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Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte with Real Pumpkin

homemade pumpkin spice latte - featured image

A cozy, homemade pumpkin spice latte made with real pumpkin puree and warm spices. This easy recipe is better than any coffee shop version and uses simple pantry ingredients for a genuinely delicious fall treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup milk (240 ml; whole milk for creamiest, or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso (120 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons sweetener (maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey)
  • Pinch of salt
  • For optional whipped cream topping:
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (60 ml), cold
  • 1 teaspoon powdered sugar (optional)
  • Extra pumpkin pie spice for dusting

Instructions

  1. Brew your coffee: While you make the pumpkin mixture, brew 1/2 cup of strong coffee or pull 2 shots of espresso. Set aside.
  2. Combine the pumpkin base: In a small saucepan, add 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and a tiny pinch of salt. Whisk until the pumpkin is fully incorporated into the milk.
  3. Heat and whisk: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly as the mixture warms up. Do not let it boil; heat until steam rises and small bubbles form around the edges, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add sweetener and vanilla: Remove from heat. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if needed.
  5. Optional: Froth the milk: Use a handheld frother directly in the saucepan for 15-20 seconds, or pour the hot milk mixture into a French press and pump the plunger vigorously for about 30 seconds to create foam.
  6. Assemble the latte: Pour the hot brewed coffee or espresso into a large mug. Then pour the hot pumpkin milk mixture over the coffee. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Top and serve: If using, spoon or pipe whipped cream over the top. Dust with extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not let the milk boil to avoid a burnt taste. Whisk pumpkin into cold milk before heating to prevent lumps. For an ultra-smooth latte, blend the pumpkin puree with a splash of milk before heating. The pumpkin milk base can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For a dairy-free version, use barista-style oat milk and coconut cream for whipped topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin spice latte, homemade latte, pumpkin coffee, fall drink, pumpkin spice, real pumpkin, easy latte recipe