Pumpkin Spice Latte – a homemade recipe for pumpkin latte full of autumn aroma
Discover the famous beverage that has become the symbol of autumn. Warm, creamy, with a hint of aromatic spice and the gentle sweetness of pumpkin – the one and only Pumpkin Spice Latte. It’s a little ritual that returns to cafés – and to our homes – as soon as the first leaves begin to fall. Today we’ll show you how to make Pumpkin Spice Latte at home so that it tastes like a barista‑crafted masterpiece – or perhaps even better!
Our recipe uses only a handful of ingredients: good espresso, milk, pumpkin puree and a homemade blend of warming spices. Sounds simple? That’s exactly the point! The Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe requires no special skills – just a little passion, a touch of quality coffee and a pinch of autumn magic.
Summary:
- What is Pumpkin Spice Latte – the famous pumpkin latte?
- How to make Pumpkin Spice Latte at home – step by step recipe
- Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe – how to achieve that perfect pumpkin latte flavour?
What is Pumpkin Spice Latte – the famous pumpkin latte?
Although it might seem that pumpkin latte is a fairly recent invention, its story already spans several decades. It originated in the United States, where coffee with spices and pumpkin puree quickly became an inseparable part of autumn. Today Pumpkin Spice Latte captures the hearts of coffee lovers around the world – from New York to Berlin, Prague to Kraków. Wherever coffee is served, there’s a place for that golden, aromatic pumpkin cup.
Why has this particular combination become such a hit? The secret lies in the balance of flavours: the intensity of espresso meets the delicacy of milk and the warmth of spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. It’s this famous blend – pumpkin spice – that forms the soul of the drink. Interestingly, traditional recipes don’t always contain actual pumpkin; it’s the spices that create the characteristic “autumn” taste and aroma. Nowadays, however, more and more people add roasted pumpkin puree for a natural sweetness and creamy texture.
🎃 Did you know? Where did “pumpkin spice” come from? Despite its name, original pumpkin spice contains not a gram of pumpkin. It’s a mixture of spices – usually cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and sometimes allspice – originally used for pumpkin pies. Eventually it made its way into coffee, and the result captured tastebuds all around the globe.
Pumpkin in a cup has turned out to be much more than a seasonal trend. Pumpkin Latte has become a culinary phenomenon – a symbol of cosiness, warmth and aromatic pleasure that accompanies shorter days and crisp mornings. Its versions differ from country to country and with every barista’s imagination: some add vanilla or maple syrup, others experiment with alternative milks – almond, oat or coconut.
Pumpkin Spice Latte is not just a coffee – it’s a feeling, a memory and an invitation to slow down. No wonder more and more people reach for a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe to create their own calming autumn ritual – no queues, no rush, just a cup of comfort in their hands.
How to make Pumpkin Spice Latte at home – step by step recipe
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte is simpler than you might think – you only need a few ingredients to create a drink that tastes like it came from a speciality coffee shop. Good espresso and the right balance of spices are the key to success. If you have a milk frother or an espresso machine with a steam wand, you can prepare it in less than ten minutes! Below you’ll find our Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe, which achieves the perfect balance between the sweetness of pumpkin and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Ingredients for homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
To prepare one serving, you’ll need:
- 1 shot of espresso (about 30-40 ml) – use your favourite coffee
- 200 ml milk (dairy or a plant‑based alternative such as oat or almond milk)
- 1-2 teaspoons of roasted pumpkin puree
- ½ teaspoon of “pumpkin spice” (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and a pinch of allspice)
- 1 teaspoon of raw cane sugar or honey (optional – use maple syrup for a richer sweetness)
- Whipped cream for decorating
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting on top
For the best results, we recommend Brazilian coffees roasted to a light‑medium profile. They offer gentle notes of chocolate and nuts that pair beautifully with warm spices. If you prefer a more intense Italian‑style espresso, try Coffee Broastery – Amico dall’Italia Espresso Roast.
🎃☕ Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe – preparation
Making a Pumpkin Latte is pure pleasure. After a few attempts you’ll instinctively find your perfect ratios and temperature. Here’s how to create your own home version of this aromatic classic – our pumpkin latte recipe step by step:
- 1️⃣ Pumpkin puree – bake hokkaido or butternut pumpkin at around 180 °C for 30-40 minutes until soft. Blend the flesh into a smooth puree. If you don’t have time, use ready‑made pumpkin puree (without additives).
- 2️⃣ “Pumpkin spice” mix – combine cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and a pinch of allspice in a 3:2:1:1:1 ratio. Prepare more and store in an airtight jar for months.
