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Healthy (& vegan!) Pumpkin Spice Latte

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a healthy vegan pumpkin spice latte with a cinnamon stick on top.

Learn how to make the best vegan pumpkin spice latte at home! Better (and cheaper) than Starbucks, my pumpkin spice latte recipe is delicious, completely vegan, and refined sugar-free.

vegan pumpkin spice latte being poured into a mug

Ahh, the pumpkin spice latte. It’s perhaps the most beloved beverage of the Fall season, and for good reason! It’s deliciously sweet and spicy, and cozying up with one on a cool Fall day just feels right. People seem to really love the Starbucks version, but it’s loaded with sugar, sodium, preservatives and other ingredients, which you can see here. It’s also super expensive (almost $6 for a venti), so making this healthier version at home just seems like the better option!

What You’ll Need to Make a Healthy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte

  • Milk: Regular milk works fine, but I used almond milk. Check out the section below for alternative dairy options.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Sweet and savory, pumpkin puree plays a starring role in Thanksgiving desserts and drinks, including this fall-favorite latte. Make sure you’re buying pure pumpkin puree, and not pumpkin pie filling!
  • Maple Syrup: My pumpkin spice latte recipe only uses natural maple syrup to sweeten it, instead of refined sugars.
  • Vanilla Extract: Many recipes do not call for vanilla, but to me, it’s a must for added depth of flavor.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Pumpkin pie spice is a delicious combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, an allspice that works really well with this recipe.
  • Espresso or Strong Coffee: If you need a major boost to get you going in the morning, I definitely suggest making this with 2 shots of espresso, but brewed, strong coffee works fine too!
two pumpkin spice lattes in mugs with a mini pumpkin on the side.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Make it Dairy-Free: You can use regular milk if you’d like, but for this recipe I used almond milk. Others prefer coconut milk or oatmilk – the choice is yours!
  • Make it Caffeine-Free: If you need caffeine-free, use your favorite strong decaf variety.

Tips on Making Pumpkin Spice Latte

  • You can use granulated organic sugar instead of maple syrup if you don’t want to go the refined sugar-free route. 
  • If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can use ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch each of nutmeg, ground ginger and ground cloves.
overhead image of two pumpkin spice lattes with cinnamon sticks on top.
5 from 1 vote

Pumpkin Spice Latte (Vegan, Refined Sugar-Free)

Learn how to make the best vegan pumpkin spice latte at home! Better (and cheaper) than Starbucks, my vegan pumpkin spice latte recipe is delicious, much easier and quicker to make, and completely vegan and refined sugar-free.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk I used almond milk
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or any liquid sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 shots espresso or ½ cup hot coffee

Instructions

  • Heat milk in a small saucepan over low heat.
  • Once simmering, add in the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds or until frothy then remove from heat.
  • Divide the espresso or coffee between two mugs, then pour the pumpkin-spiced milk over the top.

Notes

  • Optional: top it off with vegan whipped cream or a cinnamon stick!

    • Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving

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    30 Minutes or Less

    Crunchy No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

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    close-up image of crunchy peanut butter balls.

    Crunchy peanut butter balls covered in chocolate! Perfectly sweet, surprisingly healthy, and super easy to make. This no-bake dessert is the perfect summer treat when it’s too hot to turn on the oven!

    crunchy peanut butter balls stacked on parchment paper with milk on the side.

    What You’ll Need to Make Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls

    Creamy Peanut Butter – Unsweetened, creamy peanut butter is the base of this easy dessert recipe. Check your peanut butter labels closely and make sure it doesn’t contain any sugar! Added sugar in the peanut butter would totally throw off the sweetness in this recipe. For unsweetened peanut butter, I love both Trader Joe’s and Teddie’s brand.

    Maple Syrup – Really any liquid sweetener will work in these peanut butter balls. Maple syrup, along with honey and date syrup, are the three least processed options which is why I always use and recommend them. Though is you don’t have those, you can use agave nectar instead. Or, for a sugar-free dessert option, check the “Make it Sugar-Free” section below!

    Almond Flour – This gluten-free, low-carb flour is one of my favorites! It’s healthy, super easy to find, and virtually flavorless. The almond flour is also super helpful in holding these dessert balls together, so don’t go without it.

