homemade gifts – Live Laugh Love Do http://livelaughlovedo.com A Super Fun Site Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:39:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 Mulling Spices – A Beautiful Mess http://livelaughlovedo.com/mulling-spices-a-beautiful-mess/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/mulling-spices-a-beautiful-mess/#respond Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:39:00 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/10/02/mulling-spices-a-beautiful-mess/ [ad_1]

If you are an adult craving a little magic in your life, maybe a little potion making, then make your own mulling spices. Yes, you can buy pre-made mulling spices if you prefer. But you won’t feel like an autumn witch like I do. 🙂 Plus, if you make your own you can customize them to your own preferences.

What are mulling spices for? To mull something simply means to heat it as well as sweeten or flavor. You can mull wine, hot toddies, cider, tea, yourself in a bath I suppose, etc. I mostly use these homemade mulling spices in mulled wine, wassail or apple cider. They also would be perfect for a stove simmer or as a homemade gift.

Related: homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball and Cinnamon Dolce Syrup

Ingredients

  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Cardamom pods
  • Allspice berries
  • Whole cloves
  • Star anise
  • Dried orange peel
  • Whole black peppercorns

You can add other spice ingredients like whole nutmeg or other dried citrus rinds like lemon peel. This is one of those ‘recipes’ that is super customizable, but I do give a detailed list in the recipe card below if you prefer to follow something exact you can!

How to make Mulling Spices

In a large ziplock bag add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, allspice berries, cloves, star anise and black peppercorns. Use something heavy, like a rolling pin, to smash the mixture a few times. Then add the dried orange peel to the mixture.

You can store the mulling spices all together or in individual bottles or bags. You can also easily double or triple this recipe if you are making a bunch for gifts.

Tips and Notes

  • The goal with smashing the spices is to break them into small pieces, but not necessarily pulverize it. The mulling spice mix should still be the consistency of potpourri.
  • Use 1/4 cup of this mix (or more) to one gallon of apple cider.
  • Use 2 tablespoons of this mix (or more) to one bottle of wine.
  • Add the mulling mix, in a small cheesecloth bag, to the liquid and simmer for 15-20 minutes or more. The longer the mixtures simmers the strong the flavors will become.

More Hot Drink Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Do mulling spices go bad?

Homemade mulling spices will last at least 6 months if not longer. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.


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Get the Recipe

Homemade mix made of cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, allspice berries and more.

Yield 10

Prep 5 minutes

Total 5 minutes

Instructions

  • In a large ziplock bag add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, allspice berries, cloves, star anise and black peppercorns.

  • Use something heavy, like a rolling pin, to smash the mixture a few times.

  • Then add the dried orange peel to the mixture.

  • You can store the mulling spices all together or in individual bottles or bags. You can also easily double or triple this recipe if you are making a bunch for gifts.

Notes

  • The goal with smashing the spices is to break them into small pieces, but not necessarily pulverize it. The mulling spice mix should still be the consistency of potpourri.
  • Use 1/4 cup of this mix (or more) to one gallon of apple cider.
  • Use 2 tablespoons of this mix (or more) to one bottle of wine.
  • Add the mulling mix, in a small cheesecloth bag, to the liquid and simmer for 15-20 minutes or more. The longer the mixtures simmers the strong the flavors will become.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Mulling Spices

Amount per Serving

% Daily Value*

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

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3-Ingredient Pecan Pie Butter http://livelaughlovedo.com/3-ingredient-pecan-pie-butter/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/3-ingredient-pecan-pie-butter/#respond Sun, 28 Sep 2025 23:34:34 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/09/29/3-ingredient-pecan-pie-butter/ [ad_1]

Make this creamy, vegan 3-ingredient pecan pie butter with date syrup, cinnamon, and pecans! A healthy, refined sugar-free spread that’s perfect for toast, oatmeal, or holiday gifting.

3-Ingredient Pecan Pie Butter [vegan + gluten-free]

This easy pecan pie butter is what cozy fall mornings are made of! With just three wholesome ingredients: pecans, date syrup, and cinnamon, you can whip up a creamy, naturally sweet spread that tastes like pecan pie in a jar. Perfect for spooning onto toast, drizzling over oatmeal, or enjoying straight from the spoon.

