Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte (Printable Version)

Create a cozy autumn beverage with real pumpkin purée and warm spices in just 10 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Pumpkin Spice Base

01 - 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
02 - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves blend)
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or maple syrup)

→ Milk & Coffee

04 - 1 ½ cups whole milk (or plant-based alternative)
05 - ½ cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Toppings

07 - Whipped cream (optional)
08 - Pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for dusting (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and sugar. Heat until warmed and fragrant, about 1 minute.
02 - Slowly add milk, whisking constantly. Heat until steaming but not boiling, ensuring the pumpkin mixture fully incorporates into the liquid.
03 - Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
04 - Froth the milk mixture using a handheld frother, whisk vigorously, or blend briefly until foamy and creamy texture is achieved.
05 - Pour hot coffee or espresso evenly into two mugs. Add the steamed pumpkin milk mixture on top, allowing the flavors to meld.
06 - Top with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The real pumpkin creates this velvety mouthfeel you just cannot fake with syrup alone
  • Making it yourself means controlling exactly how sweet and spicy it gets
  • Your whole kitchen will smell like autumn decided to move in rent free
02 -
  • Do not walk away while the pumpkin mixture heats, it goes from fragrant to burned in seconds
  • The first time I made this I used pumpkin pie filling and ended up with something that tasted like liquid pudding
  • Your latte will taste even better tomorrow after the spices have had time to become friends
03 -
  • A tiny pinch of salt makes all those spices pop like they have been waiting their whole lives for this moment
  • If you do not have a frother, pour the milk back and forth between two containers about ten times