Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pumpkin Spice Latte is the ultimate fall beverage. It offers the comforting taste of pumpkin and spices, paired with the deep richness of espresso and topped with whipped cream for an indulgent finish. It’s the perfect drink for a chilly morning or as a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, you can customize it to your taste by adjusting the sweetness, milk type, or even adding extra spices for a truly personalized experience.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for serving
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 cups whole milk
1-2 shots espresso
1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped until soft peaks form

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Directions

Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a small pinch of black pepper. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to smooth the mix and release the spices’ full flavor.
Add Sugar and Vanilla: Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract until the sugar is completely dissolved into the pumpkin base.
Warm the Milk: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, warming it until it’s hot to the touch but not boiling. Stir continuously to blend the flavors. For a frothier mixture, you can blend the mixture in a blender until foamy.
Prepare the Espresso: Brew 1-2 shots of espresso (or strong brewed coffee) and divide it between two mugs.
Assemble the Latte: Pour the hot pumpkin milk mixture over the espresso in the mugs, stirring gently to combine.
Top with Whipped Cream: Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then add a generous dollop on top of each latte. Sprinkle with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice for garnish.
Serve: Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte immediately, and savor the fall flavors!

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Variations

Dairy-Free Version: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk in place of whole milk, and swap the heavy cream for coconut cream to keep it dairy-free.
Sweetness Adjustments: Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your personal taste. You can also substitute the sugar with maple syrup or a sweetener of your choice.
Espresso Substitute: If you don’t have espresso, strong brewed coffee will work just as well. You could also use a coffee substitute like decaf espresso for a caffeine-free version.
Additional Spices: Add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cardamom for an extra layer of flavor in your latte.
Caramel Drizzle: For an indulgent twist, drizzle some caramel sauce over the whipped cream for a sweet finish.

Storage/Reheating

For the best experience, this Pumpkin Spice Latte is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the pumpkin milk mixture in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stovetop and then pour it over fresh espresso when ready to serve. Whipped cream can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.

FAQs

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

You can prepare the pumpkin milk mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat it and add to freshly brewed espresso when ready to serve.

Can I make this without espresso?

Yes, you can use strong brewed coffee if you don’t have espresso. Just adjust the amount to your taste preference.

How do I make the drink frothier?

If you prefer a frothy texture, use a milk frother or blend the milk mixture in a blender before adding it to the coffee. This will create a rich, foamy top.

Can I make it sweeter?

Yes, feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or using flavored syrups like caramel or vanilla for extra richness.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, you can replace the sugar with a sweetener of your choice, such as stevia, maple syrup, or honey.

Can I make this drink iced?

Absolutely! To make an iced Pumpkin Spice Latte, prepare the pumpkin milk mixture, let it cool, and pour it over ice with cold espresso. Top it with whipped cream and enjoy!

Can I add more spices?

Definitely! If you love spices, feel free to increase the cinnamon, nutmeg, or even add cloves or allspice for a more robust flavor.

How can I make it vegan?

To make it vegan, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and top with dairy-free whipped cream or coconut cream.

Can I make a large batch of the pumpkin milk mixture?

Yes, you can double or triple the pumpkin milk mixture and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat and pour over your espresso or coffee when needed.

Can I make this drink hot or iced?

Yes, you can enjoy this drink either hot or iced. For an iced version, cool the pumpkin milk mixture and serve it over ice with espresso or strong coffee.

Conclusion

This homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte is the ultimate fall beverage, offering all the warm, comforting flavors of autumn in one cup. Whether you’re sipping it on a crisp morning or enjoying it with friends, this latte is sure to become your new favorite seasonal treat. Rich espresso, creamy pumpkin milk, and fluffy whipped cream come together for an indulgent drink that’s as cozy as a sweater. Enjoy it as-is, or customize it to make it uniquely yours!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

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A cozy, fall-inspired homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte with creamy pumpkin, aromatic spices, rich espresso, and a whipped cream topping for the perfect autumn treat.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for serving

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

2 cups whole milk

1–2 shots espresso

1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped until soft peaks form

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a small pinch of black pepper. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to smooth the mix and release the spices’ full flavor.
Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract until the sugar is completely dissolved into the pumpkin base.
Slowly whisk in the whole milk, warming it until it’s hot to the touch but not boiling. Stir continuously to blend the flavors. For a frothier mixture, you can blend the mixture in a blender until foamy.
Brew 1-2 shots of espresso (or strong brewed coffee) and divide it between two mugs.
Pour the hot pumpkin milk mixture over the espresso in the mugs, stirring gently to combine.
Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then add a generous dollop on top of each latte. Sprinkle with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice for garnish.
Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte immediately, and savor the fall flavors!

Notes

For a dairy-free version, swap out whole milk and heavy cream for almond, oat, or coconut milk and coconut cream.

Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or using maple syrup, stevia, or honey as a substitute.

For a frothy latte, blend the milk mixture or use a milk frother before pouring it over the coffee.

If you prefer a spicier latte, feel free to add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom to the mix.

Make it iced by letting the pumpkin milk mixture cool and serving over ice with espresso or strong coffee.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 210
Sugar: 23g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg