Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe [+Tips]

Ingredients For Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

This is where the magic begins! You don’t need a fancy espresso machine or barista skills to whip up this beauty. The ingredients list is short, simple, and probably already hanging out in your pantry or fridge.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Instant Coffee Or Instant Espresso Powder

  • The backbone of the latte. Instant coffee works perfectly for quick preparation. Use espresso powder for a richer, bolder flavor.

• Pumpkin Puree

  • The star of the show! Use plain canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for that genuine, fresh pumpkin taste and vibrant color.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice

  • This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves is what makes it pumpkin spice, after all. You can buy pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice or make your own (recipe below!).

• Sugar Or Sweetener Of Choice

  • Brown sugar, white sugar, maple syrup, honey, or even a sugar substitute-pick what suits your taste and dietary needs.

• Milk Or Milk Alternative

  • Whole milk, skim, almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk-the creaminess balances the spices and pumpkin.

• Vanilla Extract

  • Just a splash for that subtle warmth and aroma that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

• Hot Water

  • For dissolving the instant coffee and warming everything up.

Optional but highly recommended for topping:

• Whipped Cream
• A Sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon

How To Make Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Alright, here’s where it gets fun and easy – you’re literally minutes away from sipping your very own homemade PSL. Follow these simple steps:

1. Dissolve The Coffee

   • In your favorite mug, combine 1 to 2 teaspoons of instant coffee or espresso powder with about 2 tablespoons of hot water. Stir until fully dissolved and aromatic.

2. Mix The Pumpkin & Spices

   • Add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the mug. Mix well until the pumpkin is incorporated smoothly. No lumps allowed!

3. Sweeten It Up

   • Add your sweetener of choice-start with 1 to 2 teaspoons of brown sugar or maple syrup, then adjust to your liking. Stir thoroughly.

4. Add Milk

   • Pour in about 1 cup (8 ounces) of steamed or heated milk or milk alternative. If you want to get fancy, use a milk frother to create that luscious frothy top. Stir gently.

5. Top It Off

   • Crown your latte with a generous swirl of whipped cream, then dust with an extra pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for that iconic finishing touch.

6. Sip & Enjoy

   • Find a comfy spot, maybe grab a blanket, and savor the warm, spicy, creamy goodness that tastes like fall in a cup.

Expert Tips

Here’s the insider scoop to make your Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte not just good but next-level amazing:

• Use Freshly Ground Spices

  • If you have whole cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, or cloves, grind them fresh. It makes a huge difference in aroma and flavor.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice DIY

  • Mix 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons nutmeg, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves, and 1 1/2 teaspoons allspice. Store in an airtight container and use as needed!

• Heat Milk Gently

  • Don’t boil the milk – heating it too hot can scald and ruin the creamy texture. Aim for warm and steamy.

• Adjust Coffee Strength

  • Want a stronger caffeine kick? Add an extra teaspoon of espresso powder or double up your instant coffee.

• Make It Vegan

  • Use plant-based milk and coconut whipped cream for a delicious vegan PSL.

• Pumpkin Puree Quality

  • Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that can overpower your latte.

• Prep Ahead

  • Mix the pumpkin, spices, and sugar into a ’pumpkin spice syrup’ and store in the fridge. When ready, just add coffee and milk for ultra-fast prep.

Recipe Variations

Because life’s too short for just one way to enjoy pumpkin spice latte, here are some exciting twists you might want to try:

• Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

  • Swap hot water for cold brew coffee, mix with pumpkin and spices, add cold milk and ice cubes. Perfect for warmer days!

• Mocha Pumpkin Spice Latte

  • Stir in 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a chocolatey pumpkin treat.

• Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte

  • Add a splash of your favorite liquor – bourbon, rum, or Irish cream for an adult-friendly fall cocktail.

• Protein-Packed Pumpkin Latte

  • Blend in a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a nutritious morning boost.

• Sugar-Free Version

  • Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol and unsweetened milk to cut down on carbs without losing flavor.

• Extra Spicy Pumpkin Latte

  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper for a little heat that’s unexpectedly delightful.

Final Words

Making your own Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte at home isn’t just about convenience-it’s about capturing the spirit of fall in every sip. It’s the aroma that fills your kitchen, the creamy texture that warms your hands, and the comforting spice blend that dances on your tongue.

No more settling for generic coffee-shop versions or waiting in lines – you’re now fully equipped to whip up your perfect pumpkin latte anytime you want. Trust me, once you try making this at home, it’s going to be your go-to fall ritual.

And hey, don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices, sweetness, and milk options. That’s the fun of homemade!

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For An Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte?

To make an instant pumpkin spice latte, you typically need instant coffee or espresso powder, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, milk (or a milk alternative), sweetener (like sugar, maple syrup, or stevia), and optional vanilla extract.

How Do You Make An Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte At Home?

Mix 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee with 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree, 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1 cup of hot milk, and sweetener to taste. Stir well or blend for a frothy texture. Optionally, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Can I Make An Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte Without Pumpkin Puree?

Yes, you can skip the pumpkin puree and rely solely on pumpkin pie spice for flavor. While it won’t have the full richness of pumpkin, the spice blend provides the signature autumn taste.

What Type Of Milk Works Best For An Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Whole milk creates a creamy texture, but you can use any milk, including almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. Barista-style oat milk is especially popular for a frothy, dairy-free option.

Is It Possible To Make A Sugar-free Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Yes. You can substitute sugar with sugar-free sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit. Be sure to adjust the quantity to taste, as some sweeteners are more potent than others.

How Can I Make My Pumpkin Spice Latte Frothy Like At A Café?

Use a milk frother, blender, or vigorously shake the heated milk in a sealed jar before mixing it with the coffee and pumpkin mixture. This aerates the milk and gives it a creamy foam top.

Can I Prepare An Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can pre-mix the dry ingredients (instant coffee, pumpkin spice, and powdered milk or creamer) into a jar. When ready, just add hot water and a spoon of pumpkin puree or flavored syrup if desired.

Is Canned Pumpkin Puree Or Fresh Pumpkin Better For This Recipe?

Canned pumpkin puree is more convenient and consistent in texture and flavor, making it ideal for an instant recipe. Fresh pumpkin puree can be used but may require extra straining and flavor adjustment.

Can I Make An Iced Version Of An Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Yes. Dissolve the instant coffee in a small amount of hot water, then mix with cold milk, pumpkin puree, spices, and sweetener. Shake or blend with ice for a refreshing iced pumpkin spice latte.

How Can I Store Leftover Pumpkin Puree From The Recipe?

Store leftover pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze it in tablespoon-sized portions using an ice cube tray for future lattes or baking.