A Cup of Cozy Warmth: Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Spice Latte

With my Starbucks copycat pumpkin spice latte, you won’t need to step out of your cozy home to enjoy a cup of fall warmth! In just a few minutes and with a couple of simple ingredients, you’ll make a pumpkin spice latte from scratch that’s just as good – if not better – than the original. No long lines, no (accidentally) misspelled names – just pure fall bliss in your hands whenever you’re craving it!  

Does your week even feel complete without a couple of Starbucks runs – especially this pumpkin spice season? But – I get it! – it’s not always convenient, particularly if the one near your house is almost always packed, and a cup can get pricey quickly!

That’s why copycat recipes are so popular! Whether you’re craving a Cracker Barrel Sunday homestyle chicken, or a Crumbl cookie in the comfort of your home, the cold season is the best for exploring all your favorite copycat recipes!

And because fall is basically pumpkin spice latte season, I know you’ll love to give this homemade Starbucks hot pumpkin spice latte a try. It tastes incredible and pairs so well with many fall favorites. So get your favorite coffee mug, and let’s give your morning coffee a PSL glow-up. Trust me, it’s so worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Pumpkin Spice Latte Starbucks Copycat Recipe

For 1/2 Cup Of Sauce

• 1/2 cup fresh pumpkin purée
• 2-3 tbsp sugar or other sweetener 
• 1 tsp pumpkin spice 

For Latte

• 3/4 cup strong coffee 
• 2-3 tbsp hot milk   

Step-by-Step Preparation With Pictures

1. Put all the sauce ingredients (pumpkin puree, sweetener, and pumpkin spice) into a small saucepan. 

2. Stir the ingredients and cook for about 4-5 min.

3. Brew 1/2 cup strong espresso and pour into a cup.

4. Take about 2 tbsp of the sauce and add it to the coffee. Whisk well.   

5. Add hot milk to the coffee and sauce mixture.

6. Top the drink with whipped cream and sprinkle with spices like pumpkin spice or cinnamon. Serve and enjoy. 

Make Your PSL Even Better

• Use Quality Coffee: For the best results, use freshly brewed espresso from an espresso machine or your strongest coffee blend. It’s the key to balancing the sweetness and spice of your PSL.

• Choose a Good Sweetener: Swap the sugar for maple syrup, brown sugar, or even honey to give your drink a more nuanced, complex sweetness. You can also use a zero-calorie sweetener if you prefer.  

• Add Full-Fat Milk: This is key to giving you the creamiest Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. You can also use rich, dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. 

• Froth the Milk: Do this if you have a milk frother or immersion blender! It creates a foaming, luxurious texture that levels up your homemade PSL.  

• Make a Big Batch of Sauce In Advance and Freeze: This way, you’ll only need to brew coffee and steam the milk to whip up a fresh cup of pumpkin spice latte whenever you crave one!   

Other Ways to Enjoy This SB Copycat Pumpkin Spice Latte

Try these ideas:

• Enjoy It Cold: Use cold milk instead of steamed milk, then add ice. It’s the perfect pumpkin cream cold brew to sip on warm autumn days!

• Mocha Blend: Stir some chocolate syrup or even melted chocolate into the drink to give your PSL a rich mocha flavor.

• Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte: Skip the coffee and use brewed chai tea instead.

• Salty-Sweet PSL: Drizzle some caramel sauce and add a dash of sea salt to the drink to make a delicious salty-sweet combination.    

• Make It Spicy: Add just a pinch of red pepper flakes to give your PSL a spicy twist!  

Serve It Like A Pro

Looking to make your drink extra presentable? Here are some suggestions you can try:

• Top with Mini Pumpkin Cookies: This will really hone in the autumn theme of your drink. You can also use candy corn!
• Serve with Crushed Candied Nuts: You can use candied pecans, walnuts, or any nut you choose. It will add both crunch and honeyed sweetness to the latte!
• Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Rim: Ditch the whipped cream! Before pouring the coffee, dip the mug in cinnamon and sugar to give your PSL extra flavor in every sip.      
• Cinnamon Stick Stirrer: Place a cinnamon stick in each cup or mason jar that guests can use as a stirrer. This will add an elegant touch and extra cinnamon flavors to the drink. 
• Top With Ice Cream: Forget the whipped cream; add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent, indulgent fall treat!

Storage And Reheating

Store: Any leftover homemade sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll be good for up to two days. 

Reheat: Before making another cup of your favorite pumpkin spice latte, reheat the sauce in the microwave for 20 seconds or stovetop.

Freeze: Make a big batch of sauce and freeze in ice cubes. Use 1 cube for 1 cup of coffee, thaw, and heat in the microwave for 30-40 seconds before adding to the coffee.

One More Thing

Fall just isn’t complete without a pumpkin spice latte in your hands!

Fortunately, making your own copycat latte at home is really convenient. A copycat Starbucks pumpkin spice latte recipe eliminates the hassle of stepping out of the house just for a PSL run, and you can save a couple of bucks with each cup you enjoy.   

Plus, it’s super easy, too! Whipping it up takes so little time, considering just how good a cup is – and how wonderful you’ll feel while sipping it.

So try this recipe, and you’ll find yourself falling in love with fall just a little bit more this year!

Your Turn

If you make this Starbucks copycat pumpkin spice latte, please take a moment to let me know how you liked it by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card.

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