Cozy Homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte® Copycat (Easy Stove-Top Recipe)
If the first cool breeze of fall makes you crave a warm, spicy drink, you’re in the right place. Today I’m sharing a simple, cozy homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte you can make in your own kitchen—no drive-thru needed. This is a copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte® recipe, which means it’s inspired by the famous drink, but it’s not the official version. The good news? It’s quick, uses basic ingredients, and you can adjust the sweetness and spice exactly how you like it.About Starbucks, the PSL, and Why We’re All Obsessed
Starbucks started as a small coffee shop in Seattle back in 1971 and has grown into a huge part of coffee culture across the USA and around the world. Over the years, they’ve become known not just for coffee, but for seasonal drinks that mark the start of a new time of year. One of the most iconic is the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte®—often just called the PSL. It usually shows up near the end of summer and basically whispers, “Fall is here.” What makes it so special?- Warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove wrap you up like a soft blanket.
- Creamy texture: silky-smooth steamed milk blended with espresso.
- Comforting sweetness: pumpkin pie–like flavor with just enough sugar to feel like a treat.
- Aromas: the smell of pumpkin spice rising with the steam is pure cozy, like fresh pie coming out of the oven.
Homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte® Copycat Recipe
This easy copycat PSL recipe makes 2 servings and takes about 10–15 minutes from start to finish.Serving Size
Makes: 2 lattes (about 12 oz each, similar to a Tall/Grande size)Difficulty: Very easy – perfect for beginners
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| Cozy homemade pumpkin spice latte made with real pumpkin purée, warm spices, and creamy milk — an easy Starbucks-style PSL you can make at home in minutes |
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Spice Latte:- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk you like: 2%, oat, almond, etc.)
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots (about 2 oz) of espresso
- 3 Tbsp pumpkin purée (canned 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2–3 Tbsp granulated sugar or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup (optional but adds great flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 to 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of salt (helps the flavors pop)
- Whipped cream (canned or homemade)
- Extra pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon for sprinkling
- Extra 1–2 Tbsp pumpkin purée for a stronger pumpkin flavor
- 1 extra Tbsp sugar if you like a sweeter drink, similar to Starbucks
Step-by-Step Instructions (Stovetop Method)
You don’t need any fancy machines here—just a small pot and a whisk. If you do have an espresso machine or milk frother, you can absolutely use them, but they’re not required.Step 1: Brew Your Coffee or Espresso
- Make 2 shots of espresso if you have an espresso machine.
- Or brew 1/4 cup very strong coffee (use about double the coffee grounds you normally would).
- Set aside while you make the pumpkin milk mixture.
Step 2: Warm the Pumpkin and Spices
- Add the following to a small saucepan:
- 3 Tbsp pumpkin purée
- 2–3 Tbsp sugar
- 1–1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of salt
- Turn the heat to medium-low.
- Cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it smells very fragrant and “toasty.”
Step 3: Add the Milk and Sweeteners
- Slowly pour in:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (if using)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whisk to blend the pumpkin mixture with the milk.
- Heat over medium, whisking often, until the milk is steaming and small bubbles form around the edges.
Step 4: Froth the Milk (Optional but Fun)
If you want a foamy top like Starbucks:- Use a handheld milk frother to foam the pumpkin milk right in the pot.
- Or pour it into a jar with a tight lid and shake for 30–45 seconds (be careful, it’s hot—wrap the jar with a towel and don’t fill more than halfway).
Step 5: Combine With Coffee and Serve
- Divide the hot coffee or espresso between 2 mugs.
- Pour the pumpkin spice milk over the coffee, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.
- Top with:
- Whipped cream
- A light sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
- Too strong? Add a splash more milk.
- Too sweet? Next time, reduce the sugar by 1 Tbsp.
- Not sweet enough? Stir in a little extra sugar or maple syrup while it’s still hot.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
These numbers are estimates and will change depending on the type of milk and sweetener you use. Based on whole milk, 3 Tbsp sugar total, and whipped cream:- Calories: ~260–280
- Protein: ~8–9 g
- Fat: ~10–12 g
- Carbs: ~36–40 g
- Fiber: ~1–2 g (from pumpkin)
- Sugar: ~32–35 g
- Use 2% or skim milk, or an unsweetened almond milk.
- Cut the sugar and maple syrup in half.
- Skip or minimize whipped cream.
Time-Saving & Super-Simple Pumpkin Spice Latte Shortcuts
Want to make this even easier on busy mornings? Here are a few shortcuts using common kitchen tools and basic ingredients.1. Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte Concentrate
Mix this once and enjoy PSLs all week.- In a small saucepan, combine:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar (or 3/4 cup sugar + 1/4 cup maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin purée
- 2–3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Simmer over low heat 5–7 minutes, whisking, until slightly thickened.
