There’s something inviting about wrapping your hands around a warm mug of spiced coffee on a cool fall morning. Inspired by the familiar Starbucks seasonal favorite, this homemade pumpkin spice latte combines real pumpkin, vanilla, and fragrant spices with espresso and warm milk. A spoonful of sweetened condensed milk adds a creamy richness reminiscent of pumpkin custard, while letting you adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.
INGREDIENTS:
¾ cup whole milk
1 tablespoon unsweetened pumpkin purée
1½ tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, plus more to taste
1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus a little for garnish
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 shots freshly brewed espresso (about ¼ cup), or 1/3 cup strongly brewed coffee
Whipped cream, optional
METHOD:
In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk, pumpkin purée, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
Warm over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until steaming hot. Do not boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
For a smoother, lightly frothy texture, blend briefly with a handheld milk frother, keeping the whisk submerged to prevent splashing. If using an immersion blender, transfer the mixture to a tall, heatproof container that safely accommodates the blender head.
Pour the hot espresso or strong coffee into a large mug. Gradually pour in the pumpkin milk mixture, stirring gently to combine. Taste and add a little more sweetened condensed milk if desired.
Top with whipped cream, if using, and a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice. Serve immediately.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
Enjoy with a slice of pumpkin bread, a breakfast scone, or a simple butter cookie.
YIELD: 1 large latte
COOK’S NOTES:
- Use sweetened condensed milk rather than evaporated milk; they are different products and are not interchangeable in this recipe.
- For a sweeter coffeehouse-style drink, increase the sweetened condensed milk to 2 tablespoons. Start with the smaller amount and adjust after adding the coffee.
- Use plain pumpkin purée rather than pumpkin pie filling. Homemade purée should be very smooth; if fibrous, press it through a fine-mesh strainer before measuring.
- The spices and pumpkin may settle slightly as the latte stands. Stir gently before taking another sip.
- Whole milk gives the drink a rich texture, but 2% milk also works well. Use decaffeinated espresso or coffee if preferred.
META DESCRIPTION:
Make a Starbucks-inspired hot pumpkin spice latte with real pumpkin, espresso, warm spices, and sweetened condensed milk for a creamy fall treat.
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