Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Every September, as the leaves start turning and the air picks up that first crisp bite, I crave one thing: a cozy cup of comfort from my favorite café. But here’s a little secret from my kitchen — this Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is even better made at home. It’s warm, creamy, laced with cinnamon and clove, and tastes like the very best parts of fall in a mug.

I remember one blustery October morning, wrapped in a fuzzy robe, whipping up this steamy treat while my girls carved pumpkins on the porch. The scent of spiced milk and espresso filled the house, and for a moment, everything felt just right. Whether you’re curling up with a book or kicking off a bonfire night, this homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe brings all the cozy magic without the price tag.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s rich, creamy, and full of real pumpkin flavor — not just syrup. You can whip it up in just five minutes, and it’s easily adjustable to your sweetness or spice level.

This Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe uses wholesome ingredients and skips the artificial stuff, which means it’s just as comforting as the café version, but a little more nourishing.

Perfect for weekday mornings or holiday brunches, it’s easy to make in a single mug or scale up for a crowd.

You’ll love the money-saving bonus too — one trip to the grocery store covers enough for a week’s worth of pumpkin spice lattes.

Whether you’re dairy-free, vegan, or keto, this recipe offers easy swaps to fit your needs.

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Ingredient Overview

Think of this latte as a warm hug in a mug — sweet, creamy, and spiced to perfection. The real beauty lies in how these simple ingredients come together to mimic your favorite fall coffeehouse treat.

• Milk of choice: Use whole milk for richness, or go dairy-free with oat or almond milk.

• Brewed coffee or espresso: A bold shot of espresso gives the latte its signature kick.

• Pumpkin puree: The star of this Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe, it brings natural flavor and texture.

• Pumpkin pie spice: A comforting mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove that smells like fall.

• Vanilla extract: Adds a smooth, mellow note to balance the spices.

• Sweetener of choice: Try maple syrup, brown sugar, or a sugar substitute to match your dietary goals.

Quick styling tip: Serve with a swirl of whipped cream and a dash of spice on top for a picture-perfect presentation.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Brew Your Coffee or Espresso

Start by brewing ¼ cup of strong coffee or a shot of espresso. This will be the bold base of your Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe. If you have an espresso machine or a stovetop Moka pot, now’s the time to fire it up.

Step 2: Combine Pumpkin, Milk, and Spices

In a small saucepan, stir together 1 cup of your favorite milk, 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1–2 tablespoons of sweetener. This mixture forms the cozy, creamy heart of your Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe.

Step 3: Heat Gently Until Steamy

Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until it’s hot but not boiling — around 150°F if you have a thermometer. This is where the spices begin to bloom and the milk thickens slightly, mimicking that signature Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe mouthfeel.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Froth It Up

Turn off the heat and stir in ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then use a whisk, milk frother, or immersion blender to create foam — this is the finishing touch that gives your homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe that dreamy texture.

Tip: If you’re whisking by hand, tilt the pan slightly and whisk in quick circles to build up frothy bubbles.

Step 5: Pour and Serve

Add your hot coffee or espresso to a cozy mug. Gently pour the spiced milk mixture over the top, holding back the foam with a spoon, then finish by spooning the foam over everything. Now your Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is ready to sip and savor.

Pro Tips

If you want your Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe to taste just like your favorite fall coffeehouse order, use a bold roast or espresso with body — watery coffee won’t hold up to the spices and milk.

For the frothiest finish, warm your milk first, then blend it with a handheld frother. No frother? A Mason jar with a tight lid works — just shake it vigorously for 30 seconds.

Store leftover pumpkin puree in the fridge and make this recipe all week. One can of puree gives you enough for five batches of this Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe, making it both cozy and cost-effective.

Add a pinch of salt to the saucepan to round out the sweetness and enhance the warm spice. It’s a subtle trick that brings balance to every sip of your Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe.

For an extra layer of indulgence, top your latte with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It turns your simple drink into a festive treat, just like this Pumpkin Chai Latte that’s been stealing hearts lately.

Variations

Make it iced by cooling the milk mixture and pouring it over cold brew and ice. You’ll still get all the warm flavors of a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe, but in a refreshing form for those warmer fall days.

For a protein boost, stir in a half scoop of vanilla protein powder while heating the milk. This is a cozy way to enjoy your Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe post-workout — and pairs perfectly with these Pumpkin Protein Balls for a nourishing snack.

Turn it into a dessert latte by adding a spoonful of sweetened condensed milk along with your regular sweetener. It creates a creamy, caramel-kissed twist on the original Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe.

Want to go vegan? Just use almond, oat, or soy milk and a plant-based sweetener. This Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe adapts beautifully to all diets.

Feeling extra festive? Stir in a drop of maple extract or a splash of bourbon (if you’re relaxing at home) for a grown-up fall treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

Your Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is just begging to be part of a cozy fall spread. Try it alongside a slice of spiced pumpkin bread, a stack of cinnamon oat pancakes, or buttery morning muffins. It’s perfect for slow weekend mornings, girls’ brunches, or fireside evenings with a good book.

If you’re hosting, serve it in clear glass mugs to show off that rich color and pillowy foam. A cinnamon stick makes a beautiful stirrer, and it pairs wonderfully with a sweet dip like this crowd-pleasing Pumpkin Fluff Dip that always disappears in minutes.

You can even batch-prep this Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe in a slow cooker and keep it warm for guests — it’s a hit at Thanksgiving breakfast or fall-themed baby showers.

Conclusion

Making your own Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe at home brings all the comfort, spice, and seasonal joy — without the coffee shop price or long drive-thru line. It’s a small act of self-care that fills the kitchen with warmth and fills your cup with something homemade and heartfelt.

Fall is more than just pumpkin—it’s about slowing down, sharing, and savoring moments. Whether you’re sipping it solo or brewing up a batch for loved ones, this recipe wraps you in a cozy hug with every sip. Want even more fall inspiration? Check out these heavenly pumpkin desserts that’ll turn your kitchen into a harvest haven.

Try this Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe and let me know how yours turns out in the comments! I love seeing your personal twists — tag your cup on Pinterest and let’s sip through fall together.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking, friends!

And hey, don’t forget to pin this on your favorite fall board or tag us on Pinterest (open in new tab) — we love seeing your cozy creations!