Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

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Confession time: I don’t actually like *the* pumpkin spice latte. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good seasonal, spiced coffee as much as the next person, but the Starbucks version? Not really my bag. I know, it seems like blasphemy to not fall at the feet of the PSL gods, but the truth is, I make a much tastier (and affordable) pumpkin spice latte at home!

Once you try my version, you might never hit up the drive thru ever again! My DIY PSL is spiked with fall spices, real pumpkin, and a heavy hand of cozy vanilla. It’s fall in a mug, it can be made plant-based and vegan if you prefer, and I can’t wait to share it with you! Let’s get brewing!

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What kind of milk should I use for this pumpkin spice latte recipe? Can I make this vegan?

Honestly, you can use any kind of milk you want! If you choose a dairy option, we recommend whole milk for the ultimate in a creamy, cozy experience, but skim, 1%, or 2% will do the trick, too.

You can make it vegan by using dairy-free milk such as soy milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk. Personally, I love coconut milk or oat milk because it adds a creamy, decadent flavor to your homemade pumpkin spice latte.

Can I make this even more pumpkin-y?

Absolutely! For some people, there is no such thing as too much pumpkin spice flavor. If you’re one of those people, just increase the amount of pumpkin spice syrup until it reaches the perfect flavor for you.

This is too strong! How can I tone it down?

This pumpkin spice latte recipe is extremely adaptable. You can easily customize it to your personal taste by changing the amounts of pumpkin spice syrup or your coffee’s strength. If you prefer to taste more coffee, brew a stronger batch or cut down on the spice and puree. If you can’t get enough of the pumpkin flavor, amp it up by increasing the amount of spice or puree.

Wholefully Protip

If you are a fan of dark coffee, go ahead and use an espresso roast here. If you like a lighter favored coffee, a blonde roast will work just fine!

Can I use pumpkin syrup for a pumpkin spice latte instead of dry spices?

Definitely! Pumpkin syrup will give you a creamy, smooth pumpkin latte, and it’s easy to make your own homemade pumpkin spice syrup at home!

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

You sure can! Pumpkin puree is 100% natural pumpkin with no additions. Pumpkin pie filling tends to already have some of the spices you would need for a pumpkin pie, such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. If you use pumpkin pie filling in your pumpkin spice syrup, you will want to decrease the amount of spices and sweetener you put in so your drink isn’t overpowering.

Can this pumpkin spice latte recipe be made with caffeinated or decaf coffee?

Absolutely—you can use any type of coffee you want. In fact, you can use any brewing method you want as well. It doesn’t matter if the coffee is drip, espresso, or made using a French press. Every method will taste delicious in this pumpkin spice latte recipe! Just remember that whichever brewing method and coffee you choose, it should be brewed stronger than you’d usually make it. This way, the flavor of the coffee shines through and isn’t lost in a wave of pumpkin.