10 Fall Flavor Combinations Better Than Pumpkin Spice

August 30, 2017
Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Fall is in full swing, and that familiar flavor, Pumpkin Spice, is back. The weather is cooler, sweaters come out of boxes, and those lattes are just calling your name. But we think many other flavors of the fall season deserve equal trending status. Seasonal foods like pears, nuts, and apples deserve a chance at the spotlight, as well as other spices, not just the mysterious pumpkin spice blend we all know. Here, some ideas and flavor combos to inspire your autumnal cooking, candles, and drinks.
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10 Fall Flavor Combinations Better Than Pumpkin Spice

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Pumpkin Spice

Sara Tane

When the calendar flips to September, stores start pulling out the pumpkin-spiced stops. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the options. Everything from sweet treats to hummus to sausages are infused with the generic blend of "pumpkin spice." While there's a time and place for some serious PS love, there are many more fall flavors that we enjoy equally, if not more. Click through to see our 10 favorite combos. 

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Pear and Ginger

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Cindy Barr

Pears, fall's often-overlooked fruit, should be more commonplace in kitchens during this season. Combine its juicy sweet flavor with pungent, almost spicy ginger, and you've got a pair that will perk up any dish. Blend them together like in Ginger Cardamom Pear Butter, or start your day with the two in Creamy Wheat with Pear and Ginger. 

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Hazelnut and Chocolate

Photo: Randy Mayor

The makers of Nutella knew what they were doing when they brought together hazelnut and chocolate. With hazelnuts giving a toasty nutty flavor, plus the chocolate adding an irresistible depth, it's like the two were made for each other. Enjoy it with a kick of orange in our Curiously Citrus Chocolate Toast, or set up a sweet "chip and dip" station at your next Fall party by setting out graham crackers and Banana, Chocolate, and Hazelnut Dip. 

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Brown Butter

Photo: Randy Mayor

Butter, a much loved and occasionally feared ingredient, transforms into a nutty and extra rich product in a simple cooking process. Easy to use both in a sweet and savory fashion, just a small drizzle of brown butter is all you need, meaning you'll be using less and eating fewer calories and fat than with traditional butter. Try it paired with citrus in Lemon Brussels Sprouts or have a decadent start to your day by making Berry and Browned Butter Waffles.

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Apple Cinnamon

Photo: Jennifer Causey

A classic combo before the times of pumpkin and spice, apples and cinnamon are simply meant to be. Whether you choose tart or sweet apples, spicy cinnamon will always pair beautifully with them. Try the two in a new way with our easy Hasselback Apples or get to fall baking and make Cinnamon, Apple, and Oat Scones.

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Gingerbread

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
The ultimate holiday season flavor, at least when it comes to Christmas, gingerbread isn't always reserved for cut-out cookies drenched in icing and toppings. Begin your day with a sweet treat of Iced Gingerbread Biscotti or make the classic cookie, sans any unnecessary decorations.

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Spiced Nut

Photo: Jennifer Causey

Whether you go sweet or savory, spiced nuts are a must-have for holiday party tables. Go with heat by using red and black pepper, or more earthy tones by choosing cinnamon and nutmeg. A good coffee-table staple is Brown Sugar-Spiced Nut Mix, or get more of a kick by making Warm Spiced Cashews. 

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Citrus and Spice

Photo: Nigel Cox

Bright and refreshing, citrus is perfect for blending with earthier, spicy tones for a pair that can't be beat. Branch out your citrus and spice game by making Fresh Ginger Cake with Candied Citrus Glaze, which features fresh yuzu, or keep it classic with Apple-Orange Spice Cake. 

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Chai Spice

Photo: Mary Britton Senseney

Comforting and warm in both flavor and temperature, a cup of chai spice tea is exactly what a fall day calls for. Translate that over to into another fall favorite with Chai Banana Bread, or get your fix through a hearty bowl of Chai Spice and Pear Oatmeal. 

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Maple Bacon

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Bacon and maple are a natural match—maybe that's why many people dip bacon into their pancake syrup. Especially in fall when comforting food is needed for chilly nights (or mornings), the combo becomes even more appreciated. Let your side dish highlight this dynamic duo with Maple Bacon Mashed Sweet Potatoes, or make mornings a bit more bearable with a stack of Bacon Maple Waffles. 

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Mulled Cider

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

A fall necessity, at least for adults, mulled cider is equal parts sweet cider and potent spices. Easy to make kid-friendly by substituting apple juice, everyone in the family will want a glass at the next bonfire or potluck. Make it with extra tangy with Mulled Cranberry-Apple Cider, or go a more traditional route by sticking with Hot Mulled Ginger-Spiced Cider. 

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