This Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe uses real pumpkin and can be made two ways, as a light pumpkin spice latte or as a more decadent version.
Hey guys, happy Saturday. How is your weekend treating you so far?
You might remember a few months ago I announced the start of Simple Saturdays, where I use Saturdays to post quick, simple recipes, tips, and tricks that just don’t find their way onto the main blog calendar.
They went on a bit of a hiatus during summer, but they’re back just in time for fall, and we’re starting up again with the ever-controversial Pumpkin Spice Latte.
I don’t know exactly where we as a collective culture stand on pumpkin spice lattes in 2016. We’re still mocking them at every opportunity, but they are so maligned at this point that I feel like it’s almost hipster cool again to like them unironically.
Personally, I’m a fan, and I’m happy to be a fan in the good times and bad, and I boy, do love me a good Pumpkin Spice Meme…
Anyway, since this is a Simple Saturday post, we’ll get right to the recipe so you can enjoy the rest of your weekend. I give you my pumpkin spice latte recipe, two ways: light and decadent.
Both versions are made with real pumpkin, pumpkin-adjacent spices, sugar, coffee, and milk/cream, but the ratios are different so you can have a dashing-out-the-door-with-a-coffee-cup-and-a-full-day-of-meetings-ahead-of-you Light Pumpkin Spice Latte or a sit-by-the-window-on-a-rainy-day-with-a-good-book* Decadent Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Both are delicious, both are a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree, and both are just begging for you to give them a shot this weekend.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and I’ll see you back here Monday with a quick and easy chicken dinner recipe!
More Starbucks Coffee Drinks
If you are opening up a can of pumpkin puree to make this recipe, check out my post What to Do With Leftover Pumpkin Puree for some ideas on storing and using up leftovers.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe Two Ways
Equipment
Ingredients
Lighter Pumpkin Spice Latte
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon plus more for topping
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of ground ginger
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 1/2 cup strong hot coffee
Decadent Pumpkin Spice Latte
- 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon plus more for topping
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of ground ginger
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 1/2 cup strong hot coffee
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, over medium-high heat, whisk all ingredients except the coffee together until steaming hot and well combined. Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any large pieces of pumpkin. This step is optional, but if you skip it, you will have a bit of pumpkin at the bottom of your cup.
- Add coffee to a 12-ounce mug and pour in pumpkin spice mixture. Stir, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired, and enjoy.
Nutritional Information for Light Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Nutritional Information for Decadent Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Recipes Adapted From Food Network
JamieinPDX says
This was great! Drank the decadent version. Had 2.5-3 Tbsp purée. Used it all anyway, suspected the bit extra would just cut the sweetness a little. Also out vanilla, so did 1/8 maple extract and 1/8 almond extract. The almond was strong smelling but the spices masked it immediately after adding them in. PERFECT. Thank you – good enough as a little rich bedtime drink on its own (coffee not needed). Keeping this in my purée leftover list!!
Tracy says
So glad you enjoyed it, Jamie!! Love the idea of the almond/maple combo in there!!
Chrisstie says
Is your spice mixture similar to “pumpkin spice”? I have that on hand and not sure what’s in it.
Tracy says
Yes. The ratios and flavor might be a little different, but the spices listed combined basically make “pumpkin spice.” Hope that helps!
Meghan | Fox and Briar says
I have to be honest, I love a good pumpkin spice latte. I hope you are right and we as a culture have come full circle on it. I love that you give two options for the PSL here! Although I am partial to the relaxing with my coffee and a good book scenario. Pinning!
Tracy says
Thanks, Meghan. I’m definitely usually in the book camp too! 😉 And thanks for pinning!