Pumpkin season is HERE and this recipe is seriously one you’ll be making again and again. I LOVE to make cozy, hot drinks in the fall and winter like my epic healthier hot chocolate, and when I shared this perfect homemade pumpkin spice latte a couple of years back it quickly became an AK reader favorite.
That’s right, it’s time to skip the lines and the drive-thru at Starbucks and try this naturally sweetened, easily dairy free & vegan pumpkin spice latte recipe. Trust me when I say this PSL is anything but basic. We’ve got real pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spices and a hint of maple syrup blended right in for the creamiest latte you’ll ever have.
Add a little whipped cream and extra spices on top if you’re fancy like me, and enjoy this cozy drink with breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a little post-dinner treat!
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Your favorite PSL lightened up to perfection
Did you know that a grande pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks has 50g of sugar? Oof! I mean, I’m all about indulging every once in a while but trust me when I say you can make an even more delicious pumpkin spice latte right at home that’s naturally sweetened and still filled with pumpkin flavor.
In this homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe, we skipped the sugary pumpkin-flavored syrup and are using real pumpkin puree, spices, and a little pure maple syrup to sweeten. It’s so easy and SO good you might never go back to the OG latte again!
Ingredients in this homemade pumpkin spice latte
You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to make this super creamy, flavorful pumpkin spice latte. It’s naturally sweetened and won’t leave you with that “blah” feeling that many of the sugar packed, store-bought ones do! Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Espresso: I prefer using espresso in the latte (instead of brewed coffee) for that stronger coffee flavor.
- Milk: for that delicious, creamy element. Feel free to use any milk you’d like, preferably one that froths well. We love using oat milk, and you can easily make it yourself with our tutorial here!
- Pumpkin flavor: we’re using real deal pumpkin puree, plus some pumpkin pie spice to get all of that fall flavor. It’s a great way to use up any extra canned pumpkin or to make your own.
- Sweetener: we’re just using 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to naturally sweeten the pumpkin spice latte. You’ll also want to add some vanilla extract to bring out the sweet flavors.
- Optional: feel free to add some whipped cream on top for the perfect treat!
Easy ingredient swaps
Out of a few ingredients? Here’s what I can recommend for substituting:
- For the espresso: if you’re in a pinch or don’t have any espresso, feel free to use 1/2 cup of freshly brewed coffee. I recommend making it a bit stronger than you normally do.
- For the sweetener: I like to use a little pure maple syrup because it adds even more of that cozy fall flavor, but feel free to use honey or even brown sugar.
- For the pumpkin pie spice: if you don’t have any pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, feel free to add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/8 teaspoon ginger and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice.
The best pumpkin spice latte in 4 simple steps
That’s right, this easy homemade pumpkin spice latte comes together in just about 10 minutes and 4 easy steps:
- Heat the milk. Start by pouring your milk of choice into a small pot and heat over medium-low heat until it is hot and almost simmering. Be careful to not boil the milk.
- Mix the ingredients. Make your espresso or coffee and pour it into a large mug or glass mason jar. Mix in pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla until well combined.
- Froth the milk. Use a milk frother to froth your milk for about 30 seconds or until foamy, then pour into the mug on top of the pumpkin espresso mixture. Reserve the extra foam, and spoon it on top.
- Top & enjoy. Feel free to top with whipped cream if you wanna get a little fancy. Sprinkle with a little extra pumpkin spice or cinnamon and enjoy!
Recommended tools
- Small pot
- Espresso machine
- Milk frother
- Cute mug (of course!)
Get all of our favorite kitchen essentials here.
More pumpkin recipes you’ll love
- Blow Ya Mind Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting (gluten free!)
- Oh So Good Chicken Meatballs in Pumpkin Coconut Curry Sauce
- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
- Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats with Chia
- Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Get all of our amazing pumpkin recipes here!
I hope you love this homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso (or sub 1/2 cup hot freshly brewed coffee but I prefer espresso)
- 1 cup milk of choice, preferably a milk that froths well (we love oat milk)
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, to sweeten
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Pour milk into a small pot and heat over medium-low heat until it is hot and almost simmering, but do not boil the milk.
