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Pumpkin Apple Cider with Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, soul-warming drink to usher in the crisp days of fall, you’ve hit the jackpot. I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Apple Cider with Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe brings together the best flavors of the season—think velvety pumpkin, sweet apple cider, and a whipped cream topping that’s kissed with cinnamon magic. Trust me, once you try this, it quickly becomes a go-to for chilly mornings or relaxed evenings by the fire.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Seasonal Comfort: It perfectly captures those beloved fall spices and pumpkin flavors everyone craves.
  • Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, no fancy gadgets required, so anyone can whip it up at home.
  • Family Favorite: My crew goes nuts for this — it’s a total crowd-pleaser, whether kids or adults.
  • Versatile: Add your favorite whisky or apple liqueur for an adult twist or keep it pure and cozy without.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here happens when simple, everyday ingredients come together beautifully. I always recommend using fresh apple cider — it makes a world of difference in flavor and freshness. And don’t skip the canned pumpkin; it adds that rich, creamy texture that feels just like fall in a cup.

  • Granulated sugar: For sweetening the whipped cream and balancing the spices perfectly.
  • Ground cinnamon: A must-have fall spice, provides warmth and depth, both in the cider and whipped cream.
  • Heavy whipping cream: Look for fresh cream for the best texture and to whip up to soft peaks nicely.
  • Apple cider: The base of this drink — pick a high-quality, unfiltered kind if you can for more vibrant flavor.
  • Canned pumpkin: Simple canned pumpkin puree works wonders here; no need for pumpkin pie filling.
  • Ground ginger, nutmeg, and clove: These spices round out the flavor profile with a lovely spice blend that’s just right.
  • Apple slices and cinnamon sticks (for garnish): Not just pretty, they add aroma and a tasty nibble alongside your drink.
  • Optional spirits (bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur): For those looking to turn this into an autumn cocktail.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to think of this recipe as a fun canvas where you can get a little creative. Sometimes I swap out cinnamon for a pinch of cardamom in the whipped cream for a spicy twist, or skip the pumpkin and just add a splash of maple syrup if I’m short on time. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spices to match your flavor vibe.

  • Spiced Maple Twist: Adding a teaspoon of real maple syrup gives a natural sweetness that’s super cozy. I stumbled on this one after forgetting pumpkin and loved the results!
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a luscious whipped topping without dairy; it holds up well and tastes amazing.
  • Adult Beverage: A splash of bourbon or apple brandy makes this feel festive and warm — perfect for weekend gatherings.
  • Less Sweet: If you prefer less sugar, just cut down on the sugar in the whipped cream; the cider and pumpkin bring plenty of natural sweetness.

How to Make Pumpkin Apple Cider with Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cinnamon-Spiced Cream

Start by mixing 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a small dish—that’s your cinnamon sugar blend. Using an electric mixer, whisk 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of this cinnamon sugar until soft peaks form. A helpful tip: start on low speed to avoid sugar flying everywhere, then crank it up as the cream thickens. Once you’re at soft peaks, stop—over-beating leads to butter, which we definitely don’t want here!

Step 2: Heat the Pumpkin Apple Cider

Next, grab a medium saucepan and pour in 3 cups of apple cider. Add 1/2 cup canned pumpkin and sprinkle in the warm spices: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and just a pinch of clove. Whisk everything together. Turn the heat to medium and gently warm the mixture, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling—just aim for a nice hot temperature so all those flavors meld perfectly. This is where the aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and trust me, that smell alone is worth the effort.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Once your cider is hot, ladle it into heatproof mugs. This part is fun because you can make it cozy however you like. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur for a spirited kick. Then, dollop a generous spoonful of your cinnamon-spiced whipped cream on top. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar blend over the cream for that extra cinnamon crunch. Finish with pretty apple slices and a cinnamon stick garnish—not just for looks, but the cinnamon stick doubles as a stirring stick! Your pumpkin apple cider is ready to warm you from the inside out.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Apple Cider with Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe

  • Use Quality Cider: Fresh, unfiltered apple cider elevates the drink’s flavor—avoid overly sweet or processed varieties.
  • Pumpkin Purée Matters: Stick with plain canned pumpkin, not pie filling, to control sweetness and spice perfectly.
  • Whip Cream to Soft Peaks: That’s the sweet spot for fluffy texture that holds its shape without becoming grainy.
  • Don’t Boil the Cider: High heat can dull fresh flavors and cause separation, so warm gently for best taste and texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Apple Cider with Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe

