I absolutely love how cozy and comforting a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe can be, especially when the air starts to feel that crisp autumn chill. There’s something magical about blending rich espresso with creamy milk and the warm spices of pumpkin that just brings the season right into your cup. Whether you’re looking for a weekend treat or a morning pick-me-up, this recipe is a delightful way to indulge your fall cravings without stepping foot outside.
When I first tried making a pumpkin spice latte myself, I was surprised how easy it was to get that coffeehouse quality at home—and you’ll find that it’s totally customizable to your taste. Plus, making this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe on your own means you can control the sweetness and spice levels, so it’s as cozy and comforting as you want. Trust me, once you try this, your kitchen will smell like fall all day long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Uses real pumpkin puree and warm spices for that classic latte taste.
- Customizable Sweetness: You control the simple syrup amount for perfect sweetness every time.
- Easy to Make at Home: No fancy equipment needed — just your espresso and milk frother.
- Seasonal Comfort: It’s the ultimate cozy drink for chilly mornings or relaxing afternoons.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To nail this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe, you’ll want to have quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Fresh pumpkin puree blends smoothly with steamed milk, and a homemade vanilla simple syrup adds just the right sweetness without overpowering the espresso’s boldness.
- Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso gives that rich, intense coffee base you want.
- Pureed Pumpkin: Canned pumpkin works great and makes the latte smoothly spiced.
- Milk: Whole milk is my favorite for creaminess, but you can use any milk or milk alternative.
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg: For dusting on top, adding that final warm spice touch.
- Cinnamon Stick: Optional, but great for garnish and a lovely aroma.
- Water: Needed for your simple syrup to dissolve the sugar.
- Caster Sugar: Makes the perfect syrup base—dissolves quickly and sweetens evenly.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to your simple syrup, enhancing the pumpkin flavor.
Variations
I love that this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is so easy to tweak according to your preferences, whether you want to make it dairy-free, less sweet, or even jazz it up with a little extra spice. Playing around with the ingredients keeps the experience fresh and fun!
- Dairy-Free Version: I’ve swapped whole milk for oat milk, and it froths just as nicely while adding a hint of natural sweetness.
- Spice Boost: When I want more warmth, I add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger along with cinnamon.
- Less Sweet: Sometimes I reduce the syrup slightly because I’m more of a pumpkin-and-coffee purist.
- Extra Pumpkin Flavor: You can increase the pumpkin puree a little if you’re craving that super cozy vibe.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Step 1: Make the Vanilla Simple Syrup
Start by combining water, caster sugar, and vanilla extract in a small pot over medium heat. Stir gently and bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer just until the sugar dissolves completely—about 3-4 minutes. This syrup is the secret sweetener that blends beautifully with the pumpkin and espresso, so make sure it’s smooth and fragrant. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Brew Your Espresso Shot
While the syrup cools, brew a 60ml shot of espresso using your espresso machine or alternative method. Use freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavor. Pour around 25ml of the simple syrup into your favorite mug, then add the hot espresso on top. The combination of syrup and espresso creates a lovely base that’s rich but perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Steam the Pumpkin-Spiced Milk
In a milk jug, mix the puréed pumpkin with 200ml of your milk. If your pumpkin puree isn’t very smooth, give it a quick whisk to avoid clumps. Use a steam wand or milk frother to steam and froth this mixture until warm and velvety—aim for about 65°C (150°F) so it’s cozy but not scalding. The pumpkin infuses the milk so beautifully here, making the latte creamy and subtly spiced.
Step 4: Assemble and Garnish
Pour the steamed pumpkin-spiced milk gently into the mug with espresso and syrup. Give it a stir if you want, then top with a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg to make it smell irresistible. For that finishing touch, pop a cinnamon stick across the glass rim—it looks charming and adds a hint of extra spice as you sip. If you have a kitchen blow torch, singe the ends of the cinnamon stick lightly for a smoky flair that always impresses visitors!
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Use Fresh Espresso: The richer and fresher your espresso, the more balanced and deep your latte will taste.
- Smooth Pumpkin Puree: I always strain my pumpkin puree or whisk it well to avoid chunky textures in the milk.
