Embrace all the cozy fall vibes with a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte! This easy recipe tastes just like the original, but for a fraction of the cost.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Sweater weather is officially here, and you know what that means—Pumpkin Spice Latte season! There’s nothing quite like the rich blend of espresso, steamed milk, and pumpkin pie spice to warm your soul. Whether cozying up with a good book or enjoying a crisp autumn day, this seasonal favorite is the ultimate comfort drink.
This pumpkin spice latte recipe is made with pumpkin butter and your favorite brewed coffee. Enjoy it with some Pumpkin Bread, Mini Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Cups, or Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Latte
When I first shared this pumpkin spice latte recipe back in 2010, the prices at Starbucks were half as much as what they are now. I just can’t bring myself to spend that kind of money on a cup of coffee, so I make it myself whenever I get a craving for a cozy warm drink.
- You don’t need to leave your house to enjoy a PSL! Enjoy a cozy drink in the comfort of your own home, still in your pajamas.
- Easy to Make: Quickly whip up this seasonal drink whenever the craving strikes! Just make the espresso, warm the milk, and mix everything in a mug.
- Dietary Restrictions: It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, Weight Watchers-friendly, and vegan and dairy-free (if you use dairy-free milk and whipped cream).
- Cheaper than Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte: Making lattes at home is much more affordable than buying them at Starbucks or other cafes. Your wallet will thank you!
If you make this healthy pumpkin spice latte recipe, I would love to see it. Tag me in your photos or videos on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook!
What You’ll Need
The pumpkin butter and pumpkin pie spice make the coffee taste like fall in a cup. See the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Fat-free Milk: This keeps your drink light but you can also use whole milk. Use dairy-free almond milk, oat milk or coconut milk, if you prefer.
- Pumpkin Butter: I love to make a batch of pumpkin butter every autumn. It contains canned pumpkin puree, apple cider, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, and there are so many uses for it. Besides stirring it into your coffee, it’s fantastic on toast, oatmeal, smoothies, and yogurt. You can also buy it here or at Trader Joe’s.
- Sugar: Adjust according to how sweet you want your latte to be.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: For all those warm fall spices.
- Coffee: I prefer espresso, but any strong-brewed coffee works. You can also use caffeine free.
- Garnish: For the full coffee-house experience, top your PSL with fat-free whipped topping (like Cool Whip or Truwhip) and pumpkin pie spice.
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte
Making a homemade pumpkin spice latte is easy, and I promise the extra work is worth it. The recipe card contains the complete instructions.
- Milk Mixture: Simmer milk, pumpkin butter, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Vanilla and Pumpkin Pie Spice: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla and pumpkin pie spice with an immersion blender or whisk.
- Serve: Pour the milk mixture into 2 mugs and add half of the espresso to each. Top with whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice.
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use your favorite plant-based milk, like soy milk, almond or oat, and skip the whipped cream or use Cocowhip.
- Pumpkin: If you don’t want to make pumpkin butter, use pumpkin puree. You may need to add more sweetener or pumpkin pie spice to get the same flavor.
- Sweetener: Use maple syrup or honey in place of sugar. For a pumpkin spice latte with no sugar, use monk fruit, which has zero calories and net carbs or a sugar-free maple syrup.
- Want it stronger? Add extra shots of espresso.
- No pumpkin pie spice? Substitute cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg.
- Topping: Feel free to skip the whipped cream if you prefer.
- Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte: Serve the coffee drink over ice.
Storage
Pumpkin spice lattes are best enjoyed right after making them.
More Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fat-free milk, almond milk or dairy-free milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin butter, or use pre-made from Trader Joe's or Amazon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons sugar, or sugar substitute, to taste
- 1/2 cup espresso, or 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee works
- fat-free whipped topping
- dash pumpkin pie spice, for topping
Instructions
- In a small pan combine milk, pumpkin butter and sugar or sweetener of choice and simmer over medium heat, stirring, until boiling.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and pumpkin spice.
- Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth (or whisk well with a wire whisk).
- Pour into two mugs, add the hot espresso and top with fat free whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice on top.
