What do pumpkin spice lattes and BBQ sauce have in common? Maybe nothing — but autumn flavors are irresistible, so why not pair pumpkin spice with a slightly sweet, savory barbecue sauce? This pumpkin spice BBQ sauce blends pureed pumpkin with tangy apple cider vinegar, brown sugar for depth, and a warming mix of spices. It’s bold, balanced, and perfect for fall meals. Below is the recipe and background information to help you make and enjoy it.
This sauce uses canned pumpkin puree for body and flavor, apple cider vinegar for acidity, and a combination of sweeteners and spices to create a complex, autumn-inspired barbecue sauce. There’s a touch of heat from cayenne and chili powder, while molasses and maple syrup round out the sweetness. Make a batch to slather on pulled pork, brisket, burgers, roasted vegetables, or to use as a glaze during the last minutes of grilling.
How to make BBQ sauce:
BBQ sauce comes in many regional variations and personal preferences run deep, but the basics are simple. Choose a base, add sweeteners and acids, season with spices, and simmer until the flavors meld. Use the following steps as a guideline and adjust ingredients to suit your taste.
- Pick a base: ketchup, mustard, vinegar, or a combination.
- Add sweeteners and flavorings: sugar, brown sugar, molasses, maple syrup, or honey.
- Season with spices: cayenne, chili powder, garlic, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and pepper.
- Optional: simmer over medium heat to blend flavors and reach your desired thickness.
Styles and Types of BBQ sauce:
- Alabama BBQ sauce – a creamy, mayonnaise-based white sauce.
- East North Carolina BBQ sauce – vinegar-forward with red pepper flakes and salt.
- West North Carolina BBQ sauce – similar to the east style but sweeter with ketchup and brown sugar.
- South Carolina BBQ sauce – mustard-based and tangy.
- Texas-style mop sauce – often made with beef stock, vinegar, Worcestershire, and spices.
- Kansas City style BBQ sauce – thick and sweet, featuring ketchup, molasses, liquid smoke, vinegar, and sugar.
What goes well with BBQ sauce?
Personally, I put BBQ sauce on almost everything. Keep a bottle in the fridge and use it with a wide range of dishes—its versatility is part of the appeal.
- Pulled pork
- Wet-brined smoked turkey
- Brisket
- Burgers
- Air-fryer potato wedges with a crispy cheese crust
- And many roasted or grilled vegetables and sandwiches
Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce — Ingredients
- 1 15oz can pureed pumpkin
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 cup sugar (use brown sugar for richer flavor)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp ground clove
- 1 tbsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- The puree makes the sauce thick—stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Simmer for 20–30 minutes, or until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a jar. Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors develop before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Yield: 32 ounces — Serving size: 1
- Calories: 75
- Total fat: 0g
- Saturated fat: 0g
- Trans fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 297mg
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 0g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.
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Pumpkin Spice BBQ Sauce
32 ounces
5 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes
This pumpkin spice BBQ sauce has pureed pumpkin and gets its tang from apple cider vinegar. A blend of spices adds warmth and a hit of heat, while brown sugar and molasses create a rich, balanced sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 15oz can of pureed pumpkin
- 1 cup of ketchup
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 cup sugar (brown sugar for richer flavor)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp ground clove
- 1 tbsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper powder
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a light boil, then reduce to simmer.
- Stir intermittently to prevent burning, as the puree makes the sauce thick.
- Simmer 20–30 minutes until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
- Remove from heat, transfer to a jar, and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 32
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 75
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 297mg
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 0g
Nutrition information is an estimate for guidance only.