Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

I love autumn.

Actually, I love cinnamon and cloves. I love orange and brown leaves. I love crunchy sidewalks and cozy sweatshirts. And I really love fall comfort food, especially pumpkin desserts and spicy pumpkin lattes.
Yes, every coffee shop, doughnut shop, and bakery within driving distance serves some version of a seasonal pumpkin latte. And I have tried plenty of them.

But sometimes I want to save the money.  Sometimes artificial flavorings trigger migraines for me. Sometimes I just do not feel like leaving the house on a chilly fall morning.

That is exactly why I started making this easy homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe years ago, and why we updated it from our original 2012 version with even better ingredients and flavor.
 

It is simple. It is cozy. And it tastes like fall in a mug.

We originally posted a version of this recipe in 2012--and have updated the recipe and our ingredient favorites.  

 

 Please note that, while we are not compensated for this post--we may receive slight compensation if you choose to purchase products via our product links below.  

 

All opinions are our own--and we only link to products and ingredients that we use and/or recommend in our recipes and posts.

 

Why You Will Love This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

This recipe is flexible, which busy moms absolutely need.

You can:

• Adjust the sweetness
• Use whole milk, skim milk, oat milk, or almond milk
• Increase or decrease the pumpkin flavor
• Boost the spices for a stronger pumpkin pie flavor
• Make it with strong coffee or espresso

Unlike many store-bought versions, this one uses real pumpkin and real spices. No artificial syrups required. You will taste just a hint of pumpkin in this version, which keeps it warm and subtle instead of overpowering.

Ingredients for the Best Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home

• 2 c. Skim Milk
• 2 Tbsp. Canned Pumpkin
• 1 Tbsp. Sugar or Stevia (This version is lightly sweet—so you may wish to add more sugar if you like coffee shop sweetness.)
• 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
• 1/8 tsp. Ground Cloves
• ¼ tsp. Ground Cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. Ground Ginger
• Dash of Nutmeg
• ½ c. Strong Coffee or ¼ c. Espresso
• Whipped Cream and Ground Cinnamon for garnish if desired

How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte

This comes together in just minutes. No fancy equipment required.

Step 1: Make the Pumpkin Base

In a small saucepan, combine:

• Milk
• Pumpkin
• Sugar

Whisk thoroughly and heat over medium until the mixture is steaming but not boiling.

This is where the cozy begins.

Step 2: Add Spices and Blend

Stir in:

• Vanilla
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Ginger
• Nutmeg

Transfer carefully use a hand blender or  milk frother. to blend until slightly frothy.

Step 3: Add Coffee or Espresso

Pour the milk mixture into two large mugs, filling about two thirds full.

Top each mug with:

• 1/4 cup hot coffee or 
• 1 to 2 tablespoons espresso for a stronger drink

Stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Wrap your hands around the mug. Take a deep breath and welcome fall.

Easy Ways to Customize Your Pumpkin Spice Latte

One of my favorite things about making this at home is the control.

Make It Dairy Free

Use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Oat milk makes it especially creamy.

Make It Stronger

Add extra espresso for a bolder flavor.

Make It Sweeter

Add another teaspoon of sugar, maple syrup, or honey.

Make It Lighter

Use unsweetened almond milk and stevia.

Why Homemade Is Better Than the Coffee Shop

Seasonal drinks add up quickly.

Making pumpkin spice lattes at home:

• Saves money
• Avoids artificial syrups
• Lets you control sugar
• Prevents unnecessary trips out in cold weather

And sometimes the best part is that you are still in pajamas when you make it.