DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home

Published on April 4, 2025

by Rebecca Olson

Craving a cozy, café-style pumpkin spice latte but don’t want to spend $6 or leave the house? Making your own PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) at home is easier than you think—and it can taste just as good, if not better, than the store-bought version. Plus, you get full control over the sweetness, spice, and ingredients.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that recreate that signature pumpkin spice flavor. These can be customized to suit your dietary preferences or pantry availability.

Here’s what you’ll typically need:

Milk: Whole, oat, almond, or your favorite milk alternative
Pumpkin puree: Use real canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling
Pumpkin spice: Blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves
Sweetener: Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar
Vanilla extract: Adds a smooth, aromatic base
Espresso or strong brewed coffee: The foundation of your latte

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Base

The key to a great PSL is a well-balanced, creamy base that carries the pumpkin flavor without overpowering your coffee. You’ll create this by simmering the puree and spices in milk with your chosen sweetener.

Follow these steps to create your latte base:

In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Add 1–2 tablespoons of sweetener and mix until combined
Pour in 1 cup of milk and stir gently over medium heat
Do not boil—just heat until warm and steamy
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract before removing from heat

Step 3: Brew the Coffee or Espresso

While your pumpkin spice base is warming, prepare your coffee. A strong brew helps balance the richness of the pumpkin and milk mixture.

Here are your brewing options for the best results:

Use a double shot of espresso for a traditional latte feel
Substitute with 1/2 cup of strong French press or drip coffee if you don’t have espresso
Make it iced by chilling brewed coffee ahead of time
Consider cold brew concentrate for a smoother taste
Use decaf if you’re making a nighttime treat

Step 4: Assemble and Froth

Now it’s time to combine everything into your perfect homemade PSL. Frothing the milk gives the drink its luxurious texture, and it’s easy to do with or without special tools.

Try these options for frothing and assembling:

Blend the pumpkin milk mixture with the coffee using a handheld frother
Shake it in a mason jar with a lid for 30 seconds
Use an electric frother or steam wand if you have one
Pour coffee into your mug first, then slowly add the frothed milk
Top with extra cinnamon or whipped cream if desired

Step 5: Customize Your PSL

One of the best parts about making your PSL at home is tailoring it exactly to your taste or dietary needs. You can easily adjust the spice, sweetness, and milk base.

Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Use coconut milk for a tropical twist
Add a pinch of cayenne for extra warmth
Top with vegan whipped cream and cinnamon sugar
Swap maple syrup for agave or monk fruit sweetener
Add collagen powder or protein for a functional boost

Common Mistakes

Even simple recipes can go sideways. Avoid these mistakes to make sure your homemade PSL is a hit:

Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree
Overheating the milk and curdling the texture
Skipping the frothing step, which affects the final texture
Using too much sweetener and overpowering the spice
Forgetting to strain puree for a smoother texture

Tips for Beginners

If this is your first time making a seasonal coffee drink at home, don’t worry—here are some tips to make the process easier:

Prep your spice mix ahead to save time
Use a microwave to heat the milk if you don’t have a stove
Adjust sweetness slowly—taste before adding more
Start with small batches to experiment with ratios
Use a fine mesh strainer for smoother results

Further Advice

Once you’ve mastered the basics, here’s how to refine and expand your PSL-making skills:

Create your own custom spice blend from whole spices
Use homemade espresso for a richer base
Make a big batch of pumpkin spice syrup to store in the fridge
Experiment with toppings like nutmeg or chocolate drizzle
Try it iced or blended for warm-weather versions

Takeaway

With a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes in the kitchen, you can whip up a delicious pumpkin spice latte that rivals your favorite café. Whether you’re sipping it by a window on a rainy morning or prepping a batch for friends, your homemade PSL will be a seasonal favorite—no barista required.