- Make your espresso and pour it into a large mug or glass mason jar. Add pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla and stir until well combined.
- Use a milk frother to froth your milk for about 30 seconds or until foamy, then pour into the mug on top of the pumpkin espresso mixture. Reserve the extra foam, and spoon it on top.
- Feel free to top with whipped cream if you wanna get a little fancy. Sprinkle with a little extra pumpkin spice or cinnamon.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
This post was originally published on October 6th, 2021, republished on September 13th, 2022, and republished on October 5th, 2023.
89 comments
This is just how I make mine except I don’t measure anything. So much better than Starbucks!!!!! We are loving all the pumpkin recipes, thanks for sharing them!
Yay! So glad you’re enjoying this + the other pumpkin recipes, Kristen! Thanks so much for the review!
This looks amazing! I don’t have a milk frother, would an immersion blender work?
Yes I think that should work!
I just wanted to come back to say I finally tried this (with my immersion blender) and it was SO GOOD! A much healthier coffee treat that I’ll be making all fall and winter, and maybe even spring and summer 😁
Yaaaay! I’m so happy you loved it, Sue! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
I made this with espresso, steamed cow’s milk and the spices in the recipe note, not having pumpkin spice on hand. I loved the real pumpkin for an added richness but the spices added were a little gritty to the sip and sunk to the bottom of my cup. That being said, it was a treat to have a taste of Fall made right in my kitchen this morning!
Glad it tasted good! You could strain the whole thing (before adding the foamy milk) through a mesh sieve if you’d like next time 🙂
My first time trying one! So good
Yay! So happy you tried and enjoyed it, Maria 🙂
I love this recipe so much. An average cup at Starbucks would be about 8 dollars, so I am so happy for these cheaper and funner version.
FIVE STAR!
Yay!! Happy you enjoyed it, Anona!
The pumpkin spice latte. To die for
Awesome! So happy you loved it, KellyJo!
This was so delicious and easy! I made one for my husband and he loved it 🙂
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These are delightful and not too sweet! Highly recommend giving it a try!!
This is AMAZING and I will definitely be making it for guests! I had some leftover pumpkin that I had roasted, that was just right for this. Perfect treat to keep me alert while I study and write exams.
I followed all instructions.
I used oat milk with a little bit of coconut cream. Brewed strong coffee. Mixed the pumpkin, vanilla & spices & maple syrup together before adding the coffee. Heated the milks and then blended in my Vitamix with the Air Disc to get it nice and frothy before pouring into the coffee.
Sooo good. Way better than any I’ve bought.
Thank you so much for this!!!
I’m so glad you loved it, Nicole!! Thank you 🙂 Good luck with the exams!
delicious recipe
Made these for a special evening with my sisters, and they went over very well! I used strong coffee, and frothed the milk in the pot I heated it in (with an immersion blender), then added the other ingredients right into the pot and blended some more before pouring into mugs and topping with whipped cream and cinnamon. This recipe is a keeper!
Nice! I’m so glad you all loved it. Thanks so much for the sweet review 🙂
What a tasty drink! Thank you for sharing!
These are great. I added a little salt and have been drinking them in ice as it’s 103 degree out! I’m quite wired
Iced sounds delicious!
Delicious! Followed recipe to a T. Yumm!
So glad you enjoyed!
Recipe is missing measurements for puree, amt to use for pp spice and for milk. Am I
missing something?
Luanne, the measurements for each ingredient are listed in the “Ingredients” section of the recipe. Use 3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of milk of choice, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. I cannot wait to try it, sounds tasty!
Love Anything “Pumpkin” Can’t Wait To Make It, Sounds So Delicious 😋 !!
Yay!! SO excited for you to try it 🙂
I made this yesterday and used the recipe notes to make my own pumpkin pie spice and my latte was amazing. I made my espresso with my Nespresso machine and used oat milk. SO SO SO good!
