How to Make the Perfect Creamy Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
When autumn leaves begin to fall, nothing signals the season quite like the iconic pumpkin spice latte. But why wait in line and spend $5+ at your favorite coffee shop when you can create this fall classic right in your kitchen? This homemade creamy pumpkin spice latte recipe not only saves you money but allows you to customize every element—from the sweetness level to the milk choice—creating your perfect cup of cozy comfort. Using real pumpkin puree and warm spices, you’ll craft a drink that rivals (and often surpasses) the coffee shop version!
Why Make Your Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home?
Making your own pumpkin spice latte at home isn’t just about saving money (though you’ll save about $4 per drink). It’s about crafting a beverage that perfectly suits your taste preferences while using quality ingredients you can control. Here’s why homemade is better:
- Use real pumpkin puree instead of flavored syrups
- Adjust sweetness to your preference (less sugar than coffee shops)
- Choose your favorite milk—dairy or plant-based
- Customize spice levels for your perfect fall flavor
- No artificial ingredients or preservatives
- Make it whenever you want—no waiting in line!
Cost Savings: A homemade pumpkin spice latte costs approximately $1.50-$1.75 per serving compared to $5.25+ at coffee shops. For daily PSL drinkers during fall season, that’s a savings of over $300 per month!
Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Pumpkin Spice Latte
Base Ingredients
- Espresso or Strong Coffee: 2 shots of espresso (about 2 oz) or ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- Milk: 1 cup of your preferred milk (whole milk creates the creamiest texture, but any milk works)
- Pumpkin Puree: 2 tablespoons (use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- Maple Syrup: 1-2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: ½ teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances all flavors
Optional Toppings
- Whipped Cream: For that coffee-shop experience
- Extra Pumpkin Pie Spice: For sprinkling on top
- Cinnamon Stick: For garnish and added flavor
- Caramel Drizzle: For extra sweetness
Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice: Mix 4 parts ground cinnamon, 2 parts ground ginger, 1 part ground nutmeg, 1 part ground cloves, and 1 part ground allspice. Store in an airtight container.
Need Quality Ingredients?
For the best results, use high-quality ingredients. Pure maple syrup and fresh pumpkin pie spice make a noticeable difference in flavor!
Shop Recommended IngredientsChoosing the Right Milk for Maximum Creaminess
| Milk Type | Creaminess Level | Frothing Quality | Flavor Notes | Best For |
| Whole Milk | Excellent | Excellent | Rich, traditional | Maximum creaminess |
| 2% Milk | Good | Good | Balanced | Lower fat option |
| Oat Milk | Very Good | Good | Slightly sweet, nutty | Dairy-free creaminess |
| Almond Milk | Fair | Fair | Light, nutty | Lower calorie option |
| Coconut Milk | Excellent | Good | Tropical, rich | Unique flavor profile |
| Barista Blends | Very Good | Very Good | Varies by base | Professional results |
Pro Tip: For the creamiest dairy-free option, look for “barista blend” versions of plant milks, which are formulated specifically for coffee drinks and froth much better than regular versions.
Essential Equipment
Coffee Maker or Espresso Machine
For brewing strong coffee or espresso. A moka pot or French press can work well too.
Milk Frother
Creates that perfect creamy texture. A handheld frother is affordable and effective.
Small Saucepan
For heating and combining milk with pumpkin and spices.
No Frother? No Problem! If you don’t have a milk frother, you can create foam by vigorously whisking the hot milk mixture, shaking it in a sealed jar, or blending it briefly.
Creamy Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brew Your Coffee or Espresso
Prepare 2 shots of espresso or brew ½ cup of very strong coffee. Set aside. - Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk continuously until the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 3-4 minutes). - Add Vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. - Froth the Milk Mixture
Use a milk frother to create a creamy, frothy texture. If you don’t have a frother, vigorously whisk the mixture until foamy. - Combine Coffee and Milk
Pour the espresso or coffee into your favorite mug, then slowly add the frothed pumpkin-spice milk mixture. - Add Toppings
Top with whipped cream if desired, and sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice.
