Cozy Pumpkin Spice Latte

Nothing says fall comfort like a warm, creamy pumpkin spice latte that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas! Coffee lovers and pumpkin fans will absolutely adore this homemade version. The best part is you control exactly how much sweetness goes in – no sugar bombs here!

Recipe Details

Timing & Servings: Prep Time: 15 minutes, Total Time: 15 minutes, Serves: 1 person.

Nutrition Profile: High-Calcium, Bone Health, Nut-Free, Healthy Aging, Soy-Free, Vegetarian, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 147 Calories, 6g Fat, 17g Carbs, 6g Protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whole milk: You’ll need ¾ cup, but feel free to swap in your favorite unsweetened nut, soy, hemp or oat milk if you prefer. I love how creamy whole milk makes this latte, but any milk works great!

Pumpkin puree: Just 3 tablespoons of the real stuff – not pumpkin pie filling. This gives you that authentic pumpkin flavor and gorgeous orange color.

Pure maple syrup: One teaspoon adds just the right touch of natural sweetness. You can always adjust this to taste!

Ground nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon goes in the latte, plus extra for sprinkling on top. This spice really makes the fall flavors pop.

Cinnamon stick: One stick infuses the milk with warm cinnamon flavor and makes a pretty garnish too.

Espresso or strong coffee: About ¼ to ⅓ cup (one shot) gives you that perfect coffee kick. Use whatever strong coffee you love!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte

Step 1: Pour your milk into a small pot and set it over medium heat. Whisk in the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and nutmeg until everything’s well mixed. Drop in that cinnamon stick and let it work its magic!

Step 2: Heat the mixture just until it starts to simmer – you’ll see tiny bubbles around the edges. Don’t let it boil or it might curdle. Remove from heat right away.

Step 3: If you have a milk frother, now’s the time to use it for that café-style foam! Pour your fresh espresso or strong coffee into your favorite mug, then pour in the warm pumpkin milk mixture.

Step 4: Garnish with the cinnamon stick and a little sprinkle of nutmeg on top. Take a moment to smell that amazing aroma before your first sip!

Easy and Quick Pumpkin Spice Latte Version

Want this even faster? You can microwave the milk mixture instead! Just combine ¾ cup milk, 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg in a microwave-safe mug. Heat for 60-90 seconds, stir well, then add your coffee. Skip the cinnamon stick and just sprinkle some ground cinnamon on top instead!

Serving Ideas

This latte is perfect on its own as a cozy afternoon treat or morning pick-me-up. Pair it with a warm cinnamon scone, pumpkin muffin, or even just a simple buttered toast. It also makes a wonderful after-dinner drink when you want something warm but not too heavy.

Storage

This latte is best enjoyed fresh and hot right after making it. If you need to reheat it, warm it gently on the stove over low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. Don’t microwave it as the milk might separate.

Substitutions

No maple syrup? Try honey, brown sugar, or even a little vanilla syrup instead. Out of nutmeg? Extra cinnamon works great. Want it dairy-free? Any unsweetened plant milk will do the trick. Don’t have espresso? Strong brewed coffee or even instant coffee works perfectly fine!

Pro Tips

• Make it grown-up: Add a splash of bourbon, dark rum, or coffee liqueur like Kahlúa for an adult version!
• Froth without a frother: Whisk the hot milk mixture vigorously or use a French press to pump up and down for foam.
• Spice it up: Try adding a tiny pinch of ginger or allspice along with the nutmeg.
• Make it sweeter: Start with less maple syrup and add more to taste – you can always add but can’t take away!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the pumpkin milk mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently and add to fresh coffee when you’re ready to drink it!

What if I don’t have pumpkin puree?

You bet you can skip it! The drink will still taste amazing with just the spices. Or try mashed sweet potato for a similar flavor and color.

Is this really healthier than store-bought versions?

Sure is! You control the sugar content and use real pumpkin instead of artificial flavors. Most coffee shop versions have 3-4 times more sugar than this recipe.

Can I make multiple servings at once?

Absolutely! Just multiply all the ingredients by however many servings you want. The cooking method stays exactly the same.

I’d love to hear how your homemade pumpkin spice latte turns out! Did you try any fun variations or add your own special touch? Share your cozy coffee moments – there’s nothing quite like the perfect fall drink made with your own hands.