Pumpkin season is HERE and this recipe is seriously one you’ll be making again and again. I LOVE to make cozy, hot drinks in the fall and winter like my epic healthier hot chocolate, and when I shared this perfect homemade pumpkin spice latte a couple of years back it quickly became an AK reader favorite.
That’s right, it’s time to skip the lines and the drive-thru at Starbucks and try this naturally sweetened, easily dairy free & vegan pumpkin spice latte recipe. Trust me when I say this PSL is anything but basic. We’ve got real pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spices and a hint of maple syrup blended right in for the creamiest latte you’ll ever have.
Add a little whipped cream and extra spices on top if you’re fancy like me, and enjoy this cozy drink with breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a little post-dinner treat!
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Your favorite PSL lightened up to perfection
Did you know that a grande pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks has 50g of sugar? Oof! I mean, I’m all about indulging every once in a while but trust me when I say you can make an even more delicious pumpkin spice latte right at home that’s naturally sweetened and still filled with pumpkin flavor.
In this homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe, we skipped the sugary pumpkin-flavored syrup and are using real pumpkin puree, spices, and a little pure maple syrup to sweeten. It’s so easy and SO good you might never go back to the OG latte again!
Ingredients in this homemade pumpkin spice latte
You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to make this super creamy, flavorful pumpkin spice latte. It’s naturally sweetened and won’t leave you with that “blah” feeling that many of the sugar packed, store-bought ones do! Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Espresso: I prefer using espresso in the latte (instead of brewed coffee) for that stronger coffee flavor.
- Milk: for that delicious, creamy element. Feel free to use any milk you’d like, preferably one that froths well.
- Pumpkin flavor: we’re using real deal pumpkin puree, plus some pumpkin pie spice to get all of that fall flavor. It’s a great way to use up any extra canned pumpkin or to make your own.
- Sweetener: we’re just using 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to naturally sweeten the pumpkin spice latte. You’ll also want to add some vanilla extract to bring out the sweet flavors.
- Optional: feel free to add some whipped cream on top for the perfect treat!
Easy ingredient swaps
Out of a few ingredients? Here’s what I can recommend for substituting:
- For the espresso: if you’re in a pinch or don’t have any espresso, feel free to use 1/2 cup of freshly brewed coffee. I recommend making it a bit stronger than you normally do.
- For the sweetener: I like to use a little pure maple syrup because it adds even more of that cozy fall flavor, but feel free to use honey or even brown sugar.
- For the pumpkin pie spice: if you don’t have any pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, feel free to add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/8 teaspoon ginger and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice.
The best pumpkin spice latte in 4 simple steps
That’s right, this easy homemade pumpkin spice latte comes together in just about 10 minutes and 4 easy steps:
- Heat the milk. Start by pouring your milk of choice into a small pot and heat over medium-low heat until it is hot and almost simmering. Be careful to not boil the milk.
- Mix the ingredients. Make your espresso or coffee and pour it into a large mug or glass mason jar. Mix in pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla until well combined.
- Froth the milk. Use a milk frother to froth your milk for about 30 seconds or until foamy, then pour into the mug on top of the pumpkin espresso mixture. Reserve the extra foam, and spoon it on top.
- Top & enjoy. Feel free to top with whipped cream if you wanna get a little fancy. Sprinkle with a little extra pumpkin spice or cinnamon and enjoy!
Recommended tools
- Small pot
- Espresso machine
- Milk frother
- Cute mug (of course!)
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More pumpkin recipes you’ll love
- Blow Ya Mind Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting (gluten free!)
- Oh So Good Chicken Meatballs in Pumpkin Coconut Curry Sauce
- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
- Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats with Chia
- Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Get all of our amazing pumpkin recipes here!
I hope you love this homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso (or sub 1/2 cup hot freshly brewed coffee but I prefer espresso)
- 1 cup milk of choice, preferably a milk that froths well (we love oat milk)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (start with 1 tablespoon)
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, to sweeten
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Pour milk into a small pot and heat over medium-low heat until it is hot and almost simmering, but do not boil the milk.
- Make your espresso and pour it into a large mug or glass mason jar. Add pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla and stir until well combined.
- Use a milk frother to froth your milk for about 30 seconds or until foamy, then pour into the mug on top of the pumpkin espresso mixture. Reserve the extra foam, and spoon it on top.
- Feel free to top with whipped cream if you wanna get a little fancy. Sprinkle with a little extra pumpkin spice or cinnamon.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
This post was originally published on October 6th, 2021, republished on September 13th, 2022, and republished on October 5th, 2023.
I have the KitchenAid KF8 super-automatic espresso machine and am always looking for healthier alternatives to standard coffee shop syrups. This recipe was an amazing find! I added the pumpkin, vanilla, pumpkin spice, and maple syrup to the bottom of my mug, brewed a latte using my usual 1:3 espresso-to-milk ratio, and bam—way better than the green siren!
Love that!! Glad you found this one!
So good! I have an espresso machine with a steam wand and that worked out perfectly instead of using a milk frother and pan. Highly recommend!
Love that! Perfect cozy drink 🙂
I think it has potential but the amount of pumpkin spice was really too much for the size of the drink.
Sorry to hear that you didn’t love this one! Let me know if you give it a try reducing the spice.
Truly wanted to like this and it was just bad.
Sorry to hear that! Was it too sweet? Not sweet enough? I’d love to help troubleshoot.
I made it for my 17 yr old daughter (cut all the garbage she’ll get from other commercial places she loves) and she liked it! She loves PSL season and this was super easy to make – with limited ingredients!
So happy to hear that!
This recipe is wonderful! It’s become the official warm drink for my family whenever the weather gets cold. Thank you so much for sharing it and for all your hard work!
So happy to hear that!
What a great way to use up the leftover pumpkin puree. Used oatmilk vanilla creamer instead of vanilla and maple syrup. Topped it with coconut whipped topping. Perfect! Thank you so much!
Absolutely! Glad you enjoyed!
GOODLEY
The BEST latte!! Beats any coffee shop one and for much cheaper! Will be my go to on weekends.
So glad you loved it!
I added 2 tsp instant espresso powder to 16 oz of heated milk (1 c oatmilk, 3/4 c water, 1/4 c cow’s milk). Then added spice and whisked. Then about 1 1/2 TBSP puree and about 1 strong TBSP maple syrup, whisked, then vanilla extract. Whisked again, let heat a bit more, not to boiling, and enjoyed!! (No expresso machine or frother but turned out well) Thank you!!
Perfect!! So glad you loved it!
How much water do I use to dilute the espresso powder?
Hi! This recipe calls for brewed espresso or strong brewed coffee (not espresso powder).
Question: how long does pumpkin puree last in the fridge? Looks amazing
It should last about 4-5 days!
Very disappointing…. the spices dont mix in the coffee well and it had a bitter and very weird aftertaste 🙁
Yummers! 🍁
Perfect fall treat!
I haven’t made this yet; however, I plan to make it for my upcoming fall brunch. This recipe is almost like a pumpkin spice latte my brother had in Canada years ago, and came back raving about it and making it. One of his variations also had sweet potato. I found it weird, but it was DELISH! Now, I am seeing your Shop This Post section, great idea, but I was sad that your clear mugs are not there. Will you please add the link to where you purchased these lil beauties?
Perfect for fall! Here are some similar ones 🙂
Thanks much.
I actually made this with chai tea instead of coffee and oh my goodness was it delicious!! I love that it has the nutrients of real pumpkin – without compromising on texture- and the spice level is perfect. 10/10 would recommend!
That sounds amazing!!