Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

This weekend I welcomed Fall the proper way by making a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte – whee! Trust me – skip the drive through and do not wait another minute to enjoy this warming and delicious fall treat that’s a CINCH to make at home.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes Are

• EASY. We’re talking 6 fridge and pantry staple ingredients – pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, sugar, milk (any kind,) vanilla, and coffee or espresso – combined to make a cozy, homemade drink in less than 5 minutes.
• Customizable. Don’t have an espresso machine? No problem. Use strongly-brewed coffee instead, which, spoiler alert: I might like better than the espresso version!
• Cheap. Think spending $5-7 on a coffee shop’s PSL sounds insane? That’s because it is! My homemade version can be made for way (WAY) less.
• Healthier. A short, non-fat, no whip Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks has 24 grams of sugar. That’s crazy and not just because nobody orders a short, nonfat, no whip PSL from Starbucks, right? My homemade PSL has less than 13 grams of sugar.
• Kid-friendly. If your child wants in on a little pumpkin spice action like Mom and Dad, give it to him or her with this warm drink made without espresso or coffee. Lincoln went bananas for it and has asked for a mug every single day since Friday!

I can’t tell you the last time I had a pumpkin spice latte from a coffee shop – for one they can’t guarantee they’re gluten-free, two I get annoyed that they’re only available for a limited time (I have no idea why this irritates me,) and three they just don’t taste very good in my opinion. Way too artificial and sickly sweet, plus there’s zero pumpkin involved.

Take it from me, spend 5 minutes on this lightly sweetened, creamy, pumpkin spice – pumpkin containing! – latte on a cool and crisp fall morning and you’ll never go back!

How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home

Start by adding pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir and cook until the mixture is very fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

No pumpkin pie spice? No problem! Mix up your own using a recipe like this one.

Next add sugar then stir until smooth and bubbly, another 30 seconds.

Slowly pour in milk (I used unsweetened almond milk but use whatever you’ve got on hand,) while whisking then add vanilla and stir until the mixture is hot, 2-3 minutes, being careful not to let it boil.

The last step is to pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve/strainer to remove any thicker pieces of pumpkin and/or chalky spices. This step is optional but takes 10 seconds to do and makes for such a creamy and velvety drink. Totally worth it!

Next: Add Caffeine (Or Not!)

Coffee shop Pumpkin Spice Lattes usually come with espresso, but if you don’t have an espresso machine at home, no problem. Here are three options for adding caffeine to this homemade PSL recipe:

1. 1 shot espresso (love my Nespresso!)
2. 1/4 cup strongly brewed coffee (I use the “strong” brew option on my Keurig.)
3. Omit the espresso or coffee and serve as is, which is a great option for kids.

Last step, which is optional but especially good for a weekend treat, top with a dollop of regular or coconut whipped cream, sprinkle with a bit more pumpkin pie spice, garnish with a cinnamon stick, and start sipping. I hope you LOVE this super simple, seriously delicious, fall-spiced, homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte!

More Easy Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love

• Gluten Free Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels
• Maple Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
• Soft Batch Pumpkin Gingersnap Chocolate Chip Cookies
  

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

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Description

Save money and calories by making your own Pumpkin Spice Latte at home in 5 minutes or less! Use espresso, strong coffee, or keep it caffeine-free for a festive, kid-friendly drink.

Ingredients

makes 1 drink

• 2 Tablespoons 100% pumpkin puree
• slightly rounded 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 Tablespoon sugar (or more or less)
• 1 cup milk, any kind (I used unsweetened almond milk)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 shot espresso OR 1/4 cup strongly brewed coffee
• whipped cream or coconut cream for topping, optional

Directions

1. Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to a small saucepan over medium high heat. Stir with a spatula until very fragrant and bubbly, 30 seconds - 1 minute, then add sugar and stir until smooth and bubbly, another 30 seconds. Whisk in milk then add vanilla and stir until drink is hot, 2-3 minutes.
2. Brew espresso or coffee into a mug (or omit to keep this kid-friendly) then strain milk mixture into the mug and serve. The straining step is optional but it catches any larger pieces of pumpkin and any chalky spices.

Notes

Adapted from TheKitchn.com

This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.