One of the most popular fall drinks of all time, for sure, is the Pumpkin Spice Latte. I have found that many people are unaware that they can create a version at home that tastes just as delicious. This is by far the best pumpkin spice latte I've ever had, and it even rivals Starbucks! It has the perfect amount of authentic pumpkin flavor without being too sweet.
I make this recipe so often now, and I share it with all the pumpkin lovers I know. You can get canned pumpkin all year, so you aren't limited to just fall to enjoy a latte. I even love to make this for guests, even if it's just a friend coming over for a drink and good conversation. Of course, they always go home with a copy of the recipe so they can recreate it at home!
Interested in more hot beverages for fall? Try this peppermint mocha and Kahlua hot chocolate.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's a great copycat: I think this pumpkin latte recipe tastes even better than Starbucks! I also have more control over how my cup is made. In my opinion, I get even more real pumpkin flavor in this homemade version.
- It's affordable: It's so much cheaper to make this at home than it is to go through the drive-thru every day. Making it at home saves me money and allows me to enjoy a latte whenever I please.
- It can be enjoyed year-round: Since you can get canned pumpkin all year, you aren't limited to a hot pumpkin latte in the fall. You can prepare one as often as you want!
Ingredients
You'll need the ingredients below to make the best pumpkin spice coffee recipe ever. They are simple components that you can get at the grocery store!
- Pumpkin: For this recipe, use pure canned pumpkin, not the pumpkin pie filling. You'll add pumpkin pie spice and sweetener to get the right flavor profile.
- Black pepper: This adds depth and enhances the flavor of the other spices. It mimics ginger with a subtle spice, making each sip balanced.
- Milk: Use any kind of milk that you want for this latte. I like whole milk because it's creamiest, but low-fat or skim works as well.
- Espresso: You can make the espresso as strong or as mild as you like. This is where you get the coffee flavor in your latte.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Use brown sugar: Swap the granulated sugar for brown sugar to add depth of flavor and molasses notes.
- Dairy-free: Use soy or oat milk to make a dairy-free version of this pumpkin latte.
- Gingerbread: Add ground ginger and a little molasses to add some gingerbread flavor.
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte
Below are the directions you'll need to prepare a homemade pumpkin spice latte with pumpkin puree. It's quick and easy to make one of these lattes!
Step 1: Cook the pumpkin and spices. Add the pumpkin and spices to a saucepan and whisk them over medium heat for about 90 seconds.
Step 2: Add the sugar. Next, pour in the sugar and whisk until the sugar dissolves in the pumpkin mixture.
Step 3: Heat milk and vanilla. Turn the heat down to low and add the milk and vanilla extract. Allow it to get hot while whisking occasionally. Then, take it off the heat.
Step 4: Make whipped cream. Whip the heavy cream with a stand mixer at medium speed until stiff peaks form. (This is an optional step)
Step 5: Brew and pour espresso. Brew your espresso shots and pour them into a glass or mug.
Step 6: Add pumpkin spice mixture. Pour in the latte mixture and finish with whipped cream or pumpkin cold foam, especially if you adore pumpkin spice recipes.
Recipe Tips
- Heat the milk gently: Be careful not to let the heat get too high. If the milk boils, it will curdle.
- Don't use raw pumpkin: The pumpkin must be cooked down a bit before it's added to the latte. Do not add it straight from the can.
- Serve immediately: This isn't a beverage that you make ahead of time or store the extra. You make a latte (or more than one, depending on who you're preparing it for) to order and drink it right away.
If you're interested in other hot pumpkin beverages, this pumpkin chai latte is a real winner.
Serving Suggestions
- Amp up the pumpkin flavor by using some of this pumpkin syrup in your piping hot latte.
- Some delicious fall treats to enjoy on the side are apple fritters, Halloween Spider Donuts and a slice of sweet potato bread.
- Looking for some savory sidekicks? These egg bites are another wonderful Starbucks copycat, or you can enjoy a crispy breakfast egg roll.
Recipe FAQs
No, this is made to be enjoyed right away. You can't make it ahead, store it, reheat it, and get the same result.
Yes, you can! If you want it to be a little stronger, you can add an extra shot of espresso to this pumpkin latte recipe.
You can, but I find that the flavor is more diluted. Brew it stronger than you normally would to balance the sweetness.
More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes
Do you like pumpkin recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 shots espresso divided *see note
- ¾ cup cold heavy cream optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and black pepper over medium heat. Whisk the whole time for about 90 seconds.
- Add the granulated sugar and continue whisking until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat momentarily to prevent burning.
- Reduce the heat to low, pour whole milk and pure vanilla extract into the saucepan, and return to the heat. Allow it to warm up, but not come to a boil. Stir periodically.
- If making your own whipped topping, follow this step: Meanwhile, add cold heavy cream to a stand mixer and whip on medium speed for about 4 minutes, or until stiff peaks. Set aside.
- Make your espresso shots and add to your serving glasses.
- Divide your latte mixture between both glasses and top with whipped cream.
Notes
- Add more or less espresso, depending on how strong you would like your latte to be.
- This recipe is best made to order. You won't get the same result if you prepare the pumpkin latte mixture in advance.
- Be careful not to boil the milk so it doesn't curdle and ruin your drink.
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