Delicious Pumpkin Latte Recipe: Perfect for Fall Mornings
Boiled down to its essence, a pumpkin spice latte is nothing more than espresso and spice-infused milk. Yet this humble beverage manages to evoke the warmth and comfort of autumn quite unlike any other coffee-based drink. Perhaps it’s the intoxicating aroma that wafts from the cup or the silky texture of milk poured over a shot of strong coffee. Either way, one sip of this delightful concoction is enough to transport me to a cozy cabin in the woods, surrounded by rustling leaves and crackling fires.
With my obsession for pumpkin-spice-flavored everything, I’ve tried countless variations on this classic drink, but this homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe is by far my favorite. It’s simple to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients that can be found in any grocery store, yet it yields consistently fantastic results.
So if you’re ready to ditch those overpriced Starbucks cups and impress your friends with your barista skills, keep reading. Here’s everything you need to know to make the perfect pumpkin spice latte in the comfort of your own home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of fall and all the flavors it brings, you need to try this homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe. It’s creamy, rich, and full of cozy spices that will give you all the warm fuzzies.
But why should you make this recipe instead of ordering one from a coffee shop? For starters, making it at home means you can customize it to your liking. Want it less sweet? Use less sugar. Need it dairy-free? Swap the evaporated milk for almond milk. The possibilities are endless!
Plus, when you make your own latte, you know exactly what ingredients are going into it. No mysterious syrups or artificial flavors here – just real pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. And let’s not forget about the whipped cream on top – because everything is better with whipped cream.
But perhaps the best reason to make this recipe is that it’s easy and cost-effective. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients – just a few basic pantry staples and a stove. Making your own latte also means you can skip the long lines and high prices at coffee shops.
So, if you’re ready to cozy up with a delicious homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte, follow this recipe and taste the goodness for yourself. You’ll love how easy and customizable it is – not to mention how much money you’ll save in the long run.
Ingredient List
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Brewed coffee: You can use freshly brewed coffee or espresso for an extra boost of caffeine.
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Pumpkin puree: Either canned or homemade pumpkin puree works great for this recipe.
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Milk: You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk.
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Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice. You can make your own homemade pumpkin pie spice by combining equal parts of each spice.
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Granulated sugar: Sweeten the latte to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
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Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and flavor to the latte.
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Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that pairs well with pumpkin flavor.
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Whipped cream (optional): Perfect for topping off your latte.
Make sure you have all these ingredients before getting started to make the best homemade pumpkin spice latte.
The Recipe How-To
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start creating your perfect pumpkin spice latte.
Steps
- In a medium saucepan, add 2 cups of milk, 3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until steaming while whisking occasionally to evenly distribute the pumpkin puree.
- Remove from heat and add 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly.
- Add in 2 cups of strong brewed coffee or 2 shots of espresso to the saucepan and mix.
- Divide the mixture equally amongst your mugs.
- Top each mug with some whipped cream and a pinch of ground cinnamon.
Make It Vegan
- Sub almond milk or any desired dairy-free milk for the regular milk.
- Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
- For those who love nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon in their spiced latte, add it to this recipe as well.
Microwave Version
- Combine 1 cup of milk, 3 tbsp of pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1/3 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup in a microwave-safe mixing bowl. Whisk together to combine then microwave for about one minute.
- For stronger coffee taste, mix 1/4 cup strongly brewed coffee with 3/4 cup milk.
- Add spiced milk mixture to the mug along with the preferred amount of coffee.
- Top with whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon.
Whether you are having guests over or just enjoying a cozy night in by yourself – this is the ultimate fall drink recipe that you will want to make time and time again. Enjoy your warm cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, you can still enjoy this delicious pumpkin spice latte. Here are some substitutions and variations to try out:
– Dairy-free options: Substitute the evaporated milk for another plant-based milk, such as almond milk or soy milk. You could also use coconut milk or oat milk for a creamier texture.
– Spices: Mix up the spices to make your own unique pumpkin spice blend. Try adding some cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice to create a warm and aromatic experience.
– Sweeteners: If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add more sugar or maple syrup to the recipe. Alternatively, you could use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup.
– Stronger coffee: If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you could use espresso shots instead of brewed coffee.
– Microwaving milk: If you don’t have access to a stove or just prefer using a microwave, heat up the milk in a microwave-safe container for about 1-2 minutes until hot.
– Vegan options: Use vegan-friendly alternatives to ingredients such as whipped cream or caramel sauce.
These substitutions and variations can help make this pumpkin spice latte your own unique creation that’s perfect for your taste. Don’t be afraid to try new things and see what combinations work best for you!
Serving and Pairing
The Pumpkin Latte is a perfect drink for any fall occasion. It’s warm, comforting and has that classic pumpkin spice flavour. This latte pairs well with many different types of food, making it a great choice for breakfast or dessert.
For breakfast, enjoy your latte with a slice of toasted pumpkin bread or a bowl of oatmeal topped with dried cranberries and pecans. The hot latte combined with the sweet taste of oatmeal makes for a perfect morning. You could also indulge in a freshly baked croissant or pain au chocolat on the side!
As an after-dinner drink, try pairing the pumpkin latte with a slice of homemade pumpkin pie or cheesecake. The coffee and spice flavours of the latte complement the sweetness of the desserts creating an indulgent treat.
