If you’re craving that cozy, café-level autumn treat right at home, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is a game-changer—I absolutely love how it fills the kitchen with warm spices and that inviting pumpkin aroma. Trust me, once you try this, you might never want to buy those pricey coffee shop versions again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: You only need a few ingredients, and it comes together in just about 10 minutes.
Totally Customizable: You can easily adjust sweetness and spice levels to match your perfect cozy vibe.
Better Than Store-Bought: No weird additives or preservatives—just wholesome flavor made from scratch.
Comfort in a Cup: It’s perfect for chilly mornings or whenever you need a little pick-me-up with fall charm.

A clear glass mug filled with a light brown creamy drink showing a slightly darker layer at the bottom, topped with a swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with fine brown spice, and two cinnamon sticks standing in the whipped cream. The mug is on a white marbled surface sprinkled with brown spice and whole cloves, with a beige cloth and cinnamon sticks nearby. In the background, there is a white pumpkin and a white bowl with orange contents, all against a soft white marbled backdrop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients here is key. I always reach for pumpkin puree that’s smooth and natural, and a milk that froths nicely—I’m obsessed with oat milk for this one. You’ll find that quality espresso really makes this drink sing, but I’ve got tips if you don’t have an espresso machine.

Espresso: If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee works; just make it fresh and hot.
Milk of choice: Oat milk froths beautifully and adds creaminess, but any milk—dairy or plant-based—works fine.
Pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling—no added sugars or spices here.
Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and richness; you can swap for honey or a sweetener you prefer.
Pumpkin pie spice: The magical blend that makes pumpkin flavors pop—store-bought or homemade works.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash to round out the flavors and make it taste like fall in a cup.
Whipped cream: Totally optional, but it takes this latte over the top if you’re in the mood for a treat.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. Feel free to experiment—you’ll find it’s really forgiving and fun to make your own.

Dairy-Free and Vegan: Using oat milk and maple syrup is my go-to for a cozy vegan option that tastes amazing.
Extra Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra ginger if you want that warming heat—it gives a lovely twist.
Less Sweet: Start with less maple syrup and adjust; I often reduce sweetness so I can taste the pumpkin and spices shine through.
Decaf Version: Brew your espresso or coffee decaf so you can enjoy this latte any time, even before bed.

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Step 1: Warm the Milk Just Right

Pour your milk into a small pot and gently heat it on medium-low. You’re looking for it to be hot and almost simmering—don’t let it boil! I learned the hard way that boiling milk can ruin the texture and taste, so keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to avoid a skin forming.

Step 2: Mix Up Your Pumpkin Espresso Base

While the milk is warming, brew two shots of espresso (or 1/2 cup of strong hot coffee if that’s what you have). Pour this into your favorite large mug. Then stir in the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. This blend is the heart of the latte, so make sure to mix it thoroughly until it looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Froth the Milk and Combine

Froth your heated milk using a handheld milk frother or a French press if you don’t have one. I usually froth for about 30 seconds until it’s delightfully foamy. Pour the milk over your pumpkin espresso base, reserving some foam to spoon on top. This foam is what transforms your latte from ordinary to café-quality.

Step 4: Optional Whipped Cream and Spice It Up

If you’re feeling fancy, top your latte with a generous swirl of whipped cream, then sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top. The whipped cream adds luscious creaminess, making it feel like a special treat. My friends always gasp a little when I serve it like this!

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Pro Tips for Making Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Use Freshly Ground Coffee: It really changes the flavor depth of your espresso or coffee, making your latte taste super fresh.
Don’t Skimp on Pumpkin Puree: Some recipes call for a dash, but I like at least a tablespoon so the pumpkin flavor shines without overpowering.
Froth Your Milk Properly: If you don’t have a frother, I’ve learned that shaking hot milk vigorously in a tightly sealed jar works as a quick fix.
Avoid Boiling Milk: Boiling can make milk taste burnt and ruin the creamy texture, so warm slowly to get that perfect velvety mouthfeel.

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

A clear glass mug filled with a creamy light brown latte topped with a large swirl of white whipped cream, sprinkled with light brown cinnamon powder. Two cinnamon sticks stand upright in the drink on the right side. The mug sits on a white marbled surface sprinkled with cinnamon powder. In the background, a white bowl with orange pumpkin puree and a second glass of a similar latte are partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top mine with fluffy whipped cream because it feels like a celebration in a cup—and a quick sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon adds that final festive touch. Sometimes, I even grate a little nutmeg for an extra cozy aroma. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of caramel sauce is a real crowd-pleaser!

Side Dishes

Pair this latte with a buttery pumpkin muffin or soft croissant for a cloud-like combo. My family goes crazy for cinnamon sugar donut holes alongside the latte, making it a perfect weekend morning treat. Even a simple slice of banana bread is an excellent side that complements the spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving it in clear glass mugs so you can see those beautiful layers of espresso, pumpkin, and frothy milk. You could also rim the glass with cinnamon sugar or crushed ginger snaps for an extra festive flair—everyone always notices the attention to detail! Adding a cinnamon stick as a stirrer brings a rustic touch that’s both pretty and aromatic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep any leftover pumpkin espresso mixture in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just heat up the portion you want and froth some fresh milk when you’re ready to enjoy. I don’t recommend prepping the latte fully in advance because the foam and whipped cream won’t hold up well.

Freezing

Freezing the latte isn’t something I do since the texture changes, but if you freeze just the pumpkin coffee base in ice cube trays, you can pop out cubes to add to fresh milk or coffee—sort of like a flavor boost without water downing your latte.

Reheating

Reheat the pumpkin espresso base gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at medium power to avoid scorching. I always froth new milk fresh after reheating, and if you want that creamy finish, adding whipped cream at the end is a must.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe without an espresso machine?

Absolutely! You can use very strong brewed coffee instead—just brew a half cup of your favorite coffee, as strong and fresh as possible, to substitute for the two espresso shots. It won’t have quite the same intensity, but it’s still delicious.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can quickly mix your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves or allspice—about 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and small pinches (1/8 teaspoon) of the others. This homemade blend really brings out that authentic fall flavor.
Can I make this latte vegan?

Yes! Simply use plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy milk and maple syrup instead of honey or other sweeteners. I recommend oat milk because of its creaminess and frothing ability, which helps mimic a traditional latte texture.
How sweet should I make my pumpkin spice latte?

That’s totally up to your taste! I usually start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and add more if needed. Some days I like mine lightly sweetened, and other days I want it more dessert-like—so taste as you go and adjust.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is truly one of my all-time favorites to make during the cooler months. Breaking away from the store-bought versions and creating it from scratch lets you enjoy that comforting blend of spices and pumpkin exactly the way you like. I hope you try it soon—you might find, like me, that this is the one seasonal treat that feels like a warm hug in a cup every single time.