- 3️⃣ Flavour base – in a saucepan, heat the milk with a teaspoon of sugar and the pumpkin puree. When it’s warm but not boiling, add the spice blend and stir well. The drink will develop its beautiful colour and fragrance.
- 4️⃣ Espresso – brew a shot of aromatic coffee. Brazilian beans work wonderfully, offering a naturally sweet, chocolaty taste.
- 5️⃣ Combine – pour freshly brewed espresso into a cup, then slowly add the warm pumpkin milk. Finish with frothed milk or a dollop of whipped cream.
- 6️⃣ Decoration – sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top. For a touch of indulgence, add a little caramel or maple syrup.
Done! Your homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe has come to life in your cup. It tastes best in the company of a blanket, a good book and some autumn music in the background.
P.S. If you don’t own an espresso machine, replace the espresso with strong coffee from a moka pot or an alternative method such as AeroPress or French Press. The key is fresh, high‑quality beans ground just before brewing – ideally from our shop CoffeeBroastery.com.
Pumpkin and coffee prove that even on cold days you can find a little sunshine in a cup. Combine espresso aroma with velvety milk and spices, and every stir of your spoon will become your own cosy autumn ritual.
Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe – how to achieve the perfect pumpkin latte flavour?
Now you already know how to make Pumpkin Spice Latte at home – so let’s perfect the flavour! It’s the details that transform a good coffee into a small work of art. The perfect pumpkin latte requires a balance between the intensity of espresso, the sweetness of pumpkin puree and the warmth of spices. Here are a few practical tips to help you achieve the best result.
First of all – espresso. It provides the drink’s depth and character. Use freshly roasted, high‑quality beans. Brazilian coffees work brilliantly – their natural sweetness and nutty, chocolaty notes blend seamlessly with pumpkin and cinnamon. If you prefer a richer, bolder flavour, choose Coffee Broastery – Amico dall’Italia Espresso Roast.
Pay attention to the balance of sweetness. Pumpkin puree already contains natural sugars, so avoid over‑sweetening. A teaspoon of brown sugar or honey is enough to maintain harmony. For a more refined flavour, add a tiny pinch of salt – it highlights the aroma and depth of the spices and espresso.
The texture of the milk is just as important. The ideal temperature is around 60-65 °C, making it velvety and naturally sweet without scalding it. Milk that’s too hot can burn the flavour, while too cold won’t mix properly with the coffee. To create the perfect foam, use a steam wand or a hand frother.
Feeling creative? Try an Iced Pumpkin Latte – cool the coffee and milk and serve with ice cubes for a refreshing version. For a vegan option, use oat or coconut milk for natural sweetness and extra creaminess. If you’d like a decaf version, simply reach for caffeine‑free beans and enjoy the autumn flavour any time of day.
The ready pumpkin latte is a soothing, mood‑setting ritual that blends flavour, aroma and a moment of pause. Whether you drink it in the morning or in the evening under a blanket – let each sip warm you from the inside out!
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Pumpkin Spice Latte
1. Can you make Pumpkin Latte without pumpkin?
Yes! If you don’t have fresh pumpkin on hand or don’t want to take the time to bake and blend it, you can skip the puree and use just the pumpkin spice mix. That’s what gives the drink its warm, cosy aroma.
You can also use ready‑made pumpkin puree (puree or pulp) available in shops – a quick and convenient alternative to homemade. In a pinch, a gentle unsweetened pumpkin baby puree will do – it has a smooth texture and natural taste that works perfectly in autumn coffee.
Whichever option you choose, the result will be delicious – aromatic, creamy and full of autumn warmth.
2. How long can you store pumpkin puree or pumpkin spice?
Homemade pumpkin puree keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days in a sealed container. You can also freeze it in small portions and use it whenever you crave a homemade pumpkin latte. As for the spice blend, store it in a jar with a lid, away from light and moisture – it will stay fragrant for several months.
3. Can espresso be replaced with filter coffee?
Absolutely! The classic Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe is based on espresso, but you can use filter coffee, a moka pot or a French Press instead. The drink will be less intense but just as flavourful. For the best results, use freshly ground beans and brew with the right coffee accessories.
4. How can I make a less sweet version of Pumpkin Spice Latte?
If you’re not a fan of sweet coffees, simply reduce the amount of sugar or honey – or omit it altogether. Pumpkin puree has its own natural sweetness, so the latte will still have a pleasant balance. Another great way to enhance flavour without more sugar is a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of salt – they deepen and highlight the taste of espresso and spices.
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