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!
This is delicious. I added the ingredients straight to my breville frother before reading the directions and it mixed really well. I used 8 oz of oat milk and 2 shots of espresso. One of the best things I’ve tasted in a long time. Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear that this latte turned out well for you and that you enjoyed it! 🙂 Thank you so much for coming back to leave a comment and star rating. Your feedback is super helpful!
Is the pumpkin puree raw? Baken in the oven? Or else? Tnx!
I used canned pumpkin puree, but if you’re using a fresh pumpkin you’ll need to cook it and puree it first.
The one type that has worked for me is the refrigerated Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla.
Delicious! Made this today! I even gave a shout out to it on my blog =)
I was interested in not only the recipe but also where did you get that mug!? Please let me know if that information is available. Thank you!
Hi Kathleen. The mug is from Anthropologie (http://bit.ly/2cqiqqi) and it’s definitely one of my favorites! Highly recommend. 🙂
This recipe was just what I needed to round out my collection of healthy ways to use leftover canned pumpkin. I linked to this recipe and mentioned your blog in today’s blog post 🙂
Quick question has anyone stored this milk/cream for another day? Think I can whip up a batch and store it in the fridge for the am? TIA
I haven’t ever tried it, Samantha but it’s worth a try. Let me know if it works for you!
This looks amazing!! I’ve been wanting to find an alternative to this classic fall drink that isn’t filled with lord only knows, but natural ingredients! Thanks so much for sharing:)
Of course. Let me know if you try it! 🙂
I have a breville milk steamer. which I have used everyday since I bought it almost 3 years ago.
But, I cannot get almond milk to froth, it gets hot but almost zero foam.
which brand do you use. I have tried silk and blue diamond
thanks
I’ve had a hard time with almond milk as well. The one type that has worked for me is the refrigerated Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla.
I need this! Cant wait to make it.
Let me know how it turns out! 🙂