Description

This Pumpkin Vanilla Latte recipe combines rich espresso with a homemade pumpkin spice syrup and frothy milk, delivering a smooth and comforting autumn-inspired specialty coffee drink. Perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings, the latte features pure pumpkin puree simmered with warm spices and vanilla, topped with whipped cream and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Syrup

1 cup (240 mL) pumpkin puree, 100% pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup (100 g) cane sugar
½ cup (120 mL) water
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon ground ginger (optional but recommended)

Drink

½ cup (120 mL) espresso or very strong brewed coffee
½ cup (120 mL) milk (1% or 2%)

Toppings

Whipped topping
Ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)
Ground nutmeg (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

Brew Espresso: Brew ½ cup (120 mL) of espresso using your espresso machine or coffee maker according to package instructions. The espresso should be rich and strong to create a balanced pumpkin vanilla latte base.
Make Pumpkin Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the pumpkin puree, cane sugar, water, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and ground ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If the mixture thickens too much, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
Assemble Base: Spoon 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of the pumpkin syrup into your favorite mug. Pour the freshly brewed espresso over the syrup. Adjust the amount of pumpkin syrup to taste if you prefer a sweeter latte.
Froth the Milk: Pour cold milk into a microwavable jar and securely screw on the lid. Shake the jar vigorously for about 30 seconds until the milk doubles in size and is frothy.
Warm Milk and Set Froth: Carefully remove the lid to release steam, then place the jar without the lid in the microwave. Heat the milk for 30 seconds to warm and stabilize the froth. Monitor closely to prevent overflow.
Combine Latte: Gently pour the frothed milk into the mug with the pumpkin espresso mixture, swirling lightly to combine layers and flavors.
Add Toppings: Top the latte with whipped topping. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and/or ground nutmeg over the whip topping to enhance aroma and texture.

Notes

Use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best flavor and consistency.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of pumpkin syrup added to the latte.
Shaking the milk vigorously in a jar is an easy way to froth if you don’t have a frother.
Microwaving the milk after frothing helps set the froth and warms the milk perfectly.
For a vegan option, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk.
Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.