Pumpkin Spice Latte

When fall makes its arrival, we adore anything and everything pumpkin, including drinks like this Pumpkin Spice Latte. In just 5 minutes you can whip up a latte that’s better than Starbucks and costs much less. Growing up in Bulgaria roasted pumpkin with sugar was a staple in every bakery. We have fond memories of waking up to the comforting aroma of pumpkin every weekend, knowing our grandma was either crafting her sweet pumpkin phyllo pie or roasting pumpkin in the oven. These nostalgic moments will always hold a special place in our heart. From pumpkin pie to pumpkin soup, and now this delightful Pumpkin Spice Latte, our love for this fall treat knows no bounds.

What stands out

This Pumpkin Spice Latte tastes like a warm hug in a mug, with real pumpkin purée adding earthy sweetness that feels like home. Pumpkin spice adds layers of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice for that fall aroma. Every sip is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with bold espresso and a hint of maple syrup. Unlike the Starbucks PSL, which packs in around 50 grams of sugar, this homemade version has less than half of that—so you get all the cozy fall flavor without the sugar overload. You’ll love how indulgent it feels while still being a healthier, homemade treat.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Pumpkin Spice Latte:

Pumpkin puree: The star of the show, pumpkin puree gives your PSL that signature creamy, autumn flavor.

Pumpkin Spice: This magical blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves makes every sip taste like fall.

Espresso: We like 1-2 shots of espresso, but strongly brewed coffee will work as well.

Milk: Any milk works here—dairy or your favorite plant-based option for a creamy base.

Maple syrup: Sweetens the latte naturally while adding an earthy richness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

Whipped Cream: Add whip to give your latte that Starbucks at home vibe.

Kitchen tip

We love making espresso in our Italian Moka Pot but feel free to use your favorite coffee brewing method.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make parts of this latte in advance to save time. The pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice can be stirred together and kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes it straightforward to spoon some into your mug whenever you want a pumpkin fix.

If you happen to have leftover prepared Pumpkin Spice Latte, store it in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The milk and espresso will probably separate, but a quick stir or shake will emulsify it back together. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave (do not boil!) until warm and frothy again. For best results, avoid freezing, since the texture of the milk won’t hold up.

Swaps

1. Try an iced version! Let the coffee mixture cool and serve over ice. Use cold milk instead of heated milk.
2. For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. Use a vegan whipped cream or omit it altogether.
3. Substitute coffee with strong brewed chai tea or a chai tea concentrate to make a Pumpkin Chai Latte.
4. Instead of maple syrup, try another sweetener such as honey, agave syrup, or sugar-free syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Serve it with

• A slice of Pumpkin Bread or Pumpkin Pie.
• A breakfast or brunch spread with favorites like French Toast Casserole or this High Protein Breakfast Casserole.
• Enjoy with Gluten Free Baklava (Viral) or Shortbread Butter Cookies for an afternoon treat.

Questions

Is there an alternative to the maple syrup in this Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Yes, you can certainly use any sweetener or sugar you like. We love the taste maple syrup gives this drink, but feel free to adjust according to your preferences.

Can we use dairy-free milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can any plant-based milk of choice. We even have instructions for homemade versions here: a strong Homemade Almond Milk & a strong Homemade Oat Milk.

What is the best way to heat the milk?

Heat the milk until it is simmering and then froth it with a mark hand- held frother. Do em not boil the milk.

How do you prepare your coffee for the Pumpkin Spice Latte?

We love making espresso in our mark Italian moka pot, but feel free to use your favorite coffee brewing method.

strong What type of coffee works best for this recipe?

Both strong-brewed coffee and espresso work well. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, go for espresso. For a milder taste, use brewed coffee.

What is the best milk for a latte?

Whole milk is the best in terms of creaminess, frothing, and nutritional value. However, the beauty of a latte is that you can customize it to dietary restrictions and preferences, meaning whole, 2%, or plant-based milk will all work fine.

Ingredients

Makes 1 servings

• 3 tablespoons pumpkin purée
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup, to taste
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• brewed espresso or coffee, I like espresso
• ½ cup milk, I use 2% but you can use any that froths well
• whipped cream, optional

Equipment

• Liquid Measuring Cup
• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• Medium Pot
• Espresso Maker
• Frother

Method

1. In a measuring cup or bowl, add the pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Whisk well until combined.
3. Brew your favorite coffee or espresso and pour it into the measuring cup as well.
4. Whisk again until fully combined and pour it into your coffee cup.
5. In the meantime, heat the milk in a medium pot on the stove and then take it off the heat.
6. We like to froth it with our hand-held frother but you don’t have to.
7. Pour in as much milk as you like into the pumpkin coffee and top it off with whipped cream. Enjoy!

Kitchen notes

• Iced Latte: Try an iced version! Let the coffee mixture cool and serve over ice. Use cold milk instead of heated milk.
• Plant-based: For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. Use a vegan whipped cream or omit it altogether.
• Pumpkin Chai Latte: Substitute coffee with strong brewed chai tea or a chai tea concentrate to make a Pumpkin Chai Latte.
• Sweeteners: Instead of maple syrup, try another sweetener such as honey, agave syrup, or sugar-free syrup for a different sweetness profile.