Today I am showing you how to make your own pumpkin spice latte.
Note: Amazon affiliate links included.
It’s that time of year again, y’all. Pumpkin mania is officially upon us. And one of the most beloved pumpkin favorites is the ever-popular pumpkin spice latte…or #PSL if you are one of the cool kids.
Did you know that this is super easy to make yourself? The process begins with making some pumpkin spice syrup.
And it is easy, y’all. Pinkie promise! It is basically like making a simple syrup (with a few extra flavor tweaks). For traditional simple syrup you just take equal parts of sugar and water, and heat them to reduce down and thicken a bit.
My tweaks: I use brown sugar instead of the traditional white sugar used in simple syrup. I also whisk in some REAL pumpkin puree, plus spices and vanilla for extra yummy flavor.
Actually the syrup itself it pretty good, even in plain coffee. That is the lazy girl method, and it is quite good. Just add a spoonful to your regular coffee, and maybe a little plain half and half or milk if you like, and BOOM. Lazy girl pumpkin spice coffee. 🙂
If you want to take it up a notch, you totally can. If you are one of the lucky people with an espresso machine, you could use that to make your espresso and froth your milk.
If you don’t want yet another pricey kitchen gadget, I will share a couple of tips with you for the perfect coffee house fake out! Just brew up some regular strong coffee in your traditional coffee pot. I brewed some about 1.5 times the strength that I normally do in my trusty Cuisinart.
While that is brewing, heat up the milk of your choice. I did mine in the microwave, but you could also do it on the stovetop, if you prefer. I used 1% milk. Any milk should work, even soy or almond.
Here is a really cool trick too: if you have a stick blender, use it to froth up your hot milk. It only took me about thirty seconds. SUCH an awesome tip. It gives you that layer of froth on top, just like a coffee shop.
I added a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top of mine as well, and it was SO. GOOD. Dare I say even better than Starbuck’s?! And waaaay cheaper.
Tools Used to Make This Recipe
Note: These are Amazon affiliate links.
- small sauce pan
- whisk
- measuring cups and spoons
- regular coffee maker or espresso machine
- stick blender (optional, for frothing milk)
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
For the pumpkin spice syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice blend
- 3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
For the pumpkin spice latte
- 2/3 cup milk any kind
- strong coffee I used about 2/3 cup
Instructions
- For the pumpkin spice syrup, add the water, brown sugar, spices, and pumpkin puree in a small saucepan.
- Whisk to combine, and heat over medium high heat until simmering.
- Reduce heat to low, and simmer for about four minutes, until thickened.
- Whisk in the vanilla, remove from heat, and cool.
- Transfer to a storage container. It should keep about a week in the refrigerator.
- For the pumpkin spice latte, brew some espresso or strong coffee.
- While that is brewing, heat up the milk in the microwave (or on the stovetop, if you prefer).
- Optional: use a stick blender to froth up the milk. Just blend on medium-high for about 30 seconds.
- Add a tablespoon of the syrup to the milk.
- Pour in your coffee, and stir to combine.
- Optional: sprinkle with cinnamon. If you are feeling more indulgent, top with caramel sauce and/or whipped cream.
Recipe Notes
Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator. Whole milk was used for nutrition calculation, but you can use any type.
The syrup itself it about 40 calories per Tablespoon.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I have. Pin it and share if it looks good to you!
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Michelle says
How much vanilla is supposed to be added?