Description
Enjoy a cozy homemade version of the beloved Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte with rich pumpkin purée, warming pumpkin pie spice, espresso, and creamy whipped topping. This copycat recipe allows you to capture all the comforting flavors of fall in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pumpkin Spice Mixture
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper, a generous pinch
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Milk Mixture
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Coffee
- 1 to 2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup), or 1/3 to 1/2 cup strong coffee
Topping
- 1/4 cup cold heavy cream, whipped into firm peaks
Instructions
- Prep the Pumpkin Spice Mixture: Place 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée, 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and a generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper into a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture is hot and gives off a cooked pumpkin aroma, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Create Syrup: Stir in 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and continue cooking until the mixture becomes bubbly and thick like a syrup, ensuring all sugar dissolves well.
- Incorporate Milk and Vanilla: Whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 2 tablespoons vanilla extract. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching or boiling over, until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Froth the Mixture: Using a hand blender or traditional blender, carefully blend the pumpkin milk mixture until light and frothy. If blending in a traditional blender, secure the lid tightly and cover with a thick towel for safety.
- Prepare Coffee: Brew 1 to 2 shots of espresso (about 1/4 cup) or 1/3 to 1/2 cup of strong coffee and divide evenly between two mugs.
- Assemble the Latte: Pour the frothed pumpkin milk mixture over the coffee in each mug. Top generously with whipped heavy cream and sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg if desired for extra flavor and festive presentation.
Notes
- This recipe yields two servings, perfect for sharing.
- Adjust the amount of espresso or coffee based on your preference for strength.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut cream for the topping.
- Freshly ground black pepper is key to balancing the sweetness and enhancing the pumpkin spice flavors.
- Use freshly whipped heavy cream for the best creamy topping texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 347
- Sugar: 27.8 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 11.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29.4 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Protein: 8.9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg