Cinematic overhead shot of a homemade pumpkin spice latte on a rustic wooden counter, featuring a ceramic mug with spiraling pumpkin spiced milk and dark espresso, surrounded by pumpkin purée, measuring spoons of spices, a frothy milk pitcher, and scattered whole spices, with warm autumn sunlight creating dramatic shadows and a cozy atmosphere.

Quick Info

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 1-2
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cost: $1-2 per serving
Dietary Options
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan-adaptable
  • Gluten-free
  • Low-sugar options available

Essential Equipment

Ingredients

Base Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin purée
  • ½ cup strong coffee or 2 shots espresso
  • 1-2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1-2 tbsp sweetener (sugar, maple syrup, honey)
Spice Blend
  • ½-1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings

Step-by-Step Method

  1. Prepare Coffee Base
    • Brew espresso or strong coffee
    • Set aside in serving mug
  2. Create Pumpkin Milk
    • Combine pumpkin purée, milk, sweetener, and spices in saucepan
    • Heat gently to 150°F, stirring constantly
    • Do not boil!
  3. Froth and Blend
    • Remove from heat
    • Whisk or use milk frother until creamy
    • Aim for smooth, frothy texture
  4. Combine and Serve
    • Pour pumpkin milk over coffee
    • Stir thoroughly
    • Top with whipped cream and extra spice

Cinematic close-up of a stainless steel saucepan on a stovetop, where golden pumpkin purée swirls into creamy milk, with aromatic spices and steam rising in a cozy kitchen illuminated by warm amber light. A wooden spoon stirs clockwise, creating spiral patterns against the backdrop of fall sunlight streaming through a nearby window.

Pro Tips

  • Avoid Scalding: Heat milk slowly
  • Froth Matters: Creamy texture is key
  • Customize: Adjust sweetness to taste

Variations

  • Iced version
  • Sugar-free option
  • Protein-boosted
  • Caffeine-free alternative

Storage

  • Refrigerate base for 24-48 hours
  • Reheat gently without boiling

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overheating milk
  • Skipping frothing step
  • Using low-quality pumpkin purée

Nutritional Bonus

  • Vitamin A from pumpkin
  • Calcium from milk
  • Lower sugar than coffee shop versions

Equipment Recommendations

  1. High-quality milk frother
  2. Measuring spoons set

Enjoy your perfect homemade pumpkin spice latte – autumn in a mug!

Dramatic overhead view of a milk frother creating luxurious microfoam in a pumpkin milk mixture, with warm golden hour lighting enhancing the velvety texture and reflecting off a copper-toned kitchen counter, surrounded by cinnamon-scented steam.

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