This homemade pumpkin spice latte rivals any coffee shop version I've tried. Made with real pumpkin and warm spices, it's easy, cozy, and delicious.
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This homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe is everything I crave on a crisp fall morning or cool afternoon. It’s so much better than Starbucks, made with simple ingredients like real pumpkin puree, maple syrup, your milk of choice, coffee, and warm spices. For an extra-special treat, I dress it up with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice, but it’s also delicious plain—lightly creamy, cozy, and sweet.
One of my favorite things about making this recipe at home vs getting a PSL from a coffee shop is that it’s completely customizable. Any kind of milk you love will work here—dairy or non-dairy—and you can adjust the sweetness level to taste.
It’s easy too. This pumpkin latte recipe comes together in about 5 minutes…even less time than it takes to run out to the nearest Starbucks. If you’re a pumpkin spice fan, you have to try this recipe this fall!
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this pumpkin spice latte recipe:
- Real pumpkin puree, of course! A few tablespoons of canned pumpkin puree enhance the latte’s creamy texture and add essential pumpkin flavor. While many of my pumpkin recipes work with fresh pumpkin puree, I recommend sticking to the canned stuff here. It will give the latte a smoother, creamier texture.
- Espresso, cold brew, or strong coffee – A Starbucks pumpkin spice latte is made with espresso, but don’t worry if you don’t own an espresso machine. Cold brew concentrate or strong coffee works just as well in this recipe.
- Milk – Any type you like! Whole milk will give this pumpkin latte recipe the richest flavor and creamiest texture, though I like it with 2% too. In terms of non-dairy options, almond milk is my go-to because it’s what I keep on hand. Oat milk is also good and makes a slightly thicker latte.
- Maple syrup – It sweetens the latte and adds delicious maple flavor. Brown sugar is a great substitute.
- Pumpkin pie spice – I make my own with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves. It gives this latte the perfect “pumpkin spice” taste! Of course, a store-bought spice blend will work too.
- Vanilla extract – For warm depth of flavor.
- And a pinch of sea salt – To make all the flavors pop!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte
This homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe is easy to make on the stove:
- Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Whisk to combine.
- Cook, whisking occasionally, over low heat until the mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes. Tip: Don’t bring the mixture to a boil, as it can give the pumpkin a grainy texture.
That’s it! Pour your PSL into a mug. Feel free to top with whipped cream or coconut whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and an extra dusting of pumpkin pie spice, if you like, or enjoy the latte on its own.
Recipe Variation
For a frothier latte, blend the ingredients using an upright blender or immersion blender before heating them on the stove. This is a trick I often use when I make a homemade matcha latte, and it works great with this recipe too. You’ll end up with a delicious layer of foam on top!
More Pumpkin Recipes to Try
If you love this latte, try one of these cozy pumpkin recipes next:
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso or ½ cup cold brew or strongly brewed coffee
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for dusting
- Pinch sea salt
- Whipped cream, for topping, optional
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a small pot, combine the espresso, milk, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk over low heat until well combined and warmed through, about 5 minutes. Heat until steaming, but not boiling.
- Pour into a large mug. If desired, top with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
Could this be made in a tea version as opposed to coffee?
Could this be made in a large batch and kept warm in a crockpot for a party?
I did add the whipped and I had to substitute allspice for pumpkin pie spice, but it was still indescribably delicious!
I’m so glad you loved it, Shelley!
This is a great fall drink! I think the steam don’t boil really makes a difference
I’m so glad you loved it, Debbie!
I love Starbucks PSL’s, but don’t like the crazy amount of sugar in them. This recipe is even better than Starbucks! I only use 1 tbsp of maple syrup, and it’s perfect for me 🙂
Hi Jen, I’m so glad you loved it!
It was delicious it was one of the best lattes I’ve ever had, has you can see I. Only put 4stars because it needed more sugar so I added it my self but over all it was really good.
I agree with @Rita. This is delicious.I’m just wondering how you keep the whipped cream from dissolving into the heated coffee
This was insanely good!! Like the best pumpkin spice latte I’ve had but without the price tag.
Delicious and smells incredible. Perfect fall drink! For two people, I used about a half of a small French press, and I reduced the amount of maple syrup.
Hi, I’m so glad you loved the latte! Happy fall!
This was excellent! I doubled the espresso and left everything else the same (I like strong coffee flavour)
It was a huge hit! Effortless and everyone loved it ❤️
I’m so glad you loved it!
I just made this and it is delicious. Love that I can customize to my taste for sweetness and type of milk. Will definitely make again.
How many ounces does this make in total??
Delicious! I don’t like overly sweet drinks so I reduced the the maple syrup to 1/2 T, and it was perfect!
Hello, for some reason when I make this drink I can taste bits in it, is it because the pumpkin purée hasnt fully mixed in with the other ingredients?
It is a very nice drink though I love making this it’s just the bits in my drink, I don’t know how to get rid of it .
Thanks!
Hi Waheda, it sounds like it is due to the pumpkin puree! For a smoother texture, you could blend the ingredients in a blender, then warm the latte on the stove.
Probably the spices such as nutmeg!
how many millimetres does this make?
Maybe this a dumb question, but how do you make espresso without special equipment?
Hi Colleen, we use an espresso machine to make actual espresso – if you don’t have one, cold brew coffee or strongly brewed coffee both work well here.
It is very easy to make. This is the best pumpkin spice latte I have ever had. I didn’t use a can of pureed pumpkin. I made it myself. Thank you very much for the recipe.
Easily the best copycat PSL I’ve tried! Similar color and flavor as Starbucks! Absolutely delicious! This deserves 10/5 stars
Can this be made with just hot water added to all the ingredients or made ahead of time and warmed up?
I always thought the texture would be strange with purée in the coffee, even though I love PSL. I decided to try this today and it’s delicious and now healthy too. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Pat, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!