Name: Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 shots espresso or ½ cup cold brew or strongly brewed coffee; 1 cup milk, any kind; 3 tablespoons maple syrup; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree; Heaping ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for dusting; Pinch sea salt; Whipped cream, for topping, optional; Cinnamon sticks, for garnish, optional

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting drink to kick off the fall season or just want a little indulgence any day of the year, I absolutely love sharing this homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe with you. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with just enough warm spices and pumpkin flavor to make your kitchen smell like a dream. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never want to wait in line at the coffee shop again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You can find everything easily at the grocery store, no fancy syrups needed.
Customizable: Whether you want dairy-free, less sweet, or extra spicy, this latte adapts perfectly.
Authentic Flavor: Using real pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice blend gives it that classic fall taste I know you’re craving.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, you’ll have a steaming cup of goodness in about 10 minutes.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic really happens by combining real pumpkin puree with cozy spices and your favorite coffee base. Here’s a bit about why these ingredients come together to make the best pumpkin spice latte at home — plus shopping tips so you don’t get stuck without the right stuff.

Flat lay of bright orange pumpkin puree dolloped next to warm brown cinnamon sticks, small piles of golden pumpkin pie spice and amber maple syrup glistening in light, fresh vanilla bean pods with smooth pale seeds visible, a small mound of rich dark roasted coffee beans, creamy white milk in a glass jug, all beautifully arranged with contrast and texture placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pumpkin Spice Latte, homemade pumpkin spice latte, fall coffee recipes, pumpkin coffee drinks, cozy autumn beverages

Espresso or strong coffee: I love using shots of espresso, but cold brew or strong coffee works beautifully for a smoother taste.
Milk: Whole milk makes it creamy, but almond, oat, or any milk alternative is totally fine — pick what you like!
Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth; if you don’t have it, honey is a great substitute but maple gives that perfect fall vibe.
Pumpkin puree: Use canned or homemade pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling!) for that authentic earthy flavor.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the warmth and rounds out all the flavors nicely.
Pumpkin pie spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves brings the signature fall aroma and taste.
Sea salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and heightens the spice flavors.
Optional toppings: Whipped cream and cinnamon sticks add a lovely finishing touch, but you can skip or swap these if you prefer.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve played around quite a bit with this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe, and I want you to know it’s super easy to tweak. Feel free to make it your own, because some of my favorite memories involve unexpected tweaks that made it perfect!

Dairy-Free Version: Swap whole milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk to keep it creamy but vegan-friendly — I tried oat milk once and loved the extra natural sweetness it brought.
Less Sweet: Cut back on the maple syrup if you want a lighter sweetness; I usually start with less and adjust to taste as I go.
Extra Spice Kick: Add a bit more pumpkin pie spice or sprinkle cayenne for a warm spicy kiss that surprises your taste buds.
Cold Pumpkin Spice Latte: Blend the hot latte with ice and a splash of milk for a refreshing fall treat when it’s still too warm for hot drinks.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Step 1: Warm and Whisk Your Ingredients

Start by combining your espresso (or strong coffee), milk, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of sea salt in a small pot or saucepan. I like to whisk everything together over low heat — this helps the pumpkin break down a bit and the spices wake up without scorching the milk. Keep it gentle; heating too fast can cause the milk to curdle or scorch.

Step 2: Pour and Garnish

Once everything is warm and nicely combined — about 5 minutes, just keep whisking gently — pour your latte into a favorite mug. I always top mine with a dollop of whipped cream and a little extra pumpkin pie spice dusting. Cinnamon sticks add a festive touch and make stirring extra fun.

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Use Real Pumpkin: The earthy flavor of pumpkin puree beats any artificial syrup—plus it’s healthier and less sweet.
Go Low and Slow on Heat: I learned that heating too quickly can separate the milk and create a grainy texture, so take your time whisking gently.
Maple Syrup for Depth: Maple syrup adds a complex sweetness that balances the spices better than plain sugar.
Experiment with Coffee Base: Tried cold brew once instead of espresso and loved how smooth and mellow it made the latte.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for good presentation, so I almost always top my latte with fluffy whipped cream, a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, and sometimes a cinnamon stick or two. It gives a cozy look and a little extra spice aroma that gets everyone’s attention.

Side Dishes

This latte pairs wonderfully with simple fall treats like pumpkin muffins, cinnamon sugar scones, or even a slice of buttery pumpkin bread. My family goes crazy for dunking soft cookies in their latte, too — perfect little breaks throughout the day.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the latte in glass mugs so you can see the creamy layers, then drizzle caramel or chocolate over the whipped cream. Adding toasted pepitas or crushed gingersnap cookies on top also gives a fun texture surprise that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you ever have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pour the latte into a sealed jar or container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Re-stir gently before reheating, since pumpkin can settle at the bottom.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing leftover pumpkin spice latte, but the texture changes a bit because of the milk and pumpkin. If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing only the pumpkin spice mix and pumpkin puree separately for future use, then make fresh latte.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. You want to warm it without boiling to keep that creamy texture. Adding a splash more milk helps if it thickened overnight.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso for this pumpkin spice latte recipe?

Yes, you can substitute instant coffee if needed, but choose a strong brew or espresso powder to keep the flavor bold. Using too weak a coffee might make your latte taste flat, so adjust the amount to your preference.
Is it okay to use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

I don’t recommend using canned pumpkin pie filling because it often contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the taste and texture. Stick with plain pumpkin puree for the best and most controllable flavor.
How can I make this pumpkin spice latte recipe vegan?

Simply swap the milk for your favorite plant-based alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk. Also, choose a dairy-free whipped cream for topping, or skip it altogether to keep the drink vegan.
Can I prepare the pumpkin spice mix ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing your pumpkin pie spice blend in advance saves time. Store it in an airtight container, and it stays fresh for months, perfect for quick pumpkin spice lattes anytime.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is truly a little slice of fall magic you can whip up anytime you want feels of cozy warmth and comfort in a cup. Every time I make it, I’m reminded why this simple homemade treat beats any pre-packaged version—it’s fresher, full of real pumpkin flavor, and totally customizable to your taste. Give it a try soon—you’ll love sharing this with friends and family just as much as I do. It’s one of those recipes that becomes a happy tradition once you fall in love with it.