Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe – Perfect Starbucks Copycat with HALF the Calories
When the autumn chill hits, there’s nothing better than a steaming hot pumpkin spice latte to brighten your day. You can almost smell it just thinking about it!
Since pumpkin season is here, you can now enjoy this seasonal favorite at home whenever you want, without having to wait in line at Starbucks!
Here’s how to get started.
What Is Pumpkin Spice Latte?
The pumpkin spice latte is a seasonal beverage created with fresh pumpkin puree, espresso, sugar, steamed milk, and a blend of traditional fall spice flavors (nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove). You can also top it with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.
Starbucks began selling the drink in 2003, and there have been numerous seasonal variations since then.
History
In January 2003, Starbucks began developing a special latte flavoring called the “Pumpkin Spice Latte.”
The company’s director of Espresso Americas, Peter Dukes, said he was inspired by the fall season and pumpkin’s quirky flavor. Pumpkin Latte’s introduction was followed by the success of the company’s other seasonal beverages, including the Eggnog Latte and Peppermint Mocha.
What You Need to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Would you believe one grande pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks has 50g of sugar? That’s over 1/4 cup, or ten teaspoons!
Yikes!
But what if I told you, that I have a Starbucks copycat recipe that’s just as delicious as the original — without all the added sugar?
You’ll save a lot of calories (and $) if you make your favorite coffee instead of ordering one at the coffee shop. Not only is it super easy to make, but it tastes even better than the one they serve in the coffee shop!
A Word on The Ingredients of My Pumpkin Spice Latte
The following recipe is easy to make if you have all of the ingredients on hand already. The ones that may not be in your fridge or pantry are the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.
Milk – Milk is the creamy element in a latte. I love barista oat milk because it’s easy to froth with any method and is naturally sweet. You can also use whole milk or any non-dairy milk you prefer.
Coffee or espresso – Espresso is an excellent addition to our latte to boost the coffee flavor. I personally like using half a cup strong coffee or a double espresso, but my wife prefers 1 cup of normally brewed coffee.
Pumpkin Flavor – I personally use homemade pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to make this, but you can use canned pumpkin purée and pre-made pumpkin pie spice.
Sweetener – I use 1 to 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to sweeten the pumpkin spice latte. I also add vanilla extract to enhance the sugary flavor of the latte.
Extra – If you want to make it extra special, add some whipped cream on top!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe – A Blend Lightened Up to Perfection!
2
servings160
kcal10
minutesIf you’re craving a sweet treat, this homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe is for you. At half the calories and a fraction of the price of the original Starbucks beverage, what’s not to like?
Ingredients
1 cup 236.59 ml milk
3 tbsp 3 tbsp pumpkin puree
1 tbsp 1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup 118.29 ml strong coffee (or double espresso)
1/2 cup 118.29 ml whipped cream (optional)
Directions
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, whisk until the mixture is hot and well combined. Be careful not to boil it.
- Use a milk frother for 30 seconds to create a frothy milk mix.
- Pour the freshly brewed coffee into 2 coffee mugs.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture into the mugs.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy a cozy cup of coffee with a hint of pumpkin spice!
Equipment
Sauce panCheck availability
Handheld milk frotherCheck availability
Recipe Video
Notes
- You can use any type of coffee as long as it is strong.
- I prefer dark-roasted coffee beans for this recipe.
What Kind of Cup Should Pumpkin Spice Latte Be Served In?
A ceramic or porcelain mug is ideal for serving a pumpkin spice latte, because these materials do not transfer heat as quickly as other materials. This means your coffee will stay warm for a long time and won’t get cold so fast!
Tips – Ingredient Swaps
What if you are short on a few ingredients? Don’t worry! Substitute the missing ones as follows:
Pumpkin pie spice – If you are short on pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, you can use 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon ginger, plus a pinch of ground cloves or allspice.
Espresso – If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can brew a strong coffee with your regular coffee maker or use a French press. Use 1/2 cup of freshly brewed coffee. It’s best to brew it a bit stronger than usual.
Sweetener – Instead of maple syrup, you can use honey or brown sugar. If you are trying to limit your sugar intake, you can make a sugar-free version using stevia or other sugar-free sweeteners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The pumpkin spice latte is a seasonal drink available for a limited time each year. Sipping this beverage while commuting to and from work in the fall has become a tradition for many who Starbucks goers, but now you can make it at home.
Try this unique pumpkin spice latte recipe, and let me know how it went in a comment below!
