Pumpkin Spice Latte is a cozy, creamy drink that tastes like fall in a cup. It brings together warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves mixed with rich espresso and frothy milk. The sweet and spiced aroma alone makes you want to curl up with a good book or take a break from a busy day.
I love making this latte at home because it’s so easy to adjust the sweetness and spice to my own taste. Sometimes I add a little extra cinnamon on top or a splash of vanilla to make it just right. It feels like a small treat that brightens up even the chilliest mornings.
My favorite way to enjoy a Pumpkin Spice Latte is with friends, sitting around a table sharing stories and laughter. It’s surprising how such a simple drink can bring so much comfort and warmth. If you’ve never tried making it yourself, I promise it’s worth it—and your kitchen will smell amazing while you make it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: This adds the classic pumpkin flavor and creamy texture. Use canned or homemade puree. If unavailable, sweet potato puree is a nice swap for a similar sweet and earthy taste.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich, creamy latte, but any milk works. Almond, oat, or soy milk are great dairy-free options. Oat milk froths well and has a mild flavor that pairs nicely.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: It’s a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. You can make your own mix or use individual spices. Adjust amounts to suit your taste—more cinnamon or less clove if you prefer milder spice.
Espresso/Coffee: Strong coffee is key for balancing the sweetness. Brew espresso if you have an espresso machine. If not, a strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate works well too.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is fine, but brown sugar adds a deeper flavor. For less sugar, try maple syrup or honey—they complement the pumpkin spices nicely.
How Do I Get a Frothy Pumpkin Spice Latte Without a Fancy Machine?
Frothing milk at home can seem tricky, but there are easy ways to do it without special equipment:
- Whisk Vigorously: Heat the pumpkin milk mixture until hot, then whisk fast in a bowl or saucepan till frothy.
- Use a Jar: Pour hot milk mixture into a jar, seal tightly, and shake hard for 30 seconds.
- Handheld Frother: If you have one, it’s quick to use and creates great foam.
After frothing, pour coffee into your mug first, then gently add milk while holding back foam. Spoon foam on top for a perfect layered latte. Don’t worry about perfect foam—cozy flavors matter most!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small saucepan – perfect for warming and mixing the pumpkin milk without burning.
- Whisk or milk frother – helps create that light, foamy texture you want on your latte.
- Coffee maker or espresso machine – to brew the strong coffee or espresso base.
- Large mug – roomy enough for the coffee, pumpkin milk, and whipped cream topping.
- Spoon – useful to hold back foam while pouring and to scoop foam on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree for a slightly different, sweet earthy flavor.
- Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to deepen the flavor profile.
- Try oat or almond milk instead of dairy for a different creamy texture and subtle nutty taste.
- Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon sugar for extra spice and crunch.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or any milk alternative)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso or strong coffee
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, for garnish
- Optional whole spices for garnish: cinnamon sticks, star anise
How Much Time Will You Need?
Your Pumpkin Spice Latte will take about 10 minutes to prepare, including heating the milk mixture, brewing the coffee, and frothing the milk. It’s a quick and cozy treat you can enjoy any time you want!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Pumpkin Milk Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until everything is combined well. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot but not boiling—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Add Vanilla and Brew Coffee
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Meanwhile, brew your strong espresso or coffee so it’s ready when the milk mixture is heated.
3. Froth the Pumpkin Milk
Use a whisk or milk frother to froth the hot pumpkin milk mixture until it’s light and foamy. You want a nice, creamy texture just like your favorite coffee shop latte.
4. Assemble Your Latte
Pour the brewed espresso into a large mug. Slowly add the frothed pumpkin milk, holding back the foam with a spoon. Once the milk is poured, spoon the foam over the top.
5. Top and Garnish
Finish your latte with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice over the top. For an extra festive touch, place a cinnamon stick or star anise beside your mug.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your Pumpkin Spice Latte immediately and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of fall in every sip!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk for Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Yes! Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk are great alternatives. Oat milk froths especially well and complements the pumpkin spice flavor nicely.
How Can I Make This Latte Less Sweet?
Simply reduce the sugar amount or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also skip the whipped cream to cut down on sweetness.
Can I Prepare Pumpkin Spice Latte Ahead of Time?
You can make the pumpkin milk mixture in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days. Warm it gently and froth before adding the fresh espresso.
What’s the Best Way to Froth Milk Without a Frother?
Try shaking the hot milk mixture vigorously in a sealed jar or whisking rapidly by hand until frothy. Both methods create a nice foam for your latte.
