Skip to content 
Oh, fall! Is there anything better than that first crisp breeze, the colorful leaves, and the unmistakable scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the air? For me, it means one thing: the glorious return of the pumpkin spice latte! Forget fighting the crowds at the coffee shop; I’m going to show you how to whip up your very own version right in your kitchen. Trust me, this homemade PSL is every bit as cozy and delicious as the ones you love, maybe even better because you made it yourself! I remember my first fall after college, feeling so broke but desperately craving that seasonal magic. This recipe was my answer!
- Why You'll Love This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte
- How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
- Tips for the Best Homemade PSL Drink
- Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Serving Suggestions for Your Fall Flavored Coffee
- Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Nutritional Information (Estimated)
- Share Your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Creations!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Honestly, making this at home is a game-changer! You get all the cozy fall vibes without the coffee shop price tag or the wait. Plus, you’re in total control of how sweet it is and how much spice you want. It’s super quick – you can make it in just a few minutes!
- So easy and fast!
- Tastes like the real deal.
- You can make it as sweet or spicy as you like.
- Pure autumn comfort in a mug.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte
Alright, time to get our cozy on! To make this heavenly homemade pumpkin spice latte, you’ll only need a few simple things. Make sure you grab pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling – that’s a big oopsie! We want that pure pumpkin goodness. Here’s what you’ll need for one perfect mug:
- 1 cup milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy, but 2% is great too!)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or more, if you have a sweet tooth!)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee or a shot of espresso
- A glorious dollop of whipped cream for topping!
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
Making your own pumpkin spice latte is really quite simple, and honestly, so much more rewarding! We’ll be doing this on the stovetop, which is my go-to method for getting that perfect creamy texture without any fuss. It only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, so you can have that cozy fall drink in your hands before you know it. I even find that stirring it by hand makes me feel a little more connected to the process, like my grandmother used to do!
This recipe is a total winner for a reason!
Combine and Heat the Base
First things first, grab a small saucepan. Into that, pour your milk, along with the pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and that lovely splash of vanilla extract. Pop it over medium heat. The trick here is to stir constantly! This keeps the milk from sticking to the bottom and gets everything heated through evenly. You want it nice and hot, but definitely not boiling – we’re making a latte, not a science experiment!
Achieve a Smooth, Creamy Texture
Once it’s steaming and hot (but not bubbled over!), take that saucepan off the heat. Now, grab a whisk! Whisk it all together until it’s super smooth. This is where the magic really happens. If you want it extra silky, you could even give it a quick little buzz with an immersion blender, but a good whisk works like a charm and gets out any little lumps of pumpkin. It should look rich and velvety.
Assemble Your Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte
Time to put it all together! Pour that warm, spiced pumpkin milk mixture into your favorite mug. Now, add your strong brewed coffee or espresso right in. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is blended together perfectly. You want those coffee notes to mingle with the warm spices and pumpkin goodness. It should look like that iconic fall drink already!
The Finishing Touch: Whipped Cream
And now, the crowning glory! Pile on a generous swirl of whipped cream. Seriously, don’t skip this part if you can help it. It just makes everything feel extra special and decadent. It’s the perfect sweet cloud to top off your masterpiece.
Tips for the Best Homemade PSL Drink
Alright, friends, let’s talk about making this homemade pumpkin spice latte absolutely sing! It’s already pretty darn good, but a few little tricks can take it from great to *OMG, I need this every day* level. I’ve learned a thing or two over the years of making these, especially during those busy fall weeks.
- Use the good stuff: Seriously, good quality pumpkin puree makes a difference! And if you can spring for whole milk, that creaminess is just unmatched.
- Spice it up (or down): Don’t be afraid to play with the pumpkin pie spice. Love cinnamon? Add a tiny bit more! Not a huge nutmeg fan? Dial it back. This is YOUR PSL, after all! You can even check out my homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe if you want to get fancy.
- Coffee power: Strong coffee or espresso is key here. You want that coffee flavor to really stand up to the sweetness and spice, not disappear. Think of it as the backbone of your latte.
- Sweetness control: I start with just one tablespoon of sugar, but you do you! Taste it before you add the coffee and adjust. Maybe you prefer maple syrup? Go for it!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s chat about making this pumpkin spice latte perfectly suited for YOU! Sometimes you might not have exactly what’s in the recipe, or maybe you have a dietary preference. No worries at all! For the milk, feel free to use your favorite. Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work beautifully and keep it delicious. If you’re watching sugar, maple syrup or honey are fantastic swaps for the granulated sugar – they add a lovely depth, too! And if you’re fresh out of pumpkin pie spice, don’t stress. You can whip up your own little blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. It’s super simple and tastes just as amazing!
Serving Suggestions for Your Fall Flavored Coffee
This pumpkin spice latte is practically a dessert in a mug, right? It’s perfect all on its own, obviously. But if you’re looking to make it a full-on fall experience, I love pairing it with some of my favorite autumn goodies. Imagine this: a warm PSL with a stack of my fluffy pumpkin pancakes for breakfast on a lazy Saturday morning. Or, how about a slice of my decadent pumpkin spice cupcake with a steaming mug of this latte? It’s pure seasonal bliss!
Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Spice Latte
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Making the perfect homemade PSL is all about knowing a few little tricks. Here’s what folks often ask me:
Is this a vegan pumpkin spice latte recipe?
It can be! Just swap out the dairy milk for your favorite non-dairy alternative, like oat or almond milk, and use vegan whipped cream on top. Easy peasy!
Can I use different types of milk?
Absolutely! While whole milk gives you that super creamy, coffeehouse texture, almond, oat, or soy milk are all fantastic choices, too. Oat milk, in particular, steams up really nicely and adds a lovely richness to your fall flavored coffee.
How can I make my pumpkin spice latte stronger?
If you like a really bold coffee punch, just use a stronger brew of coffee or add an extra shot of espresso. That’ll give your homemade PSL the kick you’re looking for!
What is pumpkin pie spice?
Pumpkin pie spice is that magical blend of warm fall spices – mostly cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and sometimes cloves. It’s what gives our pumpkin spice latte that signature cozy flavor. I have a quick recipe for it if you run out!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Okay, so the exact nutritional breakdown can change depending on the milk you use and how much sugar you decide to add (you do you!), but here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at for one delicious homemade pumpkin spice latte:
- Serving Size: 1 latte
- Calories: Around 250
- Fat: About 8g (with about 5g being saturated)
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 30g
- Protein: Around 10g
Remember, these are just estimates to give you a general idea. Enjoy every sip!
Share Your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Creations!
Alright, have you made your perfect pumpkin spice latte? I’d LOVE to hear all about it! Did you try a fun variation? Did it make your Tuesday feel like a cozy fall Saturday? Please leave a comment below and tell me everything! If you snap a picture, share it with me on social media – I can’t wait to see your gorgeous homemade PSLs! You can also reach out directly here.
PrintHomemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Create your own creamy, spiced pumpkin latte at home, perfect for autumn.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Combine milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and whisk until smooth.
- Pour the hot mixture into a mug.
- Add the strong brewed coffee or espresso and stir well.
- Top with whipped cream.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk.
- Adjust sugar and spice levels to your preference.
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg