Pumpkin syrup and pumpkin sauce are two popular pumpkin products used in a variety of autumnal recipes and seasonal beverages. But what exactly sets them apart? While they share some similarities and can sometimes be used interchangeably, there are a few key differences between pumpkin syrup and pumpkin sauce.
Pumpkin Syrup
Pumpkin syrup is a concentrated, sweetened pumpkin puree. It has a thick, viscous consistency similar to maple syrup. The main ingredients are pumpkin puree, sugar or corn syrup, spices, and sometimes additional thickeners like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Pumpkin syrup is prized for its robust pumpkin flavor and sweetness. It can be used to add a punch of pumpkin and autumn spice to recipes and beverages. Some popular uses for pumpkin syrup include:
- Pumpkin spice lattes
- Pumpkin bread and muffins
- Smoothies
- Over yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal
- In pumpkin pies as a sweetener
- As a topping for pancakes or waffles
You can find pumpkin syrups in grocery stores, coffee shops, and online. They are sold under brands like Torani, DaVinci, and Monin. You can also easily make homemade pumpkin syrup using canned pumpkin, spices, and sugar.
Pumpkin Sauce
Pumpkin sauce has a looser consistency than pumpkin syrup. It incorporates more liquid and is runnier. The base is also pumpkin puree, but pumpkin sauce contains more added ingredients like broth or milk to create a pourable sauce.
Some common additions to pumpkin sauce include:
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Milk or cream
- Butter
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger
- Onions, garlic, carrots
- Sugar or honey for sweetness
The sauce is smooth, creamy, and flavorful. It works well:
- Drizzled over meats as a glaze
- Served as a dip for chicken tenders or fries
- Stirred into risottos and pastas
- As the base for a creamy pumpkin soup
- Poured over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream
You can find canned pumpkin sauces from brands like Campbell’s at grocery stores. Or make your own from scratch by simmering pumpkin with broth, cream, and warm spices.
Key Differences
Here are some of the main differences between pumpkin syrup and pumpkin sauce:
| Pumpkin Syrup | Pumpkin Sauce |
|---|---|
| Thick, viscous consistency like syrup | Thinner, more pourable consistency |
| Higher sugar content, very sweet | Less sweetness from sugar |
| Main ingredients are canned pumpkin and sugar | Contains more liquid like broth, milk, cream |
| Pumpkin flavor is robust and concentrated | Milder pumpkin flavor |
| Used primarily as a flavoring and sweetener | Used as a sauce for finishing dishes |
| Added to beverages, baked goods, pancakes | Drizzled over proteins, in soups, pastas, risottos |
Flavor Profiles
The concentrated flavor and sweetness make pumpkin syrup ideal for desserts, sweet breakfasts, and beverages. It adds body, texture, and intense pumpkin pie-like flavor. On its own, the syrup tastes rich, molasses-like, and ultra sweet.
Pumpkin sauce has a more savory, umami flavor profile from the broth and aromatic vegetables. The flavor is well-rounded but not overly sweet. The pumpkin comes through but is balanced by the other ingredients. Pumpkin sauce works better for hearty dishes where you want the sauce to complement rather than overpower.
Consistency and Texture
Thick, sticky pumpkin syrup will add body and texture along with concentrated flavor. It gives a viscous, sugary thickness to recipes and drinks. Pumpkin sauce has a thinner, more pourable consistency. It can be creamy but won’t provide the same degree of thickness.
Depending on the application, one consistency may be preferred over the other. For example, pumpkin syrup works best stirred into coffee beverages. Sauces are better for finishing pan sauces, stews, risottos, and pasta dishes.
Sweetness
Due to the high sugar content, pumpkin syrup is intensely sweet. The sweetness level is similar to maple syrup or honey. Pumpkin sauce has some natural sweetness from the pumpkin, but isn’t nearly as sugary. Broth, spices, and cream balance out the sweetness.
Use pumpkin syrup when you want to add sweetness along with pumpkin flavor. Opt for pumpkin sauce for a more savory, subtly sweet finish to meals.
Preparation and Storage
Ready-made pumpkin syrup can simply be measured out from the bottle and incorporated into recipes. Homemade syrup may need to be gently heated and stirred before using to ensure a smooth consistency.
