Pumpkin Spice Latte Bark

Pumpkin Spice Lattes, the ever-popular caffeinated beverage of the season, have a cult following similar to that of the McRib sandwich. So when I received a sample of Godiva’s new Pumpkin Spice ground coffee as a member of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker program, I couldn’t wait to make my own PSL. What could be better than coffee, milk and pumpkin pie spice topped with whipped cream? Wait, I know – chocolate! Then I had an “Aha” moment. Another seasonal food item popped in my mind and an inspiration was born: Pumpkin Spice Latte Bark! So without further ado, here’s how to make the PSL ultimate treat:

• 12 ounces white chocolate chips, melted
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 6 caramel squares, unwrapped and melted
• 2 teaspoons Godiva Pumpkin Spice coffee 
• (or 2 teaspoons freshly ground regular coffee and 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice)
• 2 teaspoons pepitas (pumpkin seeds), toasted, salted and hand crushed

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.

White chocolate & pumpkin swirl

Place the white chocolate chips in the top pan of a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl. Place over simmering water in the lower pan. Turn off the heat and let stand, without stirring, until the chocolate begins to melt. Then stir until just melted and smooth.

In a separate bowl, combine unwrapped caramels and pumpkin puree. Stir in the Godiva Pumpkin Spice coffee and stir until smooth. Then, swirl the caramel pumpkin mixture into the white chocolate, and spread onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with hand-crushed pepitas and an extra pinch of pumpkin spice if desired. Refrigerate, uncovered, until the bark is set.

Gently peel the candy from the waxed paper. Break or cut into pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (if it lasts that long.) Try adding a piece to your morning cup of joe for a sumptuous start to your day!

Oh, if you are like us, you never have pumpkin pie spice in the cabinet so here’s how to make your own:

Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Keep any extra in an airtight container to keep on hand for the mandatory pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving!