Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
This homemade pumpkin spice latte is creamy, warmly spiced, and made with real pumpkin puree for that classic cozy fall flavor. It's easy to make at home and comes together in minutes.
You don't need any fancy equipment or a bottle of pumpkin spice syrup to make a delicious PSL at home. Just combine homemade pumpkin puree with espresso, milk, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup for a comforting drink you can enjoy hot or iced.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make at home. You can have a cozy PSL in minutes without a coffee-shop run.
- Made with real pumpkin. Homemade pumpkin puree gives the latte a lovely, fresh pumpkin flavor.
- Warmly spiced. A homemade blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves brings the right amount of spices without overpowering the coffee.
- Not overly sweet. You can easily adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
- Hot or iced. Enjoy it warm on a cool morning or iced when you want something cool and refreshing.
Recipe Ingredients
Espresso: You can use espresso or strong brewed coffee. Both work well in this recipe.
Pumpkin puree: You can use homemade pumpkin puree as I did or canned puree. Please make sure the canned puree you use is pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. I used butternut squash, and it gives the same smooth, sweet base as a pumpkin. Sugar pumpkins or kabocha work just as well. Avoid large carving pumpkins, as they are quite flavorless.
Pumpkin pie spice: This is what gives the pumpkin spice latte its unique flavor. You can use store-bought pumpkin pie spice or make your own, as I did for my pumpkin spiced almonds.
Milk: I used whole milk, but feel free to use any milk you prefer. Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk -all will work here. Try to pick one that froths well, as we will use milk froth to top the latte!
Maple syrup: To sweeten the latte. You can also use white sugar or brown sugar.
Vanilla extract: For a warm flavor. Use store-bought or homemade vanilla extract.
Please see the recipe card below for full information about the ingredients and quantities.
How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Recipe Video
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine milk, pumpkin puree, espresso, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice.
Step 2: Warm over medium heat, whisking constantly until hot but not boiling.
Step 3: Pour the pumpkin spice latte into a mug.
Step 4: Froth 2 tablespoons of warm milk with a frother and spoon it over the latte. Add some whipped cream, pumpkin pie spice, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree
- Peel and deseed the pumpkin or the squash, then cut it into 1-1.5" pieces.
- Steam them for 15-20 minutes, until soft and cooked through.
- Cool for a few minutes, then blend in a food processor until smooth.
I like to steam instead of cooking in water, as it tends to make the puree quite watery. You can also roast the pumpkin and then puree the cooked pumpkin in a food processor or blender.
Refrigerate the leftover pumpkin puree in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.
You can use the leftover puree for making pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies, pumpkin swirl cake, vegan pumpkin muffins, or pumpkin bread.
Top Tips
- If your homemade pumpkin puree is too watery, drain it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for a few minutes.
- If using store-bought pumpkin puree, check that the label says 100% pumpkin.
- Want an iced pumpkin spice latte? Add all the ingredients to a blender along with ice and blend until smooth. Use cooled or chilled espresso so the ice doesn't melt. Top with whipped cream and serve!
What To Serve With PSL
This cozy and warm pumpkin spice latte is a perfect accompaniment to something freshly baked! Try it with my chewy apple cinnamon blondies, fig bread, pumpkin Basque cheesecake, or these soft pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use store-bought pumpkin puree?
Yes. Canned pumpkin puree works very well in this recipe. Just make sure you use plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
Can I make this pumpkin spice latte without an espresso machine?
Yes, strong brewed coffee works in place of espresso if you don't have an espresso machine.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely, use any plant-based milk of your choice. Oat milk works especially well as it froths nicely and has a creamy texture.
Can I make an iced pumpkin spice latte?
Yes, combine all the ingredients in a blender along with ice and blend until smooth. Serve with whipped cream on top. Use cooled or chilled espresso or brewed coffee so the ice doesn't melt.
More Cozy Drinks You'll Love
Recipe
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
- 2 shots Espresso Or 1/2 cup Hot brewed coffee
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 tbsp Pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp Maple syrup
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
Topping
- Milk froth, Whipped cream Optional
Milk Froth
- 2 tbsp Milk
Instructions
- Combine the espresso, milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice in a small saucepan.2 shots Espresso, 1 cup Milk, 2 tbsp Pumpkin puree, 2 tbsp Maple syrup, 1 tsp Vanilla extract, 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
- Warm over medium heat until hot but not boiling.Taste and adjust for sweetness.
- Pour into a mug, spoon some milk foam on top, and add whipped cream if you wish.Sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon, and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!Milk froth, Whipped cream
Milk Froth
- Warm the milk and froth using a handheld frother or whisk. Use the froth to top the latte.2 tbsp Milk
Video
Notes
- If your homemade pumpkin puree is too watery, drain it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for a few minutes.
- If using store-bought pumpkin puree, check that the label says 100% pumpkin.
- Want an iced pumpkin spice latte? Add all the ingredients to a blender along with ice and blend until smooth. Use cooled or chilled espresso or brewed coffee so the ice doesn't melt. Top with whipped cream and serve!