- Strain if you want a smoother syrup (optional), cool, and store in a jar in the fridge for up to 1–2 weeks.
- Brew coffee or espresso.
- Heat milk in the microwave or on the stove.
- Stir in 2–3 Tbsp of your pumpkin syrup to taste.
2. Microwave-Only Method (No Stove Needed)
- In a microwave-safe measuring cup, whisk:
- 2 cups milk
- 3 Tbsp pumpkin purée
- 2–3 Tbsp sugar
- 1–1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Microwave 1–2 minutes, whisk, then heat again in 30-second bursts until hot and steamy.
- Froth by shaking in a jar or using a small whisk.
- Pour over hot coffee in your mug.
3. Crock-Pot Pumpkin Spice Latte for a Crowd
Perfect for fall parties, brunches, or Halloween night.- Add to a slow cooker:
- 6 cups milk
- 1 1/4 cups strong brewed coffee (or 6–8 shots espresso)
- 3/4 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 cup sugar (or taste and adjust)
- 2 1/2 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 Tbsp vanilla
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Whisk well, cover, and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until hot and fragrant.
- Serve with whipped cream and extra spice on top.
Diet-Friendly Variations (Dairy-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, & More)
One of the best parts of making a homemade pumpkin spice latte is that you can customize it to fit your needs.Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Latte
The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as:- Your pumpkin purée is 100% pumpkin (check the label).
- Your spices are pure and not part of a mix that adds flour (most pumpkin pie spice blends are fine).
Dairy-Free or Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte
To make this recipe dairy-free and vegan:- Use plant-based milk:
- Oat milk (creamy and great for lattes)
- Almond milk
- Soy milk
- Coconut milk (richer and more dessert-like)
- Swap sugar for:
- Organic cane sugar (for strict vegans, make sure it’s vegan-certified), or
- Maple syrup or agave syrup
- Use dairy-free whipped topping or skip the whipped cream.
Lower-Sugar / “Lighter” Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Use a sugar substitute like:
- Stevia
- Monk fruit sweetener
- Erythritol or a blend
- Start with 1–2 Tbsp sweetener for the whole recipe and adjust.
- Use unsweetened almond or cashew milk for fewer calories.
Paleo-Inspired Pumpkin Spice Latte
Paleo approaches can vary, but here’s a version many people on paleo-style plans enjoy:- Use full-fat coconut milk (from a can) or almond milk.
- Sweeten with:
- Maple syrup, or
- Honey (if it fits your plan)
- Use pure pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and brewed coffee or espresso as usual.
Caffeine-Free Pumpkin Spice Latte
Want to enjoy a PSL at night?- Use decaf coffee or espresso.
- Or skip coffee entirely and just make the spiced pumpkin milk—basically a pumpkin spice steamer.
Tips for the Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Use real pumpkin: 100% pumpkin purée gives that true pie-like flavor.
- Toast your spices: Gently heating the pumpkin and spices before adding milk makes a big difference.
- Balance sweetness: Taste as you go; you can always add more sugar, but you can’t take it out.
- Don’t skip the salt: Just a pinch of salt sharpens the flavors like it does in baked goods.
- Adjust the coffee strength: If you love bold coffee, use double espresso. If you’re more about the pumpkin, use milder coffee.
Let’s Talk: Do You Love Pumpkin Spice Year-Round?
Some people pack away pumpkin spice with their fall decorations. Others (I’m in this group!) sneak a PSL in March when no one’s looking. How about you?- Do you only drink pumpkin spice in the fall?
- Do you like yours extra strong on coffee, or more like a pumpkin dessert in a mug?
- Have you tried a dairy-free or vegan version you loved?
Share Your Pumpkin Spice Latte Creations!
If you make this recipe:- Leave a comment with your favorite variation—extra coffee, more spice, less sugar, dairy-free, anything!
- Share this recipe with a friend who’s always ordering a PSL.
- Pin it, bookmark it, or save it for those first chilly mornings.
Important Disclaimers
Copycat Recipe Disclaimer: This recipe is a homemade copycat and is inspired by the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte® drink. We do not have access to Starbucks’ proprietary recipe or methods. Pumpkin Spice Latte® and Starbucks® are registered trademarks of Starbucks Corporation. This recipe is not endorsed by or affiliated with Starbucks in any way. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.Affiliate Disclaimer:
Simply Copycat Recipes is an Amazon Associate and may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you when you use our affiliate links. This helps support the site so we can keep sharing easy, budget-friendly copycat recipes with you.
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