Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Spice Latte
This simple, sip-able drink is made with pumpkin puree, creamy milk, strong coffee or espresso, a sweet whipped cream topping, and crucial ingredient – plenty of flavorful pumpkin pie spice! It comes together quickly and there are a several different ways you can make it (see ideas below). Plus with this recipe you can make it year round rather than waiting for the local coffee shop to make it seasonally. You’ll find this warm pumpkin spice latte to be the highlight of lazy fall weekends, the most welcome treat to bring along on chilly autumn walks, or it will make for a tasty pick me up to start a Monday. If it’s still hot out where you live you can also make it into an iced latte. Just use a little less milk, chill thoroughly, then serve it over ice. Two great options to serve it – cozy and warm or chilled and refreshing. Either way I think you’re going to love it!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe Ingredients
2 cups 2% milk (whole milk can be used if you want it even creamier) 6 Tbsp canned pumpkin puree 3 Tbsp brown sugar, or to taste 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, plus more for garnish 1 tsp vanilla extract 3/4 cup coffee or espresso Orange gel food coloring or natural food coloring (optional)
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
For the whipped topping: In a medium mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer whip together heavy cream with sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or you can just spoon it over the latte). For the latte: In a small saucepan whisk together milk, pumpkin, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Heat until its warmed (you can test a sip with a spoon). Remove from heat, stir in hot coffee or espresso and vanilla extract. Tint with food color if desired (it should only take a few drops). Pour into three mugs. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice over to taste. Serve right away.
Substitutions and Possible Variations
Vegan: Drink can be made vegan by using a dairy free milk such as oatmilk or almond milk. Just use unsweetened. Use canned coconut cream in place of whipped cream. If using food coloring ensure the brand is vegan friendly. Alternate sweetener: You can make this with honey, maple syrup or a sugar substitute such as monk fruit sweetener or stevia. If using the later just go with the amount listed on the package (for example stevia is usually about 1/4 tsp per 1 Tbsp sugar). Homemade pumpkin pie spice: In a small bowl whisk together 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon with an 1/8 tsp of each nutmeg, ginger and cloves. In a pinch you could use apple pie spice in place of pumpkin pie spice. Make it lighter: Use unsweetened almond milk in place of milk, replace sugar with stevia (reducing amount as directed according to package), omit the whipped topping or use a little whipped topping from a bottle such as Meadow Gold brand.
Helpful Tips
Recipe can be doubled or tripled (just use a pot). If you have extra chill in the fridge and reheat in the microwave. Just stir well before serving.
More Cozy and Refreshing Drinks to Try
Christmas Punch Hot Chocolate Iced Coffee Pink Drink (Starbucks Copycat) Wassail (Warm Autumn Punch)
