There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm spices and creamy texture in this **Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe**. It’s like a cozy hug in a mug, perfect for those crisp mornings or relaxing afternoons when you want a special treat without heading to a café.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe because it’s genuinely simple to make at home, yet tastes like it’s from your favorite coffee shop. Plus, it’s customizable and feels like a little celebration of autumn in every sip.

Super Easy Ingredients: You probably already have most of them in your kitchen, making it perfect for any time you get a craving.
Quick to Make: Whisk everything together, heat it up, and your latte is ready in under 10 minutes.
Cozy Flavor Blend: The pumpkin puree combined with pumpkin pie spice makes a naturally spiced, comforting flavor that's just right.
Custom Friendly: You can easily adjust sweetness or spice levels to suit your mood or dietary needs.

Two clear glass mugs filled with light brown pumpkin spice drink topped with swirls of white whipped cream sprinkled with light brown spice powder, each mug garnished with a cinnamon stick standing upright in the whipped cream; behind the mugs is a white bottle labeled

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe plays a special role — from the creamy milk creating that smooth texture to the pumpkin puree adding real pumpkin flavor, not just artificial taste. Here’s a bit more on why each one makes the magic happen.

Flat lay of a small mound of unsweetened pumpkin puree, a pile of granulated white sugar crystals, a vanilla bean pod split open next to a small glass bottle of vanilla extract, a heap of warm whipped cream sprinkled with vibrant pumpkin pie spice, a splash of creamy vanilla creamer in a clear glass jar, and a steaming dark roast coffee cup with swirling steam rising, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Whole milk: Gives the latte a rich, creamy base — you can swap with plant-based milk, but whole milk really helps thicken the texture beautifully.
Unsweetened pumpkin puree: Adds authentic pumpkin flavor and fiber; avoid pumpkin pie filling as it has added sugars and spices.
Granulated white sugar: Balances the bitterness of the coffee and enhances the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm aroma and depth to the drink, making it extra inviting.
Pumpkin pie spice: This classic spice mix brings the familiar cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove notes that make this latte truly iconic.
Brewed coffee: The bold backbone of the drink — I recommend a dark roast for a richer, more robust flavor.
Vanilla creamer: Adds sweetness and creaminess, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
Whipped cream: Optional but definitely worth it for that café finish — adds a light, airy contrast.
Pumpkin pie spice (for topping): A sprinkle on top makes it look pretty and gives you an extra spice hit right at first sip.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you prefer it sweeter, spicier, or dairy-free, you can adapt it to your unique taste and make it feel like your own signature drink.

Dairy-Free Version: I’ve tried using almond or oat milk instead of whole milk and it’s still creamy and delicious — just pick a vanilla-flavored creamer that’s non-dairy for a perfect match.
Extra Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or doubling the pumpkin pie spice gives you a latte with a little surprise heat that I’m obsessed with on chilly nights.
Less Sweet: You can easily reduce the sugar or swap for maple syrup or honey for a richer, more natural sweetness.
Iced Latte: Chill your brewed coffee and mix with the pumpkin milk blend for a refreshing iced treat perfect for those in-between fall days.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Pumpkin Milk Mix

Start by combining whole milk, unsweetened pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice in a glass mixing cup. I find using a small whisk works best for blending everything smoothly — it helps to break up the pumpkin chunks for a silky base. This mix is the heart of the latte.

Step 2: Warm It Up

Pop the pumpkin milk mixture into the microwave for about one minute, just until it’s hot but not boiling — you want it steamy and cozy. Heating helps the spices bloom and the flavors meld, creating a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Brew Your Coffee

While the milk mixture is warming, brew a strong cup of your favorite coffee. I usually go for a dark roast because its bold flavor balances the sweetness and creaminess perfectly. Once brewed, pour it right into the warmed pumpkin milk mixture.

Step 4: Add Vanilla Creamer & Top It Off

Stir in the vanilla creamer to round out the flavor and add extra creaminess. Finally, crown your pumpkin spice latte with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top. This not only looks beautiful but adds an extra layer of flavor with each sip.

Top Tip

After making this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe many times, I’ve picked up a few handy tips that make the whole process smoother and tastier. These ideas have saved me from the common pitfalls and helped me enjoy every cup.

Whisk Well: Take an extra minute to whisk the pumpkin mixture to avoid clumps. If you don’t have a whisk, a small mason jar with a tight lid works wonders—just shake vigorously.
Don’t Overheat: Heating the pumpkin milk too long can cause it to separate or taste scorched. Aim for warm and cozy, not boiling hot.
Freshly Brewed Coffee: Using freshly brewed coffee, rather than reheated, always results in the best flavor for this latte.
Stir Before Drinking: Ingredients can settle, so give your latte a quick stir before each sip for the best flavor balance.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Latte - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my Pumpkin Spice Latte with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice — it makes each cup feel festive and indulgent. Sometimes I even sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or grate a little nutmeg for extra aroma. It’s what makes the latte feel like a special moment.

Side Dishes

This latte pairs wonderfully with cozy fall treats. I’m all about warm buttery croissants, pumpkin muffins, or a slice of spiced apple cake. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making your coffee break or breakfast feel far more luxurious.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Pumpkin Spice Latte in clear glass mugs to show off the layered colors. Adding a cinnamon stick or a small orange twist not only looks stunning but infuses subtle fragrance. It’s perfect for fall brunches or cozy gatherings with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you ever have leftover pumpkin milk mixture, I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keeping it chilled helps the flavors stay fresh, and you can quickly reheat it when you want another latte — just don’t boil it to avoid flavor breakdown.

Freezing

I freeze any extra pumpkin milk mixture in ice cube trays, which is a game-changer. When I want a fast latte, I just pop a few pumpkin cubes into my coffee and heat gently. It’s a fantastic way to have the flavors on hand without waste.

Reheating

To reheat leftover pumpkin milk mixture, I prefer warming it gently in the microwave in short bursts or on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid separating and never let it boil — this keeps the texture silky and the spices fragrant.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use unsweetened pumpkin puree rather than canned pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling usually contains added sugars and spices which could make your latte overly sweet or change the flavor balance. Pure pumpkin puree gives you control over the sweetness and spice level.

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the whole milk for almond, oat, or soy milk and choose a vegan vanilla creamer. Many store-bought whipped toppings are also dairy-free, or you can skip the whipped cream altogether. The spices and pumpkin flavor shine through perfectly in a vegan version.

How long can I store the pumpkin milk mixture?

You can keep the pumpkin milk mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Beyond that, the pumpkin flavors and texture may start to degrade. Always give it a good whisk before reheating to ensure everything mixes back together nicely.

Can I make an iced Pumpkin Spice Latte with this recipe?

Yes! Chill your brewed coffee overnight and combine it with the pumpkin milk mixture over ice. You can also freeze the pumpkin milk mixture into ice cubes and blend them for a tasty iced latte or smoothie-style drink that's perfect when the weather still calls for pumpkin flavors but you want something cool.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe holds a special place in my routine because it’s like bringing those cozy coffee shop vibes into my kitchen. It gives me a moment to slow down and savor the flavors I associate with fall, yet it’s so quick and easy to whip up. I hope you enjoy making it your own and find as much comfort in it as I do. Go ahead, grab your favorite mug, and treat yourself—you deserve it!