This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is a real-food version made with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, cream, and maple syrup. Rich, flavorful, and ready in just 2 minutes for a cozy morning or afternoon treat.
Looking for more drink recipes?
Check out healthy hot chocolate, yogurt drink, and honey citrus mint tea.
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💡Recipe Overview
- Prep and Cook Time: 5 minutes to cook
- Cooking Method: Stove-top
- Dietary Info: Primal, Ancestral diet
- Tools Needed: small saucepan and whisk or milk frother
- Skill Level: Easy
What is an ancestral diet? Read my post on what nourishing foods are based on the traditional dietary principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Reasons to Love this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
You know it's pumpkin spice season when the coffee shops start charging extra for a sprinkle of cinnamon and a splash of "pumpkin flavor."
But here's the thing - you don't need to spend $7 on a cup of sugar and syrup to get those cozy fall vibes.
My real food version of a pumpkin spice latte is made with actual pumpkin (imagine that!), pure maple syrup, and real cream. I'll often even add two scoops of collagen peptides like I do in all my coffee drinks. But there's no weird syrups, no fake flavors - just wholesome ingredients you probably already have at home.
It's rich, creamy, perfectly spiced (thanks to my homemade pumpkin spice blend!), and honestly? Way better than anything you'll get from a drive-thru that rhymes with Schmarbucks.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Coffee – Use freshly brewed hot coffee for the best flavor. A medium or dark roast works great to balance the sweetness and spice. You can also use herbal coffee if you're going for a caffeine-free latte.
- Pumpkin puree – Adds body and natural sweetness while giving that signature fall flavor. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Pumpkin spice – A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that makes every sip taste like fall in a mug. Feel free to adjust to your taste for a stronger or milder spice profile.
- Heavy cream – Gives the drink its creamy texture and rich flavor. You can swap with coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Maple syrup – Naturally sweetens the coffee and adds a warm, caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin and spice. Adjust the amount to your liking. You can also use honey (and it would be GAPS compliant).
- Toppings – A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon make the drink extra special. Try grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick for a cozy finishing touch.
Substitutions & Variations
I've originally shared this recipe with low-carb and GAPS variations. I have since focused more on real-food recipes (which this PSL recipe totally is) but I know many come to my site in search of healing recipes. Here are a few easy swaps you can make to fit your specific healing diet:
- Keto or Low-Carb Pumpkin Spice Latte: replace maple syrup with a low carb sweetener like monkfruit or low-carb maple syrup
- GAPS Pumpkin Spice Latte: stick with raw cream and honey (which is the only GAPS compliant sweetener) and consider using herbal coffee instead of regular coffee as it's not allowed in the introduction phase.
- Paleo Pumpkin Spice Latte: swap the cream for coconut milk and the rest is all good.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte
The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.
Step 1. Whisk
In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients but coffee and whisk gently over medium-high heat.
Step 2. Combine
Once thoroughly combined, gently pour in the coffee and whisk with a frother to create foamy texture.
Helpful Tips
- Whisk for froth - use a handheld frother or small whisk when combining coffee and pumpkin cream mixture to get a light, foamy texture.
- Go for the right consistency - if the latte is too thick, add a splash of hot coffee or milk to loosen it while whisking.
💭Meal Prep Suggestion!
Create the pumpkin maple syrup mixture in bulk and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. When you're ready to make your latte, steam milk and combine with coffee for a pumpkin spice latte anytime you want it.
Pumpkin spice latte pairing suggestions:
Frequently Asked Questions
PSL is best enjoyed fresh. But if you happen to have leftovers, keep it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To reheat, gently warm in a small saucepan over low heat while whisking to maintain the frothy texture.
It’s not ideal to freeze the prepared drink since the dairy and coffee can separate once thawed. However, you can freeze the pumpkin mixture (without the coffee) in an airtight container or ice cube tray for up to 2 months. When ready, just heat the cubes, add hot coffee, and whisk or froth before serving.
Yes! If you prefer an iced version, use cold brew or chilled coffee and skip heating the mixture. Just whisk everything together, pour over ice, and top with whipped cream.
Looking for more related recipes? Here are some ideas:
Did you make this pumpkin spice latte? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚
Printable Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups hot coffee
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- whipped cream & ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice, ⅔ cup heavy cream, and 3 tablespoons maple syrup and whisk gently over medium-high heat.
- Once thoroughly combined, gently pour in the 2 cups hot coffee and whisk with a frother to create foamy texture.
- Pour in a mug, top additional whipped cream & ground cinnamon for garnish if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Whisk for froth - use a handheld frother or small whisk when combining coffee and pumpkin cream mixture to get a light, foamy texture.
- Go for the right consistency - if the latte is too thick, add a splash of hot coffee or milk to loosen it while whisking.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
Ooohhh this looks so cozy and it's so pretty too! I love that you list the herbal coffee as an option too, perfect for those of us who can't drink coffee. Love all of the yummy flavors in this festive drink, especially that beautiful topping.
Anya says
It's so perfect for this time of year.
Kiran Smith says
Oh yum. I've been searching for a homemade PSL - so much better than the ones you can buy out! Trying this tomorrow;).
Anya says
So good. Hope you like it as much as we do.
Daniela says
This looks amazing Anya!! I will absolutely try this - in fact, I may first thing in the morning! Yum!!
Anya says
Enjoy Daniela! It's a great way to start the day.
Shelby @Fitasamamabear says
This looks so cozy!
Pricilia says
Oh! This is absolutely great. Sound like awesome. Thanks a lot. Keep up the great job.
Sue says
Is it 14 gms of carbs using monk sugar?
Anya says
Hi Sue!
Thanks for catching that. No - it's fixed now. 🙂