This copycat Starbucks pumpkin spice latte combines all your favorite fall flavors – at a fraction of the price!
It’s a creamy blend of espresso, milk, velvety pumpkin, and autumn spice.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
Starbucks pumpkin spice latte is a beloved autumn classic.
It’s renowned for the flawless blend of mellow pumpkin and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Of course, the limited, seasonal availability makes it a viral sensation. But now, you can enjoy it anytime with my homemade version.
So, get ready to save some money. Because once you make this pumpkin spice latte, Starbucks will be ruined for you!
Ingredients
You’ll find the full recipe at the bottom of the page. But for now, here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- Espresso or Strong Coffee: This serves as the coffee base, providing a rich caffeine kick. Make it as strong or mild as you prefer.
- Pumpkin Puree: For creaminess and the unmistakable pumpkin taste.
- Sugar: Brown or white will work. Either way, the sweetness enhances the pumpkin flavor. Feel free to use maple syrup or honey.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves delivers the iconic fall taste.
- Milk: Use whole, almond, oat, or lactose-free. It all works well here.
- Vanilla Extract: For warm sweetness.
- Whipped Cream and Cinnamon: The optional garnish to push your latte over the top.
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte
Making your very own Starbucks pumpkin spice latte is a breeze. Here’s how it’s done:
1. Brew a pot of coffee. Since you’ll add extra milk, I recommend making it stronger than usual.
2. Make the pumpkin base. Heat the pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until the sugar dissolves.
3. Froth the milk and heat. Blend the milk or use a frother to make it foamy. Then, add it and the vanilla to the pumpkin syrup and mix until hot.
4. Pour the brewed coffee into a mug and add the milk mix. Stir gently, and enjoy.
At this point, it’s ready to drink. But if you want to make it extra special, add some freshly whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg.
How to Froth Milk
Frothing milk is easy. And while a frother is handy, you don’t need fancy equipment.
Just remember to froth the milk separately -and cold – then add it to the drink.
Here’s a few options:
- Pour the milk into a blender and pulse until frothy.
- Shake it in a mason jar with the lid secured.
- Get a milk frother and hit the button!
- If you don’t have any of those tools, just grab a whisk and go to town.
Tips and Variations
Looking to elevate your pumpkin spice latte experience? Check out these tips and variations to customize your autumn cup.
- Adjust the caffeine content. For reference, a Starbucks tall has 75 mg, and a grande has 150 mg.
- Adjust the sugar to your preference. Or substitute it with a sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Pre-warm your mug before pouring the latte to keep it hot longer. Just add water, microwave it for 30 seconds, dump out the water, and add the drink.
- Experiment with spices such as cloves, ginger, and cardamom. Or use pumpkin pie spice extract for a bolder pumpkin flavor.
- Make it dairy-free. Substitute regular milk with almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top for extra richness.
Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
I’m a die-hard iced coffee lover. So you’ll see me with a cup in hand even in the dead of winter.
If that sounds familiar, check out this iced pumpkin spice latte recipe:
1. Heat the pumpkin, sugar, and spice mix until smooth and syrupy.
2. Stir in the vanilla, then let the syrup cool completely.
3. Pour cold brew coffee into a glass filled with ice.
4. Add the pumpkin syrup and top the glass up with milk.
5. Gently stir, top it off with whipped cream, and enjoy!
If you don’t have cold brew, you can make this with freshly brewed coffee or espresso. Just be sure to brew it ahead and let it cool.
(And if you’re interested, I found a bunch of fun TikTok Starbucks drinks to try when pumpkin is out of season.)
More Copycat Starbucks Recipes
Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Brew
Copycat Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha
Starbucks Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino
Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino
Copycat Starbucks Caramel Macchiato
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
1
servings5
minutes10
minutes229
kcalThis copycat Starbucks pumpkin spice latte recipe blends espresso, milk, and autumn spice. It’s easy, cozy, and captures the essence of fall in every sip.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ounces espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee
whipped cream, for topping
ground cinnamon or nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and it’s hot and syrupy.
- Froth the milk, if desired. Then, add it to the hot syrup with the vanilla and stir until hot.
- Brew the espresso or strong coffee and pour it into a mug.
- Pour the frothy pumpkin and milk mixture over the top. Stir well.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the sugar to taste, or substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Pre-warm the mug to keep the drink warm for longer.
