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Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte made right at home tastes just like the famous fall favorite, with real pumpkin, cozy warm spices, espresso, and a swirl of whipped cream on top. I start making this *the second the leaves begin to turn*, and it saves me a fortune on coffee runs all season. If you love a cozy drink, do not miss our homemade hot chocolate too.
Using real pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice is the secret to that authentic, just-like-the-coffee-shop fall flavor.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Quick Look
- 🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 🌡️ Cook Time: No cook
- ⏳ Total Time: 5 minutes
- 🍽️ Serving: 1 serving
- ⚡ Calories: 273kcal
- 🌶️ Flavor Profile: Warm, cozy, sweet, and full of real pumpkin spice
- ✋ Difficulty: Easy, as simple as our homemade hot chocolate
Quick Answer
To make a copycat Starbucks pumpkin spice latte at home, add maple syrup, real pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice to a mug, then stir in hot strong coffee or espresso. Warm and froth your milk, pour it in, and stir everything together. Top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Using real pumpkin puree and warm spices gives it that authentic, cozy coffee-shop flavor for a fraction of the price.
Jump to:
- Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Quick Look
- Quick Answer
- Why This Recipe Works
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- Variations and Substitutions
- How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Serving Ideas and Suggestions
- Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte FAQs
- Other Recommended Fall Recipes
- Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
Why This Recipe Works
Click to see the technique science
- Real pumpkin puree. Actual pumpkin gives this latte its authentic flavor and silky body, just like the real coffee-shop version.
- Warm pumpkin pie spice. That cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove is what makes it taste like fall in a mug.
- Maple syrup for sweetness. Pure maple syrup sweetens it naturally and adds a warm, autumnal depth.
- Strong coffee or espresso. A bold coffee base balances all that sweetness and gives the latte its classic kick.
- Frothed milk. Frothing the milk makes it creamy and cafe-style, with that luxurious foamy top.
- Way cheaper than the cafe. You get the same cozy drink at home for a fraction of the price, any time you want one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It tastes just like the coffee-shop original, made fresh in your own kitchen.
- It comes together in about 5 minutes with real pumpkin and warm fall spices.
- It saves you money on coffee runs all season, right alongside fall treats like our pumpkin whoopie pies.
Key Ingredients
Just a handful of simple ingredients makes the coziest fall latte. Here is what each one does.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use real canned pumpkin puree, not pie filling, for that authentic pumpkin flavor and creamy body.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: The warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove that makes it taste like fall.
- Strong Coffee or Espresso: The bold base that balances the sweetness and gives the latte its kick.
- Milk: Warmed and frothed for a creamy, cafe-style drink. Any milk works, including dairy-free.
- Maple Syrup and Vanilla: They sweeten and round out the flavor with cozy, warm notes.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Variations and Substitutions
This latte is easy to make just the way you like it.
- Make it iced: For a cold version, try our refreshing iced pumpkin spice latte instead.
- Use any milk: Oat, almond, or coconut milk all froth nicely for a dairy-free latte.
- Adjust the sweetness: Add more or less maple syrup to taste, or swap in brown sugar.
- Make it decaf: Use decaf coffee or espresso for all the cozy flavor without the caffeine.
- Add a flavor: A splash of caramel or a pinch of extra cinnamon makes it even more indulgent.
How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Add the maple syrup, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice to a large mug.
- Pour in the hot, strong coffee or espresso.
- Stir until the pumpkin and spices are fully dissolved into the coffee.
- Warm the milk to about 170 degrees, froth it, and pour it into the mug.
- Stir everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, then serve immediately.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-sweetened and spiced and will throw off the flavor.
- Warm the pumpkin with the coffee so it dissolves smoothly instead of leaving little bits behind.
- Froth the milk with a handheld frother, a jar, or your espresso machine for that creamy cafe top.
- Use strong coffee or espresso so the coffee flavor stands up to the pumpkin and milk.
- Adjust to taste, adding more spice for cozier flavor or more maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Warm your mug with hot water first so the latte stays hot to the last sip.
- Make it a fall treat by serving it with our pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes on the side.
Serving Ideas and Suggestions
There is nothing cozier than wrapping your hands around this warm, spiced latte on a crisp fall morning. Top it with whipped cream and an extra dusting of pumpkin pie spice or a drizzle of caramel for a real coffee-shop feel.
It is the perfect partner for fall baking. Sip it alongside our pumpkin whoopie pies or a slice of cake for the ultimate autumn afternoon treat.
Prefer your pumpkin drinks cold? Make our iced pumpkin spice latte on warmer days, then switch to this hot version when the weather turns cool.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte FAQs
No, stick with plain pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and heavily spiced, which will make the latte overly sweet and throw off the balance. Pure pumpkin puree lets you control the flavor.
Use a strong brewed coffee or a shot or two of espresso. The bolder the coffee, the better it stands up to the milk and pumpkin. Any brewing method works, from a French press to a drip machine to an espresso maker.
Warm the milk, then add it to a sealed jar and shake hard for about 30 seconds, or use a handheld milk frother or even a whisk. You just want it warm and foamy before pouring it into the latte.
Absolutely. Oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk all work beautifully and froth well. Oat milk in particular gets nice and creamy, making a great dairy-free version of this cozy latte.
Yes. Multiply the pumpkin, syrup, vanilla, and spice, stir it into a pot of strong coffee, and warm it gently on the stove. Then froth a larger amount of milk and serve everyone a mug. It is perfect for fall gatherings.
This is the classic hot latte, cozy and warming for cool fall days. For a refreshing cold version over ice, make our iced pumpkin spice latte instead. Both use the same real pumpkin and warm spices, just served at different temperatures.
Craving more fall flavor? Whip up a batch of our pumpkin whoopie pies to enjoy alongside your latte.
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons pure pumpkin puree
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice plus more for garnish
- ½ cup hot strong coffee
- Whipped cream for garnish optional
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a small pot on the stove or in the microwave until it reaches 170°F.1 cup milk
- Place the maple syrup, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin spice into a mug.2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons pure pumpkin puree, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Add the hot coffee and stir to combine.½ cup hot strong coffee
- Froth the milk and pour it into the mug, stir to combine.
- Top with whipped cream and more pumpkin pie spice if using.Whipped cream for garnish
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh pumpkin puree and spices.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking before serving.
- Froth the Milk: Frothing the milk makes the latte feel more luxurious and similar to the one from Starbucks.
- Warm the Milk Slowly: Warm the milk slowly to avoid scalding.
- Garnish Well: Don’t skip the whipped cream and extra pumpkin pie spice on top for that classic Starbucks look.
- Try Different Milks: Experiment with different types of milk like soy, almond, or oat to find your favorite.
Nutrition
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