Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

When autumn hits and the leaves turn gold, nothing says “season’s sipping” like a steaming pumpkin spice latte—but what if you want one that’s fully vegan and gluten-free? This version captures the heart of that seasonal ritual: real pumpkin purée, maple syrup, warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves, and a smooth almond-milk base to deliver comfort without dairy or gluten.

Because the classic pumpkin spice latte is often loaded with dairy ingredients and hidden gluten or additives in syrups, this homemade take flips the script while keeping the cozy charm.

The beauty of this drink lies in its layering of flavors: the sweet-earthy pumpkin note forms the base, the maple syrup adds subtle sweetness, the spice blend gives warmth and depth, and the almond milk carries it all through without heaviness. Then there’s the optional topping of coconut cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or star anise for that café-worthy finish.

Whether you’re celebrating fall gatherings, craving a mid-afternoon treat that aligns with dietary choices, or just wanting a simple yet elevated coffee moment at home, this latte delivers.

And because it’s vegan and gluten-free by design, it becomes a go-to for inclusive hosting, weekend brunches, or even weekday self-care rituals. The recipe calls for only about five minutes of active time and leverages pantry staples—making it accessible and repeatable.

In a culture overloaded with seasonal offerings that often exclude dietary sensitivities, this drink invites everyone to the table. Here’s how to make it truly shine, customize it, and serve it for any occasion.

---

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Recipe Details

Yield: 2 servings
Active Time: 5 minutes

Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients

For the latte

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup cold brew concentrate

For the toppings

• Ground cinnamon, optional
• Star anise, optional
• Coconut cream, optional

How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte

1. Add almond milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and spices to a deep sauce pan over medium heat. Whisk until blended and heated.
2. Using a hand-held immersion blender, carefully blend until milk starts to foam. Turn off heat.
3. Fill 2 mugs with ½ cup coffee each and warm in microwave for 1 minute.
4. Divide the milk mixture between two mugs.
5. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, star anise, and coconut cream, if using.

---

Pumpkin Spice Latte Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 2 servings). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 latte
Calories	≈ 100 kcal
Protein	≈ 2 g
Carbs	≈ 15 g
Sugar	≈ 10 g
Fiber	≈ 1 g
Fat	≈ 5 g

---

Pumpkin Spice Latte Variations & Tips

• Swap plant-milk base: Use oat milk, cashew milk, or soy milk instead of almond milk for different flavour and texture profiles.
• Increase spice depth: Add ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin-pie-spice blend or extra nutmeg for bolder autumn warmth.
• Make it iced: Chill the almond-milk/spice mixture and pour it over ice with cold brew coffee for a refreshing version.
• Top it creatively: Add a dollop of coconut-whipped cream, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar, or a few pumpkin-seed sprinkles for texture.
• Sweetness control: Use less maple syrup or substitute with date syrup or agave if you prefer a lighter sweet-note.
• Serve decaf friendly: Use decaf coffee or cold brew concentrate for the base if you’re avoiding caffeine.
• Batch prep for brunch: Warm the milk/spice mixture ahead and keep warm in a thermos; brew coffee just before serving and combine fresh for a quick brunch station.

---

Best Pumpkin Spice Latte Pairings

• Gluten-free pumpkin muffin: Pair the latte with a warm pumpkin spice muffin made with almond or oat flour for a full fall flavour combo.
• Fruit & nut plate: Offer a side of sliced pear and a handful of gluten-free granola or roasted pecans to balance the drink’s sweetness.
• Dark chocolate square: Include a 70%-plus dairy-free dark chocolate piece to complement the espresso and spice notes.
• Herbal tea alternative: For a lighter pairing, serve an herbal cinnamon or rooibos tea alongside to cleanse the palate.
• Sparkling apple cider: A chilled glass of sparkling apple cider or cider-vinegar tonic adds effervescent contrast and seasonal flair.
• Vegan banana bread slice: A slice of banana bread made with gluten-free flour and toasted walnuts pairs beautifully with the warm latte finish.

---

When to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte

• Fall brunch gathering: Serve this latte at a weekend brunch alongside cozy breakfast fare—it’s inclusive for vegan & gluten-free guests.
• Mid-afternoon treat at home: When you need a break, whip this up and sip slowly as a mindful pause in a busy day.
• Seasonal hosting dessert drink: After a plant-based dinner, present this as a warm beverage option with pumpkin-seed truffles or a light vegan dessert.
• Work or remote-day comfort: Make the latte ahead, keep warm in a travel mug, and enjoy it while powering through work at home or on-the-go.
• Holiday morning alternative: On Thanksgiving morning or during holiday mornings, serve this alongside breakfast or mimosas for a non-traditional but thoughtful drink option.
• Self-care Sunday ritual: Dress in comfy clothes, brew this latte, lounge with a book or podcast, and treat yourself to a mindful slow moment.

Recipe credit: Angela Gaines