Healthy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
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This healthy homemade pumpkin spice latte is naturally sweetened and made with real pumpkin puree. It’s full of cozy fall flavor and tastes better than Starbucks for a fraction of the price.
If you love the idea of a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks but want to skip the extra sugar and calories, you’re going to love this homemade version.
Did you know that even a tall (the smallest size) non-fat, no-whip PSL has 200 calories and 37 grams of sugar? The main culprit is the syrup, which is made with sugar, condensed milk and artificial flavors. My healthy homemade pumpkin spice latte is made with real pumpkin puree, cozy spices and natural sweetener so you can enjoy all the fall flavor without the sugar overload.
Why I Love This Pumpkin Spice Latte
This healthy pumpkin spice latte has quickly become one of my favorite fall rituals, and I think you’ll see why:
- Healthier: Made with simple, real ingredients like pumpkin puree, warm spices and maple syrup. No artificial syrups needed.
- Easy to make: It looks and tastes like something from a café but comes together in minutes on the stovetop or with your blender. No fancy equipment required.
- Budget-friendly: A homemade pumpkin spice latte costs just a fraction of what you’d pay at Starbucks, and you can make it whenever the craving hits.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, the type of milk or even the level of spice to make it exactly how you like it.
// ★★★★★ Review //
“Tried this out today and it is really delicious. The taste is so close the the real deal drink (maybe even slightly better since it doesn’t taste fake). I appreciate that it’s healthier with clean ingredients, and love that it’s way way cheaper to make at home.” – Ann Marie
Ingredients Needed
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this healthy PSL recipe at home.
- brewed coffee – I usually use 1–2 shots of espresso to make this pumpkin spice latte, but brewed coffee also works if that’s what you prefer.
- unsweetened vanilla almond milk – I love the hint of vanilla flavor here, but any unsweetened milk will give you that creamy latte base.
- pumpkin puree – this is what makes it a real pumpkin spice latte. You can make homemade pumpkin puree or grab a can, just be sure the ingredient list says only “pumpkin.” Don’t accidentally pick up pumpkin pie filling since it already has sugar and spices added.
- pumpkin pie spice – the cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves that gives this latte its classic fall flavor. Use store-bought or make homemade pumpkin pie spice, and adjust to taste if you like a stronger spice kick.
- vanilla extract – a splash rounds out the spices and makes the latte taste extra cozy.
- maple syrup – a touch of natural sweetness ties everything together.
How to Make a Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Step 1: In a small sauce pan, mix together the almond milk and pumpkin. Heat over medium heat until warm, but not boiling.
Step 2: Remove the mixture from heat. Stir in vanilla, spices and maple syrup.
Step 3: Using a handheld frother froth the mixture until foamy.
Step 4: Pour coffee into a mug, add the foamy milk mixture on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!
My Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Brew it strong: If you’re using plain brewed coffee, make it on the stronger side so the flavor holds up against the pumpkin and spices.
- Pumpkin settling is normal: Don’t worry if a little pumpkin sinks to the bottom of your mug — that’s just what happens when you use real pumpkin instead of syrup.
- Freeze leftover purée: One of my readers shared a brilliant idea — freeze pumpkin purée in ice cube trays, then store the cubes in a freezer bag. Pop one or two out whenever you want a quick pumpkin spice latte. This hack is especially great for iced protein pumpkin spice latte. Thanks for the tip, Linda!
- Adjust to taste: Everyone’s sweetness and spice preferences are different, so don’t be afraid to add a little more maple syrup or an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to make your latte just right.
More Coffee Drinks to Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
- 8 ounces brewed coffee, or 1-2 shots of espresso
- ½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 3 Tablespoons canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin puree
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup, or sweetener of choice
- sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe cup, whisk together the almond milk and pumpkin puree. Heat on the stovetop over medium heat (or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds) until warm but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup.
- Use a handheld frother or blender to froth the milk mixture until foamy (about 30 seconds).
- Pour the hot coffee into a large mug. Slowly pour the foamy milk mixture over top.
- Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon and enjoy immediately.
Video
Notes
- Breville milk frother method: Add the pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and maple syrup directly to your hot coffee. Froth cold almond milk in the Breville frother, then pour over the coffee. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Pumpkin settling: A little pumpkin at the bottom of your mug is normal when using real pumpkin. Just give it a stir.
- Mixing matters: You can whisk by hand and it will work, but using a frother or blender helps the spices fully incorporate so you do not end up with a gritty sip at the bottom.
- Adjust to taste: Feel free to add more maple syrup for sweetness or extra pumpkin pie spice for a stronger flavor.
- Make ahead: This latte is best enjoyed fresh for the frothiest texture and richest flavor. You can prep the milk and pumpkin mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for 1–2 days. Just reheat, froth, and pour over coffee when ready to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like This Recipe? Rate & Comment Below!
You can save your pumpkin purée by freezing it in ice cube trays and then in freezer bags – this way all you have to do is take out one or two for your morning pumpkin latte fix!
This is such a great tip, thanks so much for sharing, Linda!
Great idea! Would you just thaw in the fridge the night before using? Or just use frozen since you’re blending with milk?
Could I use something other than almond milk. We have a nut allergy. Thanks.
Absolutely – feel free to use your favorite milk! Enjoy!
I’m looking for a recipe for a pumpkin spike creamer that I can keep refrigerated and add to chai whenever I want it. Any ideas?
Hi Tina – You can totally use the base of this recipe or my Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew recipe and add to a chia. Lots have done this and said it turns out delicious!
Hey! I want to make this but I’ll be the only person in the house drinking it. How do I save it and how long does it last before going bad?
Hi Abigail – This recipe serves 1 so if you make a single batch, it’ll be enough for just you! Enjoy!
Can this be made in advance without the coffee and kept in the fridge?
Hi Jana – I would recommend trying my Pumpkin Cream Cold brew recipe (you can use espresso instead). Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. The mixture will settle during storage so you’ll have to re-blend or froth it if you want it to be that texture but you can also just give it a shake and pour it in.
Tried this out today and it is really delicious. The taste is so close the the real deal drink (maybe even slightly better since it doesn’t taste fake). I appreciate that it’s healthier with clean ingredients, and love that it’s way way cheaper to make at home. Only negative is I can feel the spices when I drink. They are a little powdery when I drink it, but it’s minor.
Hi Ann – Did you blend the mixture? I found that you don’t feel the spices as much when you blend it thoroughly. But I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you so much for sharing your review + star rating.
I made this this morning for a mid morning treat, and OMG, it is amazing! I used unsweetened oat milk in my frother with the vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon. definitely a nice treat and much cheaper and healthier than starbucks. Thank you for another great recipe
WOO! I am excited to hear that you are loving this recipe, Andrea. Thank you so much for sharing your review + star rating, I so appreciate it!
The only pumpkin spice latte I’ll drink! SO good, and no ingredients that make me feel bad for enjoying all season long. A must make this fall – or all year 🙂
Yes! I love that you are enjoying this recipe, Megan. Thank you for sharing your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!
My new favorite fall drink! I don’t drink caffeine so I substituted with Dandy blend and it was perfect! Love all the pumpkin flavors and that it’s a healthy drink!
This year, all my favorite pumpkin finds are from your website!!
Yess! I am so happy to hear that you are loving all the pumpkin recipes this fall. Thank you so much for your review & star rating, I really appreciate it.