Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

This homemade pumpkin spice latte is creamy, warmly spiced, and—dare I say it?—even better than Starbucks. It is made on the stovetop with real pumpkin puree, strong coffee, milk, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice, and it is ready in about 10 minutes.

I first shared this recipe way back in 2011, and it is still one of my favorite ways to welcome pumpkin spice season. I love a coffee shop treat as much as anybody, but I do not love paying coffee shop prices when I can make something this good in my own kitchen.

This homemade version uses simple ingredients you may already have on hand, and you can adjust the sugar to make it exactly as sweet as you like. Finish it with a big swirl of whipped cream and a little cinnamon on top, and you have a cozy fall coffee drink without leaving the house!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

• It tastes better than Starbucks. It is rich, creamy, and full of real pumpkin and warm spices.
• It is quick and easy. The whole recipe comes together on the stovetop in about 10 minutes.
• No espresso machine is needed. Strong brewed coffee works beautifully.
• You control the sweetness. Use 2 tablespoons of sugar for a less-sweet latte or 3 tablespoons if you like yours sweeter.
• It makes enough to share. The recipe yields a little over 2 cups – enough for one very large mug or two smaller drinks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Milk: Use your favorite milk. Whole milk will make the richest, creamiest pumpkin latte, but 2% milk also works well. A non-dairy milk such as oat or almond milk can be used, although the finished texture may be a little different.
• Canned pumpkin: Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not sweetened pumpkin pie filling. The real pumpkin gives the latte body, flavor, and that beautiful fall color.
• Sugar: Two to 3 tablespoons lets you sweeten the drink to your own taste. Brown sugar can be substituted for a slightly deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla rounds out the coffee and brings out the sweetness of the pumpkin.
• Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon: These warm spices give the drink its classic pumpkin spice flavor.
• Strong brewed coffee: Brew the coffee stronger than you normally would so its flavor does not disappear once the milk and pumpkin are added.
• Whipped cream: This is technically optional, but that fluffy topping and sprinkle of cinnamon make a homemade latte feel extra special.

How To Make A Pumpkin Spice Latte

Add the milk, canned pumpkin, and sugar to a small saucepan. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until it is smooth and steaming, but do not let it boil.

Remove the saucepan from the heat, then stir in the vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.

Froth the pumpkin milk for about 15 seconds with a handheld milk frother, immersion blender, or electric mixer. You can also carefully transfer it to a blender; because the mixture is hot, make sure the lid is vented and do not fill the blender too full.

Pour the pumpkin milk into one large mug or divide it between two smaller mugs. Add the strong brewed coffee, then top each latte with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.

Tips For The Best Pumpkin Spice Latte

• Heat the milk until it is steaming, not boiling. Boiled milk can develop an unpleasant skin and may change the texture of the drink.
• Use fresh pumpkin pie spice. Older spices lose their fragrance and will not give the latte the same cozy fall flavor. I like to use my homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe.
• Start with 2 tablespoons of sugar, taste, and add the last tablespoon if needed.
• Froth the milk mixture before adding the coffee for the creamiest, coffee-shop-style finish.
• If your mug is not large enough, divide the recipe between two cups. It makes about 2 1/2 cups altogether.

More Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love

• Pumpkin Pie Fudge
• Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
• Perfect Pumpkin Blondies
• The BEST Pumpkin Pancakes
• Homemade Pumpkin Bread