How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home (Better Than Starbucks!)
Homemade pumpkin spice latte made with real pumpkin, warm fall spices, and strong coffee. It’s creamy, cozy, and ready in about 10 minutes—plus you can adjust the sweetness and use any milk you like (dairy-free and low-sugar options included).
Ingredients
Pumpkin Spice Syrup (makes enough for about 3–4 lattes)
- 2 tbsp pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling
- 1-2 tbsp sugar (or sweetener of choice)
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin-pie spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Latte (for 1 drink)
- 1/2-1 cup strong brewed coffee or 1–2 shots espresso
- 3/4 cup milk (whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk)
- 1-2 tbsp pumpkin spice syrup (to taste)
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream regular or dairy-free
- Extra pumpkin-pie spice or cinnamon for sprinkling
- Caramel drizzle or maple syrup optional
Instructions
Make the Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- Add the pumpkin purée, sugar (or sweetener), pumpkin-pie spice, and vanilla extract to a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until warmed through and slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Store leftover syrup in a small jar in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Brew the Coffee
- Brew strong coffee or espresso. Let it cool for 1–2 minutes so it’s hot but not scorching.
Warm & Froth the Milk
- Warm the milk until steaming (don’t boil).
- Froth using a milk frother, blender, or shake in a jar with the lid on (carefully), then let the foam settle for a few seconds.
Combine &Serve
- Add 1–2 tablespoons pumpkin spice syrup to a mug.
- Pour in the coffee and stir well.
- Pour in the warm milk, spooning foam on top.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice if you want.
Notes
Notes
- Pumpkin tip: Use pure pumpkin purée for the cleanest flavor. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced.
- Sweetness: Start with 1 tablespoon syrup, taste, then add more if you want it sweeter.
- Best froth: Whole milk froths best. For dairy-free, oat milk usually foams the nicest.