Pumpkin spice cappuccino is the drink you didn’t know you needed for those chilly mornings. With its warm spices and creamy espresso, this cozy beverage adds a touch of autumn to your day, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
This recipe addresses unclear preparation steps, limited ingredient details, lack of serving ideas, absence of storage advice, and missing guidance for adjusting taste or texture.
I’ve had my share of mishaps while trying to perfect my pumpkin spice creations. Sometimes the flavors just don’t hit right, and I end up with something overly sweet or a bit bland. This recipe fixes that problem while still being easy enough for a busy weeknight or unexpected guests.
This simple approach to pumpkin spice cappuccino takes about ten minutes, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen. With a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a tasty drink that rivals your favorite coffee shop version.
If you enjoy pumpkin drinks, check out my Blueberry Cake Donut recipe for a perfect treat to go with this cappuccino.
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is gluten-free as it contains no wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing ingredients.
- The recipe is not dairy-free because it calls for milk and whipped cream made from dairy products.
- This pumpkin spice cappuccino is not vegan due to the use of milk and dairy-based whipped cream.
- The recipe suits vegetarian diets since it uses no meat, fish, or animal-derived gelatin ingredients.
- This recipe is nut-free since none of the ingredients include tree nuts or peanuts.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Profile The blend of creamy espresso and pumpkin puree brings warmth to every sip. The addition of maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice jazzes up the drink for a seasonal treat that’s hard to resist.
- Cozy Experience As the aroma of warm spices fills your kitchen, you’ll instantly feel the comforting essence of autumn. This drink evokes memories of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, making it an ideal addition to chilly days.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare In just ten minutes, you can whip up a satisfying pumpkin spice cappuccino. This simplicity makes it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a café-quality drink at home without all the fuss.
- Perfect for Meal Pairing This cappuccino isn’t just a drink; it complements a variety of snacks perfectly. Whether it’s a slice of pumpkin bread or some spiced cookies, it creates an inviting fall pairing for your afternoon enjoyment.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: beverage
- Method: Stove-top heating
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This pumpkin spice cappuccino recipe creates a cozy fall beverage combining creamy pumpkin puree with espresso and warm spices.
Ingredients
- 2 to 4 shots (60 to 120 ml) espresso or strong coffee, freshly brewed and hot
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk, whole preferred for creaminess
- ¼ cup (60 ml) 100% pure pumpkin puree, bright orange color for freshness
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) pumpkin pie spice, fresh blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
- Canned whipped cream (optional), to top
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew 2 to 4 shots of espresso or prepare strong coffee until it is hot. The coffee forms the foundation of this drink, so use high-quality fresh beans, preferably dark roast, ground just before brewing for optimal flavor.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine ¼ cup (60 ml) pumpkin puree, ½ cup (120 ml) milk, 2 tbsp (30 ml) pumpkin pie spice, and 2 tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Place the saucepan over medium heat and warm the pumpkin mixture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Continue heating for 5 minutes until the mixture reaches a gentle boil and the spices release their aroma, forming a smooth consistency.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and pour in the hot espresso. Whisk vigorously to blend all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring no lumps remain and a creamy texture develops.
- Step 5: Pour the pumpkin spice cappuccino into a mug. If desired, top with canned whipped cream. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and dust a light sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top for aroma and appearance.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain flavor and texture without refrigeration.
- Refrigeration: Use an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Warm gently before serving to restore warmth and texture.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating carefully.
- For a richer texture, froth ½ cup of milk using a whisk or milk frother for 20 seconds before pouring it into the cappuccino.
- If the drink is too thick, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of warm milk and stir gently about 2 minutes after heating to adjust consistency.
- If the flavor is too strong, stir in an additional ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) maple syrup during the last minute of heating to increase sweetness.
- To increase warmth, return the mixture to medium heat and stir occasionally for approximately 1–3 more minutes, preventing sticking, until desired temperature is reached.
- If the cappuccino lacks spice, add ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) additional pumpkin pie spice while whisking 2 minutes before serving.
- Serve alongside almond biscotti or gluten-free pumpkin muffins for a seasonal afternoon treat.
- Pair with warm gluten-free banana bread or apple tart for a comforting snack.
- Compliment breakfast with pumpkin spice cappuccino alongside gingerbread or pumpkin spice pancakes.
- Use as an ingredient in pumpkin spice latte cupcakes for a seasonal dessert.
- Top with sugar-free caramel sauce or dust cocoa powder for extra flavor options.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Not provided
- Sugar: Not provided
- Sodium: Not provided
- Fat: Not provided
- Saturated Fat: Not provided
- Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
- Trans Fat: Not provided
- Carbohydrates: Not provided
- Fiber: Not provided
- Protein: Not provided
- Cholesterol: Not provided
Ingredient Notes
- Espresso: A good espresso is key! Choose a dark roast for rich, bold flavor. Freshly ground beans yield the best taste, so grind just before brewing.
- Milk: Whole milk gives your cappuccino a creamy texture. If you’re looking for froth, opt for cold milk, as it aerates better. Skim works too, but it’s less rich.
- Pumpkin puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not the pie filling. It adds natural sweetness and a lovely mouthfeel. Check the can for a bright orange color, indicating freshness.
- Pumpkin spice: A good blend is crucial! Look for a mix with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. This enhances that warm fall flavor. Make sure it’s fresh for the best aroma.
- Sweetener: Brown sugar is great for adding a hint of molasses flavor, while granulated sugar works well too. Adjust according to your taste preference for sweetness.
- Whipped cream: Optional but adds a nice touch! Use heavy cream for the best results. Make sure it’s very cold before whipping for fluffy peaks that hold. You could skip it, but it adds a lovely finish.
Recipe Tips
- If the pumpkin spice cappuccino is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of warm milk and stir gently 2 minutes after heating to adjust the consistency.
- When the flavor is too strong, incorporate ½ tablespoon of maple syrup into the mixture during the last minute of heating for a touch of sweetness.
- If your cappuccino isn’t warm enough, heat on medium for another minute, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, about 3 minutes after initial boiling.
- For a richer texture, froth ½ cup of milk using a whisk or frother for 20 seconds before pouring it into the cappuccino.
- If the drink lacks spice, add another ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice while whisking 2 minutes before serving for extra flavor depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve pumpkin spice cappuccino with almond biscotti or gluten-free pumpkin muffins for a cozy afternoon treat. Pair it with a warm slice of gluten-free banana bread or an apple tart for satisfying comfort.
Add to gingerbread pancakes or pumpkin spice pancakes for an autumn-inspired brunch. Use in a pumpkin spice latte cupcake for a seasonal dessert twist.
Top with a drizzle of sugar-free caramel sauce or dust with cocoa powder for extra flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for a festive touch.
Recipe variations
- You can use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free pumpkin spice cappuccino that keeps creamy texture and subtle nutty undertones.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1 tablespoon of caramel syrup to the pumpkin spice cappuccino for an extra layer of flavor and mild sweetness.
- Either canned pumpkin puree or homemade pumpkin puree can be used, ensuring you measure ¼ cup for an authentic fall flavor in your drink.
- If making multiple servings, double the espresso to 4 to 8 shots, use 1 to 2 cups of milk, and adjust maple syrup to 4 tablespoons for consistent taste. For recipe inspiration, check Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.
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How to Store?
To keep your pumpkin spice cappuccino fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days to maintain flavor and texture without refrigeration.
Refrigeration: Use an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. Warm gently before serving to restore warmth and texture.
Freezing: Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating carefully.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Toasted Coconut Marshmallows
- Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Creme Brulee Donuts
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Scones
If you enjoyed this Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino 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!
