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 shot espresso (love my Nespresso!)
- 1/4 cup strongly brewed coffee (I use the “strong” brew option on my Keurig.)
- 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 Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
- Maple Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Soft Batch Pumpkin Gingersnap Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
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Carol 10.04.2018
Just made this for an afternoon treat! Delicious Fantastic so creamy and not over sweet! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Kristin 10.04.2018
I’m so glad to hear it, Carol! Thanks so much for leaving your feedback!
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Manda 09.30.2017
YAY!!! I knew when I saw this yesterday that it would be a wonderful post-morning sports drink today. It is so yummy!! I replaced the sugar with maple syrup because I’m trying the less-refined-sugar route, and it was perfect! Thanks for your wonderful blog and recipes from right here in Iowa. Speaking of Iowa, have you been to the northeast corner? It is GORGEOUS up here…
Kristin 10.02.2017
Yum, LOVE the maple syrup swap! My husband and I have a NE Iowa fishing/camping weekend on our bucket list once the boys get a little older – as you said, I’ve only ever heard how beautiful it is!
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Charity Holden 08.27.2017
Is there anyway to make it with out the pumpkin puree?
Lillian 08.15.2017
Hi there Kristin! Excited to try this recipe. Is it pretty straight forward if I wanted to double or triple the servings?
Kristin 08.22.2017
You bet – it should turn out just the same! :)
Patti 10.19.2016
I make this at least once a week – so delicious!
Kristin 10.19.2016
Love it, Patti!! Thanks so much for the feedback!
Dog Breeds 10.13.2016
Thank you for the recipe. I’m thinking what to do with the pumpkins my mother brought me :D Making a drink with them is somethings I have never thought about. Looks so delicious.
Amy 10.11.2016
This recipe is so yummy. I added chai instead of coffee or espresso and it was delicious. So much better than any coffee house. I won’t be buying it again. It’s so easy and so worth making it yourself.
Kristin 10.12.2016
Oh that sounds awesome, Amy. I’m so glad you loved it!!
Melissa 10.10.2016
Made this last night and love it!!! PS— where did you get Lincoln’s cup? PPS— thinking of you all as you wait to meet baby #2!
Kristin 10.12.2016
So glad to hear, Melissa, and thank you so much! The cup was actually sent to me in a random bloggers package a couple years ago, but it’s Thermos brand. I think they sell them at Target!
Melanie 10.10.2016
Way #4 in your Oatmeal! Yum!
Kristin 10.12.2016
YES – delicious!
Danielle 10.08.2016
Made this yesterday morning – oh my goodness! It tasted so perfectly pumpkiny and indulgent, I could hardly believe I’d made it myself! It was even more enjoyable than a PSL from a coffee shop because I knew exactly what was in it. Thanks for another great recipe Kristin! (PS for those who care, I used 3/4 cup whole milk and maple syrup instead of sugar)
Kristin 10.12.2016
I’m so glad you loved it, Danielle!! I think the whole milk would make it even better – YUM!
Heather 10.07.2016
Can I just say, these PSL’s are delicious! I’m about to make one for the second time this week! Thanks for sharing!
Kristin 10.07.2016
Oh I’m so glad to hear it, Heather! Thanks so much for the great feedback!