Pumpkin Spice Latte
Make a cozy pumpkin spice latte with real pumpkin, espresso, and warm spices. Easy steps, dairy-free tips, and frothing hacks.
Yield: 1 Beverage
- Use real pumpkin puree for a fuller pumpkin flavor and a slightly thick, pulpy texture.
- Four simple steps: brew espresso, heat milk, combine with pumpkin and spice, then froth and garnish.
- Easy swaps: canned or frozen puree, plant milks, and simple ways to froth without a steamer.
Preparation Instructions:
1. Brew espresso in espresso machine or moka pot
2. Heat milk in microwave, small saucepan, or with steamer on espresso machine, until slightly hotter than desired drinking temperature.
3. Combine all ingredients using blender, immersion blender, or whisk.
4. Garnish with milk foam or whipped cream and a dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice.
More About This Recipe
Either canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin puree will work in this pumpkin spice latte recipe. If making your own puree, you can measure it out ahead of time in an ice cube tray and freeze it, then save the frozen pumpkin cubes in a zip bag until you’re ready to use them. Feel free to substitute the Milk for Soy Milk, Almond Milk, or Rice Milk, but keep in mind that you will want to adjust the sugar if the milk is sweetened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pumpkin or pumpkin pie filling?
Use canned pumpkin puree or homemade puree. Do not use pumpkin pie filling because it already has sugar and spices. Measure 2 tablespoons of puree per serving, or thaw frozen pumpkin cubes first.
How do I make this latte dairy-free or vegan?
Swap the milk for soy, almond, or rice milk. Replace honey with sugar, maple syrup, or agave. Use dairy-free whipped topping if you like a creamier garnish.
What are quick ways to froth milk without an espresso steamer?
Heat milk until a bit hotter than you want to drink, then: shake it in a sealed jar for 30 to 60 seconds, pump a French press up and down, whisk vigorously, or use an electric handheld frother or immersion blender.
Can I make this without an espresso machine?
Yes. Substitute 2 ounces of espresso with about 1/2 cup of very strong brewed coffee, a concentrated moka pot shot, or dissolved instant espresso. Adjust the strength to taste.
How can I reduce the pulp or make the latte smoother?
For a smoother drink, use a fine mesh sieve to strain the puree, blend longer with an immersion blender, or choose a very smooth canned pumpkin. You can also cut the puree to 1 tablespoon if you want less thickness.
How should I store pumpkin puree and leftover latte?
Refrigerate fresh pumpkin puree for 3 to 4 days. Freeze measured puree in an ice cube tray and transfer cubes to a bag for up to 3 months. A made latte will keep for about 24 hours in the fridge but may separate. Reheat gently and whisk or blend before serving.
How do I adjust sweetness and spice level?
Start with 2 teaspoons sugar or honey and taste. Add more if you prefer sweeter. Increase pumpkin pie spice by 1/4 teaspoon at a time for a stronger spice profile. Use unsweetened plant milk and add sweetener gradually to control sugar.
Can I use canned pumpkin or pumpkin pie filling?
Use canned pumpkin puree or homemade puree. Do not use pumpkin pie filling because it already has sugar and spices. Measure 2 tablespoons of puree per serving, or thaw frozen pumpkin cubes first.
How do I make this latte dairy-free or vegan?
Swap the milk for soy, almond, or rice milk. Replace honey with sugar, maple syrup, or agave. Use dairy-free whipped topping if you like a creamier garnish.
What are quick ways to froth milk without an espresso steamer?
Heat milk until a bit hotter than you want to drink, then: shake it in a sealed jar for 30 to 60 seconds, pump a French press up and down, whisk vigorously, or use an electric handheld frother or immersion blender.
Can I make this without an espresso machine?
Yes. Substitute 2 ounces of espresso with about 1/2 cup of very strong brewed coffee, a concentrated moka pot shot, or dissolved instant espresso. Adjust the strength to taste.
How can I reduce the pulp or make the latte smoother?
For a smoother drink, use a fine mesh sieve to strain the puree, blend longer with an immersion blender, or choose a very smooth canned pumpkin. You can also cut the puree to 1 tablespoon if you want less thickness.
How should I store pumpkin puree and leftover latte?
Refrigerate fresh pumpkin puree for 3 to 4 days. Freeze measured puree in an ice cube tray and transfer cubes to a bag for up to 3 months. A made latte will keep for about 24 hours in the fridge but may separate. Reheat gently and whisk or blend before serving.
How do I adjust sweetness and spice level?
Start with 2 teaspoons sugar or honey and taste. Add more if you prefer sweeter. Increase pumpkin pie spice by 1/4 teaspoon at a time for a stronger spice profile. Use unsweetened plant milk and add sweetener gradually to control sugar.
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