Yay!! I’m so glad it came out amazing! Thanks for the comment 🙂
I will definitely try this pumpkin coffee, using natural sweetness will be very beneficial for my health, thank you for sharing
cant wait to make this soon for me i never had pumpkin spice latte before and all starbucks stores here in Singapore started selling psl again perfect for raining days in Singapore love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Always love reading your comments, Ramya!! Can’t wait for you to try this one 🙂
Thank you for the recipe. Monique, can you advise if the amount of sugar listed in the nutritional content is if you use 1 or 2 tablespoons of maple syrup? I want to make this for my dad but he cannot consume large amounts of sugar so I’d like to cut the amount in half. I bet it will still be delicious without as much sugar and adding a little whipped cream will make it special.
Great question! The nutrition facts are based on 1 tablespoon of maple syrup 🙂 Hope you both love it!
Can you recommend a good brand of espresso?
I used Nespresso but Lavazza and Illy are also great!
Monique, can you recommend a brand and flavor of oat milk too? I’ve never tried it! Thanks!
Yes! I like Oatly Barista Edition, but there are so many other great brands out there!
How much pumpkin purée?
3 tablespoons 🙂 Click the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page to get to the full recipe.
Omg did this hit the spot- quick question is there a way where I can make this into a pre made thing so it’s easy in the mornings? Like if I do everything but the espresso and milk and put it in the jar in the fridge, will it keep for a week? I have toddlers so would love my slice of heaven every morning but needs to be quick. Thank you!
Hi! Yes what you suggested is exactly what I’d recommend 🙂 Should work just fine! I think it should keep for around a week. Let me know how it goes!
Easy and tasty! Loved it! By the way I love your recipes.
Thick and gritty- way too much pumpkin- could use 1/2 the pumpkin mixture to mix with the milk.
Hi! Sorry to hear that about the texture. I haven’t had that issue (wonder if it was the brand of pumpkin puree or spices you used?) but appreciate the feedback! Straining the mixture might help.
Sounds amazing, can not wait to make this fall. Can this drink be made ahead of time for guest
Thank You
Hi! Feel free to prep the base (everything but the coffee + steamed milk) ahead of time and keep it in the fridge 🙂
All thumbs up! Delicious! Yes, seriously, who needs St#rb#ck’s overpriced, over-sweetened stuff?! I used home made cold brew in place of the espresso and got everything to be nice and foamy with my immersion blender. Awesome recipe -thanks!
Too much pumpkin. Felt like I was drinking chunky soup.
Sorry you didn’t love it! It may help to strain the base through a mesh sieve before adding in the milk 🙂
1tsp is way too much pumpkin spice seasoning. Overpowers all the other flavors in a bad way, I think starting out with 1/4-1/2 is likely a better ratio.
I doubled the recipe for 2 people with the pumpkin & spices, Then we used one with almond milk & one with regular milk. I used my fresh puréed pumpkin from this month, pumpkin spice & 3 tbsp of maple syrup. I made stronger coffee since we didn’t have espresso. We didn’t like it. To us it lacked pumpkin flavor. The spices don’t really blend but make the drink chalky & it even lacked coffee flavor. My husband had said recently that he could go for a pumpkin latte (seeing a Starbucks commercial) so I thought I’d try making it from home & searched for recipes. I liked your write up about your recipe; the fact you used real pumpkin & not sugary syrup for flavoring. But, this recipe was so lacking for us, we dumped it down the drain. My husband said, just make a cup of coffee with cream. I got a kiss for trying though. Yes, I should use espresso instead, & yes, I should use fresh spices but in the end, spices just don’t blend in well. There must be a better way to make this. Sorry, but I wouldn’t recommend trying it again. My said, “Don’t bother.”
Sorry to hear this recipe didn’t work out for you.
Loved this! It was my first time having a PSL ever and it was SO delicious. I only added one tablespoon of maple syrup but I actually think I’ll add even less next time. The spices were perfect and it tasted great with it milk.
