By the end of August, it’s everywhere: pumpkin spice muffins, pancakes, lattes, bagels, breads and everything else you can imagine. Even candles and soaps take on saffron hues and cinnamon scents. But what if your kids just aren’t into pumpkin spice? Not to worry. There are plenty of other wholesome fall flavors they will love. Here are our tasty alternatives.
peanut butter
Fall baking flavors tend to be rich and substantial, so peanut butter is a perfect fit, and a kid favorite. Try it in cupcakes, cakes, frostings, cookies, dessert bars, homemade ice creams and fudge.
Try making: peanut butter-chocolate cupcakes
penuche
Normally made as a type of fudge, penuche doubles as a tangy fall dessert flavor in other ways. Made with brown sugar, butter and milk, it’s a delicious base for icing. Its caramel-like flavor can be enhanced with pecans or walnuts, and it goes well with kids’ favorite cookie and cake recipes featuring chocolate or banana.
Try making: penuche-iced cookies
fall vegetables
Squash is a good baking substitute for pumpkin, and has just as much color and flavor. Butternut, acorn and spaghetti squash make delicious breads, muffins and sweet casseroles that all ages will love. Zucchini and carrots are great for sweet breads and muffins (and your kids will get in their veggies for the day)!
Try making: vegetable muffins
fall fruits
If your kids like moist, dense muffins and breads, consider recipes with rich fall fruits like apples, pears and figs instead of pumpkin. Apples are available all year, but they’re especially flavorful from September to November. Pears pair well with nuts and caramel in fall desserts, and figs are popular in European recipes. Bananas also make rich, flavorful breads and cakes.
Try making: baked pears with almonds and cinnamon