Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home: An Easy, Cosy Recipe

There is something about the first properly chilly morning that sends us hunting for a warm, spiced coffee. The good news is that a pumpkin spice latte at home is easy to make, cheaper than a daily coffee-shop trip and entirely adjustable to your taste. You do not need a fancy machine, either.

What is in a pumpkin spice latte?

A pumpkin spice latte is a milky coffee flavoured with warming spices and, in most homemade versions, a spoonful of real pumpkin. The “pumpkin spice” part refers to the classic mix of spices people traditionally use in pumpkin pie, usually cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves or allspice. Shop-bought spice blends usually do not contain any pumpkin at all, which is why adding real purée gives you a rounder, more autumnal flavour.

The recipe below is a friendly starting point for a homemade pumpkin spice latte. Tweak the sweetness and spice until it tastes like your perfect cup.

What you will need

Here is everything for one large mug of pumpkin spice latte at home. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to suit your taste.

• Strong coffee or espresso: one or two shots of espresso, or about 100ml of strong coffee from a moka pot, AeroPress or cafetiere.
• Milk: about 250ml. Dairy or plant-based milk both work.
• Pumpkin purée: about one to two tablespoons of plain, unsweetened purée. Check the tin says pure pumpkin rather than pie filling, as pie filling is already sweetened and spiced.
• Spices: half a teaspoon of cinnamon, plus a pinch each of ground ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Or use half to one teaspoon of a ready-made pumpkin spice or mixed spice blend.
• Sweetener: a teaspoon or two of sugar, maple syrup or honey, to taste.
• Vanilla: a few drops of vanilla extract, if you have it.
• To finish: whipped cream or frothed milk, plus a dusting of cinnamon.

How to make a pumpkin spice latte at home, step by step

1. Make the spiced pumpkin milk

Put the milk, pumpkin purée, spices and sweetener into a small saucepan over a low to medium heat. Whisk as it warms so the purée blends in rather than sitting in lumps. Heat it until it is steaming and hot, but do not let it boil, as milk can catch on the bottom of the pan and boil over quickly.

2. Add the vanilla and whisk or blend

Take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla. For a smoother, frothier drink, use a hand frother or whisk hard for a minute. A stick blender or a small jug blender also works well, but take care with hot liquid and never fill a sealed blender to the top.

3. Brew your coffee

Make your coffee while the milk is heating. Use whatever you have. A moka pot gives a good strong base, and so does an AeroPress or a cafetiere with a slightly heavier scoop of coffee. If you are curious about why coffee tastes the way it does, our piece on coffee lenses, origin and sensory ecology makes a fun read while it brews.

4. Combine and top

Pour the coffee into your mug and add the hot spiced milk, holding back the foam with a spoon and adding it on top at the end. Finish with cream if you like, and a dusting of cinnamon. Sip slowly.

Smart tips for a better cup

A few small habits make a big difference to a pumpkin spice latte at home, and they cost nothing.

• Strain if needed. If your purée leaves tiny bits, pour the milk through a fine sieve before combining.
• Use fresh spices. Old ground spices lose their punch. If yours have been in the cupboard for years, you may need a little more, or it may be time for new ones.
• Go easy on cloves. They are strong, and a pinch is plenty.
• Taste before you pour. It is much easier to adjust the milk than the finished drink.
• Warm your mug. A splash of hot water in the mug first keeps your latte hotter for longer.

Making your own pumpkin purée

Tinned purée is the quickest option for a homemade pumpkin spice latte, but you can make your own. Cut a pumpkin or squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast it until soft. Then scrape out the flesh and blend it until smooth. Many people find that squash varieties such as butternut give a smoother, sweeter result than a carving pumpkin, which can be watery and stringy. Store any leftover purée in the fridge for a few days, or freeze it in small portions so you always have some ready.

Make a spice mix in advance

Batching the spices saves time on busy mornings.

If you plan on making lattes all season, mix a small jar of your own spice blend. A simple version is three parts cinnamon to one part each of ginger, nutmeg and cloves, but play around until it tastes right to you. Keep it in an airtight jar away from heat and light.

Variations to try

Once you have the basics, your pumpkin spice latte at home can go in all sorts of directions.

• Iced version: let the spiced milk cool, then pour it over ice with chilled coffee.
• Dairy-free: oat, soya and almond milks all work. Oat milk tends to be creamy, but if you want to froth it, look for a barista version.
• Lower sugar: reduce the sweetener, or leave it out and rely on the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and the spices.
• Decaf: use decaf coffee if you want a cosy cup in the evening.
• Hot chocolate twist: skip the coffee, add a little cocoa and enjoy a pumpkin spice hot chocolate.

Always check labels if you are serving someone with allergies, particularly if you are using plant-based milks or ready-made spice blends.

Pair it with something nice

Cake is optional, but a pumpkin spice latte at home is even nicer with one.

Your cup goes beautifully with a slice of banana bread, a flapjack or a simple buttery biscuit. If the weather is grim, you could turn it into a whole evening. Add a blanket, a good book and a lamp, and you have a very comfortable night in. For more ideas, read about creating hygge at home on our site.

Prefer to have your latte out? Our round-up of the best UK coffee cities might give you ideas for your next autumn weekend away. And if you love warm, spiced aromas outside the cup, take a look at our guide to autumn perfumes and warm scents.

Frequently asked questions

Do pumpkin spice lattes contain real pumpkin?

It depends on the recipe or where you buy it. Many shop-bought versions are made mostly with flavouring and spices, while a homemade pumpkin spice latte can include real pumpkin purée. If it matters to you, check the ingredients list.

Can I make a pumpkin spice latte at home without an espresso machine?

Yes. Strong coffee from a moka pot, AeroPress, cafetiere or even good instant coffee works well. Use a little more coffee than usual so the flavour is not lost behind the milk and spices.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of purée?

You can, but it is already sweetened and spiced, so cut back the sugar and spices and taste as you go. Plain purée gives you more control.

How long does the leftover purée keep?

Opened tinned purée usually keeps in the fridge for a few days in a covered container, and you can freeze it in small portions. Follow the storage advice on the tin or packet.

Where to go from here

Once you have made your first pumpkin spice latte at home, you will probably find your own favourite mix of spice and sweetness. Make a big mug, put your feet up and enjoy it. If you have a recipe you would like to share, or fancy writing for us, please get in touch with us. You will find plenty more cosy reads on the Brew and Browse home page.