There's something magical about sipping a pumpkin spice latte on a crisp fall morning. And while Starbucks seemingly releases its beloved pumpkin spice latte earlier and earlier each year, who says you have to wait to enjoy it? And who says you can't try to make it a little healthier, too? With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a homemade pumpkin spice latte that's just as delicious as the ones from Starbucks. Plus, you can customize it to your liking! So let's dive in... Here's how to make a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte at home.

Key takeaways

• Making a pumpkin spice latte at home is easy and quick, often taking less than 10 minutes.
• You can use either canned pumpkin purée or homemade pumpkin purée for an authentic pumpkin flavor.
• Strong coffee or espresso works best as the coffee base, but you can adjust it to your preference.
• There are many milk options available, including dairy and non-dairy varieties, to suit your taste.
• Homemade pumpkin spice mix can be made with common spices, or you can use a store-bought version.
• Use the free January app to view the calories and macros of your latte, plus see the predicted blood sugar impact before you drink it

Check out our full guide to the healthiest drinks at Starbucks.

Starbucks pumpkin spice latte at home: Gathering your ingredients

Choosing the right pumpkin purée

When it comes to making a delicious pumpkin spice latte, real pumpkin purée is key. You can use canned pumpkin purée, but make sure it's not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own pumpkin purée at home by roasting a pumpkin and blending the flesh until smooth.

Selecting your coffee base

The coffee base is another important element. You can use brewed coffee, but for a richer flavor, consider using espresso. If you have a coffee machine, a Starbucks Espresso Roast capsule works great. Otherwise, any strong coffee will do.

Picking the perfect milk

Milk choice can make or break your latte. Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but you can also use almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk substitute if you prefer a dairy-free option. The key is to choose a milk that froths well.

It's worth noting that the milk is an ingredient you can switch up in order to make your latte more healthy. For example, instead of whole milk, opt for fat-free milk or even almond milk. As you can see below in the screenshot from the free January app, a grande pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks with whole milk has a whopping 440 calories! You can drop that to around 330 calories simply by switching out the milk to a lower-calorie option. This will also help reduce the blood sugar spike you're likely to experience with a grande whole milk pumpkin spice latte. As you can see below with the curve, the spike is significant. By opting for almond milk, for example, you can significantly reduce the glucose impact, which in turn will help you avoid an energy crash later in the day.

Sweeteners and spices

To sweeten your latte, you can use sugar, maple syrup, or even honey. For the spices, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves will give you that classic pumpkin spice flavor. You can buy a pre-made pumpkin pie spice mix or make your own at home.

Preparing your pumpkin spice mix

Homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe

Creating your own pumpkin spice mix at home is super easy and allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

1. Whisk together the following spices in a small bowl until well combined:
   • 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
   • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
   • 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
   • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
   • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
2. Store your homemade spice mix in a small jar or container. This mix can be used in various recipes, not just your latte!

Making your own spice mix ensures you get the freshest flavors and can tweak the ratios to suit your taste.

Store-bought options

If you're short on time or prefer convenience, store-bought pumpkin spice is a great alternative. Many brands offer pre-mixed spices that are perfect for your latte. Just make sure to check the ingredients to ensure there are no unwanted additives.

Adjusting spice levels to taste

One of the best parts about making your own pumpkin spice mix is the ability to adjust the spice levels. If you love a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to add an extra teaspoon. Prefer a milder taste? Reduce the amount of cloves or allspice. The key is to experiment and find the perfect balance for your palate.

Blending your pumpkin spice latte

Mixing the ingredients

Start by adding your pumpkin purée (around half a cup's worth), pumpkin pie spice (about one teaspoon), sweetener (the amount is up to you — some people opt for up to a cup of sugar, while if you'd like to reduce the blood sugar impact, you could experiment with a tablespoon or two and adjust to taste), and vanilla extract (just a splash) into a high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and consistent. This step ensures that all the flavors are well combined before adding the coffee.

