Close-up of a glass mug filled with pumpkin spice latte and topped with whipped cream, next to a Starbucks to-go cup.

Enjoy the best homemade pumpkin spice latte any time you feel the urge with this simple to make recipe.

Prep Time5

Cook Time3

Total Time8

Servings

If autumn had a flavor, it would be Pumpkin Spice Latte. This cozy drink from Starbucks has become an icon of fall. But here’s the secret—making a Starbucks-style Pumpkin Spice Latte at home is easy, more affordable, and can taste even better than the one you grab at the drive-thru.

Pumpkin spice latte in a glass mug topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick, with pumpkin spice sauce bottle in background.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients

Labeled ingredients for a homemade pumpkin spice latte including milk, coffee, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice.

You’ll need:

¼ cup of whole milk
1 tablespoon of unsweetened pumpkin puree
1½ tablespoons of granulated white sugar
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
1 cup of brewed coffee
¼ cup of vanilla creamer
whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for the top

Ingredient Notes

Make sure you are using pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling for this recipe. If you have real pumpkin puree, you can certainly use it instead of canned.

If you don’t anticipate using the leftover pumpkin puree up within about a week, you can freeze it in tablespoon portions in an ice cube tray for up to a year. Pop one out when you’d like to make this drink.

Ingredient Substitutions

COFFEE: You can use any type of coffee in this simple recipe, including espresso, instant, or drip coffee.

PUMPKIN SPICE MIX: If you can’t get pumpkin spice that is ready-mixed, it is really easy to make your own. A simple pumpkin spice blend would be four teaspoons of cinnamon, two teaspoons of ginger, one teaspoon of cloves, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg.

MILK: Almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, and oat milk could all be used in place of the whole milk.

SUGAR: You can substitute any of your preferred sweeteners for the granulated sugar in this recipe.

How To Make A Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

Make your own version with our easy PSL recipe and enjoy your favorite drink any time of the year:

In a glass measuring cup, add milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, and the pumpkin pie spice, then whisk together. Place this milk mixture in the microwave and heat for one minute. Remove and pour into your latte glass or large coffee cup.

Four-step photo collage showing how to make a pumpkin spice latte: whisk sauce, add to mug, pour coffee, and finish with vanilla creamer.

Brew one cup of coffee and pour it into the latte glass. Add the vanilla creamer and stir.

How To Serve This Pumpkin Latte

Serve in a your favorite mug with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top. Pair with pumpkin muffins, coffee cake, or cinnamon rolls.

Hot and iced homemade Starbucks-style pumpkin spice lattes side by side, each topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with pumpkin pie spice, with a cinnamon stick garnish in the hot latte. Text overlay reads “Serve hot or cold!”

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte – Pour the pumpkin milk mixture over ice and top with cold brew or chilled espresso for a refreshing twist.

Add-ins – The beauty of homemade is the freedom to experiment. Try adding a dash of cardamom, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a splash of caramel for unique twists.

Party-Ready – Make a big batch in a slow cooker for gatherings. Keep it on “warm” and set out toppings like whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and caramel drizzle so guests can customize their drinks.

Storing Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Glass bottle filled with homemade pumpkin spice sauce, labeled “Pumpkin Spice Sauce,” with Starbucks cups in the background. Text overlay reads “Love pumpkin spice lattes? Make plenty of the sauce! Store in the fridge for up to a week!”

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Pumpkin Milk Base – Make the spiced pumpkin milk mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating – Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot but not boiling, then pour over fresh brewed coffee or espresso.
Freezer Option – Freeze the pumpkin milk base in silicone ice cube trays. When ready to enjoy, pop a few cubes into a mug, pour in hot coffee, and stir until melted.

More Pumpkin Recipes

With real pumpkin puree, warm spices, and your favorite coffee, this recipe delivers all the comfort of the classic Starbucks PSL without the wait in line.

Here are a few more of our favorite pumpkin recipes:

Pumpkin Spice Latte

5 from 3 votes

Enjoy the best homemade pumpkin spice latte any time you feel the urge with this simple to make recipe.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 3

Total Time 8

Servings

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

Ingredients

¼ cup whole milk
1 tablespoon unsweetened pumpkin puree
1½ tablespoons granulated white sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup brewed coffee
¼ cup vanilla creamer
whipped cream & pumpkin pie spice, for the top

Instructions

In a glass mixing cup, add the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a whisk to combine.
Place in the microwave and heat for 1 minute. Remove and pour into your glass or large coffee cup.
Brew 1 cup coffee and pour into your glass.
Add vanilla creamer and stir.
Top with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.

Notes

Make sure you are using pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling for this recipe.
If you don’t anticipate using the leftover pumpkin puree up within about a week, you can freeze it in tablespoon portions in an ice cube tray for up to a year. Pop one out anytime you’d like to make this drink.
Adjust the amount of pumpkin spice you add depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant
Amy Tandiko Graphic Designer
Ina Chong
Sian Cox Photographer

Make A Pumpkin Spice Latte Better Than Starbucks