Rich & Creamy Pumpkin Spice Latte
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As the leaves begin to turn and the air becomes crisp, there's one fall drink that has come to symbolize the essence of autumn: the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Though it has gained widespread popularity in recent years, the flavors of this beloved beverage are steeped in centuries of tradition and history. Today, we’ll take a step back in time and create a Rich & Creamy Pumpkin Spice Latte from scratch, using whole ingredients and traditional methods that honor its origins. This is the perfect warm fall drink to enjoy on these last cozy days of the season.
A Brief History of Pumpkin Spice:
The warming spices we now associate with pumpkin— cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger— have been used for centuries to ignite warming feelings in the colder months. These ingredients were popular in festive desserts and beverages during the 17th and 18th centuries. You will often find hot chocolate recipes filled with autumnal spices from these time periods.
Pumpkins are native to North America, and when the early settlers began to adopt this into their diet, the combination of pumpkin and spices became a staple in colonial cooking. With its rich history, it is no wonder that the pumpkin spice latte is still a treasured favorite when the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp!
Why You’ll Love this Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte:
This Rich & Creamy Pumpkin Spice Latte is more than just a seasonal indulgence—it's a comforting, nostalgic experience. Made with wholesome, real ingredients like pumpkin puree, warm spices, and your choice of milk, this version is far superior to store-bought alternatives. Each sip brings together the smooth, creamy texture of the milk with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin and a hint of spice, making it the perfect drink for crisp autumn mornings or cozy afternoons spent reading by the fire.
Gathering Ingredients:
Brown Sugar.
Granulated Sugar.
Pumpkin Puree. Make sure that you use 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has added ingredients like sugar and milk for baking a pie!
Vanilla. You can use vanilla bean paste for some added flavor!
Pumpkin Pie Spice. If you do not have pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon will work just fine. You can also quickly whip up your own pumpkin pie spice blend by combining equal parts cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.
Milk. You can use any dairy or non-dairy milk of your choice for this latte!
Espresso or Strong Coffee. If you do not have an espresso maker, you can use a pot of strongly brewed coffee to make your latte. You may have to alter the amount of pumpkin syrup and milk to create the flavor and texture that you love.
How to Make the Pumpkin Spice Syrup:
Step One: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking to dissolve the sugar completely.
Step Two: Once boiling, add the pumpkin puree and lower the heat to a simmer. Simmer the syrup for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Then, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla and pumpkin pie spice, whisking until well combined, another minute.
Step Three: Pour the syrup into a small bottle or mason jar. If you prefer the syrup to have a smoother texture, pour it through a fine mesh sieve. Leave the syrup to cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes before using. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
How to Make the Pumpkin Spice Latte:
Step One: When you are ready to make your lattes, combine the milk, pumpkin spice syrup, and extra spice in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture until it just begins to simmer around the edges, or until it reaches between 140° to 155° (60 to 68° C). Then, remove the pan from heat. You can choose to froth the milk or not with a milk frother, or leave it unfrothed.
Step Two: Divide the espresso or coffee between two 8 oz (236 ml) mugs. Top each mug with the frothed pumpkin milk.
Step Three: Serve the lattes hot with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon!
Tips for Blending the Perfect Pumpkin Latte:
Homemade Pumpkin Puree: For the freshest flavor, consider making your own pumpkin puree. Simply roast a small pie pumpkin in the oven at 350° F (177° C) for about an hour, scoop out the flesh, and blend it into a smooth puree. You’ll find the taste far more vibrant and flavorful than canned versions.
Maple Syrup for Sweetness: Using maple syrup as a sweetener not only adds a natural touch but also enhances the warm, autumnal notes of the drink. It’s a perfect way to honor the seasonal flavors and avoid processed sugars.
Whisking for a Frothy Finish: To achieve a luxuriously creamy texture, whisk your pumpkin mixture vigorously while it heats. You can also use a milk frother or immersion blender to create that café-quality foam on top.
Spice it Up: For an even more aromatic drink, toast your spices for a few seconds before adding them to the milk. This will bring out their natural oils and create a deeper, more fragrant flavor.
Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee: While espresso is traditional, don’t hesitate to use your favorite strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine. The key is to balance the robust coffee flavor with the creamy, sweet pumpkin mixture.
final thoughts:
As you sip this Rich & Creamy Pumpkin Spice Latte, it’s hard not to feel connected to the past. The warm, earthy flavors of pumpkin and spice are a reminder of harvest seasons long ago, when people gathered to celebrate the bounty of the land. There’s something truly special about taking time to prepare a drink from scratch—using real ingredients, steeped in history, and crafted with care. Whether you’re enjoying it on a crisp morning walk or curled up indoors, this latte is a simple pleasure that speaks to the coziness and magic of fall. Enjoy!
xoxo Kayla
Rich & Creamy Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (68 g) 100% pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk of your choice (whole, skim, almond, oat, coconut, etc)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) pumpkin spice syrup
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon, optional
- 4 to 6 shots of espresso, or 1 cup (240 ml) strong coffee, decaf or regular
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Once boiling, add the pumpkin puree and lower the heat to a simmer. Simmer the syrup for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Then, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla and pumpkin pie spice, whisking until well combined, another minute.
- Pour the syrup into a small bottle or mason jar. If you prefer the syrup to have a smoother texture, pour it through a fine mesh sieve. Leave the syrup to cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes before using. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- To store the syrup, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 5 to 7 days.
- When you are ready to make your lattes, combine the milk, pumpkin spice syrup, and extra spice in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture until it just begins to simmer around the edges, or until it reaches between 140° to 155° (60 to 68° C). Then, remove the pan from heat. You can choose to froth the milk or not with a milk frother, or leave it unfrothed.
- Divide the espresso or coffee between two 8 oz (236 ml) mugs. Top each mug with the frothed pumpkin milk.
- Serve the lattes hot with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon!
Notes
*Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar, milk, and other ingredients to make a pie.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
405Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
