If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of fall, you’re going to absolutely adore this Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of creamy milk, rich pumpkin puree, warming spices, and bold coffee that comes together in under 10 minutes for a drink that tastes like autumn in a cup. Whether you’re simmering it on a brisk morning or serving it as a sweet treat after work, this recipe brings the perfect balance of spice and sweetness, making your coffee break feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe plays an essential role in crafting that perfectly balanced flavor and creamy texture. From the smoothness of the milk to the vibrant hint of pumpkin and the aromatic pumpkin pie spice, these simple staples come together to create a café-worthy drink right at home.
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy): Choose your favorite milk for creamy texture and to complement the pumpkin flavor.
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree: Provides natural sweetness, beautiful color, and that unmistakable fall vibe.
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (to taste): Sweetens and balances the spices; adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus extra for garnish: The magical blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that spices up the latte perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup strong coffee or 2 shots of espresso: The bold base that brings balance and a caffeine kick.
- Whipped cream (for topping): Optional, but highly recommended for that luscious, creamy finish.
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Milk Mixture
Start by pouring your chosen milk into a small saucepan set over medium heat. Whisk in the pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir the ingredients often to combine everything smoothly and heat the mixture until it’s just steaming hot, but be careful not to let it boil. This gentle warming helps release the spices’ aromas and softens the pumpkin’s texture perfectly.
Step 2: Blend for Frothiness
Once your pumpkin milk mixture is hot, remove it from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. To give your latte that creamy, frothy finish, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until light and foamy. If you don’t have one, transfer the mixture carefully to a blender or use a milk frother to achieve the same dreamy texture. This step elevates the drink from simple to special.
Step 3: Prepare the Coffee
While your pumpkin milk is steaming, brew a strong pot of coffee or pull 2 shots of espresso to provide the perfect balance of bold flavor against the sweet and spicy milk. Making it strong ensures your latte has depth and won’t taste watered down once combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Lattes
Divide the hot coffee or espresso evenly between two mugs. Then, pour the frothy pumpkin milk mixture on top of the coffee in each cup. The layering effect is beautiful, and the aromas will start to beckon you in for the first sip.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top each latte generously with whipped cream and sprinkle a bit of extra pumpkin pie spice over the cream for a gorgeous finishing touch. Serve immediately while it’s warm, and get ready to experience the ultimate seasonal drink right at home.
How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Garnishes
For a truly indulgent touch, whipped cream is the classic choice and pairs beautifully with this Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe. Sprinkle with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon for extra aroma and visual appeal. For a bit of crunch, you can even add some crushed gingersnap cookies on top. These little details turn your latte into an experience.
Side Dishes
This latte is perfectly paired with a variety of cozy treats. Think freshly baked pumpkin muffins, buttery croissants, or cinnamon-swirled scones. The sweetness and spice in the latte complement pastries with a warm spice or nutty flavor beautifully, making it an ideal treat for breakfast or afternoon snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or make your latte moment extra special? Serve it in clear glass mugs to showcase the beautiful layers and frothy top. You can also rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for a festive twist. Adding a cinnamon stick or a star anise pod as a stirrer doubles as a charming garnish that’s both decorative and flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover pumpkin milk mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave and whisk to restore some of the frothiness before combining with freshly brewed coffee.
Freezing
Freezing the latte itself isn’t recommended because the texture will change and may separate when thawed. However, you can freeze pumpkin puree in ice cube trays to have just the right amount ready for your next batch. Pop a cube into warm milk and spice for a quick shortcut!
Reheating
When reheating your pumpkin milk mixture, do it slowly over low heat to avoid scorching and stirring often to keep the flavors balanced and the texture smooth. If it’s lost some froth, give it a quick blend or whisk right before pouring it over fresh coffee. Fresh coffee ensures your latte never tastes stale.
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk for this Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, soy, and coconut milk all work wonderfully and each brings its own unique flavor and creaminess. Just pick one that you enjoy drinking on its own for the best result.
How can I adjust the sweetness in this latte?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar, but you can easily tweak this depending on how sweet you like your drinks. You could also try maple syrup or honey as natural sweeteners for a slight twist.
Is pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?
Not quite. Pumpkin puree is pure cooked pumpkin, while pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices. For this recipe, use plain pumpkin puree to have full control over your latte’s sweetness and spice levels.
Can I make this latte without espresso?
Yes! Strong brewed coffee works just as well and is a great alternative if you don’t have an espresso machine. Just make sure it’s robust and hot to balance out the creamy pumpkin mixture.
How can I make this latte frothy without special tools?
If you don’t have an immersion blender or frother, vigorous whisking by hand or shaking the mixture in a tightly sealed jar can create some froth. It might not be as airy, but it’ll still be delicious and cozy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sipping a Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe that you made yourself—the rich aroma, the creamy spice blend, and the warmth in every sip. It’s a simple pleasure that can brighten any day and bring a little bit of autumn comfort whenever you want. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your seasonal routine. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and start brewing your perfect pumpkin latte today!
Print
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte is a cozy and delicious fall favorite made with warm pumpkin-flavored milk, strong coffee or espresso, and topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. It’s easy to prepare in just 10 minutes and perfect for two servings, offering a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Milk Mixture
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Coffee
- 1/2 cup strong coffee or 2 shots of espresso
Topping
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Milk Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Heat the mixture, stirring frequently, until it is hot and steaming but do not allow it to boil.
- Blend for Frothiness: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Use an immersion blender to froth the mixture, or transfer it to a blender to blend until frothy. Alternatively, a milk frother can be used to achieve a light and creamy texture.
- Prepare the Coffee: Brew your strong coffee or pull two shots of espresso while the milk mixture is heating.
- Assemble the Lattes: Divide the hot coffee or espresso evenly between two mugs. Slowly pour the frothy pumpkin milk mixture over the coffee in each mug.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each latte with a generous amount of whipped cream and sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your homemade autumn treat.
Notes
- Use any milk you prefer, including dairy, almond, oat, or soy milk, depending on dietary needs.
- Adjust sugar quantity to suit your desired sweetness level.
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, make your own blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and vegan whipped cream.
- The latte is best enjoyed fresh and hot to preserve the frothy texture and flavor.
