Easy Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe – Better Than Coffee Shop

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe – Easy Fall Drink Better Than Starbucks

August 10, 2026

Easy Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Skip the coffee and make this cozy Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe at home with real pumpkin puree, warm pumpkin pie spices, vanilla, milk, and strong coffee or espresso. It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and topped with whipped cream for the perfect homemade fall drink.

This easy pumpkin latte comes together in about 10 minutes and can be adjusted to make it sweeter, stronger, or extra creamy.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

Why You'll Love This Pumpkin Spice Latte

Made with real pumpkin puree

Ready in about 10 minutes

Warm and creamy

Easy to customize

Less expensive than a Starbucks latte

Perfect for fall mornings

Can be served hot or iced

Ingredients

Pumpkin Spice Latte

2 cups whole milk

½ cup strong brewed coffee or 2–4 shots espresso

3 tablespoons pumpkin puree

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of sal

For Topping

Whipped cream

Pumpkin pie spice

Ground cinnamon

Caramel sauce, optional

Cinnamon stick, optional

How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Step 1: Make the Pumpkin Milk

Add the milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and a small pinch of salt to a medium saucepan.

Whisk everything together until the pumpkin is completely incorporated into the milk.

Step 2: Heat

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat.

Cook for about 3–5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the mixture is steaming and hot.

Don't allow the milk to come to a full boil.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

For a frothy coffee-shop-style latte, carefully whisk the milk vigorously or use a handheld milk frother until foamy.

Step 4: Add the Coffee

Divide the hot coffee or espresso between two mugs.

Pour the pumpkin-spiced milk over the coffee and gently stir.

If you prefer a stronger latte, add another shot of espresso.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Top each Pumpkin Spice Latte with a generous swirl of whipped cream.

Finish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.

For an extra indulgent version, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the whipped cream.

What Is in a Pumpkin Spice Latte?

A homemade pumpkin spice latte combines coffee or espresso, milk, pumpkin, sweetener, vanilla, and warm spices.

The pumpkin spice flavor usually comes from a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

Despite its name, pumpkin spice itself doesn't contain pumpkin. That's why adding real pumpkin puree gives this homemade version a richer pumpkin flavor.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, you can make a quick version using:

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

⅛ teaspoon nutmeg

Small pinch of ground cloves

Small pinch of allspice

Mix the spices together and use them in place of the pumpkin pie spice in the recipe.

How to Make an Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

You can easily turn this recipe into an iced pumpkin spice latte.

Whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.

Add cold milk and whisk or froth until combined.

Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in 2 shots of cooled espresso.

Pour the pumpkin milk over the espresso and stir.

Finish with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.

For an iced version, don't pour piping-hot espresso directly over a small amount of ice or you'll quickly water down the drink.

How to Make It Extra Creamy

Whole milk gives this latte a creamy consistency without making it overly heavy.

For an even richer drink, replace ¼ cup of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.

You can also use:

Oat milk

Coconut milk

Soy milk

Lactose-free milk

Oat milk is particularly good in pumpkin lattes because its naturally creamy texture pairs well with pumpkin and cinnamon.

Can I Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte Without Espresso?

Absolutely.

You don't need an espresso machine to make a good homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Simply brew coffee slightly stronger than you normally would. You'll need about ¼ cup of strong coffee per serving, although you can adjust this depending on how strong you like your latte.

Cold brew concentrate can also work well.

Make a Pumpkin Cream Topping

For something a little more decadent, make pumpkin cold foam instead of regular whipped cream.

Combine:

¼ cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon pumpkin puree

1 tablespoon maple syrup

¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Splash of vanilla

Froth until thick and creamy.

Spoon it over a hot or iced pumpkin latte and finish with cinnamon.

What to Serve With a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Turn your latte into a complete fall breakfast by serving it with:

Pumpkin bread

Pumpkin muffins

Pumpkin French toast

Pumpkin pie pancakes

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls

Apple cinnamon bread

Cinnamon rolls

Apple cider donuts

Pumpkin cheesecake loaf

Pumpkin cookies

How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Latte Mixture

If you want to prepare the pumpkin milk ahead of time, make it without the coffee.

Store the mixture in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Shake or whisk well before reheating because the pumpkin and spices may settle.

Heat the amount you need and combine it with freshly brewed coffee or espresso.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pumpkin?

Yes. Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

What's the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?

Pumpkin puree is simply cooked, pureed pumpkin. Pumpkin pie filling typically contains added sugar and spices, making it less suitable for this recipe.