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.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

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.

Two clear glass mugs filled with light brown pumpkin spice drink topped with swirls of white whipped cream sprinkled with light brown spice powder, each mug garnished with a cinnamon stick standing upright in the whipped cream; behind the mugs is a white bottle labeled

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.

Flat lay of a small mound of unsweetened pumpkin puree, a pile of granulated white sugar crystals, a vanilla bean pod split open next to a small glass bottle of vanilla extract, a heap of warm whipped cream sprinkled with vibrant pumpkin pie spice, a splash of creamy vanilla creamer in a clear glass jar, and a steaming dark roast coffee cup with swirling steam rising, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

Pumpkin Spice Latte - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe dairy-free?

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.

What’s the best coffee to use for this latte?

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.

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe ahead of time?

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.

How can I make an iced pumpkin spice latte?

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!