Craving a Pumpkin Spice Latte but don’t want to head to Starbucks every day? This easy, step-by-step guide will show you how to make a delicious copycat version at home. With just a few ingredients and tools, you can enjoy this fall favorite anytime.
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
For the Pumpkin Sauce:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp. pumpkin spice seasoning
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend the sauce for a smoother texture (optional).
- Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.
For the Pumpkin Spice Latte:
- Ingredients:
- ¼ cup pumpkin sauce
- 2 oz. espresso
- 8 oz. milk (whole, 2%, or non-dairy)
- Optional: Whipped cream and cinnamon
- Instructions:
- Brew 2 oz. of espresso.
- Warm and froth 8 oz. of milk.
- Mix pumpkin sauce and espresso in a cup.
- Add frothed milk and garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon.
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
To make a Pumpkin Spice Latte, you’ll need:
- Pumpkin Sauce
- Espresso
- Milk
- Optional: Whipped Cream
Let’s break down these ingredients and the steps to make your latte.
Espresso
Espresso is the foundation of your latte. If you have an espresso machine, you’re all set. But don’t worry if you don’t—there are other options like a K-Cup machine, a Moka pot, or even instant espresso. If you’re new to making espresso at home, I recommend trying a Moka pot. It’s affordable, easy to use, and makes great espresso. Brands like Bialetti and Grosche offer reliable options, but even the cheapest Moka pot can do the job well.
- Tip: Watch a video tutorial on using a Moka pot if you’re unfamiliar with it. You’ll see how simple it is to brew espresso this way.
Milk
Frothed milk is essential for a good latte. You can use any type of milk—dairy or non-dairy. At Starbucks, 2% milk is the standard, but feel free to use whatever you prefer. To froth the milk, you can warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop and whisk it vigorously. However, if you plan to make lattes often, consider investing in a milk frother. Manual frothers like the Ninja Frother or electric ones like the MilkBoss by Zulay Kitchen are great options.
- Tip: If you’re using a frother for the first time, check out some reviews and tutorials to see which one suits your needs best.
Pumpkin Sauce
The Pumpkin Sauce is what gives your latte that signature flavor. It’s easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp. pumpkin spice seasoning (optional)
To make the sauce:
- Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- For a smoother sauce, blend it in a smoothie cup or food processor. This step is optional but recommended.
- Tip: Make a batch of sauce ahead of time so you can whip up lattes throughout the week without any extra prep.
Assembling Your Pumpkin Spice Latte
Now that you have all your components ready, let’s put it all together.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup pumpkin sauce
- 2 oz. espresso
- 8 oz. milk
- Whipped cream and cinnamon (optional)
Steps:
- Prepare the Espresso: Brew your espresso using your preferred method.
- Warm and Froth the Milk: Heat your milk and froth it using a whisk or a frother.
- Mix: In a 16 oz. cup, combine 2 oz. of pumpkin sauce with the espresso. Stir well.
- Pour the Milk: Add the frothed milk to the pumpkin-espresso mixture.
- Garnish: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra touch.
- Tip: Use a clear glass mug if you have one. It makes the drink look even more inviting!
Final Thoughts
And that’s it! You’ve just made a delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte right in your own kitchen. Not only does this save you money, but it’s also a fun way to bring the taste of fall into your home. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Enjoy your cozy, homemade treat!
Notes
The nutrition information provided does not include whipped cream and uses non-fat milk.