The image shows two clear glass mugs filled with a warm brown drink topped with a dollop of whipped cream that looks soft and creamy. Each mug has a cinnamon stick standing upright in the whipped cream for decoration. The mugs sit on a dark wooden table with a soft orange cloth loosely spread around them, adding a cozy feel. Behind the mugs, there is a glass jar filled with cinnamon sticks, and in the background, a warm lit candle glows softly next to a decorative item with a blue and orange pattern. The entire scene rests on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for simple garnishes because they make a drink feel extra special without extra fuss. Crisp apple slices add a burst of fresh flavor and a pretty contrast. I always add a cinnamon stick—not only does it look fantastic, but it subtly infuses more cinnamon aroma as you sip and doubles as a stirrer. For holiday flair, a small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary works beautifully, too.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin apple cider pairs beautifully with any warm, spiced pastries you love. Think a cinnamon roll, gingerbread biscuit, or pumpkin muffins. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside sharp cheddar and crusty bread for a quick snack that feels indulgent. It’s basically an open invitation to cozy, relaxed evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this drink layered in clear glass mugs so the creamy whipped topping looks like a fluffy cloud sitting on the rich cider below. Adding a dash of edible gold dust to the whipped cream was a showstopper at my last autumn dinner party! You can also rim the mugs with cinnamon sugar for an elegant touch that gets everyone excited before they even take a sip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

We almost never have leftovers, but if you do, store the cider separately from the whipped cream in airtight containers. The cider keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before reheating to bring back its consistency.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the whipped cream because it loses its texture, but the apple cider with pumpkin can be frozen in individual portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat gently before serving. Just remember to stir well to recombine the spices and pumpkin.

Reheating

Warm your leftover cider slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid scorching. It’s better to warm gently so those beautiful autumn flavors stay fresh. Once hot, top with freshly whipped cinnamon-spiced cream for the best experience.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Pumpkin Apple Cider with Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe vegan?

    Absolutely! Swap the heavy whipping cream for chilled coconut cream or another non-dairy whipping cream alternative. Use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar if you want to keep it vegan-friendly. The cider and pumpkin base stay the same and still taste delicious.

  2. What’s the best way to store the cinnamon-spiced whipped cream?

    Keep the whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 1–2 days for the best texture and flavor. Before using, you might need to re-whip it briefly to refresh the peaks.

  3. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

    Yes, but you’ll need to roast and puree fresh pumpkin first. Make sure it’s cooked until soft and smooth. Canned pumpkin is convenient and consistent in texture and flavor, which is why I usually recommend it.

  4. How do I make this drink spiked for adults?

    After heating the cider but before adding the whipped cream, stir in a splash of bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur—about 1 to 2 ounces per serving depending on your preference. It’s an instant cozy cocktail!

  5. Is it possible to prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

    You can prepare the cinnamon sugar blend and the cider base in advance and refrigerate them. Whip the cream fresh just before serving to keep it light and fluffy. This makes entertaining way easier!

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Apple Cider with Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe is one of those cozy kitchen gems that I love sharing because it brings people together. It’s approachable, comforting, and packs all the best fall flavors into a mug. Whether you’re serving it for a quiet night in or impressing friends with an autumn gathering, I hope this becomes your new seasonal favorite. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it year after year, just like I do!

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Pumpkin Apple Cider with Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 603 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A cozy and flavorful Pumpkin Apple Cider recipe that combines warm apple cider with pumpkin puree and festive spices. Topped with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream and garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks, this comforting drink is perfect for fall and holiday gatherings. Optionally spiked with bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur for an adult twist.


Ingredients

Scale

Whipping Cream / Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Cider:

  • 3 cups apple cider
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • pinch ground clove

Additional Garnish:

  • apple slices
  • cinnamon sticks

Optional:

  • bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare cinnamon sugar: In a small dish, combine 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This mixture will be split for both the whipped cream and garnish.
  2. Make cinnamon-spiced whipped cream: Using an electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture until soft peaks form. Set aside.
  3. Heat the cider mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together 3 cups apple cider, 1/2 cup canned pumpkin, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground clove. Heat the mixture until it’s hot but not boiling.
  4. Serve: Ladle the hot pumpkin apple cider into heatproof mugs. Optionally add a splash of bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur for an adult version of the drink.
  5. Garnish and enjoy: Top each mug with the cinnamon-spiced whipped cream, sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture, and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick for an extra festive touch.

Notes

  • Use canned pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling for the best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust spices to taste, you can add more or less cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger based on your preference.
  • To make it a cocktail, add bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur sparingly to avoid overpowering the flavors.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the optional liquor.
  • Whipped cream can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 20 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

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