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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe – Better Than Starbucks

homemade pumpkin spice latte - featured image

A rich, balanced homemade pumpkin spice latte made with real pumpkin puree and warm spices, ready in under 10 minutes. This version beats the drive-through with simple, wholesome ingredients and a velvety texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended, or oat/almond milk)
  • 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso (about 4 ounces)
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure preferred)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tiny pinch salt
  • Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
  • Extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brew your coffee or espresso: Make 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of strong coffee or a double shot of espresso. Set aside.
  2. Combine the pumpkin base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and a tiny pinch of salt. Whisk continuously until smooth and steaming, about 2 to 3 minutes. Do not let it boil.
  3. Add sweetener and vanilla: Remove from heat. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or brown sugar) and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
  4. Combine with coffee: Pour brewed coffee into a mug. Slowly pour the warm pumpkin milk mixture over the coffee. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Froth the milk (optional): Pour a few tablespoons of the pumpkin milk mixture into a jar or use a frother. Froth for 15 to 20 seconds until bubbly, then spoon over the latte.
  6. Garnish and serve: Top with whipped cream if desired. Dust with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use oat milk or coconut milk. For extra pumpkin flavor, add an extra tablespoon of pumpkin puree and reduce milk by a tablespoon. To make it iced, cool the pumpkin mixture for 5 minutes, then pour over ice with coffee. Leftover pumpkin milk mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen in ice cube trays for up to a month.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin spice latte, homemade latte, fall coffee, pumpkin coffee, better than Starbucks, easy latte recipe