Deliciously creamy pumpkin spice latte recipe
Welcome, coffee aficionados! As we transition into the autumn season, and the leaves start to turn their golden hue, I am excited to share with you one of my favorite pumpkin-spiced coffee recipes. Yes, you heard that right, a pumpkin spice latte recipe is here, and it is homemade! This delicious beverage is perfect for snuggling up at home or taking with you on your commute. I guarantee it will help you savor the season and maybe even make some new friends envious of your drink.
As a barista with years of experience, I can tell you that nothing captures the essence of fall better than the aroma of pumpkin pie spices. Moreover, this drink is not only a seasonal staple but a fan favorite for good reason! But let’s face it; those store-bought-pumpkin-spiced-lattes can put a dent in your wallet. The recipe I’m sharing today will not only save you money but will give you a higher sense of satisfaction that comes naturally with lovingly-made-things by yourself.
While there are many variations of homemade pumpkin spice latte recipes out there, my recipe adds a bit of sweet maple syrup to amplify the sweetness without being overwhelming. Plus, it is adjustable for dairy-free and low-carb/keto/paleo diets- so everyone can enjoy it!
In summary, get ready for everything autumn feels as we indulge in an easy-to-follow homemade pumpkin spice latte. It’s perfect for morning pick-me-ups and evening relaxation times alike. So without further ado, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks? If yes, then this homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe is perfect for you! Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a healthier alternative to the store-bought version.
You don’t have to worry about the loads of sugar and calories because this recipe uses natural ingredients such as pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and homemade pumpkin spice. Plus, you can choose which type of milk to use depending on your preference – whether it’s whole milk, almond milk or even dairy-free milk.
Aside from being a healthier option, this latte is also perfect for those who want to avoid spending too much money at coffee shops. Instead, you can make a delicious latte in the comfort of your own home without breaking the bank.
The taste of fall is truly captured in this latte recipe with its aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice. It’s like taking a sip of pumpkin pie but in liquid form! And with a touch of whipped cream and pumpkin purée on top, this latte is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings.
So why not try making this homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe today? It’s easy, affordable and extra delicious! Trust me; once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back to store-bought coffee again.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create your pumpkin spiced latte at home.
Coffee
- 2 cups of brewed coffee
- 1/3 cup of brewed espresso (optional)
Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons of homemade pumpkin puree, canned will also work
- 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
Latte
- 2 cups of milk (whole or dairy-free like almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
- whipped cream for garnish (optional)
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to move on to the recipe how-to! Get your apron and your pumpkin spice mix, and let’s get started on this delicious pumpkin spiced latte!
Step 1: Brew coffee
To make your pumpkin spiced latte, the first step is to brew some strong coffee. You can use a typical coffee maker or any preferred method. Be sure you have at least 1 ½ cups of brewed coffee before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare pumpkin spice mix
The beauty of making a homemade pumpkin spice latte is that you can adjust the spice level based on personal preference. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg until they are well combined.
Step 3: Make the pumpkin base
In a small pot over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons of homemade pumpkin puree (or canned), 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and ½ – 1 teaspoon of your pumpkin pie spice mix.
Cook for about two minutes while stirring continuously.
Step 4: Add milk and simmer
Mix in one cup of whole milk or dairy-free milk with the pumpkin syrup. Then stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Simmer for about three minutes or until it reaches desired temperature.
Step 5: Whisking and pouring
Using a whisk attachment on an electric mixer or just by hand, beat two cups of milk until it’s foamy but still pourable.
Now divide the coffee between four cups, then add in your heated pumpkin base, stirring it thoroughly. Next, pour milk over top of each cup.
Add foam on top and sprinkle more of your reserved spice blend over foamed milk as a garnish.
Finally, sip your pumpkin spice latte slowly and savor every moment.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
The pumpkin spiced latte recipe is already pretty amazing, but if you’re looking to change things up a bit or adjust the recipe to suit your dietary restrictions, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try. Here are some ideas:
– Dairy-free option: If you’re lactose intolerant or following a plant-based diet, you can easily swap out the whole milk in this recipe for almond milk or any other non-dairy milk of your choice. You can also use coconut whipped cream instead of regular whipped cream to keep the latte vegan.
– Low-carb/keto option: If you’re trying to reduce your carb intake, you can cut back on the amount of maple syrup in this recipe or use a sugar-free sweetener instead. You can also make your own pumpkin pie spice blend without added sugar by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice together.
– Homemade pumpkin spice blend: If you don’t have store-bought pumpkin spice on hand, don’t worry! You can easily make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves together. Adjust the ratios to your taste preference.
– Coffee substitution: While brewed coffee is recommended in this recipe for an added caffeine kick, you can also replace it with brewed espresso for a stronger flavor.
– Additional flavors: Feel free to experiment with other flavors and spices in this recipe! You could add a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a mocha twist, sprinkle some caramel sauce on top, or even mix in some vanilla protein powder for a protein-packed pick-me-up.
Serving and Pairing
The pumpkin spiced latte is a delightful beverage that pairs well with various snacks and desserts. This latte has a distinct flavor that adds a touch of fall to any moment. I recommend serving this coffee in a festive mug to enhance its aesthetic appeal, and the whipped cream topping adds a final touch of sweetness.
