Copycat Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
I am a person who loves summery weather, but one thing that I look forward to in the fall is a freshly made Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. I know I’m not the only one who loves this guilty pleasure come this time every year! You know who you are. My DIY version is super simple and straightforward, but will help you perfect the art of making homemade pumpkin spice lattes. You’ll save money, you don’t have to run out or wait in any lines, and best of all, my copycat pumpkin spice latte recipe will satisfy your cravings!
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients
In order to make homemade pumpkin spice lattes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Espresso, freshly brewed Torani pumpkin pie syrup (or the Sugar Free version) Steamed and frothed milk Whipped cream, optional for topping Pumpkin pie spice, for topping
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
It’s really very easy to make DIY pumpkin spice lattes at home! I’ve given an overview in the section below, but the recipe card at the very end of this post has lots more details, tips, and tricks! Step 1: Begin by adding espresso, or very very strongly brewed coffee, to a mug along with the pumpkin syrup. Step 2: Steam and froth the milk and add it to the mug, holding a bit of the froth back with a spoon. Step 3: Then, top with optional whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice. Easy as that!
How to Make Espresso at Home
It’s not secret that having an espresso machine will make this recipe the easiest. However, I realize it’s a luxury that not many of us have myself included.
If you have a Nespresso or Keurig machine (I adore mine!): I recommend cutting the amount of water you use to make sure the coffee is really strong. If you have a french press: This is the next best option! Use a bold roast coffee. If you use brewed coffee: This is actually a café au lait. Again, cut way back on the water so the coffee is really strong. If you use instant espresso: Follow the instructions on the packaging. Use instant espresso as an absolute last resort if you actually want your homemade pumpkin spice latte to taste like the Starbucks version.
How to Steam and Froth Milk
You have a couple options when it comes to steaming and frothing milk at home to use in your DIY pumpkin spice latte.
Option #1: Buy a Milk Frother
There are lots of gadgets and appliances that steam and froth milk. I have an older version of this milk steamer and frother and love it! It gets the milk very hot which I love, as well as very stiff and frothy. For $40 bucks, the convenience of having steamed and very frothed milk in 90 seconds is totally worth it to me. I always feel like what is the point of frothing milk if it’s kind of “loose” and basically like ordinary milk? I figure I may as well just zap a bit of milk in the microwave and add it straight to coffee if all I was looking for was that it was warmed.
Option #2: Use Your Espresso Machine
If you’re lucky enough to have an espresso machine with a built-in steamer, it’s the easiest way to make steamed milk for a latte.
Option #3: Do it By Hand
For this drink, I do really recommend that you steam and froth some milk but if you absolutely don’t want to buy a gadget, you can either do it in a small kettle on the stove.
What Kind of Milk Is Best for a Latte?
Starbucks, unless otherwise specified, uses whole (4%) milk. That will likely make your homemade latte taste the most similar to their version. However, 2% milk is also another fine option to shave off some fat and calories. As a bonus, I get the best results in my milk steamer and frother when I use 2% rather than whole milk. I am not a fan of skim or fat-free milk in my coffee drinks because they taste lifeless to me, but if you’re used to this, I’m sure you can give it a whirl. You can also try using plant-based milks such as almond or soy and see how it works for you.
Do I Have to Use Flavored Syrup?
Yes, you need to use a flavored syrup for this homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe. If you’d rather avoid store-bought syrups, I have a 10-year-old recipe for Homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes that uses pumpkin puree and no syrups. This current recipe, however, calls for using a pumpkin-flavored syrup, such as the Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup or their Sugar Free version. Torani also has a Pumpkin Spice version, and a Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice. There are other brands, including DaVinci Pumpkin Pie Syrup, but I find Torani to be more commonly stocked in supermarkets in comparison to DaVinci. Use whatever sounds best to you — be it a pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice, regular or sugar-free flavored syrup.
Pumpkin Syrup vs. Pumpkin Puree in a Latte
Starbucks’ pumpkin syrup is actually more like a sauce. It’s made with sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin puree. If you really want a sauce option, I recommend using the Torani Pumpkin Pie Sauce as opposed to making it from home. I’ve tried making versions of it at home but find it always leaves the latte with a less than desirable texture. Honestly, my 2011 version Pumpkin Spice Latte has this same shortcoming textural issue since it’s impossible to fully dissolve either the actual pumpkin puree nor the firm specks of pumpkin pie spice. There is always a grittiness, no matter what. Plus, the Starbucks pumpkin syrup is not shelf stable. Since Starbucks uses Torani syrup for most of their other flavored drinks, I believe syrup is a nice substitution and compromise, while still ending up with a delish tasting drink!
How to Make an Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
For those who may not be into hot coffee drinks, even in the dead of winter — I don’t understand you people! But you can make an iced pumpkin spice latte if desired.
Can I Make a Decaf Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Yes, very easily! Simply use a decaf espresso and brew it using your desired brewing method. I know for sure that Starbucks sells a decaf espresso, and I’m sure other brands do as well. If you don’t have decaf espresso beans on hand and don’t want to buy them, you can substitute regular decaf coffee. Just be sure to cut back on the water significantly to ensure the coffee is extra strong.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Latte
To increase the intensity of pumpkin flavor without increasing the sweetness, you can add ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin pie flavor extract to 1 ounce of the Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup.
More Fall Drink Recipes:
Caramel Macchiato {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} — An EASY, at-home recipe for the beloved coffee shop drink!! It tastes AMAZING and your wallet will thank you! No espresso maker or milk frother required!! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes!
Caramel Apple Cider — Warm apple cider spiked with cinnamon, maple and almond extracts, apple chunks, and the mugs are rimmed with heavenly homemade salted caramel sauce!! FAST, EASY, and so DELICIOUS!!
Homemade Baileys Irish Cream— Homemade Baileys Irish Cream comes together 1 minute, with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Rich, creamy, and the flavor is a dead ringer for store-bought!
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria — Apples, oranges, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon sticks with sparkling cider are a FUN twist on classic sangria!! So easy! Make it for your next party and everyone will want a refill!!
Creamy Chocolate Martini with Baileys — Everything is better with Nutella, including these martinis that go down so easily! The Frangelico adds hazelnut, cinnamon, and vanilla notes, while the Baileys Irish Cream provides richness and creaminess.
