Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Indulge in the perfect fall treat with this homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe. Made with rich espresso, creamy milk, real pumpkin puree, and cozy pumpkin pie spices, this easy-to-make latte is dairy-free friendly and customizable to your sweetness preference. Enjoy cafe-quality flavors at home with step-by-step instructions, tips, and creative variations like iced or sugar-free options. Pair it with your favorite autumn pastry for the ultimate seasonal delight!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 shots of espresso (or substitute with ½ cup of hot, freshly brewed coffee; espresso preferred for richer flavor)
• 1 cup milk of your choice (oat milk recommended for its frothing ability)
• 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (optional but highly recommended for topping)

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Instructions

1. Heat the Milk:
   • Pour milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until hot and steaming, but do not let it boil.
2. Prepare the Espresso Base:
   • Brew two shots of espresso and pour them into a large mug or mason jar. Stir in the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Froth the Milk:
   • Use a milk frother to froth the heated milk for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes foamy. Pour the frothed milk over the pumpkin espresso mixture, reserving some foam.
4. Top and Serve:
   • Spoon the reserved foam on top of the latte. For an extra treat, add whipped cream and sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cafe-Style Comfort at Home: Skip the lines and recreate the cozy flavors of a coffee shop latte right in your kitchen.
• Customizable Sweetness: Control the sugar content by adjusting the maple syrup to your liking.
• Seasonal Vibes: Perfectly captures the essence of fall with warm spices and pumpkin goodness.
• Dairy-Free Friendly: Easily adaptable for plant-based diets using your favorite non-dairy milk.

Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality pumpkin puree and freshly brewed espresso.
• Frothing Tip: If you don’t have a frother, vigorously whisk the milk or shake it in a sealed jar after heating.
• Avoid Boiling Milk: Boiling milk can change its taste and texture, so heat gently.
• Sweeten to Taste: Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and add more if desired.

Variations and Substitutions

• Milk Alternatives: Swap oat milk for almond, soy, or dairy milk based on your preference.
• Sugar-Free Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of maple syrup.
• Extra Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a bolder flavor.
• Iced Version: Use cold milk and serve over ice for a refreshing summer twist.
• Decaf Option: Substitute espresso with decaf coffee for a caffeine-free treat.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

• It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can mix the pumpkin base ingredients in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Heat and combine with frothed milk when ready to serve.

2. What if I don’t have espresso?

• Strongly brewed coffee works as a substitute, but espresso delivers a more authentic flavor.

3. Can I skip the whipped cream?

• Absolutely! The latte is delicious with or without whipped cream.

Serving

Pair your pumpkin spice latte with a freshly baked pumpkin muffin, a slice of cinnamon toast, or your favorite fall-inspired pastry for the ultimate cozy experience.

Suggestions

• For a Crowd: Multiply the recipe and prepare a large batch of the pumpkin mixture. Froth milk individually for each cup.
• Toppings: Experiment with caramel drizzle, chocolate shavings, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for unique flavors.
• Seasonal Twist: Add a splash of eggnog during the holidays for a festive treat.