Dreaming of a cozy, barista-style fall treat right from your own kitchen? This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte is everything you crave: creamy, perfectly spiced, and layered with that unmistakable pumpkin flavor beneath a cloud of whipped cream. Forget the drive-through—making it at home means you control the sweetness, spice, and quality of every sip. Whether you’re kicking off a brisk autumn morning or winding down on a blustery afternoon, this is the ultimate hug-in-a-mug for pumpkin spice enthusiasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Milk Mixture:
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Others:
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or 1–2 shots espresso
- Whipped cream for topping
- Extra pumpkin pie spice for garnish
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Step 1: Warm and Whisk the Pumpkin Base
Start by combining the milk, pumpkin purée, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a small saucepan. Set it over medium heat and whisk gently. The goal is to heat the mixture through without letting it boil. Stirring helps blend the pumpkin smoothly into the milk and prevents any burning on the bottom. For the richest flavor and smoothest texture, keep everything moving and watch for gentle steam—your kitchen will begin to smell like a fall dream!
Step 2: Stir in Vanilla Extract
Once your pumpkin mixture is hot and steamy (but not boiling), take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This step makes a bigger difference than you might expect—vanilla enhances the warmth of the spices and brings out the best in both the pumpkin and the coffee you’ll add later.
Step 3: Froth Until Creamy
Now’s the time for a little frothy magic. Use a milk frother (or a good old-fashioned whisk) to froth the pumpkin milk mixture until it’s light and foamy on top. This gives your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte that signature café-style body, making every sip silky and special. No frother? Just whisk vigorously or shake the mixture with a tight-fitting lid—you’ll still get lots of foam!
Step 4: Combine with Coffee or Espresso
Pour the brewed coffee or hot espresso into your favorite mug. Gently add the pumpkin milk mixture, pouring slowly to preserve that lovely frothy top. Stir just enough to combine, letting the flavors mingle while keeping the latte beautifully layered and creamy.
Step 5: Top and Garnish
Spoon a generous cloud of whipped cream onto your latte and finish with a dusting of extra pumpkin pie spice. Take a moment to admire your masterpiece—the colors and aromas set the stage for an irresistible Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte experience. Time to sip and savor!
How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Garnishes
A swirl of whipped cream and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice are classic, but you can also add a cinnamon stick or a drizzle of caramel for extra decadence. The whipped cream softens into the warm drink, turning every sip extra dreamy and luxurious.
Side Dishes
This latte is a showstopper all on its own, but pairing it with a buttery croissant, a pumpkin muffin, or a slice of cinnamon coffee cake makes for a truly cozy indulgence. These gentle flavors won’t overpower your latte—they’ll play up the fall vibes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte in clear glass mugs to show off its gorgeous orange hue and frothy top. Hosting brunch? Set up a DIY latte bar with toppings like grated nutmeg, chocolate shavings, and mini marshmallows. For an extra flourish, set out pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies or homemade biscotti alongside each latte.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra pumpkin milk mixture, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just remember to give it a good shake or stir before using, as the ingredients can settle.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pumpkin milk base for convenience. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze solid, then pop out cubes as needed for quick, blended or iced Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte treats. Defrost in the fridge overnight, or drop cubes directly into hot coffee for a shortcut version.
Reheating
Reheat the pumpkin milk mixture gently on the stovetop over low heat, whisking constantly to restore its creamy texture. Avoid bringing it to a boil, as that can cause separation or scald the milk. Once heated, froth again and combine with fresh hot coffee or espresso for a revived homemade treat.
FAQs
Is canned pumpkin purée or fresh pumpkin better for this recipe?
Canned pumpkin purée is the easiest and most consistent choice, as it blends smoothly and has the ideal density for a latte. If you have roasted fresh pumpkin on hand, feel free to use it—just be sure it’s well-blended and not watery for the creamiest texture.
Can I make this latte sugar-free or use alternative sweeteners?
Absolutely! Adjust the sweetness to your taste by using maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, or a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Just add a little at a time, tasting as you go, until you reach your perfect sweetness.
How do I make an iced Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte?
To enjoy this latte over ice, chill the pumpkin milk mixture thoroughly, then pour it over a glass of ice along with cold brew or chilled espresso. Stir well, add whipped cream, and you’ve got the ultimate refresher for warmer autumn days or anytime you want a cold treat.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can mix your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves or allspice. About 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ginger, and a tiny pinch of the others will give you a homemade spice blend that’s just as comforting.
Can I use non-dairy milk, and will it taste as good?
Definitely! Almond, oat, or soy milk all froth well and taste delicious in this recipe. Oat milk, in particular, makes a luxuriously creamy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte that rivals any coffeehouse version and is naturally dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making your own Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte before, now’s the time—there’s something truly special about slowing down and savoring each step (and sip). Customize it your way, share with friends, or keep it as your personal fall pick-me-up. However you enjoy it, you’re just a few ingredients and ten minutes away from pure, pumpkin-spiced comfort.
Print
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte that’s easy to make and perfect for a chilly day.
Ingredients
Milk Mixture:
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Others:
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or 1–2 shots espresso
- Whipped cream for topping
- Extra pumpkin pie spice for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, pumpkin purée, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Heat until hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Using a milk frother or whisk, froth the mixture until foamy.
- Pour the hot coffee or espresso into a mug, then add the pumpkin milk mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For an iced version, chill the pumpkin milk mixture and pour it over ice with cold brew or chilled espresso.
- You can also blend the warm drink for a café-style frothy finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
