If you love cozy, comforting drinks that feel like a warm hug in a mug, my Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is going to be your new favorite. I absolutely love how this homemade version captures all those fall vibes without any fancy coffee shop trips—plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy morning or lazy afternoon. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every delicious step to make a latte you’ll crave all year long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and a little pumpkin goodness for a latte that tastes like fall in a cup.
- Customizable Flavor: Whether you’re team espresso or cold brew, you’ll find this recipe easy to adapt to your favorite coffee base.
- No Fancy Equipment Needed: Just a pot and a whisk, making this approachable for any kitchen setup.
- Cozy and Delicious Every Time: This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe always hits the spot, whether you need a mid-morning boost or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe comes from combining rich coffee with velvety milk and the perfect blend of spices and pumpkin. I always recommend fresh pumpkin puree and real maple syrup to keep the flavors pure and satisfying.
- Espresso or Strong Coffee: Espresso shots add that traditional bold punch, but a strong cold brew or brewed coffee works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
- Milk: Any kind—dairy or non-dairy—makes this latte creamy, so pick your favorite based on taste or dietary needs.
- Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener adds warmth and depth without being too sugary.
- Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient—look for canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) or homemade puree for the best flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other spices and pumpkin flavors beautifully.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: That cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves really brings this latte to life.
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch brightens the sweetness and spices, balancing the entire drink.
- Whipped Cream (optional): Because who doesn’t love a fluffy topping on a latte?
- Cinnamon Sticks (optional): Use as a garnish for extra fragrance and a charming look.
Variations
I love how this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is a total blank canvas—you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary preferences without losing any of that signature fall charm.
- Dairy-Free Version: I personally enjoy making this with oat milk—it froths nicely and adds a subtle sweetness that complements the pumpkin.
- Extra Spiced Up: When I’m feeling adventurous, I add a little freshly grated nutmeg or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick that wakes up the senses.
- Sweetener Swap: Feel free to sub maple syrup with honey or agave syrup; I’ve found it changes the flavor subtly but still deliciously.
- Cold Version: This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe also tastes amazing iced—just skip the heating step and blend with ice for a refreshing treat.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Step 1: Warm Up and Whisk Your Ingredients Together
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. Use a whisk to blend everything over low heat. The key here is gentle warming—not boiling—so you don’t scorch the milk or evaporate the liquid. Whisk continuously until the mixture is warm and velvety, usually about 4-5 minutes. This part always feels a bit like a little kitchen dance to me, and watching the latte develop that beautiful orange-tan color is super satisfying.
Step 2: Pour, Garnish, and Enjoy
Once everything is perfectly heated and combined, pour your pumpkin spice latte into your favorite mug. If you want to go full cozy mode (and I highly recommend it), top it with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, and a cinnamon stick for garnish. It’s these little finishing touches that elevate it from homemade to café-worthy in your own kitchen.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Low and Slow Warming: Heating on low lets the flavors meld without curdling the milk—trust me, this makes a smoother, creamier latte.
- Whisk Like a Pro: Continuous whisking helps the pumpkin puree blend fully and prevents lumps, which I learned after my first few chunky attempts.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix: If you don’t have this on hand, mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves yourself works great and tastes fresh.
- Don’t Overheat: Avoid boiling to keep your milk from separating—warmth is delicious, scalding is not.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Garnishes
My go-to garnishes are a generous swirl of whipped cream topped with a dusting of pumpkin pie spice. Sometimes I toss in a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra aroma. It really makes the latte feel festive and inviting—even if it’s just a regular weekday morning!
Side Dishes
I love pairing this latte with buttery pumpkin muffins or a slice of cinnamon swirl bread. The combination turns a simple coffee break into a mini fall feast that’s bound to make you smile every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the Pumpkin Spice Latte in clear glass mugs to show off those layers of coffee, milk, and cream. Adding edible gold dust or a drizzle of caramel syrup ups the wow factor and makes guests feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely lasts long in my house), store the latte mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir or whisk before reheating to reunite the pumpkin and milk.
Freezing
I’ve experimented with freezing pumpkin spice latte before, but I found the texture changes after thawing, especially in milk-based drinks. I’d recommend freezing just the pumpkin spice syrup portion if you want to prep ahead, then mixing it with fresh milk and coffee when ready.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts, whisking in between to maintain a creamy texture. Avoid overheating to keep the milk from separating.
FAQs
-
Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe without espresso?
Absolutely! You can use strong brewed coffee or cold brew as a base instead of espresso. Just make sure your coffee is concentrated enough to stand up to the milk and pumpkin flavors so your latte doesn’t taste watered down.
-
What’s the best type of milk to use?
I’ve had great results with dairy milk and various plant-based milks like oat, almond, and cashew. Oat milk tends to froth nicely and adds sweetness, but feel free to use what you love or have on hand.
-
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk and swap maple syrup for any vegan-friendly sweetener you prefer. Just be sure your whipped cream topping is vegan too, or leave it off and your latte will still be delicious.
-
Can I prepare this latte ahead of time?
You can mix the pumpkin syrup part ahead and refrigerate for up to two days. When you’re ready, simply warm it with fresh coffee and milk for the best results.
-
What if I don’t have pumpkin puree?
You can try substituting with sweet potato puree or canned pumpkin pie filling, but be aware that pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and spiced already, so it will change the flavor and sweetness of your latte. I recommend sticking to plain pumpkin puree for authentic taste.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is one of those comforting treats I always return to when I want a little moment of joy in my day. The flavor is just spot on—rich coffee, cozy pumpkin, sweet spice, and creamy milk come together like an old friend. I hope you give it a try soon and discover how easy it is to make your own café-quality latte at home. Trust me, once you taste it, your fall mornings will never be the same!
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 espresso, pumpkin puree, and warm spices, sweetened with maple syrup and topped with optional whipped cream and cinnamon sticks. Perfect for a comforting autumn beverage.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso or ½ cup cold brew or strongly brewed coffee
- 1 cup milk, any kind
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for dusting
- Pinch sea salt
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small pot, combine the espresso, milk, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Heat and Whisk: Whisk the mixture over low heat until all ingredients are well combined and the latte is warmed through, being careful not to boil.
- Serve: Pour the warmed Pumpkin Spice Latte into a mug.
- Add Toppings: If desired, top with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor and garnish with cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Use any type of milk you prefer including dairy or plant-based alternatives.
- For a stronger pumpkin flavor, increase the pumpkin puree slightly.
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
