Name: Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 7 min
Ingredients: 8 oz brewed coffee (warm); 1/2 cup milk (nonfat); 1.5 TBSP Pumpkin Puree (canned); 1 TBSP honey; 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (plus more for sprinkling); 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp vanilla; whipped cream

Skip the drive-thru and stir up this easy, healthier version of a seasonal favorite. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte infuses canned pumpkin with your favorite brewed coffee. Add some honey and light dusting of spices. And don’t forget the whipped cream!

Popular Pumpkin Spice Latte

I’m always amazed at the cars lined up at Starbucks after dropping off my kids at school.

And the line gets even longer in August when they release the ever popular Pumpkin Spice Latte.

August!!

While I appreciate the enthusiasm for pumpkin, it’s a little disappointing that they generate at least $80 million per year in revenue from something that has absolutely no real pumpkin in it.

And they are pricey!

So that combined with the long car line, I can’t say I truly fall in love.

But I do LOVE canned pumpkin.

And I love making my own real pumpkin spice lattes!

Homemade is my favorite

Rather than sitting in a drive thru after school drop off, I love to race home, turn on some music, throw in the laundry and…

Be a barista!

The smell of coffee brewing and stirring warm milk with sweet hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice is so cozy.

And using real pumpkin adds so many benefits!

This recipe is so easy to mix, yummy to sip and actually fuels my body with caffeine plus invaluable nutrition.

May I pour you a cup?

Simple Ingredients

Visiting the coffee shop may seem simple; however, often their ingredients are not. I’m sure you already have most of these on hand.

Coffee: Use your favorite brewed coffee or K-Cup.
Milk: Soothing, creamy and delicious. And a bit of protein! I use skim milk but you can use what you prefer. 2% (or whole) would sure to be a treat and froth up very well!
Pumpkin Flavor + spice: You’re actually getting the nutrition of natural (canned) pumpkin here. Spice it up with pumpkin pie spice and a little extra cinnamon
Sweetner: Some of those coffeehouse drinks are just TOO syrupy sweet. This is lightened up with honey. And a touch of vanilla extract because that’s such an easy way to add a little extra sweetness.
Topping: Don’t skip the whipped cream. It’s pretty, fun and such a treat! Lightly dust it with some extra spice for a true cup of yum.

And while this is not an ingredient, I will say the best part of making this coffee…or really any coffee at home is…The handheld frother!

Do you have one?

Battery operated
Minimal (like none) countertop space needed
Adds irresistible foam to any cup

I actually find that this is useful for those fall soups too!

I recommend this handheld frother. I’ve had it for years and it stirs up so much joy.

How to make PSL at Home

Brew coffee. Or, if you’re like me and save coffee from the previous day (have we talked about this yet?), heat your coffee

2. Combine Ingredients. Pour milk, pumpkin, pie spice, honey, cinnamon and vanilla in glass cup or bowl and heat in microwave for 1-2 minutes, until milk is warm

3. Froth the milk mixture. Using a frother, mix until well combined and foamy.

4. Pour. Start by pouring milk mixture into mug. Next pour coffee on top of milk mixture.

5. Top and sprinkle. Swirl on the whipped cream and sprinkling of cinnamon or pie spice

You’re now ready to sip + enjoy!

Tips/Tricks

Make it dairy free (dairy free milk, non diary whipped cream)
Add more honey if prefer sweeter taste
When warming in microwave, I like to give a quick stir every 30 seconds
If you have brewed coffee left over after adding to the milk, refill as needed 🙂
No frother? Use a whisk and vigorously blend milk mixture

Is this PSL healthy?

Not only is this tasty, this latte is healthy!

Compared to popular versions, each cup has:

Less sugar
Less fat
Less artificial flavoring

And LESS EXPENSE!

This simply cannot be overlooked in my book. Those fancy coffees add up so quickly!

You’re also sipping on:

Antioxidants
Vitamins
good digestion (honey)
anti-inflammatory properties (cinnamon)
and all that pumpkin nutrition

How cool is it to get your coffee fix, but also nourish your body and mind?!

So keep that pumpkin close and drink this homemade PSL often!

Looking for something similiar?

Don’t let that canned pumpkin go to waste! Check out:

Full Heart

If this recipe made your day easier or infused some extra joy into your day, I’d love to know. Please leave a comment below! Better yet, share a pumpkin latte with a friend. Just be sure to tag me in it so I can see your cup of joy. Cheers 🙂