If you love the warm, rich taste of pumpkin spice lattes in the fall and winter months, but you don’t like how much they cost at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, here’s how to make a homemade pumpkin spice latte from scratch that will rival even the tastiest drive-thru drink. It’s all about choosing high-quality ingredients! Read on to learn more.
Whether you’re wanting it clean and skinny (vegan too!) or you’re okay with adding in the cream and sugar, this homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe totally takes the cake (coffee-cake?). It’s delicious and healthy as is, can be sweetened to your liking, and will save you loads of dolla’ bills while you skip the lines and whip this simple recipe up in your kitchen.
Why, hello there Fall. I’ve certainly missed you. Like the mornings missed the cooled air and pumpkins missed lattes, and donuts, and well… just about everything.
Okay, technically fall can be a rather elusive season here in Florida, and instead of crisp cool mornings, we turn the air down and pretend while we wear sweaters inside. But then I end up needing to change again before heading outdoors or else the blast of humid air is a stark reminder that our autumn season can still pass for beach weather.
Basically, it’s summer. But with pumpkins.
Which, isn’t so bad either. Some of our hot days, though, are accompanied by thunderstorms, and that in itself brings the craving for cozy blankets and drinks.
On those hot days, where summer is still hanging on with all she’s got, I’ll keep the milk cold and add in some ice. The flavor of this pumpkin spice latte recipe is just as divine. But most days, I’m savoring every sip of fall as it wraps me up in its pumpkin spice embrace.
Table of Contents
Fun Modifications for Your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte:
Pumpkin Spice Syrup
To make pumpkin spice syrup that you can keep on-hand and add to your daily coffee/latte, combine 2 cups of water with 1 cup of sugar (or alternative sweetener of choice) in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved. Add 3 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup. Whisk well, then remove from heat and let cool before use.
Note: This recipe makes enough for about 12 lattes; store extra in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream
Whip 1 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree. Whip for 30 seconds, or until combined. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Serve over freshly brewed coffee with pumpkin pie spice sprinkled on top (optional).
Pumpkin Pie Spice
To make your own pumpkin pie spice, mix together 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Store in an airtight container and use on pancakes, waffles, drinks, and more – as you would store-bought pumpkin pie spice.
Almond Milk
Yes, it is possible to make latte-quality drinks without cow’s milk. Almond milk (unsweetened) is easy on your stomach and has about 25% of the calories of cow’s milk.
With a simple recipe like this, your homemade pumpkin spice latte can be customized to please a range of pallets and dietary needs! Need a skinny, vegan option to satisfy your fall craving? I make mine with almond milk and sweeten it with maple syrup. Like a full, rich creamy flavor, use whole milk or heavy cream and sweeten to taste with your sweetener of choice!
Usually, in the end, I’ll have a mix between the two because I’ll top with whipped cream (though, have you ever tried coconut whip?! So good!) and caramel drizzle too!
Oat Milk
If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, oat milk is another great alternative to regular milk. Oatmilk is a delicious, creamy alternative to dairy milk. Oat milk has higher levels of healthy fats and protein than most plant-based milk; plus, it’s gluten-free and soy-free!
Making homemade Oatmilk for your pumpkin spice latte is quick and easy! You only need water, oats, and your preferred sweetener. Blend 1/2 C oats with 3 C water and 2 tsp of sweetener (honey, maple syrup, vanilla) for about 30 seconds (you can even strain out the oats after this for a creamier texture), and refrigerate. Making oat milk takes about 5 minutes in total—and you can save any leftovers for up to five days in an airtight container in your fridge.
Check out these delicious, easy-to-make Christmas and New Year coffee recipes from Cold Hot Drinks!
The Ultimate Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe. Whether you want it clean and skinny (vegan too!) or you love adding in the cream and sugar, this homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe totally takes the cake. Save money and try your own PSL!
Ingredients
- 1 C milk of choice (almond, coconut, soy, whole, heavy cream)
- 1/4 C pumpkin puree
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice, add as desired)
- 1/2 Tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 Tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 C brewed coffee or espresso
Instructions
- Combine the milk, pumpkin, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice in a small pan over medium heat.
- Whisk vigorously to get the milk to foam (about 30 seconds).
- Pour coffee into a large mug and add the vanilla and milk mixture, or place it all in a blender to combine and foam.
- Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle and/or pumpkin pie spice and serve.
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Meredith says
Nothing better than a pumpkin spice latte!! Your pics are beautiful too, and I love that mug!
Name (rachel) says
Yum! I love a good PSL! Your mug is super cute too!
Rachel | http://www.theconfusedmillennial.com
Sheena Tatum says
I cannot wait to get home and make this. It looks scrumptious!
Jamie says
Such a warm and cozy flavor combination! Fun to make a special beverage treat at home too!
deynece says
I enjoyed my coffee with morning with pumpkin spice creamer! there really isn’t anything better then pumpkin! love the mug too!!
Cascia Talbert says
I love pumpkin spice latte! Thanks for sharing this.
Madeline says
This looks amazing! I would love to make this at home, and it seems easy enough!
nicole says
Yum! I love making these at home, they’re much healthier than starbucks!
xx nicole
http://www.nicoleparise.com
Tabitha Blue says
Yes! SO much healthier!!
Lauren says
Sounds delicious and you look so cozy! I’m hoping if I make it I’ll be just as comfy haha!!
Liz Mays says
This sounds like the perfect comfort drink. I’d love to make myself one and settle in!
Elizabeth O. says
That’s really easy to make, it’s perfect for mornings when you just feel like spoiling yourself! It’s even better when you share it with friends! Thanks for the recipe!
Cindy Ingalls says
I don’t drink coffee, but I love adding pumpkin to my chai lattes. I’m going to try this recipe out at home with tea. Looks delicious.
adriana says
I cannot wait to try this! It looks amazing, and I love that it’s homemade! So good!
Victoria Graham says
You had me at pumpkin spice! Thanks so much for sharing, this will be a money saver to just make these at home instead of ending up at Starbucks.
Paris (My Big Fat Happy Life) says
This sounds amazing! Pumpkin Spice Latte is my favorite kind of coffee this time of year.
Cait Weingartner says
Wow! I’m super excited to see that I actually HAVE all of these ingredients on hand, so guess what I’ll be making tomorrow morning?! This looks amazing, thanks for sharing.
Lynn says
This pumpkin spiced latte looks like it will be my Fall mainstay!
Kathy says
That sounds really good. I love hot drinks this time of year. They’re perfect for this weather. I need to give this one a try too.
Sarah @ 2paws Designs says
Great video! I’m not a PSL fan (gasp!), but my husband is so I pinned to try for him later. 🙂
Ourfamilyworld says
Oh, this is an interesting flavor for a latte. We will try it soon!
Nicole Etolen says
Wow, sounds like perfect for my afternoon snacks. I will definitely like this.
Kelly Reci says
I am a huge fan of latte and I am so excited to try this. What a lovely idea.
Tami says
I can’t wait to give this a taste test. I’ll be using whole milk in mime. Yum!
Lisa Rios says
When it comes to fall season, it is all about pumpkin recipes every where and this one looks absolutely delicious. Being a coffee lover, I would love this so much with the combination of brewed coffee and almond cream combo.
suzanne says
This post is so cozy, and totally makes me want to curl up with a latte! Can’t wait to try it.
lynzy says
Homemade?! YES! I need to try this! I’ve been looking for a recipe that looks this amazing for a while! Yay!
Christina Aliperti says
This looks amazing! I love a homemade latte so much more than when I buy one from a coffee place.