Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Updated Sep 06, 2026
Pumpkin spice latte made at home with real pumpkin puree, warm milk, and espresso, all blended together in about 5 minutes. Starbucks copycat but better!
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While pumpkin cream cold brew is my warm-up drink for the season, a pumpkin spice latte is hands down my seasonal fave! I wait for it all year, and I’ll fully own how basic that makes me; (sorry, not sorry!) But here’s what bugs me about buying one from the big “S” (cough… Starbucks), it’s mostly syrup, with barely any actual pumpkin in it. So when I make a pumpkin spice latte at home, I use real pumpkin puree, and to me it just tastes warmer and more like actual pumpkin instead of a flavor packet. So while some might say this is a Starbucks copycat, it’s really better.
Recipe testing notes
For the past 10 years, I’ve tested every recipe multiple times before sharing it! These notes give you a peek into my process of developing and testing.
The blender is my bff when it comes to making a pumpkin spice latte at home, because it really gets everything mixed and actually keeps it mixed. When I just stirred it together, the pumpkin kind of settled and it went flat, but blending it all up gets the milk foamy so it looks and feels like the ones from the coffee shop. I blend everything except the coffee first, then add the coffee and blend again, and that gives me the best foam on top.
Warm the milk before it goes in! That took me a couple of tries to figure out. The blending cools the whole thing down, so if I started with cold milk, I ended up with a lukewarm latte, which isn’t what I want when it’s supposed to be hot. Warm milk going in means it’s still hot when I pour it.
The first time I made a pumpkin spice latte at home, I used regular brewed coffee; the pumpkin and milk kind of drowned it out, and I couldn’t really taste the coffee at all. So I use strong coffee or espresso now, and it holds its own against everything else. And like anything with pumpkin, taste it and adjust the sugar and spice to what you like, because that’s the fun of making it yourself.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
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Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients
- Pumpkin puree: I use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Since this pumpkin spice latte recipe only needs a small amount, I usually refrigerate or freeze the rest for another recipe instead of letting the open can sit around.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A little goes into the latte, with more on top if I want it. Pumpkin pie spice blends vary a bit by brand, so if mine is especially heavy on cloves or nutmeg, I may use slightly less.
- Sweetener and vanilla: Cane sugar and vanilla extract go right into the blender. If I want the latte less sweet, this is the easiest thing to adjust since there is no premade pumpkin syrup involved.
- Milk: I warm the milk before blending. Whole milk will froth up a little more, but you can use whatever milk you normally keep at home.
- Coffee: Strong coffee or espresso both work. I want it hot when I add it because it gets blended with the milk mixture instead of being poured over it afterward.
- For serving: Whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice are optional, but I usually add both when I am really leaning into the whole homemade pumpkin spice latte feel.
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
These step-by-step photos walk you through how to make a Pumpkin Spice Latte. For the full ingredient list and detailed instructions, head to the recipe card below, or skip straight to the → Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe below
1. Combine the Pumpkin Mixture
Using a high-speed blender, add all the ingredients except for the coffee: pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, cane sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
2. Blend Until Smooth and Frothy
Blend until the pumpkin is completely mixed in and there are no streaks or clumps of pumpkin spice left in the milk.
3. Add the Hot Coffee
Pour the hot coffee or espresso into the blender with the pumpkin mixture, then blend again until everything is combined.
4. Blend One More Time
I stop once the latte looks smooth and foamy on top. Pour it into cups and finish with whipped cream and another sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice if I want.
Full DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon pumpkin purée
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice plus more for serving
- 1 ½ tablespoon cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk warmed
- ½ cup strong coffee or espresso
- Whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Using a high speed blender add all the ingredients except for the coffee: pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, cane sugar, vanilla extract and milk. Blend until smooth and consistent. Then pour the hot coffee into the blender and blend again until it’s all mixed together – about 2 minutes all together.
- Pour the latte into two cups and garnish with whipped cream, pumpkin spice, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Tips
- Do not fill the blender too high. Hot liquids expand and create steam when blended, so I leave plenty of room in the blender and make sure the lid is secure.
- Make it ahead of time. This recipe can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat and blend and reheat.
- Experiment with ingredient amounts. This is a pretty forgiving recipe, so if you want more or less of something, go for it! If you want more pumpkin flavor, add a little extra puree. If you want it sweeter, add a little extra sugar. Etc.
Troubleshooting
For the creamiest latte, it’s best to use whole milk, but to reduce the calorie and fat content, you can use 1 or 2%. To make these vegan, use plant-based milk such as almond, coconut, or oat.
The milk may not have been warm enough, or it may just need a little more blending. Some milks also froth more easily than others, so the amount of foam can vary.
The coffee is probably too mild for the amount of milk in the recipe. I use strong brewed coffee or espresso so the coffee still comes through after everything is blended together.
Comments
So delicious! Better than at the café! Thank you for the recipe. It will be on repeat next fall/winter.
Aww, that makes me happy to hear! So glad you liked it!!
My autistic teen son is a pumpkin spice latte fiend and with it being a seasonal item, he was very sad Starbucks no longer had it. THANK YOU FOR SAVING THE DAY! This is an AMAZING copycat flavor-wise and I LOVE it’s so much more healthy. Thank you again for a wonderful recipe!
Aww, that makes me so happy to hear!! Thank you, Kels! So glad you and your son love the recipe!!
Delish! Made for Christmas day treat. I used my immersion blender because I’m too lazy to dig out my blender -worked perfectly.
Oh that’s so perfect! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. Merry Christmas!
Hi. Thank you for the recipe. Can you, please, share what those double wall mugs are? I love the shape. Also, every recipe you post that I try works. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Yuliya! The double wall glasses are from Tea Forte, here’s the link: https://amzlink.to/az0n6HduiEG0y
My boys and I love it. Thank you for posting it.
Amazing! So happy you and your boys love it, thank you!!
good
So happy you liked it!
I love a nice pumpkin spice latte but this was just gross.
Sorry it didn’t turn out how you had hoped, Peyton. What did you dislike, specifically?
Delish!! Thanks for this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
how many espresso shots equates to half a cup?
One shot of espresso is usually equal to about 1 ounce, so a half cup would be 4 standard espresso shots.
I’m sure it would be just as tasty cold?
Yes! Just blend everything together and pour over ice.
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