The first time I had a Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Chai, it was a breezy October afternoon in Arkansas. I remember walking out with that iced cup, the cold foam melting ever so slightly into the creamy chai below — and thinking, “How do I make this magic at home?” This Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe brings that cozy café moment right to your kitchen — no drive-thru required.
It’s got that dreamy whipped topping with a whisper of pumpkin spice, floating atop a bold and creamy chai latte. And the best part? It comes together in under five minutes with pantry staples you probably already have.
From my kitchen to yours, let’s bring this dish to life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You get the full-on cozy fall flavor of Starbucks, but made fresher — and dare I say better — right at home. That pumpkin cold foam? It’s luscious, frothy, and hits just the right blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy.
This is a breeze to make. Just a milk frother, a few minutes, and you’ve got barista-level pumpkin cold foam that looks and tastes like a seasonal treat.
It’s family-friendly and flexible — pour it over chai, cold brew, or even decaf tea if you’d like. Great for fall gatherings or a little afternoon self-care moment.
No fancy equipment needed. This Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe is easy enough for weekday mornings and impressive enough for weekend brunch.
Ready in under 5 minutes — and honestly, once you whip it up, you’ll wonder why you ever paid $6 for a drink.
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Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Foam Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
Description
This Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Foam Recipe is a cozy fall drink favorite made right in your kitchen. With rich pumpkin spice, frothy whipped cream, and creamy chai, this homemade version is fast, flavorful, and saves you a trip to the coffee shop.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream – the base of the fluffy cold foam.
- 1 tablespoon whole milk – lightens the foam just enough for pourability.
- 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin purée – real pumpkin flavor, not pie filling.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup – adds sweetness and balance.
- ⅛ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – gives that cozy fall aroma.
- ½ cup milk of choice – I recommend 2% for creaminess in the chai base.
- ½ cup chai tea concentrate – bold, spiced flavor to anchor the drink.
- Ice – essential for the perfect chilled experience.
Instructions
- Combine Foam Ingredients: Add heavy cream, milk, pumpkin purée, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin pie spice to a mason jar or tall glass.
- Froth the Mixture: Use a handheld milk frother and whip for 10–20 seconds until soft peaks form.
- Build the Drink Base: Fill a glass with ice. Pour in ½ cup milk of choice and ½ cup chai tea concentrate.
- Top with Cold Foam: Slowly spoon or pour the whipped pumpkin foam over the chai base.
- Optional Garnish: Dust with pumpkin spice or cinnamon for that Starbucks-style finish. Sip and enjoy!
Notes
Tip: Use very cold cream and milk for best frothing. This recipe is also fantastic over cold brew coffee if you want a less sweet version. The Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe stores well in the fridge for one day — just re-froth before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Overview
This recipe is all about texture and flavor: creamy, airy foam infused with real pumpkin and cozy spice. It sits beautifully atop your chai latte or cold brew and adds instant fall flair to any drink.
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Heavy whipping cream: Gives that thick, luxurious texture. Whips up fast with a handheld frother.
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Whole milk: Thins the cream just enough to make a pourable, cloud-like foam.
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Canned pumpkin purée: Adds real pumpkin flavor (not just spice). Make sure it’s purée, not pie filling.
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Vanilla syrup: Balances the spice and enhances the sweetness — I use Starbucks-style vanilla syrup, but any brand works.
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Pumpkin pie spice: Adds that signature warm kick. You can use store-bought or make your own blend.
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Chai tea concentrate: Pairs perfectly with the pumpkin. Look for a bold black tea base for best flavor.
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Milk of choice for the chai: 2% gives it just the right balance, but oat milk is also delicious and extra creamy.
Styling tip: Serve it in a clear glass to show off the cold foam layers. A dusting of extra pumpkin pie spice on top makes it picture-perfect.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Make the pumpkin cold foam base
In a small mason jar or tall glass, combine 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon whole milk, 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin purée, 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup, and ⅛ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. This creamy combo forms the base of your Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe — smooth, rich, and perfectly spiced.
Step 2: Froth until fluffy
Use a handheld milk frother to whip the mixture for 10–20 seconds until thick and cloud-like. You want soft peaks that float effortlessly on top of your drink. Tip: Froth with a slight tilt to let more air in for a better lift.
