Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
A homemade pumpkin spice latte made with real pumpkin, warm spices, espresso and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream. Make a batch of the pumpkin syrup for the whole week.
The pumpkin spice latte is the drink of fall. It is espresso and steamed milk with a sweet pumpkin and spice sauce, finished with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice.
This version makes a quick pumpkin syrup with real pumpkin puree, sugar and spices. One batch makes enough for about 8 lattes and keeps in the fridge all week.
No espresso machine? Strong brewed coffee works too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Real pumpkin, not just flavoring
- Syrup for a whole week
- Hot or iced
- Much cheaper than the cafe
Ingredient Notes
Pumpkin puree: Use plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which already has sugar and spices.
Coffee: Two shots of espresso is the classic. 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee is a good substitute.
See the recipe card below for full measurements.
How to Make Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
Make the syrup
Simmer the pumpkin, sugar, water, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until slightly thick. Stir in the vanilla.
Strain if you like
For a smoother drink, pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer. Cool and refrigerate.
Brew the coffee
Pull 2 shots of espresso or brew 1/2 cup strong coffee into a mug. Stir in the pumpkin syrup.
Steam the milk
Heat the milk until steaming and froth it with a frother or by shaking it in a sealed jar.
Assemble
Pour the milk into the mug, holding back the foam, then spoon the foam on top.
Top and serve
Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
Tips for the Best Results
- For an iced latte, pour espresso and syrup over ice and add cold milk.
- Shake the syrup before using, since the pumpkin settles.
- Start with 2 tablespoons of syrup and add more to taste.
- Oat milk froths well if you prefer dairy-free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Gritty texture | Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve. |
| Weak pumpkin flavor | Add another tablespoon of syrup. |
| Flat foam | Heat the milk to steaming but not boiling before frothing. |
Substitutions
- Espresso: Strong brewed coffee or decaf.
- Whole milk: Oat, almond or 2 percent milk.
- Pumpkin pie spice: 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp nutmeg and a pinch of cloves.
What to Serve With It
- Easy banana bread
- Copycat Starbucks lemon loaf
- Classic pecan pie
- Easy pumpkin pie
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Keep the pumpkin syrup in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze the syrup in an ice cube tray for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Make lattes fresh. Warm cold syrup in the hot coffee before adding milk.
Tools That Make This Easier
- Handheld milk frotherMakes cafe-style foam.Check price on Amazon
- Espresso makerStrong coffee without a big machine.Check price on Amazon
- Glass syrup bottleStores the pumpkin syrup.Check price on Amazon
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Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
A homemade pumpkin spice latte made with real pumpkin, warm spices, espresso and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream. Make a batch of the pumpkin syrup for the whole week.
Ingredients
Pumpkin syrup (about 8 lattes)
One latte
Instructions
- Simmer the pumpkin, sugar, water, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until slightly thick. Stir in the vanilla.
- For a smoother drink, pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer. Cool and refrigerate.
- Pull 2 shots of espresso or brew 1/2 cup strong coffee into a mug. Stir in the pumpkin syrup.
- Heat the milk until steaming and froth it with a frother or by shaking it in a sealed jar.
- Pour the milk into the mug, holding back the foam, then spoon the foam on top.
- Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories
- 250 kcal
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 34 g
- Total Fat
- 9 g
- Saturated Fat
- 6 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
- Sugar
- 32 g
- Sodium
- 140 mg
Nutrition is an estimate per serving without optional sauces, calculated from standard USDA values. It will vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there real pumpkin in a pumpkin spice latte?
This homemade version uses real pumpkin puree in the syrup.
Can I make it without an espresso machine?
Yes. Use 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee, or espresso from a moka pot.
Can I make an iced pumpkin spice latte?
Yes. Stir the syrup into espresso, pour over ice and add cold milk.
How long does pumpkin syrup last?
About 1 week in the fridge. Shake it before using.
