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Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte – Easy Homemade Recipe

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte - featured image
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This homemade pumpkin spice latte is creamy, spiced just right, and ready in under 10 minutes. Made with real pumpkin purée and simple pantry ingredients, it tastes even better than the coffee shop version and costs pennies to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée (100% pure, not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or maple syrup, honey, or preferred sweetener)
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (store-bought or homemade blend)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract recommended)
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee (or 2 shots espresso; dark roast recommended)
  • 1 cup milk of choice (whole milk or oat milk recommended for creaminess)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
  • Extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

  1. Brew your coffee or espresso. While it brews, start the pumpkin mixture. Use a dark roast and brew slightly stronger than usual (about 2 tablespoons grounds per 6 ounces water). Set the brewed coffee aside in your mug.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk together until a thick, uniform paste forms. Do not turn on the heat yet.
  3. Add about 2 tablespoons of milk to the paste and whisk vigorously until smooth and lump-free, forming a thin slurry. This prevents clumps in the final drink.
  4. Add the remaining milk (about 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons) to the saucepan. Place over medium heat and whisk frequently until small bubbles form around the edges and steam rises (about 150°F to 160°F). Do not boil. This takes 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Optional: For a frothy texture, use a handheld frother or transfer the hot milk mixture to a French press and pump the plunger for 15 to 20 seconds to create foam.
  6. Pour the hot pumpkin milk mixture into the mug with the brewed coffee. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if desired.
  7. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use 100% pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling). The paste-and-slurry method (steps 2-3) is crucial for a smooth, creamy texture without clumps. For a dairy-free version, oat milk is recommended as it froths well and has natural sweetness. The pumpkin base mixture can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. For a stronger coffee flavor, use 2 shots of espresso or reduce milk to 3/4 cup.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin spice latte, copycat Starbucks, homemade PSL, fall coffee drink, pumpkin latte recipe, easy pumpkin spice latte

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/copycat-starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte-easy-homemade-recipe/