
Fall is here, and you know what that means – it’s time to cozy up with the most beloved seasonal drink! This homemade pumpkin spice latte brings all the warm, comforting flavors of autumn right to your kitchen.
I am so over-the-moon excited to share this recipe with you because it’s honestly become my family’s go-to morning treat when the leaves start changing. Henry always jokes that I turn into a pumpkin spice fanatic come September, and he’s not wrong! But trust me, once you try this creamy, perfectly spiced latte made with real pumpkin puree and maple syrup, you’ll understand why we’ve ditched the coffee shop version for good.
The best part? You can make this delicious fall coffee drink in under 10 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s completely customizable – want it dairy-free? No problem! Prefer it sweeter? Just add more maple syrup. This high-protein coffee recipe philosophy applies here too – you’re in complete control of what goes into your cup.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Ready in under 10 minutes perfect for busy mornings when you need that autumn coffee fix
- Uses real pumpkin puree no artificial flavors or mystery ingredients here
- Completely customizable adjust sweetness, spice level, and milk type to your preference
- Budget-friendly costs a fraction of what you’d pay at coffee shops
- Made with wholesome ingredients maple syrup for natural sweetness and warming spices
- Perfect for meal prep you can make the spice mixture ahead of time

Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte
- 2 shots espresso (or substitute 1/2 cup hot freshly brewed coffee, but I prefer espresso)
- 1 cup milk of choice, preferably a milk that froths well (oat milk is our favorite)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, to sweeten
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping (optional but highly recommended)
The key to this recipe is using real pumpkin puree instead of artificial syrups. It gives the latte that authentic fall flavor and adds a lovely natural sweetness. I always keep a can of pumpkin puree in my pantry specifically for coffee drinks and baking – it’s just so versatile!
How to Make Your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Step 1: Pour milk into a small pot and heat over medium-low heat until it’s hot and almost simmering. Be careful not to boil the milk, as this can change the texture and make it harder to froth.
Step 2: While your milk is heating, make your espresso and pour it into a large mug or glass mason jar. Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Once your milk is heated, use a milk frother to froth it for about 30 seconds or until it becomes nice and foamy. Pour the frothed milk into your mug on top of the pumpkin espresso mixture, but save that gorgeous foam for the top!
Step 4: Spoon the reserved foam on top of your latte for that coffee shop presentation. If you want to get a little fancy (and trust me, you do), top with whipped cream and sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
Pro tip: I like to warm my mug with hot water before adding the espresso mixture. It keeps your latte warmer for longer, which is perfect for those slow autumn mornings when you want to savor every sip.
Storage and Reheating Your Pumpkin Spice Latte
While this fall coffee drink is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. The pumpkin spice mixture (without the espresso and milk) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you have leftover latte, store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. You might need to re-froth fresh milk and add it on top since the original foam won’t survive storage.
For meal prep enthusiasts, you can pre-mix your dry spices and store them in a small jar. Just combine several servings worth of pumpkin pie spice with a pinch of extra cinnamon for easy morning preparation.
Creative Variations for Your Pumpkin Spice Latte
The beauty of making your homemade latte is that you can customize it to your heart’s content! Here are some variations our family loves:
- Iced version: Let the espresso mixture cool completely, then pour over ice and add cold frothed milk
- Extra protein boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the milk before heating
- Coconut twist: Use coconut milk and add a pinch of toasted coconut flakes on top
- Less sweet option: Reduce maple syrup and add a dash of stevia or monk fruit sweetener
- Spice it up: Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a warming kick
I’ve also experimented with adding a tablespoon of almond butter to the mixture, which creates an incredibly rich and creamy texture. Isabella, my eldest, actually prefers this version because it tastes like liquid pumpkin pie!
Troubleshooting Your Pumpkin Spice Coffee
Latte tastes too sweet? Start with less maple syrup next time you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
Not enough pumpkin flavor? Increase the pumpkin puree to 2 tablespoons, but be aware this will also make your latte slightly thicker.
Milk won’t froth? Make sure your milk is hot but not boiling, and use a milk that froths well like oat milk or whole dairy milk.
Spices settling at the bottom? This is normal with real spices! Just give your latte a quick stir before drinking.

FAQs About Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Can I Use Regular Coffee Instead of Espresso for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute 1/2 cup of freshly brewed coffee for the espresso shots. I recommend using a strong, dark roast coffee to get that robust flavor that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spice. While espresso gives the most authentic coffee shop taste, regular coffee works perfectly fine and still creates a delicious fall coffee drink.
How Can I Make My Pumpkin Spice Latte Dairy-free?
Making this recipe dairy-free is super simple! Just swap the regular milk for any plant-based alternative. Oat milk is my top recommendation because it froths beautifully and has a naturally creamy texture that complements the pumpkin puree. Almond milk and coconut milk also work well, though they might not froth quite as much.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of My Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Yes, and I actually encourage you to! Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and taste as you go. Everyone’s sweetness preference is different, and the natural sweetness from the pumpkin puree also contributes to the overall flavor. You can also experiment with other natural sweeteners like honey, agave, or even a medjool date blended into the mixture.
Conclusion
This homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe has honestly revolutionized our fall mornings! There’s something so satisfying about creating that perfect coffee shop experience right in your own kitchen, especially when you can control every ingredient that goes into your cup.
The combination of real pumpkin puree, warming spices, and creamy frothed milk creates a drink that’s both comforting and energizing. Plus, at a fraction of the cost of buying lattes out, you can enjoy this fall coffee drink as often as you want without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re starting your morning with this cozy beverage or treating yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up, this pumpkin spice coffee recipe delivers all the autumn vibes you’re craving. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be making it all season long!
Recipes You May Like
If you’re loving this homemade pumpkin spice latte, you’ll definitely want to try these other cozy fall recipes:
- Best Roasted Pumpkin Soup Recipe Perfect for chilly autumn evenings
- Healthy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe Simple 3-ingredient treats that pair amazingly with your latte
- Protein Pumpkin Smoothie Bowl Recipe A nutritious breakfast that captures all those fall flavors


Happy brewing, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram when you make yours!
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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Description
Fall is here, and you know what that means – it’s time to cozy up with the most beloved seasonal drink! This homemade pumpkin spice latte brings all the warm, comforting flavors of autumn right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso (or substitute 1/2 cup hot freshly brewed coffee, but I prefer espresso)
- 1 cup milk of choice, preferably a milk that froths well (oat milk is our favorite)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste)
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup, to sweeten
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Pour milk into a small pot and heat over medium-low heat until it’s hot and almost simmering. Be careful not to boil the milk, as this can change the texture and make it harder to froth.
- While your milk is heating, make your espresso and pour it into a large mug or glass mason jar. Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Once your milk is heated, use a milk frother to froth it for about 30 seconds or until it becomes nice and foamy. Pour the frothed milk into your mug on top of the pumpkin espresso mixture, but save that gorgeous foam for the top!
- Spoon the reserved foam on top of your latte for that coffee shop presentation. If you want to get a little fancy (and trust me, you do), top with whipped cream and sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
Notes
Pro tip: I like to warm my mug with hot water before adding the espresso mixture. It keeps your latte warmer for longer, which is perfect for those slow autumn mornings when you want to savor every sip.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg