Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
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Learn how to make the tastiest homemade pumpkin spice latte in your very own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe! This simple recipe uses real pumpkin and is ready in just 10 minutes!
As soon as September 1st hits, droves of people head to their local coffee shop for their beloved PSL. But what if you could make them quickly and easily at home?
You can!
Pumpkin spice lattes are made with a handful of spices, a bit of pure pumpkin puree, sugar, and coffee. I’m willing to guess you have most (if not all) of the ingredients stocked away in your kitchen right now.
In this post, you will learn how to make your own pumpkin spice lattes with step-by-step instructions. I even included the recipe for making your own pumpkin pie spice.
Other pumpkin spice recipes we love are Pumpkin Dip, Easy Pumpkin Soup, Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, and Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Vanilla Glaze.
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❤️Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy pumpkin latte recipe is made with freshly brewed coffee, real pumpkin, and of course – pumpkin pie spice! This recipe is extremely versatile. You can switch out the milk for your favorite dairy substitute and use your favorite sweetener. It’s all up to you! ❤️
Our recipe for pumpkin spice lattes takes just 10 minutes and makes 2 lattes. However, you can easily double or triple the recipe if you want to make a bigger batch.
If you want to make the pumpkin spice goodness last all week long, try our recipe for Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer.
📋Ingredients
To make homemade pumpkin spice lattes, you will need the following ingredients:
Pumpkin: You will need pure pumpkin for this recipe. Both canned pumpkin and homemade roasted and pureed pumpkin will work.
Coffee: Coffeehouses typically use espresso for their PSL. This recipe calls for strong brewed coffee.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: You can find this seasoning mixture in the spice aisle. Alternatively, you can make your own pumpkin pie spice. Simply combine 3 TBSP Cinnamon + 2 tsp Ginger + 2 tsp Nutmeg + 1 1/2 tsp allspice + 1 1/2 tsp cloves. Store your pumpkin spice at room temperature in an air-tight container and use it all season long.
Cinnamon: Yes, there is cinnamon in pumpkin pie spice blends. However, I think adding extra cinnamon really helps enhance the pumpkin flavor.
Vanilla: You will have the best results with pure vanilla extract.
Scroll to the bottom for the complete list of ingredient measurements and printable recipe card.
📖 Ingredient Swaps
Sugar Alternatives: I use regular granulated sugar in this recipe. However, you can substitute it to meet your needs and tastes. Feel free to swap out the sugar for maple syrup, honey, or a no-calorie sweetener.
Non-Dairy Milk: Like the sugar, the milk is also very swappable. Feel free to swap it out for almond milk, goat milk, soy milk. Whatever works best for you.
🔪Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat over medium-low heat until the mixture begins to steam but not boil. When the milk is hot, whisk the mixture quickly until bubbles begin to form.
Serve and enjoy!
👩🏻🍳Expert Cooking Tips
Serving PSL to a Crowd
To serve this recipe for homemade pumpkin lattes to a crowd, I recommend doubling or tripling the recipe and cooking it as directed. Then transfer it to a slow cooker set to “keep warm”. That way, you can go back for seconds and it will still be delicious and warm.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
You can find this seasoning mixture in the spice aisle. Alternatively, you can make your own pumpkin pie spice. Simply combine 3 TBSP Cinnamon + 2 tsp Ginger + 2 tsp Nutmeg + 1 1/2 tsp allspice + 1 1/2 tsp cloves. Store your pumpkin spice at room temperature in an air-tight container and use it all season long.
💭Recipe FAQs
What makes a pumpkin spice latte (PSL) so darn good is the delightful combination of flavors and aromas it offers. It’s like a cozy, comforting hug in a cup, especially during the fall season. First off, you’ve got the warmth of the coffee or espresso, which pairs beautifully with the creamy, steamed milk. That contrast of rich, bitter coffee and smooth, velvety milk creates a satisfying texture and mouthfeel.
Then comes the star of the show: the pumpkin spice blend. The spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes ginger or allspice, infuse the drink with a warm and earthy flavor profile. It’s like a sip of autumn with every taste. The sweetness, whether from sugar or a flavored syrup, balances out the spices, creating a harmonious blend. Finally, the whipped cream and a dash of extra spice on top add that touch of indulgence and a little extra aromatic kick. The combination of all these elements is what makes a PSL such a beloved treat – it’s like a mini celebration of fall in every sip.
Certainly! You can make a pumpkin spice latte (PSL) without pumpkin puree if you don’t have any on hand or want a quicker, simpler version. The key to achieving that classic pumpkin spice flavor is using pumpkin spice syrup or pumpkin spice seasoning instead.
To make a PSL without pumpkin puree, start by brewing a strong cup of coffee or espresso. Then, heat up some milk (dairy or non-dairy) and mix in pumpkin spice syrup to taste. You can find this syrup at many grocery stores or make your own by combining sugar, water, and pumpkin pie spice. Once your milk is flavored, froth it up if you like, and pour it over your coffee. Top it with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for that signature PSL touch. This way, you can enjoy all the warm and cozy pumpkin spice goodness without the need for pumpkin puree.
So, whether you’re out of pumpkin puree or just looking for a simpler way to satisfy your PSL craving, the syrup and spice route can still deliver that delicious fall-inspired flavor you love in your latte.
A pumpkin spice latte is traditionally served hot, and that’s how it’s most commonly enjoyed during the fall and winter months. The warm and comforting combination of espresso or coffee, steamed milk, and those delightful pumpkin spice flavors, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, make it the perfect cozy beverage to sip on a chilly day. The heat enhances the aromatic spices and creates a soothing, aromatic experience. Plus, the warmth of the latte can be especially comforting when the weather turns cold.
That said, in recent years, there’s been a surge in popularity for iced pumpkin spice lattes as well. These cold versions typically involve chilled espresso or coffee mixed with milk, pumpkin spice syrup, and ice, often topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of spice. They offer a refreshing twist on the classic hot version and are great for those who prefer cold coffee beverages or live in warmer climates where a hot drink may not always be appealing. So, whether you like it hot or cold, the choice is yours, and both versions can be a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of pumpkin spice.
Making your own pumpkin puree can be a cost-effective choice, especially if you compare it to buying canned pumpkin puree. When you make your own, you start with fresh pumpkins, which are often less expensive than the convenience of canned puree. Plus, you can usually get more puree from a fresh pumpkin compared to a single can. So, in terms of the raw ingredient cost, making your own pumpkin puree tends to be cheaper.
However, it’s essential to consider the time and effort involved. Preparing fresh pumpkin puree requires cleaning, peeling, and cooking the pumpkin before pureeing it. This process can be a bit time-consuming, and it may not always be worth it if you’re tight on time or prefer the convenience of canned pumpkin. Additionally, you might need specific kitchen equipment like a food processor or blender, which you might not already have on hand. So, while it’s generally cheaper in terms of raw ingredients, the convenience factor and the equipment needed are essential factors to consider when deciding whether to make your own pumpkin puree.
🎃More Pumpkin Recipes
If you tried this Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe or any other recipe on my website, I would love it if you could leave me a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the 📝 comments below. ❤️
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup brewed coffee
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
- Heat over medium low heat until the mixture begins to steam but not boil.
- When the milk is hot, whisk the mixture quickly until bubbles begin to form.
- Divide the coffee evenly between each mug.
- Top the coffee with the milk mixture.
- Serve and enjoy!
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