There’s something truly cozy about sipping a spiced, creamy drink on a crisp morning, and this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe nails that comfort perfectly. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to whip up at home—way better than any line at a coffee shop.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made lots of pumpkin spice lattes over the years, and this recipe stands out because it’s easy, delicious, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. Plus, it captures that autumn vibe in every sip — it’s like fall in a mug.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh pumpkin puree for an authentic flavor without shortcuts.
Quick to Make: Ready in under 10 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or a cozy afternoon treat.
Customizable: You can easily adjust sweetness, milk type, or spice level to suit your taste buds.
Comforting & Cozy: Brings warmth and the perfect blend of pumpkin spice and coffee in every comforting sip.

Two clear glass mugs are filled with a light brown pumpkin spice drink, each topped with a thick layer of white whipped cream swirled in a circular pattern. A brown cinnamon stick is placed upright in the whipped cream of each mug. The drinks sit on a white marbled surface that has some sprinkled cinnamon powder around them. Nearby, a small clear bowl contains white cream, and a tall glass bottle filled with a brown pumpkin spice sauce is labeled with black and white stickers. A few more brown cinnamon sticks lie scattered on the surface near the bottle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is a harmony of creamy milk, real pumpkin, warming spices, and strong coffee. Each ingredient plays its part in building that autumnal cozy vibe we all crave.

Flat lay of a small bowl of bright orange pumpkin puree, a heap of granulated white sugar crystals, a glass bottle of creamy whole milk, a small jar of vanilla extract with a wooden cork, a small mound of warm brown pumpkin pie spice powder, a dark brewed coffee in a clear glass cup, a swirl of smooth whipped cream, and a small pitcher of pale vanilla creamer, all beautifully arranged with soft natural light and gentle shadows, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Whole milk: Gives the latte a rich, velvety texture that froths nicely without being too heavy.
Unsweetened pumpkin puree: Adds genuine pumpkin flavor and natural sweetness; avoid pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar.
Granulated white sugar: Balances the earthy pumpkin and spices with the right amount of sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the drink’s natural flavors and adds depth.
Pumpkin pie spice: The star blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger that brings the signature fall taste.
Brewed coffee: Use your favorite blend, but I recommend a dark roast for boldness that pairs well with the spices.
Vanilla creamer: Adds creaminess and sweetness, making the latte extra indulgent without needing heavy cream.
Whipped cream: For that decadent topping, perfect for special treat moments.
Additional pumpkin pie spice: Sprinkled on top for aroma and that picture-perfect finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is how you can tweak it to fit your cravings—whether it's switching up the milk or dialing up the spice. I always adjust based on the season or how indulgent I’m feeling.

Variation: I like to swap whole milk for oat milk for a dairy-free but creamy version—plus it adds a slight nutty sweetness that’s wonderful.
Less Sweet: You can reduce the sugar by half if you prefer a less sugary drink; I usually do this when I add extra whipped cream.
Iced Version: In warmer months, I chill the brewed coffee overnight and pour the latte over ice—still tastes like fall but refreshingly cool.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Pumpkin Spice Base

Start by combining the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice in a glass mixing cup. I find using a small whisk or even shaking everything in a jar works well to get it evenly blended. This mix is the heart of your latte’s warm, spicy flavor, so take a moment to whisk until smooth and fragrant.

Step 2: Warm It Up

Heat the pumpkin milk mixture in the microwave for about one minute. Don’t overdo it—warm until hot but not boiling, or you risk curdling the milk. If you prefer stovetop, gently warm over low heat while stirring. Then pour this warm mixture into your favorite mug.

Step 3: Brew and Combine the Coffee

Brew a strong cup of your preferred coffee—dark roasts complement the spices beautifully. Pour the coffee directly into the pumpkin milk mix. Give it a gentle stir to marry all those lovely flavors together.

Step 4: Add Creamer and Garnishes

Finish off your latte with vanilla creamer for creaminess and sweetness, then top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. A final dusting of pumpkin pie spice not only looks inviting but amps up that cozy aroma. Now you’re ready to savor that perfect sip!

Top Tip

After making this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe a few dozen times, I learned a few tricks that turned a good latte into an amazing one. These tips mean less stress and more delicious sips every time.

Use Real Pumpkin Puree: It makes all the difference. Canned pumpkin puree—not pie filling—is key for authentic flavor without extra sweetness or preservatives.
Don’t Overheat the Milk: Heating it gently keeps the milk smooth and avoids that unpleasant cooked taste.
Freshly Brewed Coffee: I always use freshly brewed coffee; pre-brewed or old coffee can really dull the flavors.
Whisk Vigorously: Especially if you don’t have a frother, whisking the pumpkin milk mixture well can improve texture and blend those spices nicely.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

pumpkin spice latte - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I honestly love just a little whipped cream with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top—it adds that extra creamy touch and visual charm. Sometimes, I’ll toss in a cinnamon stick for stirring, which makes the whole experience feel extra special and brings a hint of spicy aroma as you sip.

Side Dishes

This latte pairs beautifully with any buttery baked goods like pumpkin muffins, cinnamon scones, or even a simple slice of pumpkin bread. On chilly days, I make this combo my go-to cozy breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive gatherings, I like to serve the latte in clear mugs to showcase the layered look with the whipped cream and spice topping. Adding a cute little cinnamon stick or mini gingerbread cookie on the side elevates the presentation and wows guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I mix up the pumpkin milk base in advance and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days—makes busy mornings so much easier! Just give it a good stir before heating and combining with coffee.

Freezing

If you’re like me and sometimes have leftover pumpkin puree or milk mix, freezing it in ice cube trays works great. When you’re ready, just pop a few cubes in warm milk or coffee to revive that pumpkin spice magic.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the pumpkin milk mixture in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it smooth. Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate flavors and creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of milk in this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe?

Absolutely! While whole milk gives a creamier texture, you can use almond, oat, soy, or even coconut milk depending on your preference or dietary needs. Just remember that plant-based milks vary in creaminess and sweetness.

Is pumpkin pie spice necessary for the recipe?

Pumpkin pie spice is key because it blends cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for that signature fall flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, you can mix these spices yourself or use just cinnamon for a simpler taste.

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe iced?

Definitely! Brew your coffee in advance and chill it overnight, then use cold milk and pumpkin mix. Pour over ice and top with whipped cream for a refreshing twist on the classic flavor.

How do I store leftovers and for how long?

You can store the pumpkin milk mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to reheat gently before combining with freshly brewed coffee to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is one of my all-time favorites for bringing the comfort of fall into any ordinary day. It’s easy enough to make on a weekday morning, yet indulgent enough to feel like a special treat. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it—it really is like wrapping yourself in a warm autumn hug. Pour yourself a cup, cozy up, and savor every delicious sip.