Caramel Pumpkin Spice Latte
This homemade caramel pumpkin spice latte brings together the warmth of autumn spices, the richness of real pumpkin, and the indulgence of caramel in a beverage that rivals any coffee shop creation. Made with natural ingredients and customizable sweetness levels, it's a healthier alternative to commercial versions.
Equipment
- Small Saucepan
- Milk frother or whisk
- Coffee maker or espresso machine
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
Pumpkin Spice Base
- 3 tablespoons pure pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch ground cloves
- pinch ground ginger
Latte
- 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup milk of choice whole, almond, oat, or coconut work beautifully
- 1-2 tablespoons caramel sauce homemade or store-bought
- whipped cream