    Crispy Rice Cereal – One cup of crispy rice cereal gives these peanut butter balls their unexpected crunch! Feel free to use whichever brand you like best. Or, for an even healthier option, use one cup of puffed quinoa instead.

    overhead image of crunchy peanut butter balls on an upside-down pie pan.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Don’t feel like dipping in chocolate? Save major time and energy my melting the chocolate, then simply drizzling over the top of each ball!
    • For an extra salty plus sweet combo, finish off these crunchy no-bake peanut butter balls with a pinch of flaky sea salt! A bit of salt balances out the sweetness, and adds an extra layer of crunch.
    • These treats are best stored in the refrigerator! The freezer works too, but the fridge helps them hold their shape while also maintaining their crunchiness. But whatever you do, don’t store them at room-temperature, and especially not in the summertime because they will melt!
    a stack of no-bake peanut butter balls, one with a bite taken out.

    Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Nut-Free: For a nut-free no-bake dessert, sub sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter and 3 tablespoons of coconut flour in place of the almond flour! Still just as delicious, and totally nut-free friendly.

    Make it Sugar-Free: Replace the maple syrup in this recipe with your favorite liquid sugar-free sweetener.

    Crunchy No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
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    Crunchy No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

    5 from 3 votes
    Recipe by Samantha Course: Dessert, SnacksDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    16

    balls
    Prep time

    15

    minutes
    Cooking time

    0

    minutes
    Total time

    10

    minutes

    Crunchy peanut butter balls covered in chocolate! Perfectly sweet, surprisingly healthy, and super easy to make. This no-bake dessert is the perfect summer treat when it’s too hot to turn on the oven!

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup creamy peanut butter, unsweetened

    • 1/3 cup maple syrup

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    • 1/2 cup almond flour

    • 1 cup crispy rice cereal

    • For dipping/drizzling:

    • 1 cup chocolate chips

    • 1 teaspoon coconut oil

    Directions

    • Mix together the creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
    • Add in almond flour and crispy rice cereal, mix to combine.
    • Scoop and roll tablespoon-sized balls of the peanut butter ball mixture between the palms of your hands. Repeat this process until no more mixture remains, should make about 12 crunchy peanut butter balls.
    • Place balls in freezer for 10-15 minutes, and add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a small bowl. Microwave chocolate in 30 second increments until fully melted.
    • Once crunchy peanut butter balls are chilled, dip or drizzle with melted chocolate before placing back in the freezer. Freeze for at least 10 minutes before eating, then store in the fridge.

    Recipe Video

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    30 Minutes or Less

    Asian Cucumber Salad

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    spiralized cucumber being lifted off a plate of asian cucumber salad

    Cool and refreshing Asian cucumber salad! Full of flavor, and easy to throw together in a few simple steps. The perfect side dish or healthy lunch recipe.

    overhead image of asian cucumber salad on a plate with a spoon

    What You’ll Need To Make Asian Cucumber Salad

    Mini Cucumbers – Six mini seedless cucumbers are the star of this recipe. I cut mine into fun little spirals for my salad, but you can simply slice them instead. If slicing, I recommend a mandolin to help slice the cucumbers as thin as possible.

    Fresh Ginger – Fresh ginger goes a long way in this Asian cucumber salad! Start by cutting about a 1-inch piece from a knob of whole ginger. Then, peel your ginger with either a spoon or a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, run the ginger along a microplane or the fine side of a box grater.

    Rice Vinegar – For a hint of acidity, rice vinegar tastes best. However, if you don’t have any, feel free to use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in its place.

    Sriracha – While optional, I recommend a tiny drop of sriracha to round out the flavors in this recipe. For a mild version, start with just 1/2 teaspoon. Or, for a spicy Asian cucumber salad, add upwards of 1-2 teaspoons.

    close-up image of asian cucumber salad on a plate

    How to Cut Cucumbers

    1. Cut 1/4-inch of each end of a mini cucumber.
    2. Place two chopsticks on either side of the cucumber.
    3. Then, make thin (about 1/8-inch) diagonal cuts along the cucumber, stopping when your knife hits the chopsticks.
    4. Flip cucumber over and make the same exact cuts, in the same direction, on the other side.
    5. Lastly, cut each the cucumber in half, then add them to a bowl for this recipe!

    Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Gluten-Free: For a 100% gluten-free Asian cucumber salad, use tamari in place of the soy sauce. Tamari tastes just like soy sauce, but unlike soy sauce, is certified gluten-free!

