How to Make the Best Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte at Home: A Simple, Cozy Guide
Hey, sweet friends! Today I’m excited to share one of my absolute favorite fall-inspired treats with y’all—a homemade iced pumpkin spiced latte!
If you’re anything like me, fall is all about cozy vibes, sweaters, crisp air, and the delightful aroma of pumpkins and spices filling the kitchen. Even though the weather may not always match those cozy feels, there’s no reason why we can’t enjoy the season’s flavors in a cool, refreshing way. So, let’s make a yummy iced pumpkin spiced latte right at home. Trust me, once you try this, you might never want to wait in those long coffee shop lines again!
It’s super easy, and you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few ingredients you might already have in your pantry.
Why Make an Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte at Home?
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let me tell you why I love making my lattes at home. First of all, it saves you money. I don’t know about you, but $6+ for a cup of coffee is not my idea of frugal living, especially when I can make something just as tasty (if not better!) right in my own kitchen. Plus, you can control the ingredients, meaning no artificial flavors or too much sugar—just pure, delicious goodness.
And don’t even get me started on the convenience! No more running out the door to get your pumpkin spice fix. You can have it any time of day, whether it’s for a slow morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Alright, friends, let’s jump into it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is straightforward and totally customizable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of strong brewed coffee (or 2 shots of espresso, if you want it a bit more intense)
- 1/2 cup of milk of choice (I like to use almond milk, but feel free to use whatever you love—oat, coconut, or even regular dairy)
- 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree (the real deal, not the pumpkin pie filling)
- 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup (you can also use honey, agave, or any sweetener you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice (I’ll also show you how to make your own if you don’t have this on hand!)
- Ice cubes (I prefer nugget ice!)
- Whipped cream (optional but highly recommended!)
- Cinnamon for garnish (and fall cookie mug toppers are fun too!)
How to Make the Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte
Now, here comes the fun part! Let me walk you through how to whip up this delicious treat.
1. Brew Your Coffee
Start by brewing two cups of strong coffee. If you’re using an espresso machine, go ahead and pull two shots of espresso. (That’s what I use.😉) If you don’t have espresso, no worries! Regular strong-brewed coffee works just fine. You can also use cold brew if you’re looking for something a little smoother.
Now, let that coffee cool down to room temperature or pop it in the fridge for a bit. No one wants a watered-down iced latte, so it’s important that your coffee isn’t too hot when you add the ice.
2. Mix the Pumpkin Spice Base
In a cup, combine the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, milk, and pumpkin pie spice. This is the quickest way, but if you have time and prefer, you can also heat the mixture on the stove top in a sauce pan. Warm until it’s well-blended, but don’t let it boil. You just want to gently heat it to release all those lovely fall flavors.
This little pumpkin spice base is the magic sauce for your latte. The rich pumpkin puree gives you that authentic flavor, while the maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness that makes this drink taste like a cozy autumn hug. Once it’s mixed well, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a minute.
Pro Tip: If you want to make a big batch of the pumpkin spice base, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. That way, when you’re craving another iced latte (and you will!), it’s ready to go in no time.
3. Combine Everything
Once your coffee and pumpkin spice base are both cooled, grab a glass and fill it with ice cubes. Pour in the coffee or espresso first, then add the pumpkin spice mixture. (In my reel, I combined all the ingredients and then added my ice. I think it tastes the same. 😊)
4. Top It Off
Now for the finishing touch! If you’re feeling fancy (and let’s be honest, we all deserve a little fancy in our day), top your iced pumpkin spiced latte with some whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or extra pumpkin pie spice on top makes it look like a professional café creation, and it adds an extra layer of flavor.
I found these adorable fall mug toppers at Aldi, and they add the perfect fall touch! They come in pumpkin and leaf shapes. I’m not sure if they still carry them at Aldi, but I found them on Amazon. They’re just a little pricier there. 🥴
Optional: If you like your latte on the sweeter side, you can drizzle a little extra maple syrup or even some caramel sauce over the whipped cream. Yum!
5. Sip and Enjoy
Grab a straw, stir it up, and enjoy your homemade iced pumpkin spiced latte! Sit back, relax, and let the flavors of fall take over. It’s so refreshing, with just the right balance of pumpkin, spice, and coffee. Plus, it’s way healthier than the store-bought versions since you can control the sweetness and ingredients.
Here’s a little instagram reel I created yesterday…
How to Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice
Now, if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, don’t fret! You can make your own at home with a few basic spices that you probably already have in your pantry.
Here’s a quick recipe for DIY pumpkin pie spice:
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
Mix all these spices together and store them in an airtight jar. This homemade blend is perfect for your lattes, but you can also use it in pancakes, muffins, or even sprinkled over roasted vegetables!
Customizing Your Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte
One of the best things about making lattes at home is that you can customize them to your heart’s content. Here are a few ideas to make your iced pumpkin spiced latte uniquely yours:
- Make it vegan: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and top with a dairy-free whipped cream.
- Add protein: Blend in a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra boost, especially if you’re having it as a breakfast treat.
- Make it decaf: If you love the flavor but aren’t keen on the caffeine, use decaf coffee or espresso.
- Spice it up: If you like a stronger spice flavor, feel free to add a little extra pumpkin pie spice or even some ground cinnamon to the mix.
I’ve linked some of the products I used (and similar ones) so you can make your own Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte at home!
So, sweet friends, next time you’re craving a fall-flavored treat, skip the coffee shop and make your own iced pumpkin spiced latte at home. It’s budget-friendly, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, you get to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home (or take it to-go in your favorite travel mug!).
Let me know if you try this recipe! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. You can leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations. Until next time, stay cozy and keep enjoying the little things.
Love and blessings,
Traci ❤️
*there are affiliate links in this post.
