If you’re craving a cozy café treat at home, this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is your new best friend. It perfectly blends the warm, spicy essence of pumpkin pie with rich coffee and creamy milk, creating a drink that’s comforting, flavorful, and utterly addictive. Making this delightful latte from scratch is easier than you think, and it fills your kitchen with all those autumn vibes that make chilly days so special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a comforting and flavorful Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy texture of the milk to the cozy warmth of pumpkin pie spice, delivering that classic fall flavor you crave.
- ¼ cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and body to the latte, making it rich and smooth.
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened pumpkin puree: Brings authentic pumpkin flavor and a velvety texture.
- 1½ tablespoons granulated white sugar: Sweetens the latte just right, balancing the spices.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely aromatic depth.
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: The star spice mix that infuses your latte with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for ultimate fall warmth.
- 1 cup brewed coffee: The bold base that wakes you up and pairs amazingly with the pumpkin and spices.
- ¼ cup vanilla creamer: Adds smoothness and subtle vanilla notes, rounding out the flavor.
- Whipped cream (for the top): A luscious finishing touch that makes every sip feel indulgent.
- Pumpkin pie spice (for the top): A sprinkle for extra spice and visual appeal.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Pumpkin Mixture
Start by combining your milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice in a glass mixing cup. Using a whisk, blend everything thoroughly until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This smooth pumpkin base is where the magic begins.
Step 2: Heat the Pumpkin Mixture
Next, pop the glass mixing cup into the microwave and heat it for about one minute. This step warms the milk and spices, helping their flavors mingle perfectly. When you take it out, your kitchen will smell like autumn in a cup!
Step 3: Brew and Pour Your Coffee
While the pumpkin mixture heats, brew a fresh cup of your favorite coffee. Pour that piping hot coffee directly into the glass with the pumpkin milk mix. The rich, bold coffee cuts through the sweetness and spices beautifully—this part really wakes up your taste buds.
Step 4: Add Creamer and Toppings
Stir in your vanilla creamer for added creaminess and a hint of vanilla sweetness. Top your latte generously with whipped cream, then sprinkle a little pumpkin pie spice on top for that perfect finishing touch. Now, sit back and sip your homemade delight!
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect presentation, a swirl of whipped cream crowned with a dusting of pumpkin pie spice transforms your latte into a café-worthy masterpiece. You can also add a cinnamon stick for stirring and subtle extra spice—it makes the experience feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe pairs wonderfully with cozy sides like buttery croissants, cinnamon sugar cookies, or even a slice of pumpkin bread. These treats complement the latte’s sweet and spicy notes and make for an indulgent snack or breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pumpkin Spice Latte in a clear glass mug to showcase its creamy swirls and whipped cream topping. For a festive vibe, garnish with mini marshmallows or drizzle a little caramel sauce on top. Adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or cocoa powder can also elevate the look and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some leftover pumpkin milk mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the coffee separate and brew fresh each time to maintain the best flavor.
Freezing
Freezing the assembled Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe isn’t recommended because the milk and cream can separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the pumpkin puree mixture on its own to save prep time for future lattes.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the pumpkin milk mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm. Brew fresh coffee and combine immediately for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use plant-based milk instead of whole milk?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well and can add their own unique flavor and creaminess to the Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe. Just choose your favorite and adjust sweetness if needed.
Is pumpkin puree easy to find?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree is widely available in grocery stores year-round, especially in the baking aisle near canned vegetables or pie fillings.
How strong should the coffee be for this latte?
A medium to strong brewed coffee works best to balance the sweet and spicy flavors. If your coffee is too light, the latte can taste overly sweet.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Definitely. Swap the granulated sugar for a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just be sure to adjust the amount to taste, as some substitutes are sweeter than sugar.
What’s the best pumpkin pie spice to use?
You can buy pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice at most supermarkets or make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Freshly ground spices tend to be more aromatic and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is a comforting hug in a mug that brings the best flavors of fall right to your kitchen. Whether you need a morning pick-me-up or a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe is sure to brighten your day and become a beloved staple. Give it a try, and enjoy every warm, spiced sip!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
This homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe is a delicious and cozy fall-inspired coffee drink. Combining creamy milk, rich pumpkin puree, warming spices, and smooth coffee, this latte is a perfect way to enjoy a festive beverage in just minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened pumpkin puree
- 1½ tablespoons granulated white sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for topping
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- ¼ cup vanilla creamer
- Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions
- Mix Pumpkin Milk Base: In a glass mixing cup, combine the whole milk, unsweetened pumpkin puree, granulated white sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Heat Mixture: Place the glass cup with the pumpkin milk mixture into the microwave and heat for 1 minute. This warms and slightly thickens the mixture, enhancing the flavors.
- Prepare Coffee: Brew 1 cup of your preferred coffee while the pumpkin milk base is heating. Once done, pour the freshly brewed coffee into your glass or serving mug.
- Combine and Garnish: Pour the warmed pumpkin milk mixture into the coffee. Add the vanilla creamer and stir gently. Top the latte with a generous amount of whipped cream and sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice to finish.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative like almond or oat milk to adjust for dietary preferences.
- Adjust sugar quantity according to your taste for sweetness.
- For a stronger pumpkin flavor, increase the pumpkin puree up to 2 tablespoons.
- Use freshly brewed hot coffee for the best flavor and warmth.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or scaled up for more servings.
- Microwave heating time may vary depending on your microwave wattage; heat until warm but not boiling.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
