Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte (Printable)

A cozy coffeehouse favorite made with real pumpkin, warm spices, and creamy milk. Ready in 10 minutes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pumpkin Spice Base

01 - 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
02 - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves blend)
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or maple syrup)

→ Milk & Coffee

04 - 1 ½ cups whole milk (or plant-based alternative)
05 - ½ cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Toppings

07 - Whipped cream
08 - Additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for dusting

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until warmed and fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
02 - Gradually pour milk into the saucepan while whisking constantly. Continue heating until the mixture reaches steaming temperature but avoid boiling.
03 - Remove saucepan from heat source and incorporate vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly to blend flavors.
04 - Froth the warm pumpkin milk using a handheld frother, whisk, or blender until a foamy consistency forms on top.
05 - Divide hot coffee or espresso evenly between two mugs. Pour the steamed pumpkin milk mixture over the coffee base.
06 - Top each latte with whipped cream and dust with additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You probably have everything in your pantry right now, especially during pumpkin season
  • Real pumpkin purée creates this velvety texture that syrups just cannot replicate
  • Customizing the sweetness and spice level means it is exactly how you like it every time
02 -
  • Real pumpkin purée matters more than anything else—pie filling will make this cloyingly sweet
  • Never let the milk mixture boil, or it will develop a weird skin and the texture changes completely
  • The spice mixture needs a full minute of heat to bloom, or you will taste raw spices instead of warm, integrated flavor
03 -
  • A handheld milk frother costs about fifteen dollars and absolutely transforms homemade drinks
  • Warm your mugs with hot water while everything else heats up for a drink that stays hot longer

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