Pumpkin spice lattes are captivating since they first hit the coffee scene!
There’s something magical about that perfect blend of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg that creates the feeling of being wrapped in a cozy autumn blanket.
The secret to making the perfect pumpkin spice latte at home is worth knowing.
After testing dozens of recipes, the code has been cracked to create a version that’s even better than your favorite coffee shop’s.
This homemade version will save you a ton of money too!
Ingredients
- Pumpkin purée
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Cane sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Strong coffee or espresso
- Whipped cream
Recommended Tools
Ready to make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte at home? Having the right tools in your kitchen makes whipping up this cozy fall favorite so much easier.
These must-have items will help you blend, heat and serve your homemade Starbucks copycat with professional results every time.
- Blender
Essential for combining the pumpkin purée, spices and milk into a smooth, consistent mixture.
- Milk Frother
Creates that perfect foamy texture that makes your latte feel like it came from a real coffee shop.
- Coffee Maker
Brews the strong coffee base needed to balance the sweet, spiced milk mixture.
- Measuring Spoons
Helps you get those spice and extract measurements just right for the perfect flavor balance.
- Glass Mugs
Shows off the beautiful layers of your latte and keeps your drink warm longer.
- Saucepan
Perfect for warming the milk without scorching it before blending with other ingredients.
- Airtight Container
Stores any leftover latte in the fridge for up to 48 hours without losing flavor.
Instructions
Ready to bring that cozy coffee shop feeling into your kitchen? Let’s make a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte that rivals your favorite café version!
- Start by adding 2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée to your blender. This real pumpkin gives you that authentic fall flavor that makes this drink so special!
- Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice – it’s like adding autumn in powder form!
- Add 1½ tablespoons of cane sugar for that perfect sweetness. Feel free to adjust if you prefer your latte more or less sweet.
- Pour in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract – don’t skip this! It brings all the flavors together beautifully.
- Warm up 2 cups of milk (any kind works!) and add it to your blender. The warm milk helps all those spices bloom.
- Blend everything until smooth and creamy – no pumpkin lumps allowed!
- Brew ½ cup of strong coffee or espresso and pour it hot into the blender. The heat helps meld all those yummy flavors.
- Give everything another good blend for about 2 minutes. This creates that frothy, café-quality texture you’re looking for!
- Pour your creation into your favorite mugs and top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Go ahead – be dramatic with it!
- For the finishing touch, dust a little extra pumpkin pie spice on top for both flavor and that Instagram-worthy appearance.
Didn’t finish it all? No problem! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 48 hours.
Just reheat gently when the craving strikes again!
Pro Tips
For a perfect coffeeshop-worthy foam on your homemade pumpkin spice latte, use a milk frother on the warm milk before adding it to the pumpkin mixture.
If you don’t have a frother, vigorously shake the warm milk in a tightly sealed jar for 30-60 seconds before blending with the other ingredients.
Substitutions & Variations
The classic pumpkin spice latte can be transformed with simple ingredient swaps that maintain its cozy essence while adding unique flavors.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute almond milk, oat milk or coconut milk for regular milk to create a plant-based treat that maintains the creamy texture.
- Sugar Alternatives: Replace cane sugar with maple syrup, honey or coconut sugar for different flavor profiles and potentially lower glycemic impact.
- Spice Variations: Create your own pumpkin spice blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves in different proportions to customize the warmth level.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the mixture before blending for a post-workout pumpkin spice protein latte.
- Iced Version: Cool the coffee completely before blending and pour over ice for a refreshing cold pumpkin spice latte perfect for warmer autumn days.
- Chocolate Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to create a chocolate pumpkin spice mocha that combines two beloved flavors.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
Three simple rules will keep your homemade pumpkin spice latte fresh and delicious long after the initial brew.
First, let it cool completely before storing.
Second, pour it into an airtight container—I love using mason jars!
Third, refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat gently on the stove or microwave and give it a quick stir!
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Pumpkin Spice Latte
A homemade Starbucks copycat latte with real pumpkin, warm spices, and coffee topped with whipped cream.
- 2 tbsp pumpkin purée
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1½ tbsp cane sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk (warmed)
- ½ cup strong coffee or espresso
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Blend pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, cane sugar, vanilla extract, and warm milk until smooth.
- Add hot coffee and blend again for about 2 minutes.
- Pour into cups, garnish with whipped cream and extra pumpkin pie spice if desired.
