Learn how to make the best homemade pumpkin spice latte with my easy recipe. It uses real pumpkin puree, coffee, and fall spices. It’s delicious and so much better than store-bought!
When Fall hits, we rush to our local coffee shop and order a pumpkin spice latte. We love them so much that we decided to try making them at home, and I am so happy that we did!
This pumpkin spice latte recipe is easy, and I bet you have most, if not everything, of what you need to make at home right now. It also comes together in under 10 minutes! For more pumpkin recipes, see our pumpkin scones (also inspired by Starbucks) and these incredible pumpkin cupcakes!
Key Ingredients
- Coffee or Espresso: I love a stronger espresso in this latte, but you can substitute it with strong coffee. For a hot drink, use hot coffee and warmed milk, or use chilled espresso or cold brew coffee for an iced latte.
- Milk or Non-Dairy Milk: Use whatever you love! I’m a big fan of oat milk lattes, so I use homemade oat milk, but any milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
- Pumpkin: I use pumpkin puree for an authentic pumpkin flavor. You can use canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin puree (and if you make your own, you get to roast the pumpkin seeds, too!). If you’d like a stronger pumpkin flavor, try reducing the puree beforehand or substituting it with pumpkin butter. I’ve shared tips below the recipe!
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: I use my homemade pumpkin pie spice, but you can use store-bought if you already have one. If not, my homemade blend combines spices you probably already have in your spice cabinet. Plus, you’ll have it ready if you ever want to make homemade pumpkin pie!
- Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract makes this latte so delicious. It works so well with the pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin!
- Sweetener: Use your favorite sweetener! I’ve used plain sugar in the past, but now I love using maple syrup for extra flavor. Brown sugar is another delicious option.
- Whipped Cream (Optional): A spoonful of whipped cream is the perfect topping for this PSL. You can use my whipped cream recipe or try this coconut whipped cream if you’re dairy-free.
The Best Pumpkin Spice Latte
- PREP
- COOK
- TOTAL
Make the popular coffee house pumpkin spice latte at home. Canned or homemade pumpkin puree both work well in this recipe. Here’s our recipe for making pumpkin puree from scratch.
Watch Us Make the Recipe
You Will Need
1/2 cup strong hot coffee or 2 shots espresso
2 cups milk of choice, dairy or non-dairy
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, or more to taste
1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup, or more to taste
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for serving
Whipped cream, optional for serving
Directions
1Add milk, pumpkin puree, and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Slowly heat the milk until hot, but do not boil.
2Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and the coffee or espresso. Taste and adjust with more sugar or spices.
3Divide the mixture between two mugs.
4Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Stronger pumpkin flavor: Over the years, some readers have noted that they would like the pumpkin to be more prominent in the latte. To do this, add 6 tablespoons of pumpkin puree to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until the puree reduces by 1/3 to 1/2. Watch for burning. Use as much of the reduced puree as you need to achieve the pumpkin flavor you enjoy. Alternatively, use pumpkin butter, see below.
- Pumpkin butter: Use pumpkin butter for a more prominent pumpkin flavor and a bit more sweetness (here’s our maple pumpkin butter). Since pumpkin butter already has some sugar added, you may need to adjust the sugar/maple syrup in the latte.
- Whipped cream: Here’s my whipped cream recipe or my favorite dairy-free topping, vegan coconut whipped cream.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We assumed 2% milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
It’s a good coffee drink with a bit of sugar instead of my usual black coffee.