Delicious Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe at Home

So you’ve had those cravings for a big cozy cup of that Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe, but honestly, who feels like waiting in another drive-thru line? Ugh. Plus those Starbucks lattes can really chew through your wallet, right? Well, I started making copycat drinks at home ages ago (there’s a mean caramelized vanilla iced latte I do too by the way, and don’t get me started on my matcha obsession with this red matcha latte). Making your own Pumpkin Spice Latte is way easier than you think, and cheaper, and—I’m just going to say it—often tastier. Alright, let’s fix that craving in your own kitchen.

How to make Pumpkin Spice Latte

Making a knock-your-socks-off Pumpkin Spice Latte at home doesn’t require you to be a barista (confession: I still burn toast sometimes). Here’s my non-fancy rundown. First, you whip up a speedy pumpkin spice syrup using real pumpkin, a bit of spice, sugar, and, yes, vanilla. Warm it up with milk and espresso—smells like autumn in here. If you don’t have espresso, strong-brewed coffee works in a pinch, honestly.

Pour your espresso (or coffee, no judgment) into your mug, add the pumpkin syrup, then the hot milk. Froth that milk if you want the full “latte art” thing—or don’t, who cares. Sometimes I just dump it in and it still tastes five-star.

And, don’t skip the final flourish: a generous dollop of whipped cream, extra pumpkin pie spice on top. Seriously, it’s almost too pretty to drink (but that’s never stopped me). The whole thing’s done in maybe ten minutes? Way quicker (and less awkward) than waiting for your name to be called out wrong.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients

Honestly, most of these ingredients you’ll already find in your pantry, but in case you’re new to the PSL life, here’s what you need:

• Pumpkin puree (not the pie filling stuff, just plain pumpkin)
• Milk (dairy or plant versions both work fine)
• Sugar (white, brown, coconut sugar, whatever ruins diets best)
• Pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
• Vanilla extract (don’t skip this, it’s magic)
• Espresso or strong coffee (I use a Moka pot, but I’ve seen folks use French press or even instant—yikes but hey it works in a pinch)
• Whipped cream (optional but uhm… highly recommended)
• A pinch of salt (it lifts the flavor, trust me)

If you want to play around, some folks add a splash of maple syrup for an extra autumn hug. All these go into your mug to create that cozy fall-in-a-cup.

Ingredient	Recommended Amount	Substitution	Notes
Pumpkin Puree	2 tbsp	Butternut squash puree	Make sure it’s unsweetened
Espresso	1 shot	Strong brewed coffee	Double for an extra jolt
Pumpkin Pie Spice	0.5 tsp	Mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger	Pre-mixed spice is easiest
Milk	1 cup	Oat, almond, soy, coconut	Froths best when slightly warmed

How to Froth Milk without a Frother

Look, I’m not shelling out for a fancy frother. Here’s what WORKS when you want your latte to feel all café-special:

1. Use a microwave-safe jar: Pour warm milk in, screw the lid tight, and shake till your arms hurt (about 30 seconds?). Watch it get all foamy.
2. No jar? Whisk it hard: Heat the milk—then just whip like crazy with a regular whisk. Messier, sure, but you get some bubbles.
3. A cheap handheld frother (like five bucks online): This is my go-to. Zap, zap, perfect foam in seconds.
4. French press: Yep, push the plunger up and down until you’ve got bubbles. Surprising, right?

Actually, my cousin swears by the jar method, but I still manage to spill it sometimes. Oh well.

How Else Can I Use Pumpkin Spice Syrup?

Bet you didn’t know your pumpkin spice adventure doesn’t end at this latte. This syrup is a wild card—add it anywhere! Sometimes I slip a spoon into oatmeal or swirl it into my yogurt (don’t judge, it’s autumn somewhere). Try drizzling it over pancakes or waffles. Even works as an ice cream topping, believe it or not.

I’ve even mixed a dash into a caramelized vanilla iced latte for a seasonal twist. If you’re feeling crazy, you can stir a shot of it into your morning smoothie (it’s amazing with bananas and oats for a breakfast boost). The point is, your leftovers won’t hang around long—with a syrup this good, it finds its way into nearly everything sweet and cozy in my kitchen.

If you’re a fall fanatic, you know that pumpkin spice is not just a flavor, it’s a lifestyle.

Recommended Coffee

Right—I get a lot of questions about what coffee you’re supposed to use for the real “café” Pumpkin Spice Latte vibe. Starbucks uses espresso, big surprise, but let’s be real, most kitchens don’t have a giant espresso machine squatting on the countertop.

What actually works? I use what I’ve got: Moka pot, French press, or sometimes I simply double up on instant coffee. Yes, I know that’s not fancy, but honestly, once it’s full of pumpkin goodness, the difference is not huge—at least for me.

If you want to get geeky, try a medium or dark roast for extra warmth. Avoid flavored coffees, though, or it gets weirdly sweet and fake. Straight-up regular coffee lets the syrup shine. Maybe that’s just my strong opinion, but I’ll stand by it.

Type of Coffee	Flavor Strength	Preferred for Lattes?	Notes
Espresso (Moka Pot or Machine)	Very Strong	Yes	Best authentic taste
French Press	Medium to Strong	Yes	Bolder than drip
Drip Coffee	Medium	Okay	Add less milk
Instant Coffee	Weak to Medium	Only if desperate	Use 2x the amount

I’ve tried lots of homemade versions, and this is the only Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe that finally cured my need to splurge at the café every fall. Seriously—my mornings feel cozier than ever!

Common Questions

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin puree?
Pretty much, yes. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin, not “pumpkin pie filling” which is already seasoned and sweetened.

Can I make the syrup ahead?
Absolutely. Keep it in a jar in the fridge—it’ll be good for a week. I make extra because someone always wants a refill.

Can I make this dairy free?
Totally. Almond, oat, or coconut milk all get nice and frothy. Even soy has worked in my experiments.

What’s the best way to sweeten the latte if I don’t want refined sugar?
I use maple syrup sometimes, or you could try coconut sugar or even honey for a different twist.

Do I need all those fancy jars and frothers?
Nope. Shake your milk in a jar or whisk it—the results are good enough for everyday cravings!

Ready to Cozy Up with Your Own Latte?

So there you have it—a super easy, cozy Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe you can make at home, no fancy gadgets required. Honestly, your kitchen is about to smell better than a candle store in October. If you’re into creative drinks, you might love making a caramelized vanilla iced latte or even trying out other breakfast-friendly ideas from the best easter recipes. Oh, and for more inspiration outside this blog, check out this spot-on Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe | COOKTORIA to compare tricks and tips.

Give it a shot and make your fall mornings feel pretty fancy. Just try not to drink two in one go—I say that, yet, it happens.

Print