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Love it or loathe it, pumpkin spice is the undisputed flavor of fall.
From the moment the air starts to get a bit crisper in late September until well after the last Thanksgiving leftovers have been downed, one thing is clear during this special time of the year: Pumpkin spice season is always in full effect!
In coffee and donut shops, bakeries and supermarket seasonal displays, the classic pumpkin pie spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves has found its way into every food imaginable. It’s a $500 million a year industry, and one that fuels the launch of hundreds, if not thousands, of new products annually. Scientists have even studied the “pumpkin spice phenomenon” and say there’s a reason we clamor for this inviting and omnipresent flavor.
READ MORE: Our Favorite Pumpkin Recipes
“After a hot, humid summer, it’s natural to have a craving for flavors that are associated with a different season,” says Pamela Dalton, Ph.D, a researcher with Philadelphia’s Monell Chemical Senses Center, an institute dedicated to the study of taste and smell. “The advent of fall often brings about the desire for flavors and scents associated with nostalgia, warmth, harvest, and the spices we use when making typical fall dishes,” she explains.
Pumpkin spice matches all those criteria.
And yet, as beloved and widespread as the flavor is — in everything from coffee to decadent baked goods and cupcakes to pies — keep something else in mind: It’s not the only delicious, seasonal fall flavor out there.
In fact, fall ushers in all sorts of fantastic flavors, ones that scream harvest and bountiful deliciousness…and that also don’t get nearly as much attention or respect as they should. These flavors can be an ideal complement to any ongoing love affair with pumpkin spice. But they’re also a fantastic alternative for when you’re in the mood for something a bit different — a snack or dessert that carries the vibe and unique wonder of autumn, yet also packs its own distinctive twist.
Here are five of our favorites — each of which deserves a place next to pumpkin spice on every fall-inspired menu.
Maple
With its deep, rich sweetness and woodsy, earthy undertones, maple is an ideal alternative to the sometimes cloying taste of pumpkin spice everything. Sure, an essential like Grade-A Pure Maple Syrup might make you think of pancakes and waffles at a weekend brunch, but this vibrant flavor is about much more than just breakfast.
READ MORE: How to Make Waffles With Pancake Mix
For instance, it’s great with vegetables. Drizzle maple syrup over roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a sweet-savory glaze. You can also stir maple into marinades for meats like pork or chicken, creating a sweet and slightly smoky flavor that’s perfect for the grill. And, of course, in everything from Buttercream Frosted Maple Sugar Cookies to Maple-Glazed Sweet Rolls, this rich concentrate is ideal for baking. Swap it for sugar in homemade muffins, scones, or oatmeal cookies. Or, simply infuse it into whipped cream or butter and pile it high on whatever delight you’re about to dig into.
Raspberry
Bright, juicy red berries often conjure images of the spring and summer months. But a surprising number of raspberry bushes actually yield their largest bounties during the cool months of fall. This makes raspberry an ideal seasonal alternative to pumpkin spice, especially if you’re in the mood for vibrant flavors that are tart, sweet, and a tad sharp and acidic.
Pick up a mocha raspberry coffee and use those grounds in place of the pumpkin-flavored ones for your next homemade frothy latte. You can also stir raspberries into fall-inspired oatmeal and yogurt parfaits. Or, toss a handful into any cake or muffin batter before baking. Raspberries are incredible in desserts too, from cheesecake to cookies to Oregon Berry Pie.
And these luscious berries even have a place in snacking and savory garnishes. Dip chips into a zippy Raspberry Chardonnay Salsa. Pair lush Red Raspberry Preserves with cheese or crusty bread. Or, reduce fresh raspberries into a sauce that you can then ladle over crispy roast duck or pork. Delish!
Bourbon
With its smoky, vanilla-laden sweetness and undertones of oak, caramel, and char, bourbon is the “adult” version of pumpkin spice. It’s bold, smooth, and slightly bitter — making it the ideal flavor to conjure visions of cozy evenings and roaring fires. And you can enjoy it in so many ways beyond straight, on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail.
Unlike pumpkin spice, bourbon can be the centerpiece of any fall-inspired feast. You might serve up beautifully broiled Bourbon-Peppercorn Marinated Steaks. Or, simply douse the meat of your choice with Kentucky Bourbon Barbecue Sauce before or after grilling. Simpler entrees like a meatloaf or seafood can be paired with Bourbon Baked Beans.
And, if you’re still in the mood for something truly sumptuous, bourbon is ideal for desserts of all types. Add it to homemade pecan pies or bread pudding. Or, just dig into your special stash of Bourbon Caramels or Beer and Bourbon Liquor Peanuts — they’re alcohol free and infinitely snackable!
Salted caramel
Savory brown butters, butterscotch, and brown sugar are all packed with the robust, intense flavor of fall. But if you really want to enjoy the lavish, smooth, and rich trifecta of “rich, sweet, and salty,” you can’t go wrong with salted caramel — one of the truest tastes of fall out there.
READ MORE: The Psychology of Fall Flavors
Made by cooking sugar until it melts and turns golden brown — or caramelizes — and then adding butter, cream, and a sprinkle of salt, salted caramel is luxurious, velvety, and ideal on everything from fresh apples to cakes and pies, and a whole lot more. Drizzle a homemade or premade caramel sauce over freshly baked tarts or apple crisps. (It’s a game changer on top of bread pudding!) You can also mix salted caramel sauce into whipped cream or use it as a filling for cupcakes or macarons. Swirl it onto brownies or, if you’re not up for baking, stir some into your steaming cup of morning coffee or hot cocoa.
Some vegetables even love a touch of caramel. Use it to glaze roasted carrots or parsnips, or toss a bit in with cooked sweet potatoes or corn.
And, of course, caramel is at its best as a sweet candy treat. Indulge in decadent Sea Salt Caramels, rich Belgian Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, a savory salted caramel ice cream, or a classic like Caramel Moose Munch Premium Popcorn.
Pear
When you think about fall tree fruits, apples are the obvious choice. They’re crisp and sweet, and shine in everything from Apple Spice Cake and Dutch Caramel Apple Pie to delightful spreads like Apple Butter and Brandied Apple Cider Jelly. But for a truly spectacular fall flavor that’s seasonal and celebrates fall harvest, you can’t go wrong with pears!
Pears, and the unparalleled Royal Riviera Pears in particular, are juicy, floral, sweet, and buttery. They’re the epitome of fall flavor and all the joy and nostalgia the season brings. Bite into your favorite pear varieties by the handful, serve them with a mix of classic meats and cheeses, or chop ’em up and add them to salads. (Pears are incredible with arugula, walnuts, and blue cheese, for example.) You can also spread this fall flavor on biscuits or toast with Royal Riviera Pear Butter or preserves. Or, roast some fresh pears with honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a simple breakfast or quick and easy dessert.
For something a bit more elevated, try your hand at a homemade pear tart or crisp. Or, simply skip the kitchen entirely and just relax and unwind with a glass of sparkling Royal Riviera Pear Cider and a pear-scented candle. Talk about a fall delight.
So, sorry, pumpkin spice. With flavors like these growing in popularity and appreciation, your days at the top may be numbered.
AUTHOR
Brian Good is a writer, editor, and project manager with more than 20 years experience in publishing. He's written for some of the country’s biggest magazine brands including Men’s Journal, Men’s Fitness, Shape, Men's Health, Muscle & Fitness, US Weekly, AARP: The Magazine, and websites including Mashed, Health Digest, DiversityInc and others. Good specializes on topics including lifestyle, travel, pop culture, health, food and nutrition, spirits, products, politics, and activism.