Warm spice, creamy pumpkin, and a mug that smells like October, made at your own stove.
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Craving a seasonal coffee run without the line or the price tag? Here is a homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe that gets its flavor from a spoonful of canned pumpkin, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a few pantry spices. A cup is ready in about a quarter of an hour, and you decide how sweet it gets.
Consider this your go-to pumpkin spiced latte recipe for fall. It starts with a simple pumpkin latte mix that you cook on the stovetop, then pour over fresh coffee. All you need is a small pan, a whisk, and a mug. If your coffee tastes weak, our coffee to water ratio guide shows you how to brew a stronger cup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin, plain and unsweetened
- Maple syrup, starting at 1 tablespoon and going up to 2 (or use brown sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 8 fluid ounces of milk, dairy or plant based
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A double shot of espresso, or about 4 ounces of extra strong coffee
- A speck of salt, optional
- Whipped cream and cinnamon, to finish
Get the Ingredients
Stock the kitchen once and you are set for the whole season. Tap an item to see it on Amazon.
Out of pumpkin pie spice? Stir together 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves. You will have plenty left over for future lattes, so store the extra in a small jar.
Equipment
- A small pan
- A whisk or spoon
- A mug
- Any coffee brewer you own
- A handheld frother or lidded jar, optional
Instructions
Cook the pumpkin base
Spoon the pumpkin, maple syrup, and spices into your pan. Stir over low heat for about a minute, until it smells toasty and starts to gently bubble. Cooking the spices briefly wakes up their flavor.
Stir in the milk slowly
Add the milk in small pours, stirring between each one so the pumpkin melts in rather than forming lumps.
Warm it until it steams
Keep the heat low and stir until wisps of steam rise from the surface. Lift the pan off the burner before it reaches a rolling bubble, which can give the milk a scorched taste.
Finish with vanilla
Stir in the vanilla once the pan is off the heat, plus a speck of salt if you like. The salt rounds out the sweetness.
Brew your coffee
Make your espresso or strong coffee while the milk is resting, and pour it into the bottom of your favorite mug.
Pour and froth
Pour the spiced milk over the coffee. For a foamy top, run a handheld frother through it, or seal it in a jar and shake hard for a few seconds first.
Garnish
Add a swirl of whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon. Enjoy it while it is hot.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
- Check the can. It should say pumpkin only, with no added sugar or spices.
- Add sweetener a little at a time. You can always stir in more after tasting.
- Brew the coffee stronger than usual, because the milk will mellow it out.
- Cook the spices in the pumpkin first. That short step makes the flavor deeper and rounder.
- For a silky texture, strain the warm milk through a fine sieve before pouring.
Easy Variations
Iced version
Chill the spiced milk, then combine it with cold coffee in a glass of ice.
Plant based
Choose oat or soy milk for a creamy texture, and keep the maple syrup to stay fully dairy free.
Lighter on sugar
Use just a teaspoon of maple syrup and add an extra pinch of cinnamon. The pumpkin brings natural sweetness.
Make Your Own Pumpkin Latte Mix Ahead
Want lattes ready on busy mornings? Multiply the pumpkin, maple syrup, spice, and milk to make a bigger batch of pumpkin latte mix. Cook it the same way, let it cool, and pour it into a sealed jar. It will stay fresh in the fridge for roughly four days.
When you want a cup, shake the jar, warm a portion, and pour it over your coffee. The cold mix also works well poured straight over ice for a quick iced latte.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
It is better to avoid it. Pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which makes the drink harder to balance. Choose a can that lists pumpkin as the only ingredient.
How long does the pumpkin latte mix keep?
In a sealed jar in the fridge, a batch of pumpkin latte mix lasts about 4 days. Give it a good shake each time, since the pumpkin tends to settle at the bottom.
Do I need an espresso machine?
No. Any brewer can make coffee strong enough, and instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water is a handy backup.
How can I make it dairy free?
Oat milk and soy milk both froth well and taste great here. Read the label first, because some plant milks curdle when heated.
Why does my latte feel gritty?
The pumpkin probably did not dissolve fully. Add the milk slowly while stirring, and finish with a quick whirl from a frother to smooth things out.
Can I serve it over ice?
Yes. Wait for the spiced milk to cool, fill a glass with ice, and pour in the milk and some cold coffee.
Final Thoughts
This pumpkin spiced latte recipe comes down to three simple parts: strong coffee, creamy pumpkin milk, and cozy spice. Once you have made it a couple of times, adjust the sweetness and spice until the cup tastes like yours.
Looking for more ways to upgrade your coffee at home? Our step by step guides are a good place to keep going.
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