Step 3: Prepare your iced chai
Fill a glass with ice. Pour in ½ cup of your favorite milk (I used 2%) and ½ cup chai tea concentrate. This strong, spicy base balances beautifully with the sweet pumpkin topping.
Step 4: Layer the pumpkin cold foam
Slowly spoon or pour the pumpkin cold foam over your iced chai. It should settle gently on top like a creamy blanket, blending slightly as it melts. That’s part of the magic of any Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe — watching the layers swirl together.
Step 5: Garnish and enjoy
Sprinkle with a little extra pumpkin pie spice if desired. Sip slowly to savor the bold chai base meeting that whipped pumpkin heaven on top. It’s sweet fall comfort in every sip.
Now that your drink is coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations!
Pro Tips
For the best results in this Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe, use cold ingredients. Chill your heavy cream and milk first so the foam whips up faster and stays fluffier longer.
A quality milk frother makes all the difference. A handheld frother works great, but if you’re using a blender, blend on low for just 10–15 seconds. You want airy and smooth — not overly stiff.
If you’re out of vanilla syrup, combine 1 tablespoon of sugar with ½ teaspoon vanilla extract instead. This keeps the flavor in line with a classic Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe without needing store-bought syrups.
For a beautiful finish, dust with extra pumpkin pie spice or even a pinch of cinnamon. The visual makes it feel just like your favorite café drink.
Store leftover foam (if any!) in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a quick re-froth before using again in your Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe.
Want to pair your drink with something equally cozy? These pumpkin cinnamon rolls make the dreamiest fall brunch combo.
Variations
Try a dirty chai version by adding a shot of espresso before topping with the cold foam. It adds depth and boldness without overpowering the classic Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe.
For a dairy-free twist, swap in coconut cream and oat milk. The foam texture will be slightly lighter, but still delicious and spiced perfectly for autumn.
Make it decaf by using caffeine-free chai concentrate — especially great for evening sipping or sharing with little ones who want in on the Starbucks-style treat.
If you’re craving something sweet to snack on with it, you’ll love these pumpkin protein balls. They’re wholesome, easy, and a perfect midday pairing.
You can also use the foam over iced coffee or cold brew for a simpler take on the Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe that’s just as satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Starbucks pumpkin cold foam made of?
It’s a creamy blend of heavy cream, milk, pumpkin purée, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin pie spice — whipped into a silky topping that floats on iced drinks.
How to make Starbucks pumpkin cream cold foam at home?
You only need a frother and 5 simple ingredients! Just follow this Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe to create your own café-style topping in under a minute.
What are the ingredients in Starbucks pumpkin cream cold brew?
The cold brew includes coffee, ice, and a topping made from pumpkin cold foam. You can recreate it at home using this recipe over your favorite iced coffee or cold brew.
How many pumps of pumpkin sauce in cold foam?
At Starbucks, it’s usually two pumps of pumpkin sauce, but for homemade versions, 1 tablespoon of pumpkin purée in the cold foam base gives just the right amount of fall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe pairs perfectly with your favorite cozy breakfast or snack. I love serving it alongside a warm slice of chocolate chip pumpkin bread for an ultra-comforting fall treat. It also shines as a midday pick-me-up — especially with a light sweet like these easy pumpkin muffins. For gatherings, serve it in clear glasses with cinnamon sticks as stirrers — a little touch of flair goes a long way! Whether you’re hosting brunch or curling up with a book, this iced drink brings the spirit of the season with every sip.
Conclusion
There’s something so satisfying about making your own version of a café classic — especially when it turns out this good. With this Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe, you’re not just saving money, you’re creating a ritual: a swirl of cream, spice, and comfort that you can return to again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like fall in a glass and reminds you that small joys — like frothy pumpkin foam on a chilly day — matter.
Ready to bring this Starbucks pumpkin cold foam recipe to life in your own kitchen? I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and share your twist — did you try it with cold brew, chai, or something else? Tag your version on Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok so we can celebrate fall together. Your creativity might just inspire someone else to give it a try!
From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking!
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