The Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

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This homemade pumpkin spice latte is quick and easy to make, hot or iced, and more affordable than your local coffee shop.

There is nothing more fall than a pumpkin spice latte. As soon as the leaves start to change, you know it’s pumpkin spice season. The combination of rich pumpkin flavor and the warming spices that come from pumpkin spice This is my knockoff version of Starbucks or your local coffee shop’s version of a pumpkin spice latte.

Why you will love this recipe

Inexpensive When you make your favorite lattes at home, they are much cheaper than buying them in your store-bought coffee shops, and they are just as delicious.
Sweetness and strength When you make your latte at home, you are in control of the level of sweetness and the strength of the coffee or espresso. You can adjust it to your own taste.
Pumpkin flavor This recipe uses real pumpkin puree, not just pumpkin syrup; this is what makes the recipe rich and decadent.

latte pumpkin — An Autumn favorite hot drink, the pumpkin spice flavored coffee, tea, or chai, complete with fresh pumpkins and whipped cream topping. Cinnamon sticks, ginger, cloves, and allspice surround the mug of spicy warm goodness. Rustic wood table.

Ingredients in a pumpkin spice latte

Espresso or strong coffee You’re welcome to use either espresso or very strong coffee to make your latte. I prefer espresso because you get a stronger coffee flavor. Most coffee places, like Starbucks, use one shot of espresso for a 12-ounce latte, but I like to use two shots for extra coffee flavor.
Milk You can use whatever type of plain-flavoured milk you like best. It’s traditionally made with cow’s milk because it froths the best, but you can use an alternative milk like oat milk or almond milk.
Pumpkin puree You will need a couple tablespoons of pumpkin puree, either canned puree or homemade puree. You just want to make sure that it’s not pumpkin pie filling if you’re using canned.
Pumpkin Spice I like to make my own pumpkin spice mix, but you can use your favourite pre-mixed blend of pumpkin spice.
Vanilla Extract A little bit of pure vanilla adds a nice flavor to this latte
Sweetener You’re welcome to use your favourite sweetener. I like to use maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup.

How to make Pumpkin Spice Latte

Heat the milk Start by putting your choice of milk in a small pot and heat over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling.
Mix ingredients Make your coffee or espresso and pour it into a large mug. Mix together pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin spice, and vanilla until well combined. (To make sure it’s smooth, you can place everything but the coffee in a blender until smooth and then pour into a mug.)
Froth the milk If you have an espresso machine, you will want to use a milk frother for about 30 seconds, or until foamy. Then pour on top of the pumpkin espresso mixture. Spoon some of the thicker foam on top.
Topping As an extra level of decadence, I like to top it with whipped cream, and if you want to get really fancy, you can sprinkle the top with pumpkin spice or cinnamon and enjoy!

Variations to pumpkin spice latte

When it comes to variations, there are really only two types that come to mind, and are just as delicious as the traditional version of the pumpkin spice latte.

Iced pumpkin spice latte Take all of the ingredients listed and add them to a blender. Blend until smooth and frothy. Then pour over ice cubes and top with whipped cream.
Coffee-Free I love making this version just as much as the traditional, but instead of making coffee, steep two chai bags in a half cup of boiling water and then use the chai in place of the coffee in the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of milk should I use for my pumpkin spice latte?

You can use any type of milk you like. I personally like to use cow’s milk 2% because I find it froths up the best, but any milk will work. To make it dairy-free, you can use oat milk or almond milk.

Do I need a frother?

The pumpkin spice latte can be made without a frother; you simply need to heat all the ingredients together in a saucepan and pour them into a mug. If you’re not frothing it, I would definitely suggest whipped cream topping.

Why do they call it pumpkin spice?

Pumpkin spice is made up of a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger and is usually used in pumpkin pie, which is generally why it’s called pumpkin spice.

Why is the pumpkin spice latte so popular?

I think the reason it’s so popular and why it’s the perfect fall drink is because the warm spices and flavors just make you feel cozy. Then a little boost of espresso to finish it off