If you’re craving a warm drink to transition into fall, this copycat pumpkin spice latte recipe will hit the spot. With rich espresso and a creamy pumpkin spice mix, it’s designed to warm you from the inside out.
This copycat pumpkin spice latte recipe targets unbalanced sweetness, unclear spice mix, lengthy prep time, and limited control over flavor and texture in store-bought options.
Sometimes, store-bought options can be loaded with ingredients that don’t quite suit my taste or dietary needs. This homemade version not only tastes better but also solves the mystery of the right pumpkin spice ratio, keeping it balanced without overwhelming sweetness.
This recipe takes just 20 minutes, allowing you to whip it up between activities or even for unexpected guests. You’ll enjoy a cozy drink that rivals any café’s version, with smoother flavors tailored to your liking.
If you want something else to enjoy with your latte, try my Strawberry Biscuits. They’re simple to make and really delicious with a hot cup!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is gluten-free as none of the ingredients contain gluten or gluten-derived substances.
- The recipe contains milk, so it is unsuitable for dairy-free and vegan diets without plant-based milk substitutes.
- This recipe suits vegetarian diets since all included ingredients are free from meat or animal-derived gelatin.
- The recipe is not low-carb or keto due to pumpkin puree and brown sugar contributing significant carbohydrates.
- This recipe is nut-free because it contains no nuts or nut-based ingredients in any form.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Profile Pumpkin puree and espresso come together to create a warm, inviting taste. You’ll savor the blend of sweet spices that makes this drink a seasonal favorite.
- Quick and Easy Preparation This copycat pumpkin spice latte is ready in just 20 minutes, allowing you to enjoy your favorite coffee shop treat without leaving home. It’s a fast way to bring autumn vibes right to your kitchen.
- Personal Touch Making your version of a pumpkin spice latte means you can adjust spices and sweetness to your liking. It’s all about crafting a drink that feels just right for you.
- Seasonal Enjoyment There’s something special about sipping this latte while watching the leaves change color or snuggled up at home. It’s an ideal way to celebrate the fall season with each cozy sip.
How to Make Copycat Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 (16 oz. cup) 1x
- Category: beverage
- Method: brewed and heated
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Create a delicious copycat pumpkin spice latte at home with this easy recipe, perfect for fall lovers!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) pumpkin puree, pure pumpkin (not pie filling)
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- 2 oz (60 ml) espresso, freshly brewed
- 8 oz (240 ml) milk (whole, 2%, or non-dairy such as oat milk)
- ½ tsp (1.25 ml) pumpkin spice (optional, quality blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
- Cinnamon (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew 2 oz (60 ml) of espresso using your preferred method, such as an espresso machine, K-Cup machine, or Moka pot. Freshly brewed espresso with finely ground coffee beans results in a rich and bold flavor essential for this latte.
- Step 2: Heat 8 oz (240 ml) of milk to approximately 150°F (65°C). The milk should be steamy but not boiling. Heating to this temperature creates a creamy texture and helps achieve a velvety froth.
- Step 3: In a large 16 oz (480 ml) serving cup, stir together ¼ cup of pumpkin sauce (prepared by combining pumpkin puree, sugar, and optional pumpkin spice) and the 2 oz (60 ml) espresso until fully blended. Stirring thoroughly ensures each sip delivers a balanced pumpkin flavor.
- Step 4: Using a milk frother, aerate the heated milk until it develops a foamy texture. If you do not have a frother, warm the milk until hot and skip frothing.
- Step 5: Pour the frothed or warmed milk gently into the pumpkin-espresso mixture. Pouring slowly helps meld all flavors while keeping the foam intact on top.
- Step 6: Top the latte with a dollop of whipped cream if desired, followed by a sprinkle of cinnamon. This adds a warm aroma and visual appeal.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store prepared latte in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 hours. Consume soon after prepping for the best taste.
- Refrigeration: Store the latte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze pumpkin sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator before using.
