Creamy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Here’s a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte that warms chilly autumn days with the rich aromas of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Inspired by the famous Starbucks drink, this sweet and spiced latte delights with its creamy texture and comforting fragrance.
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte: Easy and Authentic Recipe Just Like Starbucks
The very first time I tried a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks, I was intrigued by the idea of mixing coffee with pumpkin purée.
Back home in Algeria, pumpkin was mostly used in savoury dishes, so this sweet and spiced version was a real discovery for me.
Today, I no longer buy it outside — the homemade version is richer, more flavourful, and can be adapted to every taste.
The secret doesn’t lie only in the pumpkin itself, but in the spices.
Freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves bring this latte to life, turning it into a warm, cozy ritual that makes autumn truly irresistible.
Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
- 1 tsp instant coffee – choose a good-quality blend for a stronger taste.
- 220 ml milk – whole milk for creaminess, or almond, oat, or soy milk as an alternative.
- 2 tsp sugar – adjust to taste, or swap for honey or maple syrup.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or liquid vanilla) – for sweet, fragrant notes.
- 1 heaped tbsp pumpkin purée – homemade or canned, unsweetened.
- Whipped cream – freshly whipped cream to top it all off.
Homemade Spice Blend
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – the base spice for warmth and sweetness.
- 1 tsp ground ginger – adds a subtle kick and depth.
- ¼ tsp grated nutmeg – warm, slightly woody notes.
- ¼ tsp ground cloves – enhances the flavor with intensity.
How to Make a Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Add pumpkin purée to a small saucepan – use smooth purée for a silky texture.
- Mix in sugar, vanilla, and 1 tsp of the spice blend – these will infuse flavor right from the start.
- Pour in milk and instant coffee – whisk gently until everything blends together.
- Heat over medium flame – whisk continuously until the drink is hot and slightly frothy.
- Pour into a large mug – your latte should be creamy and steaming.
- Top with whipped cream – add generously for a café-style finish.
- Sprinkle with more spice blend – the final touch for both aroma and presentation.
Variations to Try
- Dairy-free version: Use lactose-free milk or plant-based alternatives (oat, almond, soy). Top with dairy-free whipped cream.
- Vegan version: Pair plant milk with vegan whipped cream and sweeten with maple syrup.
- Express version: Mix hot coffee with a teaspoon of spice blend and ready-made pumpkin purée, then top with hot milk. Quick and easy.
- Sugar-free version: Replace sugar with stevia, erythritol, or simply enjoy the natural sweetness of spices.
Tips & FAQ
– Which spices are best? Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves are the classic mix. Add cardamom for extra fragrance.
– How to store pumpkin purée? Keep it in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the fridge, or freeze in small portions for later use.
– Substitutes for pumpkin purée? Try sweet potato, butternut squash, or even lightly sweetened carrot purée.
– How to get perfect froth? Use a whisk, electric frother, or blender. Whole milk and oat milk create the creamiest foam.
– Can I prepare the spice mix in advance? Yes! Store your dry blend in a sealed jar away from light and moisture — it will stay aromatic for months.
Other beverages to try
How to Make a Delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 large cup
Description
homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte that warms chilly autumn days with the rich aromas of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp instant coffee
- 220 ml milk
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or liquid vanilla
- 1 heaped tbsp pumpkin purée
- Fresh cream (whipped into chantilly)
For the homemade spice mix
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Pour the pumpkin purée into a saucepan.
- Add the sugar, vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of the homemade spice mix.
- Add the milk and instant coffee, mix and heat while whisking.
- When it is nice and hot, pour into a mug and decorate with whipped cream.
- Sprinkle with a little of the homemade spice mix.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: beverages
- Cuisine: American cuisine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
