Pumpkin spice lattes are a popular fall drink that has become synonymous with the season.
Originated by Starbucks in 2003, it has become a staple beverage for many coffee shops and chains around the world.
The drink is made with espresso, steamed milk, and a blend of pumpkin spice flavorings such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. The combination of the warm spices and pumpkin flavors creates a comforting and cozy drink that is perfect for the chilly fall weather.
PSLs have become so popular that they often symbolize the arrival of fall, and their release date has become an event for many coffee lovers.
While it’s easy to grab one at your local coffee shop, making your own pumpkin spice latte at home can be just as delicious and it will save you money. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious pumpkin spice latte that is tailored to your taste preferences and can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.
A latte is a type of coffee drink that is typically made with espresso, steamed milk, and a thin layer of foam on top.Espresso is made by forcing steam through coffee beans. You can replace the espresso in the latte with strong brewed coffee, but the results won’t be as good.
With the right tools, it’s possible to make a latte at home that’s just as good as the ones at your favorite coffee shop.
In the market for an espresso maker? One of the most popular at home espresso makers is the Nespresso. These machines are so convenient and versatile for making all kinds of coffee. Brew espresso with a single press of a button.
Looking for a more budget-friendly option? Check out this stovetop espresso maker by Bialetti.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients
- 2 tbsp of Pumpkin Puree
- 1/2 tbsp of Pumpkin Spice
- 1 tbps Vanilla Extract
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 2 Shots of Espresso
- 2 Cups of 2% Milk
- Whipped Cream
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice
It’s easy to pick up a container of pumpkin spice at the store. But if you prefer, you can make your own pumpkin spice from ingredients you have in your kitchen:
- 8 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 4 tsp Ground Allspice
- 2 tsp Ground Cloves
- 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg
Mix together and store in an empty spice container.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Now that your pumpkin spice is ready to go, it’s time to make that latte.
Brew the Espresso
Start by preparing 2 shots of espresso according to the directions on your espresso maker.
How to Make Milk Foam at Home
Making milk foam at home is easier than it sounds. All you need is a mason jar and a microwave.
Pour 2 tablespoons of 2% milk into the mason jar. Screw on the lid. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the milk foams. Remove the lid and microwave it for 30 seconds to stabilize the foam.
Next Steps
Combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, milk, vanilla extract, and sugar in a sauce pan. Heat on the stove until hot while stirring frequently.
Pour the contents of the sauce pan into a blender and blend for a few seconds.
Combine the 2 shots of espresso with the pumpkin mixture in a mug. Top with the milk foam from the mason jar.
Finish it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Calories
There are 382 calories in this pumpkin spice latte.
- Pumpkin Puree = 16 calories
- Pumpkin Spice = 10 calories
- Vanilla Extract = 38 calories
- Sugar = 48 calories
- Coffee = 0 calories
- 2% Milk = 240 calories
- Whipped Cream= 30 calories
If you’re concerned about calories, consider swapping out the sugar with a no-calorie sweetener and the 2% milk with nonfat milk. Nix the whipped cream.
In comparison, a grande Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte with whole milk and whipped cream has 420 calories.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Variations ☕️
–> Super Simple Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Torani pumpkin pie sauce (NOT the pumpkin pie syrup!)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee
- Reddi Wip
Mix the Torani pumpkin pie sauce and whole milk together and heat in the microwave until hot.
Pour over 2 shots of freshly brewed espresso.
Top with big squirt of Reddi Wip and enjoy!
–> Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Brew 2 shots of espresso. Make milk foam as described above.
Combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, milk, and vanilla extract in a pan. Heat on the stove and stir well.
Pour the espresso and pumpkin mixture in a mug. Top with the milk foam.
Skip the whipped cream.
–> Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Hint: Make ice cubes out of coffee to keep your drink strong.
Brew 2 shots of espresso and pour over the ice.
Combine milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract in a mason jar. Cover the jar and shake vigorously until milk froths. Add to the glass with the espresso and ice and stir thoroughly.
Top with whipped cream and enjoy.
–> DIY Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Frappuccino
Start the cold brew coffee and pumpkin ice cubes the night before you wish to enjoy this drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Cold Brew Coffee
- 1 Cup Whole Milk
- 1 Tsp Pumpkin Spice
- 1/2 Cup Pumpkin Puree
- 1 Tsp Sugar
- Dollop of Whipped Cream
Begin by making your cold brew coffee. This cold brew coffee maker makes it easy. Or combine 1 cup ground coffee and 4 cups water in a container and let sit overnight. Strain it through cheesecloth in the morning to remove the grounds. Voila – cold brew coffee!
While the coffee is brewing, make the pumpkin ice cubes. Combine pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, sugar, and whole milk. Mix well and pour into an ice cube tray. Freeze overnight.
In the morning, put 1 cup of coffee and 10 pumpkin cubes in a blender. Blend until creamy and top with whipped cream. Yum.
Have a Keurig? Green Mountain Coffee and Dunkin Donuts both sell pumpkin spice coffee pods to make life even simpler.
