How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte

Americans spend over $500 million on pumpkin spice lattes every fall According to Nielsen data, pumpkin spice-flavored products spike every September, with coffee shops leading the trend. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to wait in long lines or pay café prices to enjoy this autumn favorite. In fact, you can make a creamy, cozy pumpkin spice latte right at home in just 10 minutes.

Using everyday pantry ingredients, this DIY pumpkin spice latte recipe combines everything you love about the seasonal drink (rich coffee, warm spices, and velvety milk foam). It's quick, customizable, and absolutely delicious. Plus, we'll show you how to make it using our kitchen tools to get the best texture and flavor. So grab your favorite mug and let's make your new favorite fall drink!

How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• • ½ cup milk of your choice 
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin purée 
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup brewed coffee or 1 shot of espresso
  • ¼ cup milk for frothing

Zulay Says: If you don't have pumpkin spice, use ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ⅛ tsp ground ginger, and a pinch of allspice.

Instructions

1. Start by brewing a cup of coffee or pulling a shot of espresso. Use your preferred coffee beans or pods.

2. In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup milk over medium heat. Whisk in pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice, and sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture is hot and begins to bubble slightly (do not boil).

3. Pour your brewed coffee into a large mug. Slowly pour the pumpkin spice milk mixture on top.

4. In a small cup, add the remaining ¼ cup milk. Use the Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother to froth the milk until it doubles in volume. Gently pour the foam over your latte for that creamy coffee shop finish.

5. Sprinkle extra pumpkin spice or cinnamon on top. Add a cinnamon stick or star anise for visual flair.

6. Sip and savor your homemade pumpkin spice latte, made with love (and savings!).

Tips & Twists to Try for Your Pumpkin Spice Latte

• Let the pumpkin spice milk mixture cool, then pour it over ice and top with cold-frothed milk.
• Use unsweetened almond milk and a keto-approved sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.
• Add a tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk to the pumpkin mixture.
• You can use a French press or whisk vigorously until foamy, though the Zulay Kitchen frother makes it quick and consistent.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Pumpkin Spice Latte offers real health benefits, especially when made at home. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin A, which support vision, immune function, and healthy digestion. The spices in pumpkin spice such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with cinnamon helping regulate blood sugar and ginger aiding digestion. By making your PSL from scratch, you can control the sweetness and skip the artificial ingredients found in many commercial versions, turning this seasonal favorite into a more wholesome indulgence.

Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Latte Today!

Fall isn’t complete without at least one pumpkin spice latte but once you try making it at home, you might never go back to store-bought. It's fast, easy, budget-friendly, and absolutely customizable. So if you're sipping it on a crisp morning or enjoying it as an afternoon pick-me-up, this latte brings cozy vibes to any day.

Make this homemade pumpkin spice latte and snap a photo, tag @zulay_kitchen, and use #kitchenhappiness to be featured! We love seeing your delicious creations and cozy kitchen moments.

Other Kitchen Tools You Need for This Recipe

Want to make the process smoother and more fun? Here are a few other Zulay Kitchen tools that will elevate your PSL game:

• • Silicone Spatula Set – Great for stirring pumpkin mixtures and getting every last drop.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons Set – Ensures you get the perfect ratio of spices, sweetener, and vanilla every time.

Take Your Recipe to the Next Level

Want to make your pumpkin spice latte even more special? Try using premium pantry staples from our Ingredients Collection. These ingredients not only elevate your latte but make your kitchen creations feel like a true café experience. Stock up and level up!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I make a pumpkin spice latte without a milk frother?

Yes! While a milk frother creates the best foam, you can also use a French press to pump warm milk until frothy or whisk it by hand vigorously. Heating milk in a jar and shaking (with the lid on) is another method, though less effective.

What kind of coffee should I use for this recipe?

You can use any coffee you love. It could be drip, French press, pour-over, or espresso. Espresso will give you a more intense flavor, while drip coffee offers a smoother sip. If you prefer a lighter latte, go for a blonde roast. A medium to dark roast mimics most café-style pumpkin spice lattes.

Can I make this latte dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based milk like oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk. For the frothiest results, oat milk tends to perform best. Just make sure your sweetener is also vegan (such as agave or maple syrup) and avoid honey if you're strictly plant-based.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

No, we don’t recommend it. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which may throw off the balance of your latte. Stick with pure pumpkin purée so you can control the sweetness and spice to your preference.

How do I store leftover pumpkin purée?

Transfer any unused pumpkin purée to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portions to use in future lattes, smoothies, or baked goods.

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice at home?

No problem! You can create a homemade pumpkin spice blend using ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of cloves or allspice. Mix it and use it as needed in this or other fall recipes.

Is this recipe healthier than store-bought pumpkin spice lattes?

Yes, making it at home allows you to skip artificial flavors, syrups, and excessive sugar. You control the ingredients, choose your milk, and sweeten it just the way you like. Many coffee shop PSLs contain over 40g of sugar per cup; this version is much lighter and more balanced.

Learn how to froth milk from our resident frothing expert!

Let Us Know What You Think!

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