice syrup for a hint of heat.
* **Chocolate Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew:** Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the pumpkin spice syrup or drizzle chocolate syrup into the glass before adding the cold brew.
* **Caramel Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew:** Add a drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce to the glass or stir it into the cold brew.
* **Vanilla Bean Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew:** Use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract for a more intense vanilla flavor.
* **Lower Sugar Version:** Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the pumpkin spice syrup.
* **Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte:** If you prefer a latte, use espresso instead of cold brew and steam your dairy-free milk before adding the pumpkin spice syrup and topping with dairy-free pumpkin cream.
* **Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Float:** Add a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream to your pumpkin cream cold brew for an extra indulgent treat.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
(Assuming Oat Milk and standard sugar quantities)
* **Calories:** Approximately 200-250 per serving
* **Fat:** 8-12g
* **Saturated Fat:** 2-4g
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40g
* **Sugar:** 25-35g
* **Protein:** 1-2g
## Serving Suggestions
This dairy-free pumpkin cream cold brew is perfect for:
* **A cozy fall breakfast:** Pair it with a slice of pumpkin bread or a dairy-free muffin.
* **An afternoon pick-me-up:** Enjoy it as a refreshing and energizing treat on a warm autumn day.
* **A festive dessert:** Serve it after dinner as a light and flavorful dessert.
* **Sharing with friends:** Make a batch for your next fall gathering or potluck.
## Conclusion
This dairy-free pumpkin cream cold brew recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of fall without the dairy. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a coffee shop-worthy drink in the comfort of your own home. So, grab your ingredients, get brewing, and savor the taste of autumn in every sip! This recipe is not just about a drink; it’s about embracing the season and creating joyful moments, one delicious cold brew at a time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own! Happy brewing!