Cozy Pumpkin Spice Latte (Homemade) Recipe You’ll Love

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte with pumpkin puree, spices, and whipped cream.

Pumpkin Spice Latte (Homemade) is, I swear, like a tiny fall festival in a mug. You ever get that itch for something warm and cozy (but Starbucks lines look as long as a corn maze in October)? I’ve totally been there. Making this at home means you chill, skip the line, and your kitchen ends up smelling like a pie shop. Oh—if you’re wild about treats too, try these pumpkin spice cookies or the dreamy pumpkin spice weight watchers muffins for dunking.

Pumpkin Spice Latte (Homemade)


Key Ingredients

Not gonna lie—most of this stuff is probably already in your cupboard:

  • Pumpkin puree (not pie filling, trust me, that’s a whole different dance).
  • Strong coffee or espresso. Bonus points for dark roast, but don’t overthink it.
  • Pumpkin pie spice, plus a sprinkle extra—because why not?
  • Milk. Dairy or non-dairy—your mug, your rules.
  • Sweetener. Sugar, honey, or whatever makes you happy.
  • Whipped cream (optional, but honestly… go for it).

I like to keep a jar of pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies around for emergency snacking when I make this.


How to Make the Perfect PSL: 2 Ways

Alright—here’s the scoop. You can make this on the stove, or you can treat yourself (if you’re fancy) with a milk frother.

  • Stovetop Method: Toss milk, pumpkin, and spice in a pot. Warm gently, whisking. Don’t let it boil or it goes weird.
  • Add sweetener. Taste. Whisk again!
  • Pour hot coffee into a mug, then top with your steamy pumpkin milk mix.
  • Frother Shortcut: Same deal, but blend pumpkin, spices, and sweetener first, then hit with the frother and pour over coffee.

Top with whipped cream. Heck, sprinkle with cinnamon if you’re feeling yourself.


Easy Ingredient Swaps

Life hack alert:

  • No pumpkin pie spice? Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger do the trick.
  • Almond, oat, or soy milk if you’re dairy-free. Tried them all, love them all.
  • Agave syrup, maple syrup, or brown sugar in place of regular.
  • Oh! For a boost, add a tiny bit of vanilla extract. It lifts everything.

I swap in coconut milk some mornings—it’s got a tropical thing, which is maybe weird, but trust me, it’s good.


Ideas for Using Leftover Pumpkin

Weird how there’s always a half-can of pumpkin left, right? Don’t let that go sad.

I even put a spoonful in my dog’s food sometimes—her coat gets real shiny!


You don’t need fancy gadgets—but oh wow, they make life easier.

  • Whisk (a good one, or even a fork).
  • Microwave-safe bowl for shortcuts.
  • Stainless measuring spoons (because regular spoons sorta cheat you).
  • Milk frother, if you want barista points.
  • Mug as big as your face. Ok, not required, but I love my oversized ones.

“I thought homemade pumpkin spice latte sounded hard—but this was even easier than I hoped! It’s my go-to treat on chilly mornings. Plus, my husband doesn’t even like pumpkin stuff, and he drinks half my cup every time.”
—Janelle F., real-life home cook


Common Questions

Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Sure can. Mix the milk, pumpkin, and spice. Store in the fridge, then heat up (and froth) when you need it.

Q: Is canned pumpkin OK?
A: Yup, just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie mix.

Q: Do I need a fancy coffee machine?
A: Nope. Drip coffee, French press, whatever makes your daily cup.

Q: Can I freeze extra PSL mix?
A: You can, but use it in a week for best flavor. Shake before heating.

Q: How sweet should I make it?
A: Totally up to you. Start with a teaspoon or two—taste and add more if your sweet tooth says so.


Make Your Fall Mornings Epic

So there it is—your ticket to skipping overpriced coffee shops and making the most cozy pumpkin spice latte ever… in pajamas. You control the spice, pick your cream (if you go wild for whipped cream, that’s between you and your mug).
If you want to branch out, check out the tips from Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte | Ambitious Kitchen—they get creative with spices. Or, get inspired by this one here: The Best Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe. Prefer it iced? This Easy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte (hot or iced) has you covered. Whatever you try, you’ll be surprised how this cozy fall treat makes your home feel like a five-star cafe. Go ahead—whip it up, mess it up, make it your own.
Happy sipping, friends.

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