Craving a cosy pumpkin spice latte without the coffee-shop queue? This easy pumpkin spice latte recipe blends coffee, milk, pumpkin spice and a touch of sweetness in under 10 minutes. Below: our classic Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe, a Starbucks comparison, iced/vegan/healthy variations and a quick FAQ.
Real pumpkin purée gives the most authentic flavour, pumpkin syrup is the quickest shortcut.
Just 4 steps: warm the pumpkin milk with spices, brew your espresso, froth, then combine.
Works dairy-free with oat, almond or soy milk, and can be made iced or caffeine-free with tea.
Ready in under 10 minutes, with only 150–190 kcal per serving (homemade, semi-skimmed milk).
What is the Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe?
The pumpkin spice latte is a hot drink from the United States which gradually became more popular in Europe in recent decades. The Pumpkin Spice Latte is the hot drink to kick off the autumnal season, due to its sweet aroma, its pumpkin flavour and its smooth, creamy texture. This latte is traditionally made with pumpkin syrup or pumpkin purée, coffee, milk, a touch of vanilla and an assortment of warm spices.
5 min.
Easy
1 pers.
Ingredients
2cl of Pumpkin Syrup (or 1 tbsp Pumpkin Purée + 1 tsp brown sugar or maple syrup)
1 espresso of your favourite coffee beans
150ml of semi-skimmed milk, oat milk or another plant milk
Pumpkin pie spice, or a mix of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and a pinch of star anise
Speculoos or gingerbread crumbs
A drop of vanilla extract (optional)
Material
1 coffee maker or cafetiere
1 large glass
1 milk frother (or you can use the steam nozzle on your coffee machine)
Preparation
Step 1In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk, pumpkin syrup (or purée), and spices, then warm gently until hot and steaming but not boiling.
Step 2Meanwhile, brew one shot of espresso.
Step 3Froth the warm pumpkin milk with a handheld frother, then pour it into your glass.
Step 4Pour the espresso slowly over the frothed milk.
Step 5Top with the gingerbread or speculoos crumbs, and whipped cream if you like.
Step 6You can also add whipped cream on top of your drink
Step 1
In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk, pumpkin syrup (or purée), and spices, then warm gently until hot and steaming but not boiling.
Step 2
Meanwhile, brew one shot of espresso.
Step 3
Froth the warm pumpkin milk with a handheld frother, then pour it into your glass.
Step 4
Pour the espresso slowly over the frothed milk.
Step 5
Top with the gingerbread or speculoos crumbs, and whipped cream if you like.
Step 6
You can also add whipped cream on top of your drink
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MaxiCoffee tips
Do not hesitate to accompany this drink with a blondie or a slice of pumpkin pie to enhance the aroma of the drink. For the coffee, choose according to your taste: do you prefer rich and sweet flavours, or earthy spiced notes? For an extra creamy texture, froth the milk with a handheld frother or blender — oat and almond milk both froth beautifully.
Key Ingredients, Homemade & Variations
What Are the Ingredients in a Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Espresso, milk, pumpkin purée or syrup, a sweetener (brown sugar or maple syrup) and pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, star anise), with a splash of vanilla.
How to Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Coffee
Warm milk with pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice (or a couple of cinnamon sticks) in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in freshly brewed espresso.
How to Make a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
Combine espresso, steamed milk, a pumpkin spice sauce and whipped cream, just like the original Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, for a similar taste at home.
What Kind of Coffee (Espresso or Instant) Is Best for a Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Pumpkin Syrup (Monin & Other Mixes) vs Pumpkin Purée – With or Without Puree
Pumpkin syrup, such as Monin, is the quickest option, while pumpkin purée is the key ingredient for a more real pumpkin flavour — with or without purée, both make a delicious, simple recipe.
Can I Use a Nespresso Machine or Condensed Milk?
Yes — a Nespresso® capsule works well for the coffee, and a splash of condensed milk adds extra sweetness and creaminess.
Iced, Vegan & Healthy Variations
Iced: pour over ice with cold milk and chilled espresso.
Vegan: use oat, almond or soy milk, sweeten with maple syrup or agave, and top with dairy-free cream.
Healthier: use pumpkin purée instead of syrup and less sweetener.
How Do You Make a Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Use canned pumpkin instead of syrup, skip the whipped cream, and sweeten lightly with maple syrup.
Can I Make It Without Coffee? Tea & Chai Alternatives
Yes — swap the espresso for strong black tea or a spiced chai for a caffeine-light version.
How Many Calories Are in a Pumpkin Spice Latte? Starbucks Calories Compared
A homemade version made with semi-skimmed milk contains around 150–190 kcal per serving, often less than the Starbucks calories count.
What to Serve with Your Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pie, Cake, Cinnamon Rolls, Cookies & Cupcakes
This latte pairs perfectly with pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake, cinnamon rolls, cookies or pumpkin cupcakes for a full autumnal treat.
MaxiCoffee’s Top Three Coffee Recommendations for the Pumpkin Spice Latte
The coffee you will use to make this recipe will determine the final taste profile of your drink. Here is a selection of a few coffee beans with different flavour profiles. You only need to choose your favourite one!
Coffee Beans – Melange Inca – Green Lion (250g)
These coffee beans are ideal if you want to add a sweeter touch to your latte. This Inca blend offers caramelised notes and nutty aromatics. It is a 100% Arabica blend.
Available now
Green Lion Coffee
Green Lion Coffee Mélange Inca Coffee Beans – 250g
6.50 £
• 100% Arabica
• Certified Organic
• Honduras and South America
• Roasted in France
If you want an espresso with gentle chocolate and caramel notes, try this organic Arabica blend from Destination. Sourced from South and Central America, it’s a balanced, gourmet coffee that works well in espresso or milky drinks, making it a versatile choice for your Pumpkin Spice Latte.
If you’re looking for a strong coffee, try the Black of Italy. This blend offers you a full-bodied coffee, with cocoa aroma that is blended with vanilla and toasted bread notes. It will instantly enhance your Pumpkin Spice Latte!
Available now
Zicaffè
Zicaffè Coffee Beans Black of Italy 100% Arabica – 1kg
25.90 £
• 100% Arabica Blend
• Notes: Floral / Fruit and Rich
• Roasted in Italy
• 1kg Coffee Beans
Yes — use oat, almond or soy milk, maple syrup and dairy-free whipped cream. This homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe truly has everything you need for a cosy autumn moment.
How long can I keep leftover pumpkin spice latte mix?
A made latte will keep in the fridge for about 24 hours, though it may separate slightly — reheat gently and whisk before serving.
How do I make the texture smoother?
Use a fine sieve to strain the pumpkin purée, or blend it longer with an immersion blender for a silkier drink.
Can I make a bigger batch?
Yes — prepare a larger quantity of the pumpkin milk mixture in advance and refrigerate it for 3–4 days; just reheat and add fresh espresso when ready to serve.
You are now well equipped and prepared to make a delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte at home just in time for the start of the season. If you wish to discover new hot drinks, we recommend the latte macchiato recipe!
The worlds of wine and coffee are similar on many levels. Starting with the importance of flavour. As any wine-lover…
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