When the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, it’s a signal that pumpkin spice season is upon us. Among the many ways to enjoy this quintessential autumn flavor, nothing beats a warm, comforting homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Not only does it taste fantastic, but making it at home allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the recipe, provide tips for perfecting it, and review the key ingredients to help you craft the best Pumpkin Spice Latte right in your kitchen.
The Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe and Tips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 espresso shots (or strong brewed coffee)
- 1 cup of milk (dairy, oat, or almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (like Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin)
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (Coombs Family Farms Organic Maple Syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract)
Optional: whipped cream, extra pumpkin pie spice, or cinnamon for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the milk: Heat 1 cup of milk on the stove until it is hot but not boiling. If using oat milk, be sure to heat it gently as it can separate if overheated. Store-bought oat milk tends to perform best in this recipe.
- Make the espresso: Brew 2 shots of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong-brewed coffee works as a substitute. The espresso provides a robust, deep coffee flavor that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin and maple syrup.
- Mix the pumpkin base: In a mug, combine 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup (depending on your sweetness preference), 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. For an ultra-smooth texture, you can strain the pumpkin puree mixture to remove any lumps before adding the milk.
- Add the espresso: Pour your freshly brewed espresso into the pumpkin mixture and stir well.
- Froth the milk: Use a milk frother to froth your hot milk for about 30 seconds, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Frothing the milk gives the latte a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Combine and garnish: Pour the frothed milk into the mug and stir gently. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for an indulgent touch.
Tips for Perfecting Your Pumpkin Spice Latte:
- Adjust sweetness to taste: Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and add more if needed. Honey or brown sugar are excellent alternatives if you prefer a different type of sweetener.
- Use strong coffee if you don’t have espresso: While espresso is ideal for achieving that signature coffee flavor, a strong drip coffee can also work well, particularly if you don’t have access to an espresso machine.
- Make the base ahead of time: You can prepare the pumpkin, syrup, and spice mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Simply shake it up before using, and you can have a Pumpkin Spice Latte ready in minutes.
- Vary the milk: Feel free to experiment with different kinds of milk. Dairy milk gives the richest, creamiest texture, but oat milk is a popular plant-based option for lattes because of its smooth, frothable consistency. Almond milk works as well, though it tends to be thinner.
Related: Spice Up Your Fall: The 20 Best Pumpkin-Flavored Products of 2024
Key Products in Your Pumpkin Spice Latte
Let’s take a closer look at the essential ingredients used in this homemade latte recipe. These high-quality products will elevate the taste and texture of your latte while offering additional benefits.
McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract
- Price: $11.49 for a 4 fl oz bottle
- Ingredients: Vanilla bean extractives in water, alcohol
Benefits:
- Deep, rich flavor: Made with Madagascar vanilla beans, this extract provides a pure and intense vanilla flavor that enhances both sweet and savory recipes.
- Natural and gluten-free: This vanilla extract contains no artificial ingredients or corn syrup, making it ideal for those looking for a more natural option. It is also gluten-free, making it safe for those with dietary restrictions.
- Highly rated: With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 21,000 reviews, it is widely praised for its high quality and superior flavor.
- Why it’s perfect for your latte: A touch of McCormick’s vanilla extract adds warmth and complexity to your Pumpkin Spice Latte. The vanilla balances the spices and gives the drink a subtle sweetness.
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Coombs Family Farms Organic Maple Syrup
- Price: $16.21 for a 16 fl oz bottle
- Ingredients: 100% organic maple syrup
Benefits:
- Organic and sustainable: Certified USDA Organic, Coombs Family Farms maple syrup is sourced from sustainably managed forests in Vermont. The company has been family-owned for seven generations and practices eco-friendly harvesting methods.
- Rich, amber flavor: This Grade A amber syrup has a full-bodied flavor that complements the spiciness of the pumpkin pie spice in your latte.
- Versatile and pure: With only one ingredient—organic maple syrup—this product is as pure as it gets. It’s perfect for sweetening your latte, but it also works great in cooking and baking.
- Why it’s perfect for your latte: Maple syrup pairs beautifully with pumpkin, and its caramel-like sweetness enhances the spices without overpowering the drink. Plus, it dissolves easily in hot liquids, making it ideal for lattes.
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McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Price: $5.79 for a 1.12 oz jar
- Ingredients: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and sulfiting agents
Benefits:
- A classic fall blend: This spice blend is essential for creating the warm, cozy flavor that defines a Pumpkin Spice Latte.
- High quality and trusted brand: McCormick is a reliable name in the spice world, known for offering high-quality ingredients. Their pumpkin pie spice blend brings a balanced and aromatic touch to any recipe.
- Versatile: This spice blend is not only perfect for lattes but also works wonderfully in baking pies, muffins, cookies, and even savory dishes.
- Why it’s perfect for your latte: The cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in McCormick’s Pumpkin Pie Spice provide the signature spice profile of a Pumpkin Spice Latte, turning a simple coffee drink into a fall favorite.
Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
- Price: $12.90 for two 15 oz cans
- Ingredients: 100% pumpkin
Benefits:
- Pure and simple: Libby’s canned pumpkin contains only one ingredient—pumpkin. There are no preservatives or additives, making it a wholesome addition to your latte.
- Great texture and flavor: The smooth texture and authentic pumpkin taste of Libby’s puree make it a go-to for both sweet and savory dishes.
- Nutrient-dense: Pumpkin is low in fat and calories but high in fiber, making it a nutritious way to enjoy fall flavors.
- Why it’s perfect for your latte: Adding pumpkin puree to your latte gives it a creamy, earthy flavor that complements the spices. Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin ensures that you’re getting real pumpkin in every sip, not just pumpkin flavoring.
Related: Starbucks Halloween 2024: This Iridescent Skull Mug is Creating a Frenzy!
Customization and Storage Tips
One of the best things about making a Pumpkin Spice Latte at home is that you can adjust the ingredients to your liking. Whether you want to reduce the sweetness, make it dairy-free, or prepare it ahead of time for busy mornings, here are a few more customization tips:
- For less sweetness: Start with just 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and taste as you go. You can also swap out maple syrup for honey, agave, or a sugar substitute like stevia if you’re looking to cut back on sugar.
- For a creamier texture: To make your latte extra smooth, you can strain the pumpkin mixture before adding the milk. This removes any fibrous texture from the pumpkin puree.
- Make it dairy-free: Oat milk froths wonderfully and adds a creamy consistency without the dairy. Almond or coconut milk are good alternatives, though they may not froth as well.
- Store the base ahead of time: If you’re short on time in the mornings, prepare the pumpkin, syrup, and spice mixture in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, and simply combine it with fresh espresso and milk when you’re ready to enjoy.
Related: Ditch the Coffee: 13 Healthy and Delicious Substitutes for Your Morning Joe
Final Thoughts
Making a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte is not only rewarding, but it also allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and tailor the drink to your personal tastes. With products like McCormick’s Pure Vanilla Extract, Coombs Family Farms Organic Maple Syrup, McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice, and Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin, you can easily craft a café-quality latte at home.
The combination of espresso, milk, pumpkin puree, and warm spices creates the perfect cozy drink to enjoy on a cool autumn day. Plus, it’s a cost-effective and customizable way to indulge in your favorite seasonal flavor.
