The Best Homemade Pumpkin Latte Recipe

Nothing says comfort like a warm, frothy pumpkin latte on a crisp autumn morning—or anytime you crave a hug in a mug. This isn’t your average coffee shop drink; it’s a rich, aromatic, and creamy blend you can whip up right in your own kitchen. With just a few everyday ingredients and five minutes to spare, you can create a barista-level beverage that’s both indulgent and wallet-friendly. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy solo moment or impressing guests with seasonal charm, this pumpkin latte delivers everything you love—without the trip to Starbucks.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in under 5 minutes, perfect for busy mornings
  • Simple Ingredients – You probably already have everything on hand
  • Barista-Worthy – Rich flavor and creamy texture without the high price
  • Cozy & Comforting – Perfect for fall, winter, or whenever you need a warm hug
  • Customizable – Make it dairy-free, extra sweet, or super spicy – your call!

What sets this pumpkin latte apart? We’ve fine-tuned the balance between espresso strength, sweet-spice pumpkin syrup, and velvety milk froth. No bitterness, no watery base—just a perfectly layered coffeehouse experience with a homemade soul.

Ingredients Needed

For the Pumpkin Latte Base:

  • 20 ml of spiced pumpkin syrup – Adds that signature sweet warmth; use a measuring cap or spoon
  • 1 shot of freshly brewed espresso – Adds depth and rich coffee flavor

For the Milk Foam:

  • 150 ml of milk – Whole milk is ideal for creaminess; feel free to use oat, almond, or soy milk
  • Whipped cream (Chantilly) – Optional, but highly recommended for a luxurious topping

Garnish:

  • Cinnamon powder – Adds that final touch of cozy spice

Tip: If you’re using a syrup bottle like Monin, one cap = 10 ml—super handy for measuring!

How to Make Pumpkin Latte

1. Measure & Pour the Syrup

Start by measuring 20 ml of pumpkin syrup and pouring it into your serving glass or mug. If you’re using a Monin bottle, just fill the cap twice—easy and accurate.

2. Warm and Froth the Milk

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe container, gently heat the milk until it’s steaming (but not boiling). Then, use a milk frother or handheld whisk to create a generous foam. You’re aiming for a silky, cloud-like consistency.

Why this matters: Frothed milk adds body and enhances the mouthfeel of your latte.

3. Brew the Espresso

Pull a single shot of espresso using your machine or stovetop moka pot. If you don’t have an espresso maker, use a strong brew from a French press or instant espresso powder.

4. Build Your Latte

Pour the steamed milk into the glass with the syrup, holding back the foam with a spoon. Once the milk is in, spoon the foam over the top. Gently pour in the espresso shot—it should nestle beautifully beneath the froth.

5. Add the Final Touch

Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, then dust with cinnamon powder. This elevates the aroma and adds a hint of spice with every sip.

Presentation Tip: Serve with a cinnamon stick or on a wooden tray for that “coffeehouse at home” aesthetic.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Best Served Hot – Pumpkin lattes are meant to be enjoyed warm and fresh. If needed, reheat gently without boiling to maintain the texture.
  • Presentation Matters – Use a clear glass to show off the layers of syrup, milk, espresso, and foam for a café-style look.
  • Batching Tip – Hosting brunch? Multiply the ingredients and keep the milk warm in a thermos. Froth just before serving.

Storage:

  • Fridge Storage – Store any unused syrup-milk mixture for up to 24 hours. Stir before reheating.
  • Freezer – Not recommended due to texture change.

Helpful Notes

  • Dairy-Free Option – Substitute milk with oat or almond milk and use coconut whipped cream
  • Espresso-Free Alternative – Use strong black coffee or cold brew concentrate if needed
  • Extra Spicy? – Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger for more bite
  • Sweetness Control – Adjust syrup quantity based on your sweet tooth
  • Iced Version – Skip the warming step and pour over ice for a refreshing summer twist
pumpkin latte

Homemade Pumpkin Latte

Nothing says comfort like a warm, frothy pumpkin latte on a crisp autumn morning—or anytime you crave a hug in a mug. This rich, aromatic, and creamy blend is your at-home answer to a barista-level beverage, made in just five minutes with simple ingredients.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: coffee, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Pumpkin Latte Base
  • 20 ml spiced pumpkin syrup Use Monin or similar; 1 cap = 10 ml
  • 1 shot freshly brewed espresso Use machine, moka pot, or strong French press
Milk Foam
  • 150 ml milk Whole milk preferred; use oat, almond, or soy for dairy-free
  • whipped cream (Chantilly) Optional but recommended
Garnish
  • cinnamon powder For dusting on top

Method
 

  1. Measure & Pour the Syrup: Measure 20 ml of pumpkin syrup and pour it into your serving glass or mug.
  2. Warm and Froth the Milk: Heat the milk in a saucepan or microwave until steaming. Froth it with a milk frother or whisk until cloud-like.
  3. Brew the Espresso: Brew a single shot of espresso using your espresso machine, moka pot, or a strong French press.
  4. Build Your Latte: Pour steamed milk into the glass with the syrup, holding back foam. Add foam on top, then pour in espresso gently.
  5. Add the Final Touch: Top with whipped cream and dust with cinnamon powder. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

To make it dairy-free, use oat or almond milk and coconut whipped cream. Want more spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. For an iced version, skip the heating step and pour over ice.

Conclusion

This homemade pumpkin latte is more than just a drink—it’s a seasonal ritual, a moment of peace, and a flavor bomb of cozy comfort. With simple steps and ingredients you control, you’ll never need to queue up at a coffee shop again. It’s quick, customizable, and impressively delicious.

Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your twist on it!
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What’s your favorite fall drink? Tell us in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does pumpkin spice latte taste like?

It’s a warm, comforting blend of coffee and autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Balanced sweetness from pumpkin syrup meets bold espresso for a cozy, creamy treat.

How to make a pumpkin spice latte?

Easy! Combine pumpkin spice syrup, hot frothy milk, and a shot of espresso. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon. See our full step-by-step guide above!

How to prepare a latte?

A latte typically combines one shot of espresso with steamed milk and a layer of milk foam. For a pumpkin latte, just add spiced syrup to the mix.

What is the composition of pumpkin spice?

Pumpkin spice is a blend of warm spices—usually cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice. It mimics the flavor profile of traditional pumpkin pie.