The New Fall Flavors: Beyond Pumpkin Spice in 2025 (with Recipes)
- Christianne Klein
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
Fall 2025 is all about moving past pumpkin spice (does it have to be in everything?) and embracing richer, more complex flavors. While pumpkin remains a classic, maple, brown butter, fig, and cardamom are emerging as the season’s new stars - adding depth and warmth to everything from breakfast to desserts. Here’s how to enjoy these flavors at home with some easy, delicious recipes.
Fig: Sweet, Earthy, and Luxurious
Figs add natural sweetness and a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with nuts, chocolate, or roasted meats.
Recipe: Fig and Almond Tart
1 pre-made tart crust
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp butter, softened
8–10 fresh figs, halved
Mix almond flour, honey, and butter to make a filling. Spread in the tart crust, arrange figs on top, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly before serving — perfect with a drizzle of honey.
Maple: Sweet, Smoky, and Versatile
Maple’s natural sweetness and smoky undertones make it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes this fall. Try it in roasted vegetables (it's beautiful with brussels sprouts!), granola, or cocktails to add a seasonal twist.
Recipe: Maple-Glazed Carrots with Thyme
1 lb carrots, cut into sticks
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Toss carrots with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, then drizzle with maple syrup and roast 5 more minutes until caramelized. Serve warm as a side or on a holiday platter.
Brown Butter: Nutty, Aromatic, and Indulgent
Brown butter adds a deep, nutty richness to baked goods, pasta, and even vegetables (brown butter sage is a classic, easy pasta). Its aroma alone makes any dish feel cozy and luxurious.
Recipe: Brown Butter Pumpkin Muffins
1/2 cup butter, browned
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda
Mix the wet ingredients with the browned butter and pumpkin puree. Stir in dry ingredients gently. Bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until golden. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Cardamom: Warm, Spicy, and Aromatic
Cardamom adds a fragrant, slightly citrusy warmth to both sweet and savory dishes — perfect for cozy fall breakfasts, breads, and drinks. I love cardamom in teas (think chai), and desserts.
Recipe: Cardamom Poached Pears
4 ripe pears, peeled, halved, and cored
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup water
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp lemon juice
Optional: a cinnamon stick or a splash of vanilla for extra warmth
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the pear halves and reduce heat to low, simmering for 15–20 minutes until the pears are tender but still hold their shape. Remove the pears and let them cool slightly, while continuing to simmer the liquid until slightly thickened if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature over oatmeal, pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream for a seasonal twist.
This fall, step beyond pumpkin spice (seriously, please) and explore maple, brown butter, fig, and cardamom. These flavors bring warmth, richness, and a modern twist to seasonal meals, desserts, and drinks — making autumn 2025 a truly delicious season.
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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