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This creamy homemade version of Starbucks’ Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte brings cozy fall flavors right to your kitchen. It’s perfectly balanced with real pumpkin purée, warming spices, and just the right amount of sweetness. Making it yourself lets you control sugar and spice levels while saving money and avoiding that long café line.
I first made this during a chilly weekend and it instantly became my go to pick me up. Now my friends request it whenever they visit because it tastes just like the café but way better and fresher.
Ingredients
- Two cups strong brewed coffee cooled: this is your bold coffee base so choose quality beans for best flavor
- One cup milk of choice: such as whole oat or almond oat milk delivers creamy richness but any milk works
- Three tablespoons pumpkin purée: not pie filling for pure pumpkin flavor and the right texture
- Three tablespoons maple syrup: natural sweetener that also adds a subtle caramel note
- One teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: a blend of cinnamon nutmeg ginger and cloves fresh or good quality spice makes a big difference
- One teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances sweetness and depth
- One cup ice cubes: to keep the drink refreshingly cold
- Whipped cream optional for topping: adds indulgent creaminess
Instructions
- Blend Pumpkin Base:
- In a blender combine the pumpkin purée maple syrup pumpkin pie spice vanilla extract and milk. Blend until completely smooth and creamy ensuring no pumpkin lumps remain. This step prevents grit and ensures all spices are evenly mixed.
- Mix With Coffee:
- Pour your cooled brewed coffee into a large mixing container then add the blended pumpkin base. Stir gently until fully incorporated and the color is uniform.
- Assemble Drink:
- Divide ice cubes between two tall glasses and pour the pumpkin coffee mixture evenly over the ice. This chills the latte without diluting it immediately.
- Add Whipped Cream and Spice:
- Top each glass with a generous swirl of whipped cream if using and sprinkle a little pumpkin pie spice over the top for aroma and visual appeal. Insert a straw and serve immediately to enjoy freshness.
My favorite part of this recipe is the pumpkin purée. It not only adds creaminess but gives that unmistakable autumn feel with every sip. One chilly afternoon my daughter and I made these together and it felt like a cozy little seasonal tradition was born.
Storage Tips
Keep the pumpkin spice milk mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Add coffee and ice fresh when ready to serve. Once iced and assembled the latte tastes best immediately because ice dilution will change the flavor over time.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice use equal parts cinnamon nutmeg ginger and a pinch of cloves to mimic the flavor. Substitute maple syrup with honey brown sugar or vanilla syrup depending on your preference. Milk choices can be swapped for soy coconut or any dairy free option you enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this drink with pumpkin bread muffins a buttery croissant or warm cinnamon rolls for a truly comforting fall themed snack. It also complements oatmeal cookies nicely for a sweet afternoon pick me up.
Now you have a homemade Starbucks style Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte perfect for cozy mornings or anytime you want fall in a glass. It’s quick to whip up and endlessly customizable so enjoy experimenting with your favorite milk and sweetness levels.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → Can I make this drink hot instead of iced?
Yes, simply warm the pumpkin spice mixture with milk and stir it into hot coffee, skipping the ice for a cozy version.
- → What sweeteners can I use besides maple syrup?
Brown sugar, honey, vanilla syrup, or sugar-free alternatives all work well to sweeten this drink.
- → Is there a dairy-free option for this latte?
Absolutely. Use oat, almond, or coconut milk, and swap whipped cream for a vegan alternative or omit it entirely.
- → Can I prepare the pumpkin mixture ahead of time?
Yes, store the pumpkin spice milk blend in the fridge for up to three days before mixing it with coffee and ice.
- → What spices can replace pumpkin pie spice?
A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves can be used to replicate the pumpkin pie spice flavor.
- → How do I achieve a creamy, smooth texture like Starbucks?
Blend the pumpkin purée, milk, syrup, spice, and vanilla extract until smooth before mixing with coffee for a frothy texture.