Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Sip and savor the classic, cozy fall drink with coffee, spice, and everything nice.

Table of Contents

In college, my go-to coffee was the pumpkin spice latte. Yeah, I was one of those “PSL” girls who would take a selfie with their mug in front of some colorful foliage. But there’s good reason for why the pumpkin spice latte has become such a sensation, and it’s not just Starbucks’ clever marketing.

The unique harmony of freshly brewed coffee, foamy milk, warm spices, and vanilla is both nostalgic and refined. It takes one of the best holiday desserts from childhood and turns it into an elevated brew topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. (Are you drooling yet? I am!)

Rumor has it that many coffee shops don’t include actual pumpkin in their drinks, but this homemade version does, and it’s by far the best way to serve it. One sip of this dreamy drink will make you question why you ever went to a cafe in the first place! Who doesn’t love being able to cozy up with a coffee in your pajamas?

Obviously, the pumpkin spice latte was made for fall, but you can enjoy it throughout the winter season! As a vibrant companion to the chai latte, this coffee is rich and authentic, with just the right amount of sweet and spice. When it gets cold out, whip yourself up this warm pumpkin pie in a mug.

Is Pumpkin Spice Latte Healthy?

I wouldn’t call this drink “healthy,” since it’s full of caffeine and sugar. It is, however, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, which some people claim to be better than refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. (It also gives it a richer flavor!) If you need to cut out caffeine, feel free to use decaf coffee or rooibos tea instead. To make it vegan, use oat or cashew milk and whipped coconut cream. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

A Brief History of Pumpkin Spice

Although Starbucks first developed its famous “PSL” in 2003, pumpkin spice has been around for much longer. With roots in colonial America, pumpkin pie spice is a medley of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. It’s an earthy and sweet blend that shares some of the same spices we put into gingerbread, so it’s no surprise that these flavors come out strong during winter holidays. Supposedly, the first pumpkin pies in the 1600s were simply hollowed-out pumpkins baked with spice, milk, and honey. For someone whose favorite part of the pie is the crust, this seems crazy, but I’m thinking of doing it like this for Thanksgiving this year…

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup strong hot coffee (or 2 shots espresso)
1 cup milk (any kind, such as almond, oat, or regular)
2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
1/2 tablespoon maple syrup, to taste
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

Brew
Prepare your espresso or coffee.

Heat
Combine and heat the milk mixture with spices.

Serve
Mix coffee with milk mixture, add toppings if desired.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

This recipe is meant to be made and enjoyed on the same day. Once the drink is made, it doesn’t last long, especially if you’ve already added whipped cream. So savor it while it’s hot and fresh.

Can I Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte Without Pumpkin Purée?

Yes. In fact, this is how Starbucks originally made their recipe, much to many fans’ dismay. Keep in mind, though, that if you don’t use the purée, it won’t be bright orange. You can add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric to compensate for that, but no more, or else it will affect the overall flavor.

Can I Make a PSL Without Coffee?

Yes. Feel free to brew some black tea instead of coffee. This can be just as tasty, and has less caffeine as well.

What Are Some Other Topping Options?

Aside from the classic whipped cream and cinnamon, you could also add dark chocolate shavings or a dusting of cacao powder. Toasted almonds or pecans (crushed into little pieces) also make a great addition to the whipped cream. Some people also like to drizzle caramel on top in a leaf-like design.

Serving Suggestions

When choosing a snack or breakfast to serve with your latte, make sure it’s something simple and sweet so as not to overpower or clash with the drink. For example, try Soft Scrambled Eggs, or Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes.

You might also enjoy Baked Pumpkin French Toast Casserole, Paleo Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or Vegan Chocolate Overnight Oats. All of these have similar or complementary flavors that will make the PSL shine even brighter!