Best Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
“The air was crisp, the light golden, and the first sip of pumpkin spice latte wrapped around me like a soft blanket.”
That’s how fall begins in my kitchen. No long coffee shop lines, no overpriced lattes — just warm spices, creamy oat milk, and a quiet moment with my favourite mug. If you’ve ever wished you could recreate that coffee shop magic at home, this easy homemade pumpkin spice latte is your new fall ritual.
Let me show you how to make a creamy, healthy, and cozy pumpkin latte — with pantry staples and zero fuss.
Why Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Making your own DIY pumpkin spice latte at home isn’t just more affordable, it’s also:
Customisable (dairy-free, low-sugar, even keto)
Healthier (less sugar, fewer calories, no weird syrups)
Faster than driving to the café (and you can stay in pyjamas )
And the best part? It’s every bit as creamy and delicious as the original — just more you
What You’ll Need (No Fancy Equipment Required)
You don’t need a milk steamer or espresso machine to make a café-worthy latte. Just gather these simple ingredients:
Brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso
1/2 cup milk of choice (oat milk and almond milk work beautifully)
1–2 tbsp pumpkin puree
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1–2 tsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
Optional toppings:Whipped coconut cream, cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a cinnamon stick for the full cozy fall drink effect.
How to Make the Best Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
Making your own pumpkin spice latte is much easier than you might think — and honestly, way more satisfying than waiting in line at your local café. You don’t need a fancy espresso machine or barista skills. Just a few simple ingredients, a whisk (or milk frother), and five cozy minutes in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step: Your Cozy Fall Coffee Ritual
1. Start by pouring your favourite milk of choice into a small saucepan — I love oat milk for its creamy texture, but almond or soy work beautifully too. Add in a spoonful of pumpkin puree, a dash of pumpkin pie spice, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup to sweeten.
2. Whisk gently over medium heat until the mixture is steaming hot, but not boiling — around 150°F if you’re precise. Once it’s warm and inviting, remove it from the heat and stir in a splash of vanilla extract for that sweet, mellow depth.
3. Now comes the fun part: frothing. You can use a handheld milk frother, or just whisk briskly until your pumpkin milk mixture turns light and bubbly — like a cloud of autumn foam.
4. In your favourite mug (bonus points if it’s oversized and ceramic), pour freshly brewed dark roast coffee or two shots of espresso. Then gently swirl in your frothed pumpkin milk.
Top it off with a generous dollop of whipped coconut cream, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, or even a tiny cinnamon stick for an extra cozy touch.
Now pause. Inhale. Sip slowly. This is your moment.
Smart Tips to Make It Perfect (Even Without Fancy Tools)
No espresso machine? No worries! Use strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate instead.
Prefer it chilled? Pour the finished drink over ice for a refreshing iced pumpkin spice latte.
Watching your sugar intake? Swap maple syrup for xylitol, monk fruit, or stevia.
No pumpkin puree on hand? Try canned sweet potato or butternut squash purée — still delicious!
Vegan option: Stick with plant-based milk and top with coconut whipped cream.
The Truth About Pumpkin Pie Spice
Funny thing — pumpkin spice doesn’t actually include pumpkin at all. It’s a dreamy blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice that brings instant fall flavour to just about anything.
Can’t find it at the store? Make your own! Just mix:
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
⅛ tsp ground cloves
⅛ tsp allspice (optional)
Store it in a little jar, and sprinkle it on oatmeal, smoothies, pancakes, muffins… basically everything.
Why This Pumpkin Latte Is Actually Good For You
Unlike the 300-calorie, sugar-loaded PSLs from your local coffee chain, this homemade pumpkin spice latte is:
Under 100 calories (if you want it to be)
Made with real pumpkin puree, rich in vitamin A, potassium, and fibre
Free from high-fructose corn syrup and other artificial nasties
Friendly for clean eating, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free lifestyles
It’s your new go-to for a healthy fall drink that feels indulgent, but fuels your day.
Bonus Tip: How to Make a Pumpkin Cappuccino
Want that coffee shop foam? Just whisk or froth your pumpkin milk mixture a little longer until it’s light and airy. Let it sit for 30 seconds to settle, then pour over espresso for a bubbly, cloud-like pumpkin cappuccino.
Dust with cinnamon sugar!