For an Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte:
- Follow steps 1-3 above
- Allow the pumpkin-spice milk mixture to cool
- Fill a tall glass with ice
- Pour in the espresso or coffee
- Add the cooled pumpkin-spice milk mixture
- Stir gently and top with whipped cream if desired
Pro Tips for the Creamiest Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Temperature Matters: Heat your milk to about 150°F (65°C) for optimal frothing—hot but not boiling.
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh pumpkin pie spice for the best flavor—spices lose potency over time.
- Blend for Smoothness: If you notice any clumps of pumpkin puree, use an immersion blender for a perfectly smooth texture.
- Pre-warm Your Mug: Rinse your mug with hot water before adding your latte to keep it hotter longer.
- Make a Batch of Syrup: Combine pumpkin, spices, and sweetener in larger quantities and store in the refrigerator for quick lattes all week.
- Froth Technique: For maximum creaminess, hold the frother just below the surface of the milk to incorporate more air.
Delicious Variations to Try
White Chocolate Pumpkin
Add 1 tablespoon of white chocolate chips to the milk mixture while heating. Stir until melted for a sweet, creamy twist.
Chai Pumpkin Spice
Replace the coffee with strong-brewed chai tea for a caffeine-free option with extra spice complexity.
Salted Caramel Pumpkin
Add 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce to the milk mixture and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
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Get More RecipesServing Suggestions
Perfect Pairings
Elevate your pumpkin spice latte experience by serving it with these complementary treats:
- Pumpkin bread or muffins
- Cinnamon scones
- Maple pecan cookies
- Apple cider donuts
- Ginger snaps
“The secret to a truly exceptional pumpkin spice latte is balance—enough pumpkin and spice to taste the fall flavors, but not so much that it overwhelms the coffee. This recipe nails that perfect balance.”
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Make a larger batch of the pumpkin spice mixture to use throughout the week:
- Combine 6 tablespoons pumpkin puree, 6 tablespoons maple syrup, 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1½ teaspoons vanilla, and a pinch of salt
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Use 2 tablespoons of the mixture per latte
Enjoy Your Homemade Creamy Pumpkin Spice Latte!
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the iconic taste of fall whenever the craving strikes—no coffee shop line required! Your homemade creamy pumpkin spice latte not only saves money but allows you to customize every aspect to your preference. The real pumpkin puree and freshly ground spices create an authentic flavor that pre-made syrups simply can’t match. Whether you prefer it hot on a chilly morning or iced for warmer autumn days, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of creamy, spiced comfort that makes pumpkin spice lattes so beloved.
Ready to Make Your Perfect Latte?
Get all the ingredients and tools you need to create barista-quality pumpkin spice lattes at home!
Shop Latte EssentialsCan I make this recipe without pumpkin puree?
While real pumpkin puree gives the most authentic flavor and creamy texture, you can make a simplified version using just pumpkin pie spice. However, you’ll miss out on the nutritional benefits and unique texture that real pumpkin provides.
What’s the best milk for frothing?
Whole milk creates the richest, most stable foam. For dairy-free options, barista-formulated oat milk or coconut milk produce excellent results. Regular almond milk tends to create less stable foam due to its lower fat content.
How can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Replace the maple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener of your choice. Monk fruit sweetener or stevia work well, though you may need to adjust quantities as they’re typically sweeter than maple syrup. Start with a small amount and add to taste.
Printable Recipe Card
Creamy Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 latte
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso or ½ cup strong coffee
- 1 cup milk (whole milk for maximum creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew espresso or strong coffee and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Heat over medium, whisking continuously until hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Froth the milk mixture using a milk frother or whisk vigorously.
- Pour espresso or coffee into a mug, then add the frothed pumpkin milk mixture.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice if desired.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 230 | Fat: 8g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 9g | Sugar: 24g
