KETO PUMPKIN PIES PICELATTE

Craving a comforting, creamy fall beverage but want to stay keto-friendly? Look no further than a tasty keto pumpkin pie picelatte! This brilliant breakfast or coffeehouse-style drink tastes just like pumpkin pie in a cup, without all the carbs and sugar. With nutritious ingredients like coconut milk, pumpkin puree, spices and stevia, you can satisfy your pumpkin fix on the keto diet. Read on for how to make this delicious seasonal sipper at home.

Pick Your Base

The foundation of a good picelatte is a creamy non-dairy milk. When selecting your base, choose an unsweetened variety to avoid unnecessary carbs and sugar. Some great options include:

• Coconut milk - For creamy richness
• Almond milk - For nutty flavor
• Cashew milk - For smooth sipability
• Hemp milk - For protein power

Coconut milk offers a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin pie spices. But feel free to experiment with your favorite dairy-free milk. Just be sure to shake or blend well before using to fully incorporate any separation.

Canned or Carton?

You can use canned coconut milk for a thicker, more decadent drink base. But coconut milk beverages in cartons make assembly easier. Both will work great!

Pump Up the Pumpkin

What sets this drink over the top is pure pumpkin puree. Make sure to use unsweetened 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains lots of added sugar. Canned pumpkin puree is readily available in most grocery stores.

For the deepest pumpkin flavor, look for puree made from pie pumpkin rather than basic carving pumpkins. The flesh of pie pumpkins is richer, creamier and sweeter.

Start with 1/4 cup pumpkin puree, adding more or less to your taste preferences. Pumpkin provides antioxidants, vitamin A, and a nice dose of fiber too.

Spice It Up

The aromas and flavors we associate with pumpkin pie come from warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Add a dash of each to your drink for that comforting autumnal taste. For convenience, use a premixed pumpkin pie spice blend.

Sweeten Smartly

To keep your pumpkin pie picelatte keto-approved, you'll need to avoid sugar and use low-carb sweeteners instead. Some healthy options include:

• Stevia
• Monk fruit
• Erythritol
• Sucralose

Stevia is a natural sweetener extracted from plants that provides sweetness without spiking blood sugar. Monk fruit and erythritol are also great natural choices. Start with 1-2 teaspoons of your preferred sweetener and adjust to your taste.

Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

While sucralose won't affect ketosis, artificial sweeteners like aspartame should be avoided. Stevia, monk fruit or erythritol are your best options for sweetening keto drinks.

Give it Body

To give your pumpkin pie picelatte a lush, latte-like texture, incorporate melted coconut oil or MCT oil. The healthy fats blend smoothly into the drink for a satisfying mouthfeel without heavy cream.

Start with 1 tablespoon coconut or MCT oil and blend thoroughly before tasting. The oil shouldn't be overpowering but instead provide a subtle richness. Add an extra drizzle if desired.

Top It Off

Once your drink ingredients are combined, it's time to top things off for a picture-perfect pumpkin pie picelatte presentation. Some tasty finishing touches include:

• Whipped cream
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Crushed walnuts
• Pumpkin seeds

Make an effortless whipped cream by whipping heavy cream with vanilla and sweetener. For crunch, sprinkle your picelatte with nuts or seeds. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg too.

Putting It All Together

Ready to assemble your pumpkin pie picelatte? Simply combine all ingredients except toppings in a high speed blender. Blend until smooth and frothy. Pour into your favorite mug and top with whipped cream, nuts, seeds and spices as desired.

For a quick stove-top method, heat your non-dairy milk base over medium heat. Whisk in pumpkin puree, sweetener and spices. Remove from heat and blend in coconut oil before pouring into your mug.

Sip this cozy, coffeehouse-worthy drink hot, or let it chill in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying over ice. However you take it, this keto-approved beverage evokes all the flavors of pumpkin pie for a moment of sweet comfort.

Tips for Making Keto Pumpkin Pie Picelattes

• Use fresh canned pumpkin for the best flavor
• Flavor your whipped cream with vanilla, cinnamon and sweetener
• Make a batch of the drink base and store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days
• For thicker texture, use canned full-fat coconut milk
• Top with crushed graham crackers or chopped sugar-free chocolate for "crust" flavor

Savor the tastes of fall by whipping up this creamy, dreamy keto-approved drink. With the right combo of ingredients, you can enjoy this sweet seasonal treat without the sugar crash. So heat things up with cozy spices and healthy fats for a comforting pumpkin pie picelatte you can feel good about sipping.

Conclusion

When autumn rolls around, nothing satisfies quite like the flavors of pumpkin pie. But traditional pies loaded with sugar don't fit into a keto eating plan. With a delicious pumpkin pie picelatte, you can create a lighter, keto-friendly version of this classic fall dessert. Combining pumpkin puree with warming spices and sugar-free sweeteners provides the same aromatic tastes without knocking you out of ketosis. Topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with nuts or spices, this creamy beverage makes the perfect coffeehouse-worthy treat. So grab your favorite mug and blend up some sweet pumpkin spice goodness this season. Your taste buds will thank you for this comforting keto cup of fall in a cup.

FAQs

1. What can I use instead of coconut milk?

Almond milk, cashew milk, flax milk, and unsweetened dairy milk all work well too. Just avoid sweetened varieties.

2. Is canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin better?

For convenience and year-round availability, canned pumpkin provides great flavor. Buy 100% pure pumpkin without added sugars.

3. Can I make it without the oil?

Yes, but the oil provides a nice creamy texture. You can leave it out or sub mashed avocado instead.

4. What sweeteners work best?

Look for natural options like stevia, erythritol or monk fruit. Avoid maltitol or artificial sweeteners.

5. How long does it last in the fridge?

Store your picelatte in an airtight container up to 5 days. Add whipped cream and toppings right before drinking.