Skinny Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee: Guilt-Free Fall Flavor

Fall is synonymous with pumpkin spice, and for good reason! That warm, comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves just screams cozy. But indulging in those classic pumpkin spice lattes can quickly derail your healthy eating goals. That’s where this Skinny Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee comes in. It’s a delicious, refreshing, and guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite fall flavor all season long.

This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of pumpkin spice without the excess sugar and calories. We’ve swapped out traditional sugary syrups and heavy cream for healthier alternatives, creating a drink that’s both satisfying and good for you.

Why You’ll Love This Skinny Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee

* **Guilt-Free Indulgence:** Enjoy all the flavor of pumpkin spice without the calorie overload.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your liking.
* **Refreshing:** Perfect for those warm fall days when you still crave a cool drink.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Skip the expensive coffee shop drinks and make your own at home.
* **Versatile:** Can be enjoyed year-round, not just during the fall season.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Skinny Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee:

* **Strong Brewed Coffee:** The base of our drink. Use your favorite coffee beans and brew it strong. You can use regular or decaf.
* **Pumpkin Puree:** Adds that signature pumpkin flavor and a creamy texture. Make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
* **Pumpkin Pie Spice:** The star of the show! This blend of spices is what gives our drink that warm, comforting flavor. You can buy pre-made pumpkin pie spice or make your own (recipe below).
* **Milk of Choice:** We’re using unsweetened almond milk to keep the calories down, but you can use any milk you prefer. Oat milk, soy milk, or even skim milk are all great options.
* **Sweetener of Choice:** To keep this recipe skinny, we’re using a calorie-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol. You can also use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar, but keep in mind that these will add calories and sugar.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the flavor of the pumpkin spice and adds a touch of sweetness.
* **Ice:** To keep our coffee nice and cold!
* **Optional Toppings:** Whipped cream (light or dairy-free), cinnamon, nutmeg, or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for garnish.

### Ingredient Substitutions:

* **Coffee:** Cold brew coffee concentrate can be used for an even stronger coffee flavor.
* **Pumpkin Puree:** You could try using butternut squash puree, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Pumpkin Pie Spice:** If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves (see recipe below).
* **Milk:** Any milk alternative will work, such as cashew, coconut, or hemp milk.
* **Sweetener:** Experiment with different sweeteners to find what you like best.

## How to Make Skinny Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get started!

**Yields:** 1 serving
**Prep time:** 5 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
* 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
* 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
* 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
* 1-2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (stevia, erythritol, honey, maple syrup, etc.)
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup ice
* Optional toppings: Whipped cream (light or dairy-free), cinnamon, nutmeg, or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice

**Equipment:**

* Blender or shaker
* Glass or mug

**Instructions**

1. **Brew Your Coffee:** Brew a cup of strong coffee and let it cool completely. You can brew it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a blender or shaker, combine the cooled coffee, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, almond milk, sweetener, and vanilla extract.

3. **Blend or Shake:** Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If using a shaker, make sure the lid is tightly secured and shake vigorously until well combined.

4. **Add Ice:** Fill a glass or mug with ice.

5. **Pour and Enjoy:** Pour the pumpkin spice mixture over the ice.

6. **Top it Off (Optional):** Add your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

7. **Enjoy Immediately:** Stir well and enjoy your delicious and skinny pumpkin spice iced coffee!

## Tips for the Perfect Skinny Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee

* **Use High-Quality Coffee:** The better the coffee, the better the drink will taste. Choose your favorite coffee beans and brew them strong.
* **Don’t Overdo the Pumpkin Puree:** Too much pumpkin puree can make the drink taste gritty. Stick to the recommended amount.
* **Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking:** Start with a small amount of sweetener and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
* **Chill Your Coffee:** For an extra cold and refreshing drink, chill your coffee in the refrigerator before making the iced coffee.
* **Use a Good Blender or Shaker:** A high-quality blender will ensure that the ingredients are blended smoothly and evenly. A shaker is a great alternative if you don’t have a blender.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination. Some other ideas include chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle (sugar-free), or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
* **Make a Big Batch:** You can easily double or triple this recipe to make a larger batch for yourself or to share with friends.

## Variations and Customizations

This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking.

* **Extra Creamy:** Add a tablespoon of coconut cream or a splash of heavy cream for a richer, creamier drink.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
* **Chocolatey:** Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup (sugar-free) for a chocolate pumpkin spice iced coffee.
* **Vegan:** Use plant-based milk and whipped cream alternatives.
* **Warm Pumpkin Spice Latte:** If you prefer a warm drink, heat the milk and pumpkin spice mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until warm. Do not boil.
* **Pumpkin Spice Frappe:** Blend the ingredients with more ice for a frozen frappe.
* **Add Protein:** Add a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin spice protein powder for a protein-packed breakfast or snack.

## Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

If you don’t have pre-made pumpkin pie spice, you can easily make your own. Here’s a simple recipe:

**Ingredients:**

* 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
* 2 teaspoons ground ginger
* 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
* 1 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1 teaspoon ground cloves

**Instructions:**

1. Combine all the spices in a small bowl.
2. Whisk together until well combined.
3. Store in an airtight container.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Based on using unsweetened almond milk and stevia)

* Calories: Approximately 50-70
* Fat: 2-4g
* Saturated Fat: 0-1g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 50-100mg
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 1-3g (from pumpkin and milk)
* Protein: 1-2g

**Note:** Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

## Storing Leftovers

While this drink is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The ice will melt, so the drink may become watery. You can re-blend it with fresh ice before serving.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?**

A: Yes, you can use any milk you prefer. However, keep in mind that regular milk will add more calories and fat.

**Q: Can I use sugar instead of stevia?**

A: Yes, you can use sugar, but it will significantly increase the calorie and sugar content of the drink. If you’re trying to keep it skinny, stick to a calorie-free sweetener.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: You can brew the coffee ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to make the pumpkin spice mixture fresh for the best flavor.

**Q: Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?**

A: No, do not use pumpkin pie filling. It contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor of the drink. Use 100% pure pumpkin puree.

**Q: What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?**

A: You can make your own pumpkin pie spice by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves (see recipe above).

**Q: Can I add whipped cream?**

A: Yes, you can add whipped cream, but keep in mind that it will add calories and fat. Use light whipped cream or a dairy-free alternative to keep it skinny.

**Q: My drink is not sweet enough. What should I do?**

A: Add more sweetener to taste. Start with a small amount and add more until you reach your desired sweetness.

**Q: My drink is too thick. What should I do?**

A: Add more milk or coffee to thin it out.

## Conclusion

This Skinny Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall without sacrificing your health goals. It’s easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious. So, ditch the expensive coffee shop drinks and make your own at home. You’ll save money and calories while still enjoying your favorite seasonal treat. Enjoy!