Key Ingredients
To make your own pumpkin spice latte at home, here’s what you need:
- Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the drink! Just a couple of tablespoons of canned pumpkin puree add rich texture and an authentic pumpkin flavor.
- Espresso or Coffee: For the best flavor, use 2 shots of espresso or a strong brewed coffee.
- Milk: Any kind of milk will work in this recipe. If you want a creamier latte, oat milk is a great choice because it froths well.
- Maple Syrup: Instead of sugar, we use maple syrup to sweeten the pumpkin spice latte.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice blend is what gives the drink its signature pumpkin spice flavor. It’s usually made from cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. You can buy it pre-mixed or make your own at home.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a little vanilla adds warmth and brings out the sweetness in the drink.
- Whipped Cream (Optional): Add a dollop of whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of extra pumpkin spice for a treat that feels fancy. You can always top with whipped cream!
Best Time to Drink Pumpkin Latte
The best time to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte is definitely during the fall! As soon as the leaves start changing colors and the weather gets cooler, it’s the perfect season for warm, comforting drinks. A pumpkin spice latte the feeling of fall spice is great for starting your day with breakfast, as an afternoon treat, or even as a cozy dessert after dinner. Whether you're sipping it while snuggled up with a good book or enjoying it with friends, this drink will get you in the fall spirit.
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Heat the milk and pumpkin puree. In a small pot, add 2 cups of milk and 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree. Heat them over medium heat until the milk is warm and the pumpkin is blended in, but don’t let it boil. Stir the mixture occasionally.
- Mix in the spices and sweetener. Once the milk and pumpkin are hot, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. These ingredients will give your latte its sweet, spiced flavor.
- Add the coffee. Pour 2 shots of espresso or ½ cup of strong coffee into the pumpkin milk mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Froth the milk (optional). If you have a milk frother, use it to froth the milk for about 30 seconds until it’s light and foamy. If you don’t have one, you can whisk the milk vigorously to create some foam.
- Serve and enjoy. Pour the latte into your favorite mug. For a special touch, add whipped cream and sprinkle some extra pumpkin pie spice on top.
Can You Make Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Yes! If you prefer cold drinks, you can easily turn this recipe into an iced pumpkin spice latte. Instead of heating the milk and coffee, use chilled milk and cold brew coffee. Mix the pumpkin puree and spices into the cold milk, and serve it over ice. You can still add whipped cream on top if you like, and it’s just as delicious as the hot version.