Pumpkin Spice Lattes are a favorite during the fall season. So many people love them for their unique flavor that embraces all those wonderful autumn flavors, such as nutmeg and cinnamon. They're also perfect as an easy treat to share with friends and family. This recipe will show you how to make a delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte for your family!
What is Pumpkin Spice Latte?
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A Pumpkin Spice Latte is a popular coffee drink in the fall. It's made with coffee, pumpkin flavoring, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, milk, and sugar. Some people like to add whipped cream on top. It's known for its warm and cozy taste. It is a comforting beverage during the autumn season.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Half and Half or Whole Milk: The dairy component of the recipe adds richness and creaminess to the latte.
- 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin Puree gives the latte its signature pumpkin flavor and adds a smooth texture to the drink.
- Full-Fat Condensed Milk or Light Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness to the latte. You can choose between using full-fat condensed milk for a creamier and richer taste or light brown sugar for a slightly more delicate sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a critical spice in pumpkin spice blends. It adds warmth and depth of flavor to the latte.
- Ground Cloves: Cloves contribute a warm, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor to the latte, enhancing the overall spice profile.
- Freshly Grated Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a warm and nutty flavor to the latte. It complements the other spices and enhances the richness of the drink.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a sweet and floral aroma to the latte, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Strong Brewed Coffee: The coffee component provides a robust and bold flavor base to the latte. It combines pumpkin and spice flavors for a balanced and delicious drink.
- Sweetened Whipped Cream: Whipped cream serves as a creamy and decadent topping for the latte. It adds an extra touch of indulgence to the drink.
Tools you'll need
How to Make The Best Pumpkin Spice Latte
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, half and half, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground clove, and ground nutmeg. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling, whisking occasionally to ensure even mixing.
Use a hand milk frother to blend the mixture until it's well combined and frothy. Pour the brewed coffee into the saucepan and stir in the vanilla extract. Carefully pour the pumpkin-spiced milk mixture into a mug. If desired, top the latte with whipped cream and sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
Substitutions
- Milk: You can use any milk you prefer, such as whole milk, 2% milk, skim milk, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Remember that the type of milk you use will affect the final taste and texture of the latte.
- Sweetener: If you don't have condensed milk or brown sugar, use regular sugar, honey, maple syrup, or any other sweetener you prefer. Adjust the amount to your taste.
- Espresso: You can use strong brewed coffee if you don't have an espresso machine. Brew a pot of coffee using dark roast beans instead of espresso.
- Pumpkin puree: If you can't find canned, you can make your own by roasting a small pumpkin in the oven and blending the flesh until it's smooth.
- Spices: If you don't have all the spices listed in the recipe, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead. Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, the main spices used in the Pumpkin Spice Latte. You can also adjust the amount of each spice to your taste.
Variations
- Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte: Instead of heating the mixture, let it cool down and pour it over ice for a refreshing iced latte.
- Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte: Use non-dairy milk and skip the whipped cream to make the latte vegan-friendly.
- Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte: Replace the espresso with chai tea for a delicious twist on the classic latte.
- Maple Pumpkin Spice Latte: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the latte mixture for a sweet and cozy flavor.
- Salted Caramel Pumpkin Spice Latte: Drizzle some salted caramel sauce on the whipped cream for a decadent treat.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Smoothie: Blend the latte mixture with ice and a banana for a healthy and delicious smoothie.
- Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Latte: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the latte mixture for a chocolatey twist.
- Gingerbread Pumpkin Spice Latte: Add some molasses and ground ginger to the latte mixture for a festive gingerbread flavor.
How to Serve
It can be Pair with Cornbread Muffins, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Coconut Cake, Mini Irish Soda Bread, Irish Soda Bread, or the Pumpkin Spice Latte can pour it into a mug and add whipped cream on top. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice on top for extra flavor and decoration. If you're feeling fancy, drizzle caramel sauce or chocolate syrup over the whipped cream.
Or, you can crush some graham crackers or ginger snaps and sprinkle them on top for added crunch. Serve the Pumpkin Spice Latte hot with your favorite fall treats, such as a pumpkin scone, pumpkin bread, or apple pie. It's also a great drink to enjoy on a cozy night or share with friends and family during a fall gathering or holiday party.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: The Pumpkin Spice Latte, let it cool to room temperature, and then transfer it into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat: The Pumpkin Spice Latte, pour it into a saucepan and heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed. Do not boil it. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave by pouring it into a microwave-safe mug and heating it for 30 seconds, stirring until it's warmed.
