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Hi Bold Bakers!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: This pumpkin spice latte recipe brings the Starbucks favorite right to your kitchen — quick, affordable, and full of cozy fall flavor.
- Copycat Starbucks Taste: Just like the café version, but fresher and made with real pumpkin.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes with simple ingredients.
- Budget-Friendly: Enjoy your favorite latte without the coffee shop price tag.
- Comforting Fall Flavor: Pumpkin, spice, and whipped cream make it one of the most loved seasonal hot drinks.
One of my favorite things is whipping up homemade versions of beloved treats — like this pumpkin spice latte recipe. It’s so versatile! I often make a big batch for fall gatherings and keep it warm in a crock pot, so everyone can help themselves throughout the day.
Bold Bakers Loved This!
“I have tried several other recipes and by far, this is the best. Not only tasty, but easy. Thank you for sharing.” — Susan
“I just made one and it’s DELICIOUS!!!! I added a drizzle of your salted caramel sauce(that I made this morning) too! I wanted to take a photo, but I couldn’t stop drinking it!”– Cindy G.
“This. This is exactly what I need this season. I won’t ever have to buy another one pumpkin latte from our local coffee shop again. Thank you! super delicious.” — Annie
IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 9/3/2025, to include explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make ahead and storage instructions, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips.
Table of Contents
- The Best Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Key Ingredients
- How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
- Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
- FAQs
- What to Serve With
The Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
A pumpkin spice latte is a warm, spiced coffee drink that captures the flavors of fall — rich, creamy, and comforting.
- Made with Real Pumpkin: Adds natural sweetness and autumn flavor.
- Warmed with Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice create that classic fall aroma.
- Creamy and Comforting: Steamed milk and whipped cream make it indulgent and heartwarming.
- Café-Style at Home: A Starbucks-inspired treat you can easily make yourself.
Basic Ingredients and Substitutes
Pumpkin Puree
- Adds natural sweetness, body, and authentic pumpkin flavor.
- Substitute: You can use sweet potato puree or for the best result, make my Homemade Pumpkin Puree.
Granulated Sugar
- Provides sweetness and balances the spices.
- Substitute: Feel free to use your favorite sweetener, such as honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, or other choices from my Sugar Substitute Chart.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Gives warm, aromatic fall flavor.
- Substitute: Homemade mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Brewed Coffee
- Strong coffee provides the caffeine base and depth of flavor.
- Substitute: Strong cold brew coffee, black tea, espresso, or instant coffee.
Milk
- Adds creaminess and smooth texture.
- Substitute: Non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or any milk of choice.
Whipped Cream
- Tops the latte for richness and indulgence.
- Substitute: Coconut whipped cream, dairy-free whipped topping.
How do You Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, brewed coffee, and milk. Stir to combine.
- Heat Gently: Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a simmer while whisking, about 5 minutes.
- Pour and Serve: Take the saucepan off the heat and pour the latte into a large mug.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Decorate with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
- Store Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FULL (PRINTABLE) RECIPE BELOW!
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
- Use Fresh Real Pumpkin Puree: Canned is convenient, but fresh pumpkin adds a brighter, more natural flavor.
- Warm Milk Slowly: Gently heat the milk to avoid scorching and create a silky texture.
- Customize Your Spice: Adjust pumpkin pie spice to taste, or add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
- Add Vanilla for Depth: Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract when heating to enhance the flavor.
- Make Ahead for Crowds: Multiply the recipe and keep it warm in a crock pot so guests can serve themselves.
- Perfect Whipped Cream: Lightly sweeten your whipped cream with a pinch of sugar or pumpkin spice for an extra fall touch.
- Easy Cleanup: Line your saucepan with a little butter before heating to make cleanup a breeze.
- Oiled Spoon for Drizzle: Use a lightly oiled spoon to drizzle syrup or milk foam—prevents sticking.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
- Prepare in Advance: You can mix the pumpkin, sugar, spices, and milk ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Heat Before Serving: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm. Stir well before serving.
