When it’s not quite fall, but Pumpkin Spice is in the air, we get caught between two seasons here in North Carolina. It’s still too hot for dessert coffees, but wishful thinking has us longing for the sweaters and pumpkins and that ubiquitous Starbucks Frappuccino Pumpkin flavored sugar-laden drink that has 67 grams of carbs per 16-ounce serving. Let’s be honest. Did you ever order the small?  Yeah neither did I. 

Pumpkin Spice doesn’t have to be full of 67 grams of carbs (66 of those sugars).  You can simply brew coffee and pour it over ice, but that’s not the same. No, we need something more like a milkshake, don’t we?  Well c’mon over!  We’ve created it! 

This Frappe is thick and dreamy thanks to the coffee ice cubes. Yes, freezing the coffee into ice cubes creates an added step and some delayed gratification, but it’s completely worth the effort. Trust me!

Adding the pumpkin puree and heavy cream also help to thicken this reach coffee dessert. These also add some carbs, so feel free to omit one or the other or both. The frappe won’t be quite as thick and dreamy, but you can still enjoy the pumpkin spice flavors from the coffee or spices.

As for dairy-free creamer, there are some great sugar-free options now. We like the Milkadamia brand, Nutpods, or Califa. Just be sure to buy unsweetened as the content varies by flavor even within the same brand.

Last, use the flavors you love. We tend to like more pumpkin and less spice, so I only add cinnamon to pumpkin spice flavored coffee.  If you’re using plain coffee, you can add pumpkin spice seasoning or your own combination of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and nutmeg.

Pumpkin Spice Frappe

Makes 1 serving

1 cup strong brewed pumpkin spice coffee frozen into ice cubes
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (2.4 grams carbs)
4 drops liquid sweetener or 2 tablespoons powdered sweetener
2 tablespoons heavy cream (1.2 grams carbs)
1/3 cup dairy-free creamer or almond milk or coconut milk
(check your carton for carbs in the brand you use)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
dash cinnamon
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice (if using plain coffee)
Dash salt

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Pulse until well blended.  The frappe will be thick.

Pour into a tall glass to enjoy. You can garnish with a dollop of fresh cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon or cloves or a pretty paper straw.