- For a robust espresso flavor, grind coffee beans to a fine consistency before brewing. Use 2 oz (60 ml) freshly brewed espresso.
- Heat milk to 150°F (65°C) before frothing to avoid scalding and to achieve creaminess.
- If pumpkin sauce is too thick, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water during cooking to smooth consistency.
- Stir the pumpkin sauce with espresso thoroughly, allowing 30 seconds for flavors to meld before adding milk.
- To increase sweetness without overpowering pumpkin spice, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) maple syrup.
- Reheat refrigerated latte gently until warm, avoiding boiling to preserve texture and flavor.
- Serve alongside gluten-free pumpkin muffins or chocolate chip cookies. It pairs well with simple apple salad or maple pecan scones.
- Substitute milk with 2% or oat milk for dietary preferences or lactose intolerance.
- Add a dollop of vanilla yogurt or marshmallow fluff for extra creaminess.
- Top with caramel drizzle or sprinkle nutmeg as additional garnishes.
- Use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) to avoid pre-added spices and sweetness.
- Choose a quality pumpkin spice blend with real spices and no fillers.
- Brown sugar can be used for the pumpkin sauce, with light or dark varieties available; dark brown sugar provides a deeper flavor.
- Use pure vanilla extract if adding vanilla; avoid artificial varieties to maintain quality flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Ingredient Notes
- Espresso: Use good quality espresso for a robust flavor. Freshly brewed beans lead to a richer latte experience.
- Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture and sweetness. For a lighter option, try 2% or oat milk for dairy-free.
- Pumpkin puree: Opt for pure pumpkin, not pie filling. This adds a natural pumpkin flavor without extra spices or sweetness.
- Pumpkin spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings warmth. Look for a quality blend without added fillers for the best taste.
- Brown sugar: It contributes a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Light or dark brown sugar both work well; dark has a deeper flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract, as it enhances the overall flavor. Avoid artificial varieties for the best taste.
Recipe Tips
- If your espresso tastes weak, use 2 oz of freshly brewed espresso, ensuring you grind the coffee beans to a fine consistency before brewing.
- When your milk doesn’t froth well, heat it to 150°F before frothing to achieve a creamy texture without scalding.
- If the pumpkin sauce is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water during cooking to achieve a smooth consistency that blends well with the milk.
- For better flavor blending, stir the pumpkin sauce with the espresso thoroughly before pouring in the milk, allowing 30 seconds for the flavors to meld.
- If your latte needs more sweetness, consider adding 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, which works well with the pumpkin spice without overdoing it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with gluten-free pumpkin muffins or chocolate chip cookies. Pair with a simple apple salad or maple pecan scones.
Use to make pumpkin spice cupcakes or pumpkin-flavored smoothies. Add to oatmeal or use in overnight chia pudding for a seasonal twist.
Top with caramel drizzle or a sprinkle of nutmeg. You can add a dollop of vanilla yogurt or marshmallow fluff for extra creaminess.
Recipe variations
- You can use whole, 2%, or non-dairy milk like almond or oat in this copycat pumpkin spice latte, depending on your preferred creaminess and flavor profile.
- Add ½ teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the pumpkin sauce to intensify the familiar autumn taste, or adjust the amount if you prefer a subtler spice level.
- Either espresso machine or instant espresso works well for the coffee base. If using instant, dissolve 2 teaspoons in hot water before mixing into the latte.
- If making more than one latte, multiply the pumpkin sauce by ¼ cup per serving and prepare larger espresso amounts. This scaling fits well when paired with Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Cookies for a seasonal treat.
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How to Store?
To keep your copycat pumpkin spice latte fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store the prepared latte in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 hours; consume soon after for best taste.
Refrigeration: Place the copycat pumpkin spice latte in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days; gently reheat before serving.
Freezing: Freeze the pumpkin sauce separately in a freezer-safe container up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Toasted Coconut Marshmallows
- Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Rhubarb and Strawberry Tart Recipe
- Creme Brulee Donuts
If you enjoyed this Copycat Pumpkin Spice Latte or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
