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Cozy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte with Real Pumpkin

homemade pumpkin spice latte - featured image

This cozy homemade pumpkin spice latte with real pumpkin is creamy, perfectly spiced, and uses actual pumpkin purée—not just syrup. It’s the kind of cozy drink that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and ignore your to-do list.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or oat milk)
  • 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
  • Extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the Pumpkin Spice Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons water. Whisk everything together over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth, fragrant, and slightly thickened.
  2. Heat the Milk: Pour 1 cup of your chosen milk into the saucepan with the syrup. Whisk to combine, then continue heating over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Heat until the milk is steaming and small bubbles form around the edges—about 3-4 minutes. Do not let it boil.
  3. Froth the Milk (Optional): Remove the saucepan from the heat and use a handheld frother to froth the milk directly in the pan. Alternatively, pour the hot milk mixture into a French press and pump the plunger vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Brew Your Coffee: While the milk is heating, brew 1/2 cup of strong coffee or pull 2 shots of espresso.
  5. Combine and Serve: Pour the hot coffee or espresso into a warmed mug. Slowly pour the pumpkin spiced milk over the top, holding back the foam with a spoon if desired. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Top and Garnish: Add a generous dollop of whipped cream if using. Dust the top with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip whisking the syrup to avoid clumps. The syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk. For an iced version, cool the syrup and use cold milk and ice.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin spice latte, homemade latte, pumpkin latte, fall drink, coffee, pumpkin purée, cozy drink