- Temperature Control: Aim for warm steamed milk, not boiling—too hot milk can taste bitter and ruin the texture.
- Simple Syrup Measurements: I measured my syrup once and now I stick to it to avoid overly sweet lattes that cover pumpkin’s natural flavor.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Garnishes
I love to finish my pumpkin spice latte with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg because it adds that perfect aromatic punch. If I’m feeling fancy, a cinnamon stick makes a great stirrer and looks delightful in a glass mug. Sometimes, a little whipped cream on top with a dusting of spice elevates it even further for special weekend mornings.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs beautifully with a warm slice of pumpkin bread or a buttery croissant. On cozy mornings, I enjoy it alongside spiced oatmeal or a simple almond biscotti for a crunchy contrast. If you want to keep it light, even a handful of roasted nuts is a great match!
Creative Ways to Present
For fall gatherings, I like to serve this latte in clear glass mugs so the caramel-colored swirls are visible. Adding a toasted marshmallow or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top makes it extra festive. During holidays, try placing mini cinnamon sticks in a bouquet holder alongside the lattes for a charming display that doubles as a fragrant centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover simple syrup or pumpkin-spiced milk, store the syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two weeks—it’s great for sweetening other drinks too. The milk mixture can be refrigerated for a day or two, but I always steam freshly each time for the best foam and flavor.
Freezing
I’ve tried freezing the simple syrup with good results, but freezing milk mixed with pumpkin puree isn’t as reliable because the texture can separate upon thawing. For best results, I make fresh batches of the milk portion as needed.
Reheating
When reheating leftover milk mixture, do it gently on the stove or microwave in short bursts to avoid curdling. Give it a quick whisk afterward to restore the creamy texture before pouring it into your espresso and syrup base.
FAQs
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Can I use coffee instead of espresso for this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe?
Absolutely! While espresso gives a concentrated and rich flavor, a strong brewed coffee or even cold brew can work as a substitute if you don’t have an espresso machine. Just use less water when brewing to keep it bold enough to balance the sweet and spicy milk.
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Is canned pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No, you’ll want to use plain canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling has added sugar and spices which could overpower the latte and change the sweetness and spice balance in the recipe.
- Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap out the milk for any plant-based alternative like oat, almond, or soy milk. Just make sure the milk you choose froths well to get that nice creamy texture.
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How spicy is this latte?
This recipe has a gentle warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less of these or including other spices like cloves or ginger. It’s totally customizable to how you like your flavors!
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe has become a fall favorite in my home—there’s something so satisfying about crafting that perfect, cozy cup yourself. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and find it brings the same warm, comforting vibes to your kitchen. Next time you’re craving that pumpkin spice magic, just remember you can whip up this delicious latte and savor the season anytime you want, right at home.
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
A cozy and flavorful Pumpkin Spice Latte made with homemade vanilla simple syrup, puréed pumpkin, and steamed milk, perfect for a warming autumn treat with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Spice Latte
- 60ml espresso
- 2 tsp puréed pumpkin (from a can)
- 200ml milk
- Cinnamon or nutmeg, to sprinkle
- Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
Simple Syrup
- 60ml water
- 30g caster sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: In a pot, combine the water, caster sugar, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the espresso and syrup: Pour 25ml of the cooled simple syrup into a mug. Add approximately 60ml of freshly brewed espresso using an espresso machine or your preferred coffee method.
- Steam the pumpkin milk: Combine the puréed pumpkin with the 200ml of milk in a milk jug. Steam the mixture until hot and textured, using a milk frother or steam wand. Ensure the pumpkin purée is very smooth for the best texture.
- Assemble the latte: Pour the steamed pumpkin milk into the espresso and syrup mixture. Lightly sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top for flavor. Garnish with a cinnamon stick across the rim of the glass. For an extra touch, you can singe the ends of the cinnamon stick with a kitchen blow torch if available.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin purée for convenience and consistent flavor.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your preferred sweetness level.
- If you don’t have an espresso machine, use strong brewed coffee as a substitute.
- Steaming the pumpkin with the milk enhances the creaminess and infuses the latte with pumpkin flavor.
- Singeing the cinnamon stick is optional but adds a nice aromatic touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 300ml)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
