Pumpkin Spice Latte (Printable Format)
A warm, comforting blend of pumpkin, spices, and coffee to brighten chilly days.
# What You Need:
→ Dairy & Alternatives
01 - 2 cups whole milk (or oat/almond milk for dairy-free)
02 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
→ Coffee
03 - 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
→ Pumpkin & Sweeteners
04 - 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
05 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Spices
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
09 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
11 - Pinch ground allspice
→ Toppings
12 - Whipped cream for serving
13 - Additional cinnamon or pumpkin spice for garnish
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine milk, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice in a small saucepan over medium heat; whisk continuously until steaming but not boiling.
02 - Remove from heat and whisk vigorously or use a milk frother until the mixture is foamy.
03 - Divide espresso or strong brewed coffee evenly between two mugs.
04 - Pour the spiced milk mixture over the coffee in each mug and stir gently to blend flavors.
05 - Top each with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice; serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It tastes like fall in a mug, but you can make it any time you need that warm, comforting embrace
- You control the spice levels and sweetness, making it perfectly yours instead of too commercial or too mild
- Ready in just 10 minutes, yet feels like a luxurious café experience you made yourself
02 -
- Don't use canned pumpkin pie filling—I made this mistake early on and ended up with an overly sweet, one-dimensional drink. Pure pumpkin puree is worth the search and makes all the difference.
- The froth is essential to the experience. It's not just whipped cream on top—that foam that forms when you whisk or froth the milk is what makes this feel like a café drink. It's worth taking that extra minute.
- Taste as you go. Start with the amount of sweetness suggested, but remember everyone's preferences are different. I've learned that some people want it slightly less sweet than the recipe, and that's perfectly valid.
03 -
- Make a large batch of spice blend in advance and store it in a jar. Then making this drink becomes even faster and more convenient for those mornings when you really need it.
- If you're using a milk frother and it seems like the milk isn't frothing well, make sure the frother is submerged and the milk is hot enough—cold milk won't cooperate.