A delicious homemade pumpkin spice latte made with 6 simple ingredients that you probably have on hand already! We have tips to make this recipe with or without an espresso machine, and our favorite dairy-free options are included as well.
Skip the Starbucks line (and those uber high prices) and make an easy version yourself at home.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a combination of a traditional latte (espresso with steamed milk) with pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin puree, and sweetener. It was made popular by Starbucks and is highly anticipated by Fall-lovers once the leaves begin to turn!
Starbucks usually releases their Pumpkin Spice Latte at the end of August. However, we typically don't start making ours at home until the end of September.
For another similar recipe for pumpkin coffee to enjoy throughout the week, check out my Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer.
If you are still enjoying summer vibes and warm weather, check out my cold coffee recipes: Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, and Iced Mocha recipes that are perfect for warmer weather!
Enjoy this latte with one of my favorite fall treat pairings like Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donut Holes, Gluten Free Apple Fritters, Gluten-Free Apple Coffee Cake, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread, Flourless Pumpkin Pancakes, Gluten-Free Apple Pie, Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Chia Pudding, Crustless Pumpkin Pie, and our dairy-free Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream to top them all off.
How to make it (with photos)
Use this detailed guide to substitutions and ingredients to make the best Pumpkin Spice Latte with ingredients you already have on hand.
Ingredient Notes + Substitutions
This quick pumpkin spice latte recipe with 6 ingredients comes together in just minutes!
Espresso
If you don't have espresso powder, you can use a finely ground dark roast coffee. Without an espresso maker, you can make this pumpkin spice latte recipe with instant espresso powder or very strongly brewed coffee. I also recommend checking out my French Press Espresso or Aeropress Espresso guides for legit espresso without a machine.
For a cold pumpkin spice latte variety, you can also use ¼ cup of my strongly brewed Cold Brew Concentrate Recipe in place of espresso.
Pure Pumpkin Puree
Do not substitute with pumpkin pie filling because it has additional additives. Use a smooth pumpkin puree from a can, or a homemade version that is very smooth without any of the fibrous squash strands. I prefer the thick pumpkin puree brands, like Libby's.
Creamy Milk
I recommend whole milk for dairy milk, or barista oat milk, barista almond milk, or another thick and creamy option if choosing non-dairy milk.
If you are using skim milk, almond milk, hemp milk, or a similar thinner milk, combine ⅓ cup of this milk and 2-3 tablespoons of a regular or dairy-free creamer (like Nutpods, Califia, full fat coconut milk, or coconut cream) to get a creamy and luscious latte!
More Ingredient Notes
- Maple Syrup - Add more or less maple syrup to your desired sweetness. Instead of maple syrup, use an equal amount of sugar or honey and adjust to taste.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice - If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, make our homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.
See the recipe card for a full list of ingredients with quantities.
Variations
Vary this pumpkin spice latte recipe by choosing chai tea instead, or try my similar 3-ingredient pumpkin spice coffee creamer recipe to go with your everyday java.
- Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte - Make a pumpkin spice chai latte by using concentrated chai tea! Steep 1 chai teabag in ⅓ cup hot water to replace the espresso. Make the recipe as-is otherwise!
- Pumpkin Spice Coffee - Check out our easy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer recipe to make any coffee super festive!
Step-by-Step Instructions
You need only 5 minutes and two steps to make this easy pumpkin spice latte recipe from start to finish!
- Espresso and flavorings: Add the espresso, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice to a mug. Stir or whisk to mix thoroughly.
- Milk: Steam or warm the milk. Then add it to the mug and mix together. Enjoy!
Hint: The milk you use for this recipe makes a very big difference in how delicious it is. The pumpkin puree and bold pumpkin pie spices beg for a rich and creamy milk. I included detailed notes in the "Ingredient Notes + Substitutions" sections above and in the notes of the recipe card.
Expert Tips
Make an amazing pumpkin spice latte on the first try with these expert tips!
Run homemade pumpkin puree through cheesecloth.
If using a homemade pumpkin puree, use cheescloth to remove any fibers so this pumpkin spice latte stays smooth and creamy.
Use a thick canned pumpkin puree.
If using a canned pumpkin puree, using a thick bright orange colored one like Libby's will pack the most pumpkin flavor into your latte!
Recipe FAQs
Here I answered some frequently asked questions about this pumpkin spice latte recipe. Don't see your question? Leave it in the comments at the end of this post and I'll answer within two business days.
This pumpkin spice latte recipe is best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 days, and reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat when ready to enjoy.
Just like any traditional latte, a pumpkin spice latte is a coffee drink made with shots of espresso. However, you can also make a pumpkin spice chai latte by using concentrated chai tea!
Related pumpkin coffee recipes to consider...
Looking for more pumpkin coffee recipes like this pumpkin spice latte recipe? Or how about a pumpkin coffee shop treat to enjoy along with it? Check these out!
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the comments below. Thank you!
📖 Recipe
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
- 2 shots hot espresso
- 1 rounded tablespoon pure pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup creamy milk , see notes for suggestions
Instructions
- Espresso and flavorings: Add the espresso, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice to a mug. Stir or whisk to mix thoroughly.
- Milk: Steam or warm the milk. Then add it to the mug and mix together. Enjoy!
Jen says
This is a great pumpkin spice latte recipe! I love that it is made with maple syrup.
Freya says
I made this latte and your pumpkin spice creamer and I really like both! This version tastes wholesome and is my favorite for a slow weekend morning. I'll be making it every weekend all Fall long. Thank you for the great recipe!
Jamie says
You and me both, Freya! Thank you for the review 🙂