- Keep Warm for a Crowd: Multiply the recipe and store in a crock pot on low. It will stay warm for hours so guests can help themselves.
- Store Leftovers: This homemade pumpkin latte can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before drinking.
- Whipped Cream Tip: Store whipped cream separately and add just before serving to maintain its fluffiness.
FAQs
How can I make it spicier or milder?
Adjust the pumpkin pie spice or add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to suit your taste.
Are there ways to add extra flavors?
Yes! Try a shot of espresso, caramel syrup, or a dash of vanilla extract for a personalized twist.
What’s the best way to get a foamy latte like Starbucks?
Froth the milk with a milk frother or whisk vigorously while heating to achieve a creamy, foamy texture.
Can instant coffee be used instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, strong instant coffee or espresso works perfectly if you don’t want to brew a pot.
What to Serve With
Try These Recipes!
Watch The Recipe Video!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup (4 fl oz/120 ml) brewed coffee
- ½ cup (4 fl oz/120 ml) whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add all of your ingredients and stir to combine.
- Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring, about 5 minutes.
- Take the saucepan off the heat and pour into your mug.
- Decorate with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipe Notes
- Use Fresh Real Pumpkin Puree: Canned is convenient, but fresh pumpkin adds a brighter, more natural flavor.
- Warm Milk Slowly: Gently heat the milk to avoid scorching and create a silky texture.
- Customize Your Spice: Adjust pumpkin pie spice to taste, or add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
- Add Vanilla for Depth: Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract when heating to enhance the flavor.
- Make Ahead for Crowds: Multiply the recipe and keep it warm in a crock pot so guests can serve themselves.
- Perfect Whipped Cream: Lightly sweeten your whipped cream with a pinch of sugar or pumpkin spice for an extra fall touch.
- Easy Cleanup: Line your saucepan with a little butter before heating to make cleanup a breeze.
- Oiled Spoon for Drizzle: Use a lightly oiled spoon to drizzle syrup or milk foam—prevents sticking.
Fall greetings Gemma, from Kure Beach NC. We love this recipe for pumpkin spice latte! We use espresso coffee (that’s what we normally drink) and because the coffee is strong I add a 1/2 tsp of good vanilla extract to the latte. (I’ve also made this with freshly ground cardamom in place of the pumpkin pie spice and it’s delicious too). Before I add the coffee I turn up the heat and whisk the pumpkin & sugar in well so they have time to dissolve in the milk without worrying that the coffee will overcook and turn bitter. I have… Read more »
Used can pumpkin purée. It tasted good, but settled to the bottom of the cup. What can I do to prevent it from settling down at the bottom? Thank you!
Oh my goodness, this tastes wonderful and I didn’t have any whipped topping, but it was sooooo good! Thank you Gemma – – you’re a rockstar, and I LOVE your BBB cookbook!!!
I multiplied this recipe so I could just use an entire 15oz can of pumpkin purée. So in a sauce pan I added the can of pumpkin, 1 cup dark brown sugar, and use the whole recipe for Pumpkin Pie spice. Let that simmer to incorporate. Then put into ice cube trays for later. It’s perfect. Whenever I want a tasty pumpkin spice latte, I add 2 cubes and milk to a small saucepan, (I don’t drink coffee) let that heat and in just a few min it’s done. I’m hooked. Thank you!
I don’t drink coffee and my mother in law has a heart condition and cannot have caffeine. So, we do this recipe without the coffee and sub with more milk- pumpkin spice crème latte 😉 Enjoy it’s our favorite!!
This is literally hands down better than Starbucks. It is the best drink I have ever made and once I picked it up I could not put it back down
I have tried several other recipes and by far, this is the best. Not only tasty, but easy. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful taste! Doubled the recipe for my husband & I, he refuses to drink coffee but loved this one! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
can you use natural honey?
Hi Gemma,
I have a can of pumpkin purée. What can I do with the rest of the purée after I’ve taken the 2tbsp for this recipe? Does it freeze well or do I leave it in the fridge? Thanks!