    Make it Vegan: Use maple syrup in place of the honey for a completely vegan side dish.

    Asian Cucumber Salad
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    Asian Cucumber Salad

    3 from 45 votes
    Recipe by Samantha Course: SidesCuisine: AsianDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    4

    servings
    Prep time

    5

    minutes
    Cooking time

    0

    minutes
    Total time

    5

    minutes

    Cool and refreshing Asian cucumber salad! Full of flavor, and easy to throw together in a few simple steps. The perfect side dish or healthy lunch recipe.

    Ingredients

    • 6 mini cucumbers, spiralized (see Notes) or thinly sliced

    • 1 teaspoon salt

    • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated

    • 1 garlic clove, peeled and grated

    • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

    • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

    • 1 teaspoon sriracha, optional

    • 3 scallions, thinly sliced

    • pinch of sesame seeds

    Directions

    • Place cucumber in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt, then let sit for 10-15 minutes while you make the dressing.
    • Whisk together the ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sriracha in a small bowl.
    • Check on the cucumbers, and drain the water that’s gathered at the bottom of the bowl.
    • Add dressing, scallions, and sesame seeds to the cucumbers and toss to coat. Either serve immediately or let marinate in the fridge for a few hours.

    Notes

    • How to Cut “Spiralized” Cucumber: Cut off each end of a cucumber, then place two chopsticks on either long side of the cucumber. Then, make thin diagonal cuts along the cucumber, stopping when your knife hits the chopsticks. Flip cucumber over and make the same cuts on the other side. Last, slice each cucumber in half, now they’re ready for this recipe!

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    Desserts

    Easy Peach Crisp (One-Bowl!)

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    overhead image of peach crisp in a pie dish with ice cream on top and milk on the side.

    A delicious peach crisp loaded with fresh fruit, and an easy crump topping. Loaded with simple, good-for-you ingredients, a dessert so healthy you could even eat it for breakfast! Perfectly sweet, best served warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream – YUM.

    peach crisp in a pie dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

    What You’ll Need To Make Peach Crisp

    Peaches – Use fresh, not frozen peaches for this easy crisp recipe! Slice each peach in half, remove the pit, then slice them into 1/4-inch pieces. Either leave the skin on or peel them before slicing, it’s up to you!

    Corn Starch – Corn starch, arrowroot starch, or tapioca starch will all work in the filling of this recipe. A tablespoon of either thickening agent will help the filling stick together.

    Rolled Oats – Any type of rolled oats will work! The only oats you should avoid are steel-cut and/or Irish oats. Or, for a paleo version of this recipe, replace the oats with extra almond flour and chopped nuts!

    peach crisp in a bowl with vanilla ice cream on top.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Let the peach crisp cool for 5-10 minutes before serving! This’ll give the filling enough time to set, and prevent those peach juice from running out when served. Also, don’t forget to serve it with a big ole’ scoop of cold vanilla ice cream – it’s simply the BEST!

    Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Paleo: For a paleo fruit crisp, use arrowroot starch instead of corn starch in the filling, and replace the rolled oats with an extra 1/4 cup almond flour plus 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.

    Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is already gluten-free! However, to ensure no traces of gluten in your peach crisp, be sure to use a gluten-free certified corn starch as well as gluten-free certified rolled oats.

    Easy Peach Crisp (One-Bowl!)
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    Easy Peach Crisp (One-Bowl!)

    5 from 1 vote
    Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    8

    servings
    Prep time

    5

    minutes
    Cooking time

    30

    minutes
    Total time

    35

    minutes

    A delicious fruit crisp loaded with fresh peaches, and an easy crump topping. Loaded with simple, good-for-you ingredients, a dessert so healthy you could even eat it for breakfast! Perfectly sweet, best served warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream – YUM.

    Ingredients

    • For the filling:

    • 4-5 peaches, pitted, pitted, cut into 1/4-inch slices

    • 1 tablespoon corn starch

    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    • small pinch cinnamon

    • For the crumb topping:

    • 1/2 cup rolled oats

    • 1/2 cup almond flour

    • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

    • pinch of salt

    • 1/4 cup coconut oil, solid

    • 1/4 cup maple syrup

    Directions

    • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
    • Add all filling ingredients to a bowl and toss to coat peaches, then transfer to an 8×8-inch baking dish.
    • Add all crisp ingredient to a bowl and mix together until combined.
    • Sprinkle topping over filling and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

    Recipe Video

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    Desserts

    Gluten-Free S’mores Bars

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    a s'mores bar being pulled apart.