Blending techniques for a smooth texture

Once your initial mix is ready, pour in the hot coffee or espresso. Blend again until everything is well mixed. This second blending step is crucial for achieving that extra-frothy texture that makes a pumpkin spice latte so delightful.

Heating and frothing the milk

Heat your milk of choice in a saucepan over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling. If you have a milk frother, use it to froth the milk until it's nice and creamy. If you don't have a frother, you can whisk the milk vigorously to create froth. The heated milk gets combined with the pumpkin mixture, making your latte warm and cozy.

For the best results, make sure your milk is properly heated and frothed. This will give your latte that perfect, café-quality finish.

Serving and enjoying your latte

Pouring and presentation tips

Pour your freshly made pumpkin spice latte into your favorite mug. For a café-style look, tilt the mug slightly and pour the latte slowly to create a smooth surface. This will help you achieve that perfect presentation.

Adding whipped cream and garnishes

Top your latte with a generous amount of whipped cream. For an extra touch, sprinkle some extra pumpkin spice and/or cinnamon on top. You can also add a cinnamon stick or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor.

Fall treats to pair with your latte

Enjoy your latte with some delicious fall treats. Here are a few ideas:

• Pumpkin muffins
• Apple pie
• Cinnamon rolls
• Gingerbread cookies

Tip: Pairing your latte with these treats will enhance the cozy fall experience.

Additional tips and tricks for the perfect latte

Achieving the ideal pumpkin flavor

To get that perfect pumpkin flavor, try using real pumpkin purée. You can use canned or homemade, but make sure it's pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. If you want a stronger pumpkin taste, cook the purée in a saucepan until it reduces by about half. This will concentrate the flavor without adding extra liquid.

Making it healthier

You can make your pumpkin spice latte healthier by choosing the right ingredients:

• Milk: Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. These options are lower in calories and can be easier to froth.
• Sweeteners: Swap out sugar for natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. They add a unique flavor and are less processed.
• Spices: Use fresh spices for a more robust flavor. Freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves can make a big difference.

Making small changes to your ingredients can help you enjoy your latte without the guilt.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you have leftover pumpkin spice latte, you can store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir frequently to keep the milk from scorching. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but make sure to use a microwave-safe container and stir halfway through heating.

Exploring variations of pumpkin spice latte

Iced pumpkin spice latte

When the weather is still warm but you crave that fall flavor, an iced pumpkin spice latte is the way to go. Simply prepare your pumpkin spice mix as usual, but instead of heating the milk, pour it over ice. This refreshing twist is perfect for those early fall days when it's not quite sweater weather yet.

Vegan and dairy-free options

For those who are vegan or lactose intolerant, you can still enjoy a delicious pumpkin spice latte. Substitute the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. These alternatives froth well and add a unique flavor to your latte. Also, make sure to use a dairy-free whipped cream if you like to top your drink.

Alcoholic pumpkin spice latte

For a fun, adult twist on the classic, try adding a shot of pumpkin spice whiskey or rum to your latte. This variation is perfect for cozy evenings or fall gatherings. Just be sure to enjoy responsibly!

Conclusion

Making a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte at home is not only easy but also a fun way to bring the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients like pumpkin purée, coffee, and your favorite milk, you can whip up a delicious latte in no time. Plus, you get to control the sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste. So next time you're craving that warm, spiced goodness, skip the coffee shop and try making it yourself. You'll be surprised at how satisfying it is to create your own perfect cup of fall comfort.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just roast and blend it until smooth to make your own pumpkin purée.

What type of coffee works best for a pumpkin spice latte?

A strong coffee like espresso or a robust black coffee works best. You can also use decaf or a lighter roast if you prefer.

Can I make a pumpkin spice latte without a blender?

Absolutely! You can whisk the ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth and heated through.

How can I make my pumpkin spice latte vegan?

To make it vegan, use a non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Also, choose a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.

Is it possible to make an iced pumpkin spice latte?

Yes, simply use cold coffee or espresso and cold milk. Mix all ingredients and serve over ice.

How do I store leftover pumpkin spice latte?

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and stir well before serving.

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