If you’re craving that cozy, spicy kick of fall any time of year, you’re going to absolutely love this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe. I’ve perfected this homemade version over countless mornings, and honestly, it’s become my go-to pick-me-up that beats anything from a coffee shop. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little whisking magic, you’ll have a rich, creamy latte that’s bursting with warm pumpkin spice goodness. Stick with me, and I’ll share my tips to help you nail this comforting drink every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: You only need a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust it to your preferred sweetness and milk type for a personalized touch.
- Cafe-Quality Flavor: This homemade latte tastes just as rich and spicy as your favorite coffeehouse version.
- Quick Comfort: Ready in just about 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe come together to create a perfectly balanced, delicious beverage. I always make sure to use real pumpkin puree over canned pumpkin pie fillings—they keep it fresh without the added sugar. And maple syrup adds a gentle sweetness that blends beautifully with the spices.
- Espresso or coffee: I prefer two shots of espresso, but strong brewed coffee or cold brew will work wonderfully too.
- Milk: You can use any kind you like—dairy, oat, almond, or soy—all bring a slightly different creamy texture.
- Maple syrup: It’s my secret to natural sweetness; it complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- Pumpkin puree: Pure pumpkin, nothing sweetened or spiced, so you can control the flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds warmth and depth to the latte.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves spices everything perfectly.
- Sea salt: Just a pinch to bring out all the flavors without making it salty.
- Whipped cream: Optional, but trust me, it turns the latte into a luxurious treat.
- Cinnamon sticks: Great for stirring and garnishing, adding a subtle cinnamon aroma.
Variations
I’ve played around with a few fun twists on this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe to keep things interesting, and honestly, you should too! It’s all about making it your own, whether you want to boost the spice level or try a dairy-free version.
- Spiced Up Version: When I want a little extra zing, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra ground ginger—gives the latte a gentle spicy kick!
- Dairy-free: Swap the milk for almond or oat milk. I recently tried oat milk and loved how creamy and naturally sweet it made the latte.
- Sweetener Swap: If maple syrup isn’t your favorite, honey or agave nectar works well, but adjust to taste.
- Extra Foam: Some days I froth the milk for a more authentic latte feel—it’s easier than you think if you have a handheld frother!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Step 1: Warm and Whisk the Flavors
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 saucepan. Whisper heat it over low to medium-low heat, whisking constantly. This is key to blending all those flavors beautifully without scorching the milk or burning the maple syrup. Keep at it for about 4–5 minutes until it’s hot but not boiling—trust me, too much heat curdles the milk and makes your latte grainy.
Step 2: Pour, Top, and Enjoy
Once your latte mixture is hot and smooth, pour it straight into your favorite mug. This is where the magic really starts to show! If you’re feeling fancy (or simply indulging), dollop some whipped cream on top. Then sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice for that classic autumn aroma and finish with a cinnamon stick stirrer for that extra touch of charm.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Use Freshly Brewed Espresso: I always make my espresso shots fresh for that robust, authentic coffee flavor—it really lifts the latte.
- Whisk Continuously: Stirring constantly while heating prevents the pumpkin from settling and avoids lumps—a whisk is your best friend here!
- Control Your Sweetness: Start with 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, then taste and adjust; sometimes I add a little more if I want a sweeter treat.
- Avoid Boiling Milk: Heating too quickly or boiling milk can ruin that creamy texture, so keep the heat gentle and patient.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my Pumpkin Spice Latte with a generous swirl of whipped cream tossed with a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice—it adds that perfect festive touch. Sometimes I grab a cinnamon stick to stir, which infuses a subtle cinnamon aroma every time you take a sip. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of ground nutmeg or a drizzle of caramel sauce makes it extra special.
Side Dishes
Pairing this latte with homemade pumpkin muffins or cinnamon sugar biscotti turns it into a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. My family goes crazy for pairing it with buttery plain croissants too—the simplicity balances the rich, spicy latte perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special fall brunch or gathering, I like serving these lattes in clear glass mugs so everyone can see the beautiful layers of pumpkin and coffee. Top with edible gold dust for a festive gleam, or serve alongside mini pumpkin pies for a full pumpkin-spiced experience. It’s little touches like these that always wow my guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I’ve found that if you store any leftover latte mixture (before adding whipped cream) in an airtight container in the fridge, it keeps well for 2–3 days. Just give it a good stir or a quick whisk before reheating to bring everything back together smoothly.
Freezing
Honestly, I don’t recommend freezing the latte after it’s mixed because the texture can change once thawed, especially with milk involved. However, you can freeze pumpkin puree and brew your coffee fresh each time, which makes whipping up this latte quick anytime you want.
Reheating
For reheating, warm the leftover latte mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave at medium power. Stir or whisk it well to keep the pumpkin evenly blended and avoid separation. Top with fresh whipped cream after reheating to keep things fresh and fluffy.
FAQs
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Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe without espresso?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an espresso machine, substitute with strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate. Just use about half a cup of a bold coffee and you’ll get that nice caffeine kick and rich flavor.
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What’s the best milk to use for this latte?
Any milk works—dairy or plant-based—but I’ve found whole milk gives the creamiest texture, while oat milk offers a naturally sweet, smooth finish that’s fantastic if you want dairy-free.
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Can I prepare this pumpkin spice latte in advance?
Yes, you can make the latte mixture ahead and refrigerate it for a couple of days. Just reheat gently before serving and add the whipped cream last for best results.
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How can I make this recipe less sweet?
You can cut back on the maple syrup or swap it for a sugar-free sweetener. I recommend starting with less and tasting as you go to get the right balance for your palate.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is one of those cozy kitchen moments I genuinely look forward to—whether it’s for a chilly morning boost or a quiet evening treat. It’s warm, comforting, and full of flavors that feel like a hug in a mug. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do, and maybe even share a cup with friends. Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you’ll never want to settle for anything less!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cozy and comforting Pumpkin Spice Latte made with espresso, pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a hint of maple syrup, perfect for autumn mornings or as a delightful seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Liquid 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
Pumpkin and Spices
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for dusting
- Pinch sea salt
Toppings (Optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small pot, combine the espresso (or cold brew/strongly brewed coffee), milk, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Heat Mixture: Whisk the mixture continuously over low heat until everything is well combined and warmed through, ensuring the milk does not boil.
- Serve: Pour the warm latte into a mug.
- Garnish (Optional): Top with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice. Add cinnamon sticks as a garnish if desired.
Notes
- You can use any type of milk such as dairy, almond, oat, or soy depending on preference.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and omit whipped cream or choose a vegan alternative.
- Use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee for the best flavor.
- Stir continuously while warming to prevent milk from scorching.
- Pumpkin pie spice can be homemade by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if unavailable pre-made.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