    These s’mores bars are something else! A buttery graham cracker base followed by a lush layer of chocolate is topped off with toasty marshmallows. These s’mores bars will blow you away with how delicious and addictive they are – all while gluten-free!

    gluten-free s'mores bars stacked on top of each other.

    What You Need To Make S’mores Bars

    Oat Flour – You can either purchase oat flour from the store or easily make it yourself at home. To make oat flour, start by adding 1 and 1/2 cups of rolled oats to a blender or food processor. Then, blend the oats for a few seconds or until ground into a powder. Once ground, you now have oat flour to use in this gluten-free recipe!

    Chocolate Chips – Any chocolate chips or even a chopped chocolate bar will work in these s’mores bars. I used the Enjoy Life Mini Chips since they are vegan and nut-free, though you can use any vegan chocolate you’d like. And if you’re not vegan, feel free to use whatever chocolate you have on-hand! (P.S. you should always have chocolate on-hand.)

    Marshmallows – I prefer mini marshmallows for simply how cute and satisfying they look all lined up on top of these s’mores bars. However, the standard size marshmallows will work just fine. The key to perfectly toasty and golden brown marshmallows is sticking them under the broiler for about 1 minute. It’s super important you keep an eye on the bars during this final trip in the oven, as the broiler has a tendency to burn things in literal seconds. Therefore, watch your vegan marshmallow-y treats and pull them out once they’ve achieved your desired level of toasty-ness!

    close-up overhead image of s'mores bars.

    Adjust This Recipe To Your Diet

    Don’t Have Oat Flour? If you don’t have oats and/or oat flour, you can replace it with an equal amount of either brown rice flour or all purpose flour in this recipe.

    Add Dairy: Use regular melted butter in place of the vegan butter in this recipe.

    s'mores bars on a baking sheet with graham crackers on the side.

    Tips For Making S’mores Bars

    • Be sure to leave the bars to cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes after you take them out of the oven! These s’mores bars are surprisingly delicate, so leaving them to cool will ensure they stick together when handled.
    • Use a greased knife to quickly and easily slice the bars. To do this, take a sharp knife and either spray it with spray cooking oil or drizzle it with some coconut oil. Once greased, cut into the bars and wipe down the knife between each slice!
    • I highly recommend storing this vegan and gluten-free dessert in the fridge or freezer during the summer months. Due to the butter and chocolate, they are at risk of melting if left to sit out in too high of a temperate. Therefore, to avoid that risk, it’s best to just keep these babies in the fridge to enjoy them at your leisure!
    S'mores Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
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    S’mores Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

    5 from 3 votes
    Recipe by Samantha Russo Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    12

    bars
    Prep time

    10

    minutes
    Cooking time

    20

    minutes
    Total time

    30

    minutes

    These s’mores bars are something else! A buttery graham cracker base followed by a lush layer of chocolate is topped off with toasty marshmallows. These s’mores bars will blow you away with how delicious and addictive they are – all while being vegan and gluten-free!

    Ingredients

    • 1 1/4 cups oat flour, see Notes

    • 1/4 cup tapioca flour, or corn starch

    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

    • 1/4 cup maple syrup

    • 2 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted (I used vegan butter)

    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    • 1 cup chocolate chips

    • 2 cups marshmallows

    Directions

    • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
    • Mix together the oat flour, tapioca flour, and baking powder in a bowl.
    • Add in the maple syrup, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract, mix everything to combine.
    • Transfer to a lined 9×9 baking sheet, press into an even layer, then bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
    • Remove from the oven and sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips, then place back into the oven for 1 minute or until chocolate has melted.
    • Remove from the oven once more, spread the chocolate into an even layer, then top with marshmallows. Place in the oven on broil for 1 minute (watch closely to make sure it doesn’t burn!) or until marshmallows are lightly toasted.
    • Let cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

    Recipe Video

    Notes

    • Oat Flour: You can easily make your own oat flour by blending rolled oats in a blender until a powder forms and no large oat chunks remain!

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    More Delicious Vegan and Gluten-Free Desserts

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