Craving the warm, comforting flavors of fall in a cup? This Pumpkin Spice Latte is the ultimate Cozy Fall Drink, made with real pumpkin puree, fragrant spices, and a touch of maple syrup for a homemade twist on the coffee shop classic. Perfect for crisp mornings or cozy afternoons, this gluten-free recipe is easy to whip up and fully customizable. Enjoy a Pumpkin Spice Latte that brings autumn’s charm right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice Latte
I’m obsessed with this Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe because it’s a delightful Cozy Fall Drink that captures the essence of fall with minimal effort. The blend of real pumpkin, warm spices, and frothy milk creates a rich, creamy texture that rivals any café. It’s gluten-free, customizable with your favorite milk, and lets you control the sweetness. Whether you’re sipping it solo or sharing it with friends, this latte is perfect for embracing the season’s cozy vibes.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Latte
Here’s what you’ll need for Pumpkin Spice Latte (serves 2):
- ¼ cup pure pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin, gluten-free)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or mix ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ⅛ tsp ginger, ⅛ tsp clove)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- 2 cups milk (dairy, oat, almond, or soy; gluten-free)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (gluten-free)
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso
- Optional: whipped cream (gluten-free), cinnamon, or nutmeg for garnish
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Coffee mugs
Ingredient Tips
- Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for authentic flavor.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Store-bought or homemade; ensure gluten-free certification.
- Milk: Oat milk froths well; check for gluten-free labeling on non-dairy options.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness; brown sugar offers a caramel note.
- Coffee: Bold coffee or espresso ensures a robust base.
Directions for Pumpkin Spice Latte
Let’s create this heartwarming Pumpkin Spice Latte!
Prepare the Pumpkin Milk Base
In a small saucepan over medium heat, I whisk together ¼ cup pumpkin puree, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 2 cups milk. I stir constantly until steaming (not boiling), about 3–4 minutes, to keep it smooth and preserve flavor.
Add Vanilla
I remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract for a sweet, aromatic touch.
Froth the Mixture
For a café-style foam, I blend the mixture with an immersion blender for 30 seconds or whisk vigorously until frothy. This step is optional but elevates the Pumpkin Spice Latte texture.
Assemble the Latte
I pour ¼ cup strong coffee or 1 shot espresso into each of two mugs. I slowly add half the pumpkin milk mixture to each mug, stirring gently to create a beautiful swirl.
Garnish and Serve
I top each Pumpkin Spice Latte with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, then serve immediately for a warm, cozy experience.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Calories: ~200 kcal per serving (with dairy milk, no whipped cream)
- Macros per Serving: 25g carbs, 8g protein, 8g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Pumpkin Spice Latte
Try these twists on Pumpkin Spice Latte:
- Vegan Option: Use oat or almond milk and skip whipped cream for a dairy-free Cozy Fall Drink.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy Cozy Fall Drink.
- Chai Twist: Replace coffee with brewed chai tea for a pumpkin chai latte.
- Sweeter Sip: Use brown sugar instead of maple syrup for a caramel flavor.
- Iced Version: Chill the pumpkin milk base and serve over ice with cold brew.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Layla Cooks’ Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce for a cozy meal.
- Enjoy with a pumpkin muffin or scone for a complete Cozy Fall Drink experience.
- Serve at a fall brunch with cinnamon rolls or apple pastries.
Storage
- I store any leftover pumpkin milk base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until steaming, about 2–3 minutes.
- I mix with fresh coffee or espresso before serving.
- I don’t recommend freezing, as the milk may separate, but if needed, freeze for up to 1 month and thaw overnight before reheating.
- I add a fresh cinnamon sprinkle to revive the flavor.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte in clear mugs to show off the frothy layers.
- Garnish: Top with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, or star anise for a festive touch.
- Pairing: Enjoy with a crisp apple cider or herbal tea to complement Pumpkin Spice Latte.
- Temperature: Serve hot for the coziest experience; chill for an iced option.
- Portion Size: One mug (about 1 cup) per person for a satisfying sip.
FAQs About Pumpkin Spice Latte
Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No, pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can overpower the latte. Stick to 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
What milk works best for frothing?
Oat milk and dairy milk froth beautifully, creating a creamy texture. Almond or soy milk can work but may produce less foam; ensure they’re gluten-free.
Can I make this without coffee?
Yes! Replace coffee with brewed chai tea or hot chocolate for a caffeine-free or kid-friendly version.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce maple syrup to 1 tbsp or use a sugar-free sweetener. Taste the pumpkin milk base before combining with coffee to adjust sweetness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and milk (check oat milk for cross-contamination).
More Summer Dessert Ideas You’ll Love
- Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake (with sponge cake)
- Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Sweet, Simple Deligh
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Spice Latte offers a fresh take on autumn drinks, with real pumpkin and gluten-free ingredients that anyone can make. With its warm spices and creamy texture, it’s a perfect Cozy Fall Drink for crisp mornings or relaxing afternoons. Save this recipe for your next fall gathering, and let the cozy vibes fill your kitchen!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin and labeled gluten-free
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice use a certified gluten-free brand or homemade blend with gluten-free spices
- 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or packed light brown sugar confirm gluten-free label
- 1 cup milk use dairy or a gluten-free plant-based milk—oat, almond, or soy work well
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots of espresso
- Gluten-free whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Extra cinnamon or nutmeg certified gluten-free, for garnish
Instructions
- MAKE THE PUMPKIN MILK BASE: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup, and gluten-free milk. Heat the mixture until steaming but not boiling, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- ADD THE VANILLA: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the gluten-free vanilla extract.
- BLEND FOR FROTHINESS (OPTIONAL): For a frothy texture, blend the hot milk mixture using an immersion blender or a small whisk until it becomes light and airy.
- POUR OVER COFFEE: In a large mug, add the brewed coffee or espresso. Slowly pour the pumpkin milk mixture over the coffee and stir gently to combine.
- TOP AND SERVE: Spoon gluten-free whipped cream on top if using, and sprinkle with a pinch of gluten-free cinnamon or nutmeg. Serve hot.
Notes
- Always check product labels to ensure each ingredient is certified gluten-free, especially vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and plant-based milks.
- If using oat milk, confirm it is labeled gluten-free, as oats are often processed with wheat.
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