If you have a leftover Pumpkin Spice Latte in your mug, you can also reheat it in the microwave by heating it for 15-20 seconds until it's warmed. Just be careful not to overheat it, as it can scorch and become unpleasant to drink.
Make-Ahead
To make the Pumpkin Spice Latte ahead of time, prepare the recipe as instructed and let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, heat the Pumpkin Spice Latte in a saucepan over low heat until it's warmed, stirring occasionally. Do not boil it.
Once heated, pour it into a mug and add whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also make the Pumpkin Spice Latte ahead of time and freeze it, as mentioned in the previous answer. This can be a great option if you want the Pumpkin Spice Latte ready for future use, such as for a party or gathering.
Tips for Making The Best Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Use Good-Quality Ingredients: Good-quality coffee, fresh spices, and pure pumpkin puree will significantly enhance the flavor of your latte.
- Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness level of your latte is a matter of personal preference. Start with less sugar or condensed milk and gradually add more if needed.
- Freshly Grated Nutmeg: Grate your nutmeg for the freshest flavor. Nutmeg loses its aroma quickly when pre-ground.
- Froth Milk Well: Use a milk frother to create a creamy and velvety texture for the milk mixture. Frothing adds to the latte's overall mouthfeel.
- Brew Strong Coffee: Use a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to provide a bold coffee flavor that can stand up to the pumpkin spice.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the spice amounts to match your preference. If you prefer stronger spice flavors, you can slightly increase the amounts.
- Serve Hot: Pumpkin Spice Lattes are best enjoyed hot. Make sure all your ingredients are warm when mixing to prevent cooling the latte.
- Whipped Cream and Garnish: Top your latte with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for an added visual and flavor appeal.
- Experiment with Milk: If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of half and half.
- Avoid Boiling: Be careful not to let the mixture boil after adding the coffee. Boiling can cause the milk to curdle and affect the taste and texture.
- Balance Flavors: Taste your latte and adjust ingredients to balance the coffee, pumpkin, and spices.
FAQ
Can I spike the Pumpkin Spice Latte?
You can spike it up with spiced rum, rum, vodka, cognac, brandy, or some tequila.
How do you spice up Pumpkin Spice Latte?
An easy way to add flavor to a Pumpkin Spice latte is to add freshly grated nutmeg, ground mace, ground cloves, allspice, cardamom, ginger, or cinnamon.
How can I make this Pumpkin Spice Latte sweeter?
To make this Pumpkin Spice Latte sweeter, add ¼ cup of brown sugar or adjust to your liking.
Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Latte lighter?
You certainly can! By lowering the amount of condensed milk or sugar in the drink, you can make a Pumpkin spice Latte lower in calories than Starbucks. If you want to go further, use skimmed milk, light cream, and sugar substitutes.
Related Recipes:
- Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins
- Easy Apple Pumpkin Spice Muffins
- Pumpkin Bread
- Ultimate Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crust
- Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies recipe
Recipe
Easy Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
- 2 cup half and half or whole milk
- 2 cup whole milk
- 2 cups 100% pure pumpkin puree
- 1 cup light brown sugar, or (1) 14 oz condensed milk adjust to your liking
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon , plus more for sprinkling
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups strong brewed coffee
- Sweetened whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, half and half, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground clove, and ground nutmeg.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling, whisking occasionally to ensure even mixing. Use a hand milk frother to blend the mixture until it's well combined and frothy.
- Pour the brewed coffee into the saucepan and stir in the vanilla extract. Carefully pour the pumpkin-spiced milk mixture into a mug. If desired, top the latte with whipped cream and sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
Notes
- To store: The Pumpkin Spice Latte, let it cool to room temperature, and then transfer it into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: The Pumpkin Spice Latte, pour it into a saucepan and heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed. Do not boil it. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave by pouring it into a microwave-safe mug and heating it for 30 seconds, stirring until it's warmed.
- Refrigerate the pumpkin spice latte for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until thoroughly heated; do not boil. After that, remove it quickly to serve.
- You can use any milk or dairy-free alternatives. However, I recommend using whole milk for the most decadent flavor and creamier texture.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.