For those who are looking for something lighter, pair your Pumpkin Latte with a fresh fruit salad or crunchy granola bar. These healthy options offer a perfect balance to your warm creamy drink.
In addition, you can customize your Pumpkin Latte by adding whipped cream, cinnamon powder, caramel sauce or chocolate syrup to enhance its texture and flavour. The possibilities are endless, and you can create your own unique flavour combination!
Overall this cocktail remains highly versatile – whether you’re serving breakfast, mid-afternoon snack time or an evening dessert – it’s sure to satisfy whatever sort of cravings might come with these in-between season months.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you make your pumpkin latte, you can store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. If you want to make a big batch of pumpkin spice syrup at once, it can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just heat up the syrup and add it to hot espresso or coffee to make your homemade pumpkin spice latte.
If you want to reheat your pumpkin spice latte, transfer it to a microwave-safe container and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat it over medium heat on the stove. Be sure to whisk occasionally to prevent scorching.
For those who prefer a dairy-free version of this latte, swap out regular milk with almond milk or coconut milk. The pumpkin spice sauce can also be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
Overall, making your own pumpkin spice latte is a perfect way to enjoy fall from the comfort of your own home. By following these storage instructions and helpful tips, you can have freshly-made lattes on hand whenever you want them!
Tips for Perfect Results
To create the perfect pumpkin latte, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind. First, make sure to use strong brewed coffee to enhance the rich and robust taste of the spiced flavors. Also, avoid overcooking the pumpkin puree and spice sauce so that it doesn’t curdle or become too thick.
Additionally, when adding the milk, make sure to add it gradually and whisk consistently. This will ensure that the milk is incorporated smoothly and doesn’t form any lumps.
If you prefer a dairy-free version of this recipe, almond milk is a great substitute for regular milk. And for those who love their coffee sweet, maple syrup can be used instead of granulated sugar.
Another helpful tip is to sprinkle ground cinnamon on top of your whipped cream for added flavor and presentation. You can also experiment with different variations by adding ginger or nutmeg to spice up the flavors even more.
Lastly, if you’re making multiple batches or making it ahead of time, store the pumpkin puree and spice sauce separately in airtight containers before reheating and serving.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and aromatic pumpkin latte that is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own taste buds.
FAQ
Before we end this article, let’s cover some of the most frequently asked questions about making a pumpkin latte. Whether you’re looking for dairy-free, vegan or strong coffee options, these questions and answers will help you get the most out of your pumpkin spice latte experience. So, let’s dive into these FAQs below.
How many shots of coffee are in a Pumpkin Spice Latte?
If you’re in the mood for a grande pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks, you’ll get a tasty blend of two shots of espresso, four pumps of delicious pumpkin spice sauce, and, of course, whipped cream on top! The pumpkin spice latte is made with 2% milk.
How do they make pumpkin spice lattes?
To whip up a delicious pumpkin coffee or espresso, start by brewing your preferred espresso or coffee and transferring it into a sizeable mug or a glass jar. Blend in pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniformly combined. Next, froth your preferred type of milk with a milk frother, ensuring it stays foamy for approximately 30 seconds. Finally, pour the frothed milk into your pumpkin espresso mixture to create a delightful flavor blend.
What does Starbucks put in their Pumpkin Spice Latte?
When creating a Pumpkin Spice Latte at a coffee shop, typically milk and a special sauce with pumpkin spice essence are combined with espresso. This mixture is then topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice seasoning, which is comprised of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
What milk is best for pumpkin latte?
When it comes to making lattes, I usually use almond milk as it’s readily available. However, oat milk or regular milk can also be used interchangeably. To add a touch of sweetness and an extra layer of flavor, I suggest incorporating maple syrup. For a more seasonal take, try using a homemade pumpkin pie spice mix consisting of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this pumpkin latte recipe is simply irresistible. The sweet aroma of the homemade pumpkin spice sauce is enough to make your mouth water. With the perfect blend of spices, it’s no wonder why Pumpkin Spice Lattes have become a fall-time favorite. This recipe offers a warm and comforting hug in a mug, perfect for curling up on the couch with a good book or sharing with friends over a bonfire.
Overall, whether you’re an avid coffee drinker or simply indulging in a seasonal treat, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. And with the ability to customize and adjust ingredients to fit your specific preferences or dietary needs, there’s really no reason not to give it a try.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your pumpkin puree, milk, and ground cinnamon, and let’s get started on making the best homemade pumpkin spice latte you’ve ever had! Trust me; it’s worth it.
Pumpkin Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong coffee
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup libby's pumpkin puree
- 3 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin spice or 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- whipping cream (optional)
Instructions
- 1 cup of strong coffee.
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk, fat free, 2%, or whole.
- ¼ cup Libby’s pure pumpkin.
- 3 teaspoons granulated sugar.
- 1/8 teaspoon of pumpkin spice or ground cinnamon.
- Combine coffee, milk, pumpkin, sugar, and spice in a 2 cup microwave safe glass measuring cup. (Or you can use a saucepan too) Heat until very hot, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully pour into mugs. Note: To make the foamy top to your latte, just like they do in the coffee shop, Pour the hot liquid into a blender and cover with the lid, and blend for about 30 seconds to a minute. Pour into mugs. You can also top it of with a dollop of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon, if desired.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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