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.
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.
Whisktogether the milk and pumpkin spice syrupin a medium saucepan overmedium heat. Heat until steam rises from the edges of the pan, about five minutes.
Remove from the heat andstirin the coffee.Whiskrapidly until the mixture is frothy (or use an immersionblenderormilk frotherfor extra foam).
Pourintomugsand top with asprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Serve hot.
Notes
For a creamy veganpumpkin spice latte, we love the combination of 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond or oat milk with 1/2 cup full fatcoconut milk.
At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.
In a small pot, combine the espresso, milk, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk over low heat until well combined and warmed through. Pour into a mug. If desired, top with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
But only about half of the Pumpkin Spice Latte's 390 calories come from the milk and espresso you'd get in a regular latte (190 calories). The rest comes from pumpkin spice sauce—with more sugar and condensed milk than actual pumpkin purée—and whipped cream.
The sugar and fat interact on our taste buds to boost the flavors and make them “pop” more than either one alone, Fernstrom noted. Meanwhile, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves are particular taste enhancers. “This is a real treat to the taste buds,” she said. Then, there's the salt.
What's included. Our signature espresso and steamed milk with the celebrated flavour combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Enjoy it topped with whipped cream and real pumpkin-pie spices.
Starbucks' pumpkin spice sauce is made with a base of sugar, condensed skim milk, and pumpkin puree — this gives the sauce its sweet flavor and thick consistency.
We hate to burst your bubble, PSL lovers, but the answer to this question is: No, the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte is not “healthy.” A grande Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte made with 2% steamed milk foam has 390 calories, 14 grams of fat, 52 carbs, 14 grams of protein and 50 grams of sugar.
Without whipped cream and with almond milk, you can chop that count almost in half to 180 calories and make it a skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte. (And it's just as tasty as the original.)
According to CNN, a stronger storm — inflation — has affected the price of the PSL as well. The cyclone of sweet spices will now be about 4% higher in cost compared to 2021. This has upped the price of a PSL to between $5.45 to as much as $5.95, depending on location.
"Apparently it's not the same, like, full pumps, so you're getting technically less [syrup]," Maria said. "And since they changed the recipe, it's going to taste different regardless."
Pumpkin pie spice, also known as pumpkin spice, is an American spice mix, named because it is commonly used as a flavoring for pumpkin pie. It does not include pumpkin as an ingredient. Pumpkin pie spice is similar to the British and Commonwealth mixed spice, and the medieval poudre-douce.
It made me a little happier and I think there's a lot of value in that. The value of a pumpkin spice latte is not assigned objectively by how generally palatable it is — we assign our OWN value to the pumpkin spice latte by appreciating our time with it and letting it make our day a little easier.
Pumpkin spice, also known as pumpkin pie spice, is a mixture of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Some pumpkin spice mixes might leave out a spice or two, but most consist of at least two or three of the spices listed above.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is Starbucks most popular seasonal beverage and is enjoyed by customers around the world. The handcrafted beverage combines Starbucks Signature Espresso and steamed milk with the celebrated flavor combination of real pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.
Make your espresso or coffee and pour it into a large mug or glass mason jar. Mix in pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla until well combined. Froth the milk. Use a milk frother to froth your milk for about 30 seconds or until foamy, then pour into the mug on top of the pumpkin espresso mixture.
Our iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte is handcrafted with signature espresso, combined with a pumpkin flavour sauce and steamed milk, then topped with whipped cream and a spice blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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