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Pumpkin Spice Latte: 1 Joyful Fall Mug

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Written by Alex Hayes

July 1, 2025

Oh, fall! That crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and that undeniable craving for something warm and comforting. For me, nothing screams cozy season quite like a pumpkin spice latte, but honestly, those coffee shop versions can add up so fast, right? That’s why I’m just thrilled to share this absolutely delicious homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe with you. It’s my little way of bringing that coffeehouse magic right into your kitchen, keeping things simple, joyful, and oh-so-tasty. Just like I learned with my bread-making journey, sometimes the most rewarding things are the ones you create yourself, and this PSL? It’s pure, unadulterated fall happiness in a mug, and so much better for you and your wallet!

Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte

Alright, let’s get cozy and gather up everything you need to whip up this yummy fall treat! You’ll need about a cup of your favorite milk – I really love using unsweetened almond milk for mine, but oat milk is fantastic too. Then, grab two tablespoons of real pumpkin puree – none of that pie filling stuff, okay? It needs to be pure pumpkin. For that signature flavor, we’ll use a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice blend and about a tablespoon of maple syrup, but honestly, feel free to add more or less depending on how sweet you like it. A little splash of vanilla extract does wonders! And finally, you’ll need 1/4 cup of nice, strong brewed coffee or a shot of espresso. That’s it! Simple, right?

Crafting Your Delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte

Okay, let’s get this wonderful fall drink made! It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the coffee shop lines. First things first, grab a small saucepan and pour in your milk. Then, add in that real pumpkin puree, your maple syrup (or whatever sweetener you’re using), the pumpkin pie spice, and that little bit of vanilla extract. Give it all a good whisk to make sure everything is nice and combined, like a little flavor party happening in the pan. Now, pop it on the stove over medium heat. You’ll want to heat it up until it’s nice and warm all the way through – think comfy, not boiling! Keep whisking it gently while it heats up; this really helps all those lovely flavors meld together beautifully. Once it’s warm and smells like autumn heaven, it’s time to pour this delicious mixture into your favorite mug. Now, carefully add your freshly brewed strong coffee or that shot of espresso right into the mug. Give it one last stir to make sure everything is perfectly blended, and boom! You’ve got yourself a homemade pumpkin spice latte. If you’re feeling fancy, top it off with some whipped cream and maybe an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy!

Tips for the Ultimate Pumpkin Spice Latte Experience

So, you’ve made the latte, but how do you make it truly *special*? It’s all about those little tweaks! First off, don’t be afraid to play with the sweetness. I like mine just a touch sweet, but you do *you*! Maybe you like it extra caramelly with more maple syrup, or perhaps you’re watching sugar intake and prefer a sugar-free sweetener. Also, the coffee part is huge! Use a really good, strong coffee or espresso; it makes a difference. And for that dreamy, creamy texture, a little froth goes a long way!

Achieving the Perfect Froth for Your Pumpkin Spice Latte

Want that barista-level foam? Easy! After you’ve heated the milk mixture (but before adding coffee), just whisk it really, really vigorously in the saucepan for about a minute. Or, if you have a little milk frother wand, now’s its time to shine! Just a quick blitz will give you those lovely bubbles.

Sweetness and Spice: Customizing Your Pumpkin Spice Latte

This is where the magic really happens! Taste your warm milk mixture before you add the coffee and adjust. If it needs more sweetness, pop in a little more maple syrup or try a few drops of stevia or your favorite sugar-free sweetener. If you want it spicier, a tiny pinch more of that pumpkin pie spice can really wake things up. It’s your perfect cup, so make it exactly how you love it!

Variations on Your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Once you’ve got the basic pumpkin spice latte down, the fun really begins! Don’t be afraid to play around and make it totally your own. You can add a shot of caramel syrup for an extra decadent treat, or maybe a little swirl of chocolate. It’s your kitchen, your coffee – have a blast with it!

