If you’re dreaming of cozy autumn mornings and the warm comfort of coffee shop vibes at home, I’ve got a treat for you—a fan-freaking-tastic Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe that’s seriously easy and so satisfying. I absolutely love how this latte combines silky milk with just the right amount of pumpkin and spices. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never want to pay for the expensive versions again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a Cup: This latte captures the essence of fall with rich pumpkin flavor and cozy spices.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is pantry-friendly and easy to source.
- Customizable Sweetness: You choose how sweet or spicy you want it—perfect for every taste bud.
- Barista-Style at Home: Create a creamy, frothy latte that rivals your favorite coffee shop’s version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is a simple blend of espresso, creamy milk, and fall spices that come together beautifully. When shopping, look for fresh pumpkin puree and a milk you love—oat milk froths wonderfully if you want a creamy texture without dairy.
- Espresso: For the best flavor, use freshly brewed shots, but strong coffee works too.
- Milk of Choice: I prefer oat milk because it froths so nicely, but dairy or almond milk work well too.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the right balance.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a little depth—feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A warming combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—it’s magic in every sip.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings out the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Whipped Cream (Optional): Because why not top this beauty with a fluffy cloud of indulgence?
Variations
I love customizing this Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or my mood. It’s surprisingly versatile, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Vegan Version: Swap in your favorite plant-based milk like almond or cashew, and top with coconut whipped cream.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper for an unexpected kick—my friends go crazy for this spicy twist.
- Less Sweet: Reduce or skip the maple syrup for a more subtle pumpkin latte that still feels indulgent.
- Espresso-Free: Use strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine—still delicious and comforting.
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Step 1: Warm Your Milk Just Right
Start by pouring your milk into a small pot and gently heating it over medium-low heat. You want it hot and almost simmering—not boiling. I learned this the hard way the first time when my milk scorched and ruined my latte’s taste! Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to avoid a skin forming on top.
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Stuff
Make your espresso shots and pour them into your favorite mug or mason jar. Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract, then stir everything together until smooth. I like to give it a good stir so the pumpkin blends nicely without clumps.
Step 3: Froth Your Milk and Combine
If you have a milk frother, use it for about 30 seconds until your milk is delightfully foamy. Pour it over your pumpkin-espresso mixture and hold back some foam to spoon on top. This step makes a big difference—you’ll find that frothy milk feels so luxurious in every sip.
Step 4: Add Whipped Cream and a Sprinkle
This is the fun part: dollop on some whipped cream (totally optional but highly recommended), then sprinkle a little extra pumpkin spice or cinnamon for the perfect finishing touch. It’s like a little celebration in your mug!
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Use Freshly Brewed Espresso: Fresh espresso shots bring out richer coffee flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Don’t Overheat the Milk: Keeping the milk below boiling temperature saves you from a burnt taste and ensures smooth froth.
- Pumpkin Puree Quality Matters: Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not canned pie filling, for authentic taste.
- Froth Milk Last: Froth your milk right before pouring to keep it nice and foamy.
How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about that final touch! I love topping my pumpkin spice latte with a generous swirl of whipped cream, dusted with a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. Sometimes I even add a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel for an extra treat. It’s these little details that make you feel like a barista in your own kitchen.
Side Dishes
Pair this latte with a warm cinnamon roll or a slice of buttery pumpkin bread to keep the cozy vibes going strong. My family goes crazy when I bring out this combo on weekend mornings—it’s the perfect little indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes serve the latte in clear glass mugs so the layers of pumpkin, espresso, and foam peek through—it’s such a crowd-pleaser. You can also rim the glass with cinnamon sugar or garnish with a cinnamon stick for that extra wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to make more than one latte, store the pumpkin espresso mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This way, you only need to heat and froth the milk fresh each time, which keeps the flavor vibrant.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing the full latte because milk textures can change, but you can freeze pumpkin puree in portions to have on hand for whenever pumpkin spice cravings strike!
Reheating
When reheating leftover pumpkin espresso, warm it gently in a small pot over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid scorching. Then froth fresh milk separately and combine for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
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Can I make this Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe without an espresso machine?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee works perfectly as a substitute. Just brew your coffee as strong as you like, and proceed with the rest of the recipe the same way.
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What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries if you don’t have pre-made pumpkin pie spice! You can mix ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ginger, and ⅛ teaspoon cloves or allspice to make your own. It’s a simple and delicious blend that captures the same cozy vibe.
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Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! Just use a plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy milk, and top with dairy-free whipped cream if desired. Maple syrup keeps the sweetness vegan-friendly too.
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How sweet is this pumpkin spice latte?
The sweetness is totally adjustable! I usually start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and add up to 2 tablespoons if I want it a little sweeter. You can always tweak it to match your taste buds.
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Can I make this latte ahead of time?
You can prepare the pumpkin espresso mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just heat and froth milk fresh when you’re ready to serve, so you get that fresh, foamy texture.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe has become one of my fall essentials—I love how it fills my kitchen with the scent of pumpkin and spices, and how every sip feels like a little hug. Whether you’re curling up with a book or catching up with friends, this latte makes the moment that much sweeter. Give it a try and see how easily you can bring that coffee shop magic home!
Print
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte is a cozy, flavorful fall favorite made with rich espresso, creamy milk, and a perfect blend of pumpkin puree and warming spices. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and topped with frothy milk and optional whipped cream, this latte is a delightful seasonal treat you can easily make at home in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Espresso and Coffee
- 2 shots espresso (or substitute with 1/2 cup hot freshly brewed coffee)
Milk and Froth
- 1 cup milk of choice (preferably a milk that froths well, such as oat milk)
Flavorings
- 1 to 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (start with 1 tablespoon)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup, to sweeten
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings (Optional)
- Whipped cream for topping
- Extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the milk: Pour the milk into a small pot and heat it over medium-low heat until it is hot and almost simmering, being careful not to let the milk boil to preserve its texture and flavor.
- Mix the pumpkin espresso base: Brew your espresso and pour it into a large mug or a glass mason jar. Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract, then stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Froth the milk: Use a milk frother to froth the heated milk for about 30 seconds or until it becomes foamy and light.
- Combine and assemble: Pour the frothed milk into the mug over the pumpkin espresso mixture. Reserve some of the foam and spoon it on top to create a creamy layer.
- Add toppings: Optionally, top the latte with whipped cream and sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for a festive finish.
Notes
- If you don’t have pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, make your own by combining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the maple syrup quantity according to your preference.
- Oat milk is recommended for frothing, but use any milk that froths well to achieve a creamy texture.
- This recipe makes one serving; scale ingredients up for more servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 12 oz)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