When it comes to pairing this latte, the options are limitless. I suggest enjoying it alongside your favorite pumpkin pie or cinnamon roll. The warm and spiced flavors complement each other, resulting in a scrumptious experience.
For those who enjoy a savory snack, consider pairing the pumpkin spiced latte with bacon or breakfast sandwich; eggs can make for an excellent combination. A rich pumpkin soup would match perfectly as the flavors coincide exquisitely.
Overall, the pumpkin spice latte is versatile enough to pair with an array of delicious meals and snacks, adding autumnal warmth to all occasions.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re hosting a brunch or just want to prepare for busy mornings, you can make the pumpkin spiced latte ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It’s the perfect solution for avoiding long lines at your local coffee shop. However, keep in mind that over time, the pumpkin and spices might settle, so be sure to give it a good stir before reheating.
To make-ahead: After the pumpkin spiced latte has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days.
To reheat: Warm the desired amount of pumpkin spiced latte on medium heat either on the stove or using a microwave. Be sure to stir it until thoroughly heated.
For storing: It’s easier to store the pumpkin puree separately from other flavors. Store the pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze batches for longer storage.
Remember, fresh is always best when it comes to coffee drinks. However, with some planning and experimenting, even make-ahead lattes can be delicious too.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you’re looking to make the best homemade pumpkin spice latte, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve perfect results. Here are some suggestions for making a delicious pumpkin spiced latte that will rival even the famous Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte.
1. Use fresh ingredients – Always use fresh ingredients in your recipe to ensure optimal flavor. Using stale or old spices will dull the taste of your pumpkin pie spice and reduce its impact on overall taste.
2. Adjust the sweetness – The level of sweetness is crucial when making a Pumpkin Spiced Latte. If you have a sweet tooth, then you may like it to be extra sweet. Otherwise, if you don’t want it too sugary, use less maple syrup or any other sweeteners like caramel or honey.
3. Froth your milk – One of the essential things to obtain the perfect pumpkin spice latte consistency is frothing your milk properly. The aim here is to have more air in the milk, which can create a lighter texture and enhance flavors.
4. Experiment with dairy-free options – While whole milk works great for this recipe, you can try other dairy-free options like almond, oat milk, or coconut milk as well.
5. Use real pumpkin purée – Don’t use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of real pumpkin purée because it comes with additional sugar and preservatives that can alter the taste and texture of your homemade pumpkin spice latte.
6. Grind your own spices- If possible, grind your spices whenever possible because freshly ground spices always taste better than store-bought ones.
By following these tricks and using high-quality ingredients, you can enjoy an incredibly tasty homemade pumpkin spiced latte that tastes just as good as the expensive coffee shops’ versions!
FAQ
Before you jump into making the perfect pumpkin spiced latte, it’s essential to know some common concerns and questions that often arise when making this recipe. In this section, I will address some frequently asked questions to ensure you have a smooth experience brewing up your luscious and decadent pumpkin spice latte. So, let’s jump headfirst into the FAQ section of our pumpkin spiced latte recipe!
What does Starbucks put in their Pumpkin Spice Latte?
To make a delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks, you’ll need to combine brewed espresso and a special pumpkin spice sauce with milk. This concoction is then topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to give it that irresistible fall flavor.
What is in Pumpkin Spice Latte?
One of the popular autumn-themed coffee beverages is the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which entails a mixture of fall spice flavors, espresso, steamed milk, sweeteners, and whipped cream with additional pumpkin pie spice for garnish. Starbucks is famously credited with bringing the drink to the market in 2003.
What does Starbucks use for pumpkin flavor?
Welcome to our autumn menu! One of our popular drinks is the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which we sweeten with a blend of condensed milk, pumpkin puree and sugar. The recipe was improved in 2015 to address a customer feedback that called for a natural pumpkin flavor in the mix.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, making a homemade pumpkin spiced latte can be a fun and easy way to get in the fall spirit. By following this recipe, you’ll have a delicious, warm drink to enjoy on chilly days or bring to gatherings with friends and family.
By using fresh ingredients like pumpkin puree and homemade pumpkin spice, you can elevate your latte game and impress your taste buds with every sip. Plus, making your own drinks at home can be cost-efficient and rewarding.
Whether you’re dairy-free, vegan, or keto – there are options to customize this recipe to fit your dietary needs. And with Substitutions and Variations included, feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings until you perfect your own version of the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Overall, there’s no denying that the Pumpkin Spice Latte is a fall staple drink worth trying. So go ahead and give this recipe a go – you won’t regret it!
Pumpkin Spiced Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spiced syrup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup strong coffee or 1 fluid ounce espresso
Instructions
- In a jar with a sealed lid, shake milk 30 seconds (or until it is frothy) and doubled in size.
- Remove lid and place in microwave for 30 seconds.
- Pour milk (using a spoon to hold back the foam) into a mug of your choice.
- Pour coffee or espresso into mug.
- Pour rest of milk and foam into mug.
- Top with a sprinkle of spice of your choice.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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