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Latte Options

Going dairy-free? No problem at all! Unsweetened almond milk is a fantastic choice, giving a subtle nutty flavor that’s lovely. Oat milk is another winner; it froths up beautifully and has a creamy, almost buttery taste that really complements the pumpkin spice. Soy milk works well too, offering a good creaminess. Just pick your favorite plant-based milk and enjoy!

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte: A Cool Fall Treat

Craving your PSL cold? It’s super easy to make an iced version! Just brew your coffee or espresso a little stronger, let it cool completely, and then combine everything – milk, pumpkin puree, sweetener, spice, vanilla, and your cooled coffee – in a blender with a generous amount of ice. Zip it all up until it’s smooth and frosty. So refreshing!

Serving Suggestions for Your Pumpkin Spice Latte

Honestly, this pumpkin spice latte is practically a hug in a mug, so it pairs perfectly with just about anything that feels cozy. Imagine curling up with a good book and this warm drink, maybe with a slice of my homemade apple crisp or a few of those perfect bakery-style chocolate chip cookies. It’s also just divine on its own during a chilly afternoon, or when you’re gathering with friends for a casual chat. It truly elevates any quiet moment!

Storing and Reheating Your Pumpkin Spice Latte

Now, what if you make a little too much, or can’t quite finish that perfect cup? No worries! You can totally store any leftover pumpkin spice latte mixture in an airtight container right in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready for another cozy sip, just gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, giving it a good whisk while it warms up. You can also pop it in the microwave for a minute or two, just remember to stir it well so the spice and pumpkin don’t settle at the bottom!

Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Spice Latte

I get asked these questions all the time, usually while I’m cozied up with a warm mug! Making this homemade pumpkin spice latte is pretty straightforward, but a few little things can pop into your head. So, let’s dive into some of the most common questions I get to make your PSL journey as smooth as possible!

Making a Sugar-Free Pumpkin Spice Latte

Absolutely! If you’re watching your sugar or just prefer it that way, swapping the maple syrup is easy. You can use your favorite sugar-free sweetener, like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit. Just start with a small amount and add more to taste, because some sweeteners can be a bit stronger. It’ll still have all that cozy spice and pumpkin flavor, minus the sugar!

Can I Use Pumpkin Pie Filling for My Pumpkin Spice Latte?

This is a super common question and a mistake I’ve made myself! Please, please, *please* use just pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The filling already has sugar and spices mixed in, and it can make your latte way too sweet and sometimes a bit… well, weirdly spiced. Stick to the plain pumpkin puree for the best flavor control!

Nutritional Information for Your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Okay, so we’ve brewed up a little bit of autumn magic! For a single serving of this wonderful homemade pumpkin spice latte, you’re looking at roughly 200 calories. It’s got about 5 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbs (with 2g of that being fiber – yay!), and around 5 grams of protein. Remember, these are just estimates, as the exact numbers can dance around a bit depending on the type of milk and sweetener you choose. It’s a pretty wholesome treat all around!

Share Your Pumpkin Spice Latte Creations!

Now that you’ve whipped up your own little cup of fall perfection, I’d absolutely *love* to hear all about it! Did you try it with oat milk? Did you add a little extra cinnamon? Spill the beans in the comments below, or tag me on social media. Seeing your cozy creations makes my day!

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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

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Enjoy a cozy and delicious coffeehouse classic at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for a fall treat.

  • Author: purejoyalex
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • 12 tablespoons maple syrup or sweetener of choice
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat, whisking until well combined and warm. Do not boil.
  3. Pour the hot mixture into a mug.
  4. Add the brewed coffee or espresso to the mug.
  5. Stir well.
  6. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

  • For an iced version, combine all ingredients (except whipped cream) with ice in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Adjust sweetness to your preference.
  • Use your favorite non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 latte
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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Hi, I'm Alex! I believe incredible food doesn't have to be complicated. Here at Pure Cooking Joy, I share delicious, approachable recipes designed to bring happiness back into your kitchen. Let's get cooking!

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