There’s something about the warm, cozy flavors of fall that just hits differently—and my Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe perfectly captures that magic in a cup. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously comforting drink that’s better than any coffee shop version—and way easier on the wallet, too.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe has become my go-to comfort drink during fall afternoons. It’s creamy, perfectly spiced, and not too sweet, making it feel both indulgent and just right. Plus, it’s ridiculously simple to make at home—no fancy equipment needed!
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything in your kitchen already, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spice and sweetness levels exactly how you like them, no need to settle for “one size fits all.”
- Super Cozy Vibes: It smells like fall the moment it’s brewing, filling your whole space with pumpkin pie goodness.
- No Special Gadgets Required: You can whip this up with just a whisk or fork and your microwave or stove, perfect for any kitchen setup.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe does its part to create a balanced flavor profile that’s both comforting and invigorating. Plus, these staples plus a few pantry spices come together faster than you’d expect, making your morning routine feel extra special.
- Whole milk: Gives the latte that rich creaminess that makes it feel decadent without being heavy.
- Unsweetened pumpkin puree: Adds authentic autumn flavor and a creamy texture, not to mention all those vitamins.
- Granulated white sugar: Sweetens just enough to let the spices shine without overpowering.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor complexity and brings out the warmth of the pumpkin pie spice.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This classic blend is the heart of the drink, offering cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in perfect harmony.
- Brewed coffee: Use your favorite bold or medium roast to match your caffeine kick preferences.
- Vanilla creamer: Smooths out the coffee and the pumpkin mix for a velvety finish.
- Whipped cream: Optional, but the perfect crowning touch to keep it feeling indulgent.
- Pumpkin pie spice (for topping): Adds a little visual flair and an extra dash of seasonal spice aroma.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite parts about this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to suit your mood or dietary needs. I usually keep it classic, but sometimes I swap out the milk for oats when I want it a bit lighter—still dreamy!
- Variation: Switching to almond or oat milk gives the latte a nutty flavor and keeps it dairy-free, which I tried last year and loved for a twist.
- Spice it up: If you’re feeling bold, add extra cinnamon or even a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Sweeter or less sweet: Adjust the sugar depending on your taste—sometimes I cut it back for a less sweet treat or add a drizzle of maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Iced version: Chill the brewed coffee and mix with cold milk and pumpkin puree for a refreshing iced pumpkin latte on warmer days.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Pumpkin Milk Base
Start by whisking together the whole milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice in a microwave-safe glass or small bowl. Whisking well here is key—it helps blend the pumpkin smoothly so each sip is perfectly creamy. I find a small whisk or even a fork does the trick if you don’t own a frother.
Step 2: Warm It Up
Pop that pumpkin milk mixture into the microwave for about 1 minute. You don’t want to boil it—just warm enough for it to be cozy and to help the flavors meld together. If you don’t have a microwave, gently warm it on the stove, stirring constantly to avoid curdling.
Step 3: Brew the Coffee
Brew a fresh cup of your favorite coffee—go bold if you prefer a strong flavor to stand up to the pumpkin spices. Pour it into your favorite mug, then slowly add the warm pumpkin milk mix right on top.
Step 4: Add Creamer and Final Touches
Stir in the vanilla creamer until everything feels velvety smooth. Then, top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. This last touch? It’s the little flourish that makes the drink feel like a treat, every time.
Top Tip
From my experience making this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe around a dozen times (not that I’m counting!), I’ve learned a few things to help you nail it the first time and every time.
- Use fresh pumpkin pie spice: The blend loses its punch over time, so fresh spices really make your latte sing.
- Don’t overheat the milk: Overheating can make it separate or taste dull. Warm it gently and stir well to keep it smooth.
- Whisk well: This helps incorporate air for a light, frothy texture—much nicer than a flat drink.
- Choose your coffee wisely: A dark roast adds depth, but if you prefer something milder, medium roast works beautifully too.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Garnishes
For me, the whipped cream is a must—it adds that creamy indulgence feeling right away. Then, a light dusting of extra pumpkin pie spice on top gives it that cozy aroma that fills the room. Sometimes I add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat, especially on weekends.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this latte with something simple and comforting like a warm cinnamon roll or a slice of spiced pumpkin bread. The flavors complement each other and make a perfect autumn snack session.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, I’ve served this latte in clear glass mugs so you can see the gorgeous layers. Top it with a cinnamon stick or a little leaf-shaped cookie for that extra wow factor. It’s such a hit at fall brunches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually mix the pumpkin and milk mixture ahead of time and keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, just warm it gently and add to your fresh coffee—easy and still fresh-tasting.
Freezing
Freezing the pumpkin milk mixture in ice cube trays was a game changer for me. You can pop a couple cubes into your coffee for an instant latte without dilution, or thaw them to warm and make a fresh drink any day.
Reheating
When reheating, I always use low heat or short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between to keep the texture silky and avoid scorching. Trust me, reheating gently keeps all the flavors bright and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Substitute whole milk and creamer with your favorite plant-based versions like oat, almond, or coconut milk. It changes the flavor slightly but still tastes amazing.
A medium to dark roast coffee works best, as it stands up well to the pumpkin spices and richness of the milk. I personally prefer dark roast for a bolder flavor, but a medium roast is great if you want something milder.
Yes! Mix the pumpkin, milk, sugar, and spice blend and store in the fridge for up to two days. Then just warm before adding to freshly brewed coffee and finishing with creamer and toppings.
Try chilling your brewed coffee overnight and mixing it with cold milk and pumpkin puree. Serve over ice and add whipped cream and spice on top for that cold, refreshing pumpkin spice kick.
Final Thoughts
For me, this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is part of the little rituals that make autumn so special. It’s simple, affordable, and utterly delicious—a taste of cozy in every cup. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I’ve loved perfecting it. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your favorite fall coffee hack too!
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Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A cozy Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe combining warm pumpkin puree, fragrant spices, and rich coffee topped with whipped cream. Perfect for a fall-inspired homemade coffee treat.
Ingredients
Milk Mixture
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened pumpkin puree
- 1½ tablespoons granulated white sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Drink
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- ¼ cup vanilla creamer
- Whipped cream for the top
- Pumpkin pie spice for the top
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a glass mixing cup, add the whole milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until smooth.
- Heat Mixture: Place the milk mixture in the microwave and heat for 1 minute until warm. Remove from microwave and pour the warm mixture into your serving glass.
- Brew Coffee: Brew 1 cup of your preferred coffee and pour it into the glass over the warm pumpkin milk mixture.
- Add Creamer and Garnish: Stir in ¼ cup of vanilla creamer. Top the latte with whipped cream and sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice for garnish.
Notes
- Mix the milk, pumpkin, spices, and sugar ahead of time and store the leftover mixture in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat pumpkin milk mixture gently in the microwave or on the stove without boiling.
- Freeze leftover pumpkin milk mixture in ice cube trays for convenient future use.
- Chill your brewed coffee the night before if you prefer an iced latte.
- Use a mason jar or small whisk to mix if a frother is not available.
- Stir the latte before each sip as ingredients may settle.
- Freeze leftover pumpkin puree in tablespoon portions to preserve freshness.
- Opt for dark roast coffee for a bolder coffee flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg

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