This is hands down the best and the easiest Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe you'll ever find. My photo and video instructions will help you make your favorite drink at home!
During the fall months, so many of us LOVE and CRAVE Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks. I still remember the first time I tried it because I felt so sure that I wouldn't like the pumpkin mixed with milk and espresso. Boy, was I surprised when I took the first sip! It's like all of the best things fall has to offer in one cup!
While working at Starbucks for five years, I had plenty of opportunities to enjoy Pumpkin Spice Lattes. During the fall months, I had one almost every day. Now that I work from home, I would love to see a cup of PSL next to my computer while I am working, but the nearest Starbucks is 20 minutes away—plus, if I bought it as often as I wanted it, I would run the risk of going broke. 🙂 Since I've had success duplicating many of my favorite Starbucks drinks at home, like the Caramel Macchiato and Mocha Frappuccino, it was a no-brainer for me to make the Pumpkin Spice Latte as well. Today, I want to teach you how you can make this delicious treat, too.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Video Tutorial
How to make Pumpkin Spice Latte
A Pumpkin Spice Latte is made with:
- Pumpkin Sauce
- Espresso
- Milk
- Optional Whipped Cream
Let's talk a bit more about these ingredients.
Espresso
Espresso could be made with an espresso machine, various K-Cup machines, or with a macchinetta or “moka.” If you don't own any of these items, I suggest starting with a macchinetta. That's what all of Italy is using! It is cheap, easy to use, and the Italians swear it makes the best espresso. There are several good brands to choose from, like Bialetti and Grosche, but I have to tell you that even the cheapest $10 macchinetta makes espresso well. Check out this video I found on how to use a macchinetta:
Milk
As with any latte, you'll need to froth the milk for this Pumpkin Spice Latte. You can use dairy or non-dairy milk successfully. We use 2% milk by default at Starbucks. No matter which milk you choose, you will need to froth it. You can froth the milk by simply warming it up (microwave or stovetop) and whisking it. But if you enjoy making lattes and cappuccinos at home, you'll need a simple and effective milk frother. There are two kinds of milk frothers that work really well: manual milk frothers (I use this Ninja Frother), and electric frothers (I recommend MilkBoss by Zulay Kitchen). Check out the reviews on these frothers. They are both very effective. Here is a video on how to use a manual milk frother:
Pumpkin Sauce
Lastly, you'll need Pumpkin Sauce for this Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe. It is also easy to prepare, and the sauce will last up to seven days in the refrigerator. You'll need just a few ingredients to make the sauce:
1. To make the sauce, just place all of the ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer for about 10 minutes.
2. Place the sauce in a smoothie cup or food processor and process until very smooth. This step is optional but recommended.
The sauce is ready!
Now, let's make the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte at home!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients
- ¼ cup of pumpkin sauce (recipe above)
- 2 oz. espresso
- 8 oz. milk
- whipped cream and cinnamon, to garnish
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe Steps
1. Prepare the espresso. Use your favorite method (espresso machine, K-Cup machine, Moka maker, or even instant espresso would work).
2. Warm and froth the milk. (If you don't have a frother, just warm up the milk).
3. Add pumpkin the sauce (recipe and instructions above) and espresso to a 16 oz. serving cup. Stir well.
4. Pour the milk into the pumpkin-espresso mixture. Top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with cinnamon.
That's it! Now you have a tasty pumpkin drink at home. Please, share in the comment section if you try this recipe or if you have any feedback. Enjoy!
You'll love these Starbucks Copycat Recipes too:
- Starbucks Caramel Macchiato
- Starbucks Chai Tea Latte
- Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino
- Starbucks Caramel Latte
Why do I share Starbucks recipes? Read my Starbucks Journey. 🙂
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
VIDEO TUTORIAL
Ingredients
For Pumpkin Sauce
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp. pumpkin spice
For Pumpkin Spice Latte
- ¼ cup pumpkin sauce
- 2 oz. espresso
- 8 oz. milk whole or 2%, or non-dairy
- whipped cream and cinnamon to garnish
- cinnamon to garnish
Instructions
PUMPKIN SAUCE
- To make the pumpkin sauce, just place all of the ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Place the sauce in smoothie cup or food processor and process until very smooth. This step is optional, but recommended.
- Transfer the sauce into a jar with a lid and keep in refrigerator for up to 7 days.
PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
- Prepare 2 oz of espresso.
- Warm and froth 8 oz. of milk.
- Add 2 oz. of pumpkin sauce and espresso into a 16 oz. serving cup. Stir well.
- Pour the milk into the pumpkin-espresso mixture. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Kelly says
Don’t know what I’m doing wrong doesn’t taste the same made just like the recipe. What brand coffee did u use ?
Tania Sheff says
Hi Kelly! I use Starbucks Espresso Roast.
Heather Karpowicz says
Is pumpkin spice the same as pumpkin pie spice?
Tania Sheff says
Hi Heather! Yes, it's the same thing. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Kim says
Very yummy! This is by far the best recipe I’ve found.
Tania Sheff says
Thank you so much, Kim! It means a lot to me!
Kathey Ahrens says
Perfect first batch! I’m going to try a half sugar/honey/or maple syrup for round two!
Tania Sheff says
Great! I cannot wait to find out how you like it, Kathey!