Best Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe: The Ultimate Fall Icon
Every time I see a pumpkin, it reminds me that fall has come, and this season feels like a cool, aesthetic vibe to me. To accompany me during this cozy season, I must have a warm cup of coffee. I specifically love the pumpkin spice latte.
The first time I heard about it, it felt a little weird. But as soon as I tasted this recipe, my taste buds were blown away. It is one of the best flavors that complements coffee flavor.
What is a pumpkin spice latte?
It is basically a latte with pumpkin puree and some spices. It tastes different than other lattes because of the pumpkin. And the additional spices enhance the pumpkin taste with some warmth.
The subtle sweetness with spice, the slight bitterness of espresso, and the rich texture that the milk gives, are amazing. Since original pumpkin puree is used here, you will also get a subtle pumpkin flavor.
Ingredients you will need
Ingredients may seem like a lot, but once you try the process, it will seem easy to you.
Espresso:
Use freshly roasted coffee beans for espresso. You can brew the espresso or just use a machine. But be careful to avoid over or under extraction while brewing the espresso. It can make the espresso taste sour or bitter.
Instant coffee is also great. Also there are several ways to make an espresso shot, have a look how to make espresso at home without machine.
Pumpkin Puree:
This is one of the main ingredients. The easiest option is to use a canned puree. But you can also make it at home.
There’s not much you have to do; boil it or microwave it until it cooks well. Then, remove the skin and use the other part as a puree.
Milk:
As it’s a latte, you will need milk. Now, it can be dairy and non-dairy. And among them, oat milk is quite famous as a vegan milk.
When it comes to getting froth quickly, whole-fat milk and oat milk are the best. 2% milk is also good if you don’t want to drink fatty things. This type of milk is also used in every drink by Starbucks.
Pumpkin Pie Spices:
This is available at stores. But if you want to try homemade ones, you need cinnamon,
nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
Then, grind them in a blender to make a smooth grind. It’s really easy if you have those spices at home. You can make it home and store it for almost 1-2 years.
Vanilla Extract:
Vanilla syrup and vanilla extract differ in flavors and tastes. Using vanilla extract will give a strong flavor to this latte because it has no water mixed like vanilla syrup.
Maple Syrup:
Finally, for the sweetness, maple syrup will be used. It is quite famous now in most of the cafes. It gives a nice smell and sweetness to any drink. The Torani brand is quite impressive if you are confused about which brand to buy.
Step by Step Process of Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
You might get a little afraid after seeing those ingredients, but making them is so easy. You will need
Milk – ¾ cup
Pumpkin puree – 2 tablespoon
Pumpkin spice – 1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon
Maple syrup – 1 tablespoon
Espresso – 2 shots
Here, I am giving the making process of pumpkin latte
Step 1 – Prepare The Base
To prepare the main base, gather pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, spices, and maple syrup. Then, put them into a glass and blend them. After mixing them properly, add espresso and then blend again. After that, keep it aside.
Step – 2 Prepare Milk
Basically, you don’t need to boil the milk in a cold pumpkin spice latte. So, just use it as it is. If your milk is not thick enough and you do not care about your diet, then add some heavy cream to it. It will give a smooth texture with fluffiness.
You can also beat the milk to make it foamy. It will add volume to this drink. Use an electric frother to make the foam.
Step – 3 Mix The Base And Milk
Pour some ice cubes into another glass. Then, add the espresso base to it. After that, pour the prepared milk into the glass and stir it.
You can also mix the base and the milk together before pouring into the serving glass. Stir it properly before serving. Now, you can decorate it with whipped cream or powdered cinnamon in any way you like.
Easy Step by Step Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
This recipe also has the same ingredients, but there are some differences in the making process. It’s also super easy!
Step – 1 Prepare The Milk
If you have a steam wand then steam the milk in a steam wand until it gets frothier. You can read my article about how to steam milk at home. This version you can use if you want foamy textures.
Or generally, you can heat the milk in a pan. Take the milk and pour it into a saucepan. After that, add vanilla extract, maple syrup, pumpkin spices, and pumpkin puree, and then mix them properly.
Put the saucepan on the stove. Then, continue to stir it until it gets heated properly. You don’t need to boil it; just heat the mixture.
Step – 2 Mix It With Espresso
After heating the milk, pour it into a glass and then add the espresso. Stir it properly. Now, just decorate it if you want, or you can have it normally like this. Done!
That is all you need to do. But before serving, check the sweetness and flavors. If you don’t find it suitable for your tastes, add maple syrup and pumpkin spices to add more flavor.
You can add pumpkin butter to increase the flavor.
Keep It In Mind: Always sieve the puree-based mixture. It will make your drink more smooth.
Calories
There are many factors that contribute to the calorie count. Among them, whole-fat milk and maple syrup will increase the calories. But it’s not much of a problem if you balance it properly. Generally, the calories can be between 70 – 460 calories.
The calories vary according to the ingredients, their sources, and their amounts. So, in this recipe, the ingredients I used are not so diet-friendly, but the calories they contain are only 160.
FAQs
Can I use agave instead of maple syrup?
Yes, you can. But you have to use it on a larger portion because it has a lighter flavor than maple syrup. Using a larger portion of agave can make the drink too sweet with less flavor.
Will it create problems if I have a gassy belly?
Yes, some might experience this incident. So, check if you are having any problem while consuming pumpkin. If it creates uncomfortableness then just avoid it.
What can I use as a substitute for Allspice?
Use equal amounts of cloves and other spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This will also provide the same kind of taste.
Conclusion
Homemade recipes are better and save money and time. The main thing is that it is customizable. My recipe is not that low-calorie friendly, but I have given options to make it low-calorie.
So, if you are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle and want a cold or warm pumpkin spice latte, then try it at home.
Hi! I’m Semiul Bennett. After spending so many years in the coffee industry, I’ve developed a deep passion for all things coffee—from the beans to the brewing process. Now, I’m on a mission to help people have a better coffee experience at home and outdoors. Together with my team, we’re here to share expert tips, brewing techniques and the latest coffee trends, so you can enjoy your perfect cup every time.
