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Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte with Real Pumpkin

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A cozy, creamy pumpkin spice latte made with real pumpkin puree, warm spices, and maple syrup. This quick and easy recipe delivers a velvety, balanced latte that tastes like fall in a mug, without artificial syrups or complicated techniques.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup milk (dairy, oat, or almond; oat milk preferred for extra creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or brown sugar; honey works in a pinch)
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (plus extra for garnish)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla preferred)
  • 1 shot espresso (about 2 ounces, or ½ cup strongly brewed coffee)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Brew your espresso or strong coffee. If using a moka pot, fill the bottom chamber with water to the fill line, add finely ground coffee to the filter basket without pressing it down, screw the top on tightly, and place over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes. Set aside once done. If using an espresso machine, pull a single or double shot into a small cup. For drip coffee, brew about ½ cup of the strongest blend you have.
  2. Combine the milk, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup in a small saucepan. Use a whisk to stir them together until the pumpkin is mostly incorporated. Don’t worry if there are a few small lumps—they’ll dissolve as it heats.
  3. Heat over medium heat, whisking frequently. Do not let it boil. You want it steaming hot but not bubbling aggressively—around 160°F if using a thermometer. If you see small bubbles forming around the edges, you’re in the right zone. This takes about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is fully combined and the mixture is smooth and fragrant. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  5. If you want foam, use a handheld frother. Submerge the frother just below the surface of the milk mixture and turn it on for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, whisk vigorously by hand, or pour the mixture into a jar with a tight lid and shake for 30 seconds, then microwave for 30 seconds to stabilize the foam.
  6. Pour the brewed espresso into your warmed mug. Slowly pour the hot pumpkin milk mixture over the coffee. Use a spoon to hold back the foam if you want to add it on top at the end.
  7. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice. If desired, drizzle a little maple syrup over the whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the pinch of salt—it balances the sweetness and makes the pumpkin flavor pop. For the best texture, whisk the pumpkin into cold milk before heating. Warm your mug with hot water before pouring to keep the latte hot longer. If making a cold version, let the pumpkin milk mixture cool completely before pouring over ice.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin spice latte, homemade latte, pumpkin coffee, fall drink, pumpkin spice, real pumpkin latte, easy latte recipe