3 Simple Ingredients

  • Pecans – rich, buttery, and packed with healthy fats.
  • Date syrup – a natural sweetener that adds caramel-like flavor and smooth texture.
  • Cinnamon – warm and fragrant, rounding out that classic pecan pie taste.
  • Optional pinch of sea salt – to balance and deepen the flavor.

How to Make It

  1. Toast the pecans (optional): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet and roast for 10–12 minutes, until fragrant and golden. This step enhances flavor, but you can keep them raw for a lighter taste.
  2. Blend until smooth: Place pecans in a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend, scraping down the sides as needed, until they transform into creamy pecan butter (5–8 minutes).
  3. Sweeten & spice: Add the date syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if desired. Blend again until smooth and well combined.
  4. Store & enjoy: Transfer to a jar and refrigerate. The butter may firm up in the fridge, so let it sit at room temp before spreading.

3-Ingredient Pecan Pie Butter [vegan + gluten-free]


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3-Ingredient Pecan Pie Butter

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  • Author: Healthy Helper
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegan
  • 2 cups raw pecans
  • 23 tbsp date syrup, adjust to taste; start with 2 tbsp, add more if you want it sweeter (code HEALTHYHELPER saves $$!)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, but adds depth)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet and roast for about 10-12 minutes, until toasty and golden.
  2. Add pecans to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend, pausing often, until creamy and smooth (5–8 minutes).
  3. Blend in date syrup and cinnamon. Taste and adjust sweetness; add a pinch of salt if desired.
  4. Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate. Spread on toast, stir into oatmeal, or enjoy by the spoonful!

Did you make this recipe?

3-Ingredient Pecan Pie Butter [vegan + gluten-free]

Ways to Use Pecan Pie Butter

  • Spread on warm toast or bagels
  • Swirl into oatmeal or overnight oats
  • Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
  • Stir into yogurt bowls
  • Use as a dip for apples or pears
  • Add to smoothies for nutty sweetness

Why You’ll Love It

  • Only 3 ingredients
  • Naturally sweetened with dates (no refined sugar!)
  • Creamy, cozy, and perfectly spiced
  • Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free
  • Easy to make in under 15 minutes

Serving Size

This recipe makes about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of pecan pie butter, which equals roughly 12 servings of 2 tablespoons each.

Homemade nut butters don’t have to be complicated; sometimes, the simplest combinations are the most delicious. This 3-ingredient pecan pie butter is proof that a little sweetness, a touch of spice, and nature’s best nuts can transform into something truly irresistible. Keep a jar in your fridge for quick breakfasts, healthy snacks, or anytime you’re craving a taste of pecan pie without the baking.

 
 
 
 
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20 responses to “3-Ingredient Pecan Pie Butter [vegan + gluten-free]”

  1. Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party!

  2. Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party!


  3. Emily Swanson says:

    I LOVE pecan butter, and I totally like giving homemade food gifts. I am terrible at anything crafty, but I love making goodies and giving those away. 🙂

    My favorite nut butters would probably be cashew and pecan butter, and then I love peanut butter of course, but it’s not technically a nut butter. 😀


  4. This looks SO yummy! I was looking for a healthy dessert recipe for Christmas and this completely fits the bill. Thanks so much!


  5. I love pecans so will be giving these a go. Great pictures btw.


  6. im adding this to my christmas list…i dont make nut butter or milk that often but i bet i will if i have that blender.


  7. […] West coast for the next week, I am sure a lot of you will be decorating for the holidays, buying presents, and attending more holiday parties! This really is the best time of year, isn’t it?! […]

  8. This sounds amazing! I bet it would go great with warm corn bread! Found you through the Tasty Tuesday link up 🙂


  9. We love pecans and can’t wait to try this recipe! Hope you are having a wonderful week and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen


  10. This sounds delicious! I’m pinning this for later, don’t want to loose it!


  11. […] special feature in honor of that comes from Kaila, the blogger behind Healthy Helper with her 3 Ingredient Pecan Pie Butter.  It’s all of the flavors of Pecan Pie but healthy!  Yes you read that…healthy.  […]

  12. […] special feature in honor of that comes from Kaila, the blogger behind Healthy Helper with her 3 Ingredient Pecan Pie Butter.  It’s all of the flavors of Pecan Pie but healthy!  Yes you read that…healthy.  […]

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