How to Make the Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

September 19, 2025

Last updated: September 2025 | Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes | Total time: 10 minutes

Skip the coffee shop lines this fall and create your own homemade pumpkin spice latte that rivals any café favorite. This easy recipe uses Everyday People Coffee & Tea as the foundation, combined with real pumpkin purée and warming autumn spices for an authentic seasonal drink you can enjoy anytime.

Why Make Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home?

Making your own PSL recipe saves money, allows you to control ingredients, and tastes better than store-bought versions. Plus, you can customize the sweetness and spice levels to your preference while using high-quality specialty coffee beans from Everyday People Coffee.

Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Coffee Base:

Pumpkin Spice Mix:

  • 1 cup milk of choice (whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk)
  • 2 tablespoons pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 tablespoon maple coffee syrup or pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice blend
  • Pinch of sea salt (enhances flavor)

Toppings (Optional):

  • Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream
  • Extra pumpkin pie spice for dusting
  • Cinnamon stick for stirring

Step-by-Step Instructions

pumpkin spice latte

Step 1: Brew Your Coffee Base

Start with freshly brewed Everyday People Coffee & Tea for the best flavor foundation. If using espresso, pull 2 shots. For regular coffee, brew ½ cup using a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio with your favorite specialty coffee beans.

Step 2: Create the Pumpkin Spice Base

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together:

Heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and well combined.

Step 3: Steam and Froth the Milk

Add your chosen milk to the saucepan with the pumpkin mixture. Whisk continuously while heating until steamy and frothy (about 3-4 minutes). For extra froth, use a milk frother or French press.

Step 4: Assemble Your Latte

Pour the hot coffee into your favorite mug. Slowly add the pumpkin spice milk mixture, stirring gently to combine.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Top with whipped cream if desired, and dust with additional pumpkin pie spice. Serve immediately while hot.

Popular Variations to Try

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

Transform this into an iced pumpkin spice latte by:

  • Using cold brew coffee instead of hot espresso
  • Allowing the pumpkin mixture to cool completely
  • Serving over ice with cold milk
  • Adding a splash of vanilla extract

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Latte

Make it vegan pumpkin spice latte by using:

  • Oat milk or coconut milk for creaminess
  • Coconut whipped cream for topping
  • Ensure your maple coffee syrup is vegan-friendly

Sugar-Free Option

For a healthier version:

  • Use sugar-free  syrup
  • Replace whipped cream with frothed milk
  • Add extra cinnamon for natural sweetness

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade PSL

Coffee Quality Matters: The foundation of any great latte starts with quality beans. Everyday People Coffee & Tea  provides the rich, smooth base that complements pumpkin spices perfectly.

Real Pumpkin vs. Artificial: Always use real pumpkin purée instead of artificial pumpkin flavoring for authentic taste and added nutrition.

Spice Blend: Make your own pumpkin pie spice by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice for fresher flavor than store-bought blends.

Temperature Control: Keep heat at medium-low to prevent scorching the milk and pumpkin mixture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Pumpkin spice mix: Make a larger batch and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week

Cold version: Prepare iced version the night before for busy mornings

Freezer option: Freeze pumpkin spice mixture in ice cube trays for quick single-serve portions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of purée? No, stick with pure pumpkin purée. Pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will make your latte overly sweet.

What's the best milk for pumpkin spice lattes? Whole milk creates the creamiest texture, but oat milk is an excellent dairy-free alternative that froths well.

How long does homemade pumpkin spice latte last? Best consumed immediately, but the pumpkin mixture can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Perfect Pairings

Enjoy your homemade pumpkin spice latte alongside:

  • Pumpkin bread or muffins
  • Cinnamon scones
  • Apple cider donuts
  • Fall-spiced cookies

Ready to elevate your coffee game? Shop our specialty coffee beans collection for the perfect PSL base, or try our pumpkin spice syrup for natural sweetness that complements autumn flavors.

Pin this recipe for your fall coffee collection and share your homemade pumpkin spice latte creations on social media!