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A pumpkin and a large cup of pumpkin spice latte standing on an old wooden table.

Ultimate Pumpkin Spice Latte (Starbucks beater!)

Eric Loftuss
Fall is the perfect time to sit back and enjoy the best pumpkin spice latte.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 mug
Calories 292 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Espresso machine or coffee maker
  • 1 steam wand or frother, blender or whisk
  • 1 Steaming/frothing jug
  • 1 Mug
  • set Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 shot espresso or 1/3 cup of strong coffee
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin spice sauce
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cream (optional)
  • 1 pinch cinnamon powder or chocolate powder (optional)
  • 1 pinch salt (optional)
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spices (eco version)
  • 2 tsp sugar or other sweetener (eco version)

Instructions
 

  • Eco Version
  • Brew 1/3 mug strong coffee
  • Heat the milk in a small saucepan or microwave safe pot
  • Add the pumpkin pie spices and sugar to the milk
  • Froth the milk
  • Gently pour the foamed milk over the coffee, hold back the foam and spoon on last as a topping.
  • Sprinkle with chocolate powder.
  • Luxury Version
  • Brew a shot of espresso
  • While the espresso is brewing steam the milk
  • Pour the espresso into a mug
  • Add pumpkin sauce to the espresso
  • Gently pour the foamed milk over the espresso, holding back the foam to add as a topping
  • Stir to combine the ingredients.
  • Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon or chocolate powder (optional)

Notes

Top Tips for making PSL

    • Use the best coffee you have and if starting from beans, freshly grind them for maximum flavor.
    • Depending on the espresso machine you have, you may not be able to heat/steam the milk while your espresso is brewing. That's fine, just wait for the espresso to brew and set it aside while you steam the milk.
    • To get a good velvety foam be sure to use milk that will froth easily. For some top tips, check out my guides to best dairy milk, or best non-dairy milks for lattes.
    • Frothing or steaming your milk is essential to achieve that creamy texture in your latte. There are lots of options, like a steam wand (on most espresso machines). Or a frother - you can use an electric frother or a manual one. Alternatively, a hand blender does a really good job. Last, but only because they are manual processes, you can use a French Press or even a hand whisk.
    • For an unforgettable experience I make my own pumpkin spice sauce. Its easier than you think, plus it tastes better than store bought AND it is way cheaper! So take a look at my pumpkin spice sauce recipe.
    • Add a topping of whipped cream to your latte to add to the indulgence factor.
    • Finally, for the maximum enjoyment, I always make sure I am not interrupted while sipping a PSL.
    • Once you've got the hang of the recipe, why not try experimenting with adjusting the ingredients. That way you will create YOUR PSL
    • Adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your liking.
    • Use whole milk or non-dairy milk of your choice for a creamier consistency. I am currently loving the barista blend oat milks flooding the market.
    • To get that iconic latte art, pour the frothed milk slowly and steadily over the espresso shot and try gently shaping it as it pours. You will improve as you get more practice!

Going beyond the recipe

    • Experiment with different coffee blends to find your perfect PSL recipe. I've put my choices in this recipe, but feel free to use whatever coffee you enjoy drinking. See how they hold up against the milk and sauce . That way you can decide if you want a stronger brew or a more mellow coffee base.
    • Add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness of the drink. Seriously, this is a trick all the great chefs use. To balance a sweet dish a touch of salt will make the flavors burst. And it works just as well in lattes (and other coffees!).

Nutrition

Calories: 292kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 122mgPotassium: 299mgFiber: 1gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 444IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 204mgIron: 2mg
Nutritional Disclaimer

All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.

Keyword best pumpkin spice coffee, pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin spice latte recipe
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