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.
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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.
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.
- 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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A cozy and delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe that combines brewed coffee with creamy milk, pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for fall mornings or any time you crave a comforting seasonal drink topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.
Ingredients
Milk Mixture
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened pumpkin puree
- 1½ tablespoons granulated white sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Latte
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- ¼ cup vanilla creamer
- Whipped cream for topping
- Pumpkin pie spice for topping
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a glass mixing cup, add the whole milk, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a whisk to mix all the ingredients thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Heat Mixture: Place the glass mixing cup in the microwave and heat for 1 minute to warm the milk mixture. Carefully remove it from the microwave once heated.
- Brew Coffee: Brew 1 cup of coffee using your preferred method. Pour the hot coffee into your serving glass or mug.
- Assemble Latte: Pour the warmed pumpkin milk mixture into the glass with the brewed coffee. Add ¼ cup of vanilla creamer and gently stir to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the latte with a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice on top for an extra festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can mix the milk, pumpkin, sugar, and spices ahead of time and store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat the pumpkin milk mixture gently in the microwave or on the stovetop without boiling to preserve flavor and texture.
- Freeze leftover pumpkin milk mixture in ice cube trays to have ready portions for future lattes.
- For an iced version, chill your brewed coffee the night before.
- If you don’t have a frother, use a small whisk or shake the mixture in a mason jar to blend well.
- Stir your latte before sipping as the ingredients can settle.
- Freeze unused pumpkin puree in 1 tablespoon portions for convenience.
- Use dark roast coffee for a bolder flavor that complements the pumpkin spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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