The Ultimate Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, nothing beats the cozy comfort of a warm pumpkin spice latte. Skip the lines at the coffee shop and make your own delicious PSL at home with this ultimate recipe. Using real pumpkin puree, warming spices, and your choice of milk, you can create a customized latte that rivals any barista’s creation. Sip on this autumn favorite curled up with a good book or served at your next fall gathering.

Ingredients For The Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte

• 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, coconut, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, honey, or sweetener of choice, to taste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice blend, plus more for garnish
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1/4 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee
• Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, sweetener, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until hot and steaming. Do not let it boil.
2. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds until smooth and frothy.
3. Pour the hot espresso or coffee into a large mug. Gently pour the frothed pumpkin milk on top. Use a spoon to scoop any remaining foam onto the latte.
4. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, and a cinnamon stick, if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Top Tips

• Use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the most natural flavor. For a stronger pumpkin taste, reduce the puree on the stove before adding it to the latte.
• Customize your pumpkin spice blend by adjusting the ratios of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. A tiny pinch of black pepper enhances the warmth of the spices.
• Strain the pumpkin milk mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp for the smoothest latte.
• Serve the latte in a clear glass mug to showcase the beautiful layers of espresso and frothed pumpkin milk.

Different Variations

• Vegan PSL: Use non-dairy milk like oat, almond or coconut and top with coconut whipped cream.
• Iced PSL: Pour the espresso and pumpkin milk over ice for a refreshing cold version.
• Pumpkin Chai Latte: Steep a chai tea bag in the pumpkin milk mixture for a spiced chai twist.
• Pumpkin Mocha: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the milk mixture for a chocolate pumpkin treat.
• Decaf PSL: Substitute the espresso with strongly brewed Dandy Blend herbal coffee alternative for a caffeine-free latte.

With this ultimate recipe and its variations, you can enjoy the quintessential taste of fall anytime in the comfort of your own home. The warm spices, real pumpkin, and creamy milk create a hug in a mug that will make you want to cozy up all autumn long.