Canned pumpkin sauces only require opening and heating through if desired. Homemade sauces need to be cooked on the stovetop to meld flavors and achieve the right consistency.
Both products can be refrigerated for 1-2 weeks or frozen for several months. The high sugar content in pumpkin syrup makes it highly shelf stable. Pumpkin sauce may separate upon freezing but can be stirred or blended back together.
Pumpkin Flavor Intensity
Since pumpkin syrup is made primarily from pumpkin puree and sugar, it packs a very concentrated, genuine pumpkin flavor. Every bite explodes with rich, seasonal pumpkin taste.
Pumpkin sauce balances the pumpkin with other ingredients. The pumpkin flavor is more subtle and tempered by the additional components. The overall flavor profile is more complex.
Cost
Prepared pumpkin syrups are more expensive, running $4-$8 for a bottle. Homemade syrup is cheaper at around $2-$3 for about 12 oz. Canned pumpkin sauces cost $3-$5 per jar. Homemade sauce can be made very affordably for only about $1-$2 per batch.
Pumpkin syrup may provide more bang for your buck when it comes to getting an intense dose of pumpkin flavor. But pumpkin sauce gives you more volume that can be used across recipes.
Nutrition
| Nutrition Facts | Pumpkin Syrup | Pumpkin Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 52 per tbsp | 23 per tbsp |
| Fat | 0g | 1g |
| Carbs | 13g | 4g |
| Sugar | 12g | 2g |
| Protein | 0g | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g | 1g |
Due to the high sugar content, pumpkin syrup is higher in calories and carbs and lower in fiber and protein compared to pumpkin sauce. Pumpkin sauce provides more nutrition from the vegetables, broth, and dairy.
Uses
Here is a chart summarizing some of the best uses for pumpkin syrup vs. pumpkin sauce:
| Pumpkin Syrup | Pumpkin Sauce |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin spice lattes, coffees | Pan sauces for chicken, pork, beef |
| Pancake and waffle topping | Pasta sauce |
| Sweetening pumpkin pies and breads | Risottos |
| Smoothies, milkshakes | Chili |
| Over yogurt, oatmeal, cereal | Poultry and pork glazes |
| Homemade pumpkin spice syrup | Creamy pumpkin soups |
Recipes
Pumpkin Syrup Recipes
Here are some tasty ways to use pumpkin syrup:
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Add 2-3 tbsp pumpkin syrup + 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice to an 8 oz coffee. Top with frothed milk and whipped cream.
- Pumpkin Pancakes: Make pancake batter from scratch or a mix. Add 1/4 cup pumpkin syrup. Top cooked pancakes with more syrup.
- Pumpkin Smoothie: Blend 1 banana, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/4 cup pumpkin syrup, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, and ice.
- Pumpkin Dutch Baby: Make Dutch baby pancake batter. Add 2-3 tbsp pumpkin syrup. Bake in the oven until puffed and golden.
- Pumpkin Bread: Add 1/4-1/2 cup pumpkin syrup to any pumpkin bread recipe for extra moisture and flavor.
Pumpkin Sauce Recipes
Here are delicious ways to use pumpkin sauce in cooking:
- Pumpkin Risotto: Make risotto with chicken broth. Stir in 1/2 cup pumpkin sauce at the end for creaminess.
- Pumpkin Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with pumpkin sauce, cream, parmesan cheese, roasted veggies and chicken.
- Pumpkin Chicken: Coat chicken breasts with pumpkin sauce. Roast at 400F until cooked through and caramelized.
- Pumpkin Chili: Make beef or turkey chili. Add one 15 oz can pumpkin sauce and extra spices.
- Pumpkin Soup: Puree roasted pumpkin with broth, cream, and pumpkin sauce. Garnish with pepitas and croutons.
Conclusion
Pumpkin syrup and pumpkin sauce both provide delicious pumpkin flavor to recipes and drinks. Pumpkin syrup is intensely sweet and pumpkin-flavored, ideal for desserts and beverages. Pumpkin sauce has a more savory umami flavor profile that excels at finishing hearty main dishes. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, each pumpkin product has ideal uses based on its consistency, preparation, taste, and nutrition profile. When a recipe calls for pumpkin flavor, consider whether thick, sweet syrup or thin, savory sauce would be best suited to the dish.