Yumm! Sounds amazing. SO happy you’re a fan 😊
Not a fan. Way too much spice for the volume of liquid. I guess my expectations were that it resembled the smoothness and taste of the servings prepared by the retail coffee outlets which I guess cannot be matched as they use a ready made syrup. It does taste better when the spice settles.
Sorry to hear you did not enjoy this recipe. This recipe is meant to be a much healthier version, without the artificial flavors and additional sugar that the coffee shops serve.
The recipe is delicious except 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice was a bit much for me. I made my own source blend, so 1/2 teaspoon would have been plenty. For those who maybe keep their spices past the expiration date and not be as potent a teaspoon might be plenty. It’s always good to do a little bit less cuz you can always add more.
Perfect. So glad you enjoyed!
Made it today and it was great. Only thing was that it wasn’t as smooth as I expected. Even though I had mixed the espresso mixture pretty well and then mixed the milk in pretty well too, it was a little gritty. But overall a great drink that saved me a couple bucks 😂
Perfect. Glad you enjoyed this recipe 🙂
Very useful recipe, i will use it for my dragons, Thanks.
This recipe was DELICIOUS!! This is actually the first latte I’ve made at home and I was so surprised how much it tastes like Starbucks and is so easy!!!! I definitely recommend! Thank you, Monique
Amazing!! So glad you loved it!
Hello cam I make the pumpkin mix in a larger batch and store in the fridge so I don’t make it everytime?
Sure! Feel free to prep the base (everything but the coffee + steamed milk) ahead of time and keep it in the fridge 🙂 Enjoy!
So good! I was a little worried at first because the initial mixture wasn’t very liquified but after adding the milk the consistency was much better after another stir. I used canned pumpkin, wondering if maybe it needed to be puréed a little more.
My espresso machine has a steaming wand which makes the milk part of this process much easier 🙂
Amazing! Glad this turned out great for you and you’re loving this recipe
This a recipe I will serve to my friends!
I love the flavor of this pumpkin latte recipe!!! I was going to comment about the texture of the pumpkin puree but I looked at the comments and I will strain it next time. Brilliant! I don’t know why I didn’t think of that. Thank you so much for sharing! I am so glad I can make this at home!
Yay! So glad you’re loving his recipe and it turned out amazing for you 🙂 Totally recommend straining it!
Can you make the pumpkin/milk mixture ahead and store it in the fridge?
Totally! You’ll just want to shake well before using to combine anything that might have settled! Enjoy!
So you just add pumpkin purée straight from the can and don’t do anything else to it? All of the other recipes I’ve seen online cook it with sugar etc….
Hi! Step 2 shows that you will add all the other ingredients to complete the latte.
This was very good except too much pumpkin pie spice, it tastes bitter. Next time I would put 1/2 teaspoon.
Thanks so sharing, Dawn. Glad you enjoyed this recipe!
I used agave nectar instead of maple syrup and it tasted great. Love your recipe, thanks.
YUM! Sounds delicious – glad this turned out great for you ❤️
I love this recipe! It’s so tasty and my husband even approves! This is my go to if I need a slightly sweet boost.
One thing I do ask though…
What is the nutritional information on this please?
I love this recipe! It’s so tasty and my husband even approves! This is my go to if I need a slightly sweet boost.
One thing I do ask though…
What is the nutritional information on this please?
Glad you are enjoying this! The nutritional info is listed at the bottom of the recipe card on the right hand side.
I was craving pumpkin spice latte and this was my first time making it. This will now be my go to recipe! I didn’t have espresso so I made strong coffee and it tasted great! I did use less milk with the same amount of spices so it didn’t get diluted. Highly recommend trying this!
Ahh thank you so much – glad you gave this one a tru and are loving it!
This is the most delicious pumpkin spice latte I’ve ever had. I used one espresso shot instead of 2 and used 1 tablespoon of maple syrup instead of 2. Other than that, I followed the recipe exactly and it came out perfect. Thank you for sharing.
Amazing! Glad you loved it!