Autumn is finally here, which means it’s officially coffee season. As the leaves start to change and the days get a little cooler, there’s no better way to welcome the season than with a warm, cozy cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte.

With its creamy texture, warm spices, and subtle pumpkin flavor, this coffee is basically autumn in a cup. So if you’re craving that cozy café-style drink without having to leave your house, this homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte is just what you need.

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Getting the Pumpkin Spice Just Right

I love trying out new coffee recipes, and as the weather has started to change, I decided it was the right time to give one of the most loved beverages of the season a try. After a few hits and misses, this one turned out exactly how I imagined “fall” in a cup. So, here I present to you my perfect fall recipe in a cup.

Ingredients

All the ingredients you would require to make this perfect, cozy cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte….

2 shots espresso
1½ cups whole milk
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream, for topping
A pinch of pumpkin pie spice, for topping

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte

Add the milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract to a saucepan. Warm everything over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Make sure the milk gets hot and steamy, but do not let it come to a boil.
Once the mixture is warm, whisk it well to create a light, frothy texture. Keep whisking while it heats until the milk becomes nice and foamy.
Take the saucepan off the heat. Pour 2 shots of espresso into your favorite coffee cup, then pour in the warm pumpkin milk mixture. Give everything a good stir.
For a little extra fun, top your fall drink with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
Settle in and enjoy the change in weather with a warm, cozy cup of homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte

Keep the milk warm and steamy, but avoid boiling it.
Whisk the milk well while heating so that the latte turns out smooth and frothy.
The pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice can be quite strong, so keep the quantities balanced if you want the coffee flavor to come through.
Adjust the brown sugar according to how sweet you like your coffee.
If you don’t have an espresso machine, use strong brewed coffee so that the coffee doesn’t get lost among the milk and pumpkin flavors.
And don’t skip the whipped cream and spice on top if you want that proper cozy fall feel.

A Few Ways to Make This PSL Your Own

You can swap the whole milk for oat, almond, soy, or any other milk you prefer. Each one gives the latte a slightly different texture and flavor.

If you like your coffee on the sweeter side, add a little extra brown sugar. For a stronger coffee flavor, add another shot of espresso or use a little less milk.

You can also play around with the toppings. Whipped cream, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or even a little caramel drizzle can turn this simple latte into your own fall café drink.

If you enjoy a stronger pumpkin flavor, add a little more pumpkin puree. Just remember to adjust the sweetness and spice along with it so the flavors stay balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Latte without an espresso machine?
Absolutely. Instead of espresso, you can use ½ cup of strong brewed coffee. Just make sure the coffee is strong enough to stand out against the milk, pumpkin, and spices.

Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes. You can easily swap the whole milk for oat, almond, soy, or any other milk you usually enjoy in your coffee. The texture and flavor may vary slightly, but the recipe will still work.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can. Just keep in mind that pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, so skip the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice from the original recipe. This will keep the latte from becoming too sweet or overly spiced.

On a Final Note

Grab a book or your favourite Studio Ghibli movie, get cozy, and enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Latte without stepping a foot outside. And if you want to make it even more fun, pair it with my The Best Eggless Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting for the perfect cozy fall treat.