How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte

Have you ever taken a sip of a pumpkin spice latte and thought, Wow, I wish I could make this at home without the long lines and high prices? You’re not alone! Starbucks has sold over 424 million Pumpkin Spice Lattes since its launch in 2003, making it one of the most popular seasonal drinks ever.

But here’s the good news—you don’t need to wait in line or spend $6 on a cup. This homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe is quick, easy, and even better than Starbucks because it’s made with real pumpkin puree, warm spices, and creamy-frothed milk. No fancy espresso machine is required! With a Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother, you can whip up a perfectly frothy, coffeehouse-style PSL in minutes!

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 1

Ingredients

For the Latte:

• • • ½ cup espresso or strong brewed coffee
    • 1 cup hot milk (whole, oat, almond, or your favorite)
    • 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
    • 2 tablespoons sugar 
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Topping:

• • • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
    • ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
    • A pinch of pumpkin pie spice (for garnish)

Zulay Says: Using high-quality pumpkin puree makes a huge difference in flavor. If using canned, go for organic pumpkin for a richer taste!

Instructions: 

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture

Brew ½ cup espresso (or strong coffee) using a French press, or espresso maker. If using instant coffee, dissolve 1-2 teaspoons in ½ cup hot water.

In your favorite large coffee mug, combine 3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract with the espresso. Stir well using a spoon until fully combined.

Step 2: Froth the Milk

Heat 1 cup of milk until hot but not boiling. Then, use a frother to create a light, airy foam that gives your latte a rich and creamy texture. Slowly pour the frothed milk over your pumpkin-spiced espresso mixture. If you don’t have a frother, whisk the milk vigorously or shake it in a sealed jar before pouring.

Step 3: Whip the Cream & Serve

In a small bowl, use your frother again to whip ¼ cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Spoon the whipped cream over the latte. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice for that extra fall touch. Enjoy your homemade pumpkin spice latte—cozy vibes are guaranteed!

Tips & Variations for the Best PSL

• To make it vegan, swap dairy milk for oat, almond, or coconut milk, and use coconut whipped cream.
• Replace sugar with maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar.
• Add an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for a bolder flavor.
• Make it cold by serving over ice and using chilled frothed milk.
• Use decaf espresso or coffee for a caffeine-free treat.

Health Benefits of a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin isn’t just for flavor—it’s loaded with Vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants that support immune function, eye health, and digestion, making it a powerhouse ingredient in your Pumpkin Spice Latte. Espresso adds a natural caffeine boost without artificial additives, giving you steady energy while delivering antioxidants that protect your cells. The warm spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger does more than create that signature fall flavor. These spices help stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, aid digestion, and even boost metabolism. Meanwhile, milk and cream provide calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which are essential for strong bones and muscle function. Unlike the artificial syrups in store-bought lattes, this homemade version fuels your body with real, wholesome ingredients that support overall wellness, making it the perfect cozy and nourishing drink to enjoy all season long.

Make Your Own Pumpkin Spiced Latte Today!

This homemade pumpkin spice latte is rich, creamy, and packed with real pumpkin, bold espresso, and those signature fall spices that make every sip feel like a seasonal celebration. Plus, making it at home means you get to control the sweetness, spice level, and ingredients—no artificial syrups, just pure, comforting flavor.

Skip the long coffee shop lines, save a few bucks, and treat yourself to a barista-level PSL right from your kitchen. So, grab your favorite mug, whip up a batch, and enjoy every sip of this homemade fall favorite!

Tried it? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to tag @zulay@kitchen on social media using #kitchenhappiness—we love seeing your creations!

Kitchen Tools You Need for the Perfect PSL

Want to make barista-quality lattes at home? These Zulay Kitchen essentials make the process easier and more fun:

• • Milk Frother – Perfect for creating café-style foamy milk in seconds!
  • Citrus Juicer – Ideal for making fresh lemon or orange zest to brighten up fall drinks.
  • Zulay Knife Set – A must-have for prepping fresh ingredients for seasonal recipes.

Upgrade your kitchen game with these tools and make every cup extra special!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Can I make a pumpkin spice latte without an espresso machine?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an espresso machine, simply use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder. A French press or an Aeropress also works great for making rich, bold coffee!

What’s the best milk for a pumpkin spice latte?

Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk are great dairy-free alternatives that still create a delicious frothy latte!

Can I use a different sweetener?

Absolutely! You can easily swap white sugar for various natural and unrefined sweeteners to suit your preference. Maple syrup adds a deep, caramel-like richness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and spices, while honey brings natural floral notes and extra antioxidants. Coconut sugar is a great alternative with a lower glycemic index, making it a good choice for those watching their blood sugar levels. If you prefer a sugar-free option, stevia or monk fruit sweetener work well and won’t compromise the flavor of your latte. Just adjust the amount based on the sweetness level you prefer!

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can easily make a DIY pumpkin spice blend at home with common pantry spices. Just mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, and ⅛ teaspoon of cloves to create a warm, aromatic blend that mimics store-bought pumpkin pie spice. 

You can also tweak the ratios to suit your taste—add more cinnamon for warmth, extra nutmeg for a deeper, nutty flavor, or a pinch of allspice for extra complexity. Making your spice blend is a great way to control the freshness and balance of flavors while saving money!