Pumpkin Spice Latte: Recipe to Make It at Home

Pumpkin Spice Latte: Recipe to Make It at Home

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte? Ingredients, Spices, Original Recipe

When autumn starts to make its presence felt and the aroma of pumpkin fills the kitchens, there's a drink that can turn a simple moment into a cozy treat: the pumpkin spice latte. This recipe, made famous by Starbucks, is much more than just a spiced coffee: it's a little comfort ritual, perfect for those who love the warmth and scents of the season. In this article, you'll discover how to make pumpkin spice latte (affectionately PSL) at home, with simple ingredients and the Terzaluna spice mix designed to enhance the pumpkin and create a harmonious balance between cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

pumpkin spice latte cup with pumpkin in the background

Pumpkin Spice Latte

The pumpkin spice latte is a creamy and fragrant drink made with espresso coffee, hot milk, and pumpkin puree, enriched with a mix of spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Born in the early 2000s in Starbucks stores and offered only during the autumn and winter period, it quickly became a seasonal icon, loved by those who associate autumn with the pleasure of hot drinks and comforting flavors.

More than just a spiced coffee, the pumpkin spice latte is an autumnal treat that combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the creaminess of milk and the bold character of coffee. It's perfect for warming up the colder days and creating a small moment of comfort, just like in the American coffee shops where it all began.

The pumpkin, the undisputed star, is what makes this drink so unique. It can be baked in the oven, microwaved, or even air-fried, then blended and mixed with milk to achieve a velvety and golden-colored cream. Its sweet and slightly earthy flavor pairs perfectly with the spices, transforming a simple cappuccino into an aromatic embrace.

Making a homemade pumpkin spice latte is simple and allows for customization: sweeter or less sweet, more intense or delicate, depending on your taste. The secret lies in the right balance between coffee, milk, and spices, and the quality of the pumpkin used.

For those who love this drink but seek a practical and natural preparation, Terzaluna has created a pumpkin spice latte spice mix with selected high-quality ingredients, perfect for recreating the authentic aroma of this iconic drink at home, in just a few minutes. 

History and Trivia about Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Pumpkin Spice Latte was born in 2003 in Starbucks labs, inspired by the traditional American pumpkin pie, the typical Thanksgiving dessert. Curiously, the original PSL recipe did not contain real pumpkin: only flavors and colorings.

Only in 2015, after customer requests, was authentic pumpkin puree introduced, making the drink more genuine and flavorful.

Today, the pumpkin spice latte is a true cultural phenomenon, a symbol of autumn and the start of the cold season, and its acronym, PSL, is recognized globally. 

Every year, between late August and early October, its return to coffee shop menus marks the beginning of autumn. However, making pumpkin spice latte at home is the most authentic choice: it allows you to use fresh pumpkin, quality milk, and natural spices like those from Terzaluna.

pumpkin spice latte cups surrounded by autumn leaves

Pumpkin Spice Latte: Original Recipe

Making the pumpkin spice latte at home means recreating one of the most iconic gestures of autumn. The success of this pumpkin and spice drink was so great that the brand even launched pods and capsules compatible with Nespresso, allowing you to enjoy pumpkin spice latte at home just like in a coffee shop.

Yet, preparing it in a genuine and natural way is much simpler than it seems. With just a few quality ingredients — a good pumpkin, an intense espresso, and a balanced mix of spices — you can create a creamy, fragrant drink full of personality. The homemade version allows you to control sweetness, aromatic intensity, and consistency, making each cup a tailored experience.

In this section, you will find the original pumpkin spice latte recipe with all the steps, practical tips, and variations to adapt it to your tastes. From choosing the ideal pumpkin to the perfect spice mix, we will discover how to bring the authentic aroma and warmth of this iconic drink into your kitchen.

Difficulty

Easy

Preparation

20 min

Cooking

40 min

Servings

2-4 cups

Season

Autumn-Winter

Calories

~310 kcal

Ingredients

For the pumpkin puree:

  • 200 g of sweet pumpkin (Delica or Butternut)
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon of ground ginger
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • A pinch of cloves

For the drink:

  • 2 cups of espresso coffee (about 60 ml)
  • 400 ml of whole milk or plant-based drink
  • 4 tablespoons of spiced pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon of Pumpkin Spice Latte mix Terzaluna
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • Sugar or sweetener to taste

For decoration:

  • 100 ml of fresh liquid cream
  • 10 g of powdered sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Cinnamon sticks (optional)

Procedure

1

Prepare the pumpkin puree

Cut the pumpkin into cubes and bake it in the oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes until soft and caramelized. Blend it with sugar and spices until you get a smooth and velvety cream. It can be stored in the fridge for 3 days.

2

Heat the spiced milk

Pour the milk, puree, vanilla, and Terzaluna spice mix into a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring with a whisk, without bringing to a boil: the heat should just blend the aromas.

3

Add the coffee

Prepare two espressos and slowly pour them into the spiced milk. Stir gently to avoid breaking the foam and to achieve a velvety texture.

4

Decorate and serve

Whip the cream with the powdered sugar, place it on top of the drink, and finish with cinnamon or a decorative stick. Serve immediately and enjoy the scent of autumn in a cup.

Tip: add a sprinkle of Terzaluna spice mix before serving for an intense and natural aroma.

 

Pumpkin Spice Latte: Variations and Tips

The beauty of the pumpkin spice latte is that you can easily adapt it to your taste, experimenting with different versions and discovering the one that best enhances the pumpkin flavor.

### Pumpkin Spice Latte Vegan To prepare a **vegan pumpkin spice latte**, replace cow's milk with plant-based drinks like pumpkin, oat, or almond milk, which naturally complement the spices. The cream can be substituted with coconut or soy plant-based cream: both add creaminess without overshadowing the scent of spiced pumpkin. The result will be a smooth, light drink full of autumn aroma. ### Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte To make an **iced pumpkin spice latte**, prepare the classic recipe but let the pumpkin puree and spiced milk cool. Pour into a glass with ice and top with cold-whipped pumpkin milk cream. The contrast between the intense coffee and the sweetness of the pumpkin creates a fresh, aromatic drink perfect even out of season. ### Pumpkin Spice Latte Without Pumpkin For those who love spices but prefer a lighter version, the **pumpkin spice latte without pumpkin** is the ideal alternative. Simply heat the milk with the Terzaluna spice mix and add a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup. The result is a spiced coffee with a bold flavor, still evoking the sweetness of pumpkin even without using it directly. ### Pumpkin Spice Latte with Syrup **Pumpkin syrup** is a practical way to quickly prepare a pumpkin spice latte. Mix 125 ml of water, 75 g of sugar, 3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, and the Terzaluna spice mix in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil for 10 minutes, then strain. The pumpkin syrup keeps in the fridge for a week and allows you to enjoy a rich and fragrant pumpkin spice latte in just moments. #### **Order the [Terzaluna Pumpkin Spice Latte Spice Mix](https://www.terzaluna.com/miscela-di-spezie-pumpkin-spice-latte) and experiment with all PSL variations: hot, cold, vegan, or classic, to bring a touch of autumn to your cup every day.** ####   ## Pumpkin Spice Latte: Create Your Autumn Tradition The **pumpkin spice latte** is not just a drink, but a gesture of care and a way to rediscover the beauty of small things. Making it at home with fresh pumpkin and natural spices means personalizing the recipe and turning it into your own ritual. Terzaluna spices help you achieve a balanced and authentic aroma every time. Whether you choose the hot or cold version, with or without pumpkin, homemade pumpkin spice latte is an autumn embrace to savor slowly. #### **Discover the [Terzaluna Pumpkin Spice Latte Spice Mix](https://www.terzaluna.com/miscela-di-spezie-pumpkin-spice-latte) and bring the scent of pumpkin and autumn into your kitchen.** ##  
Terza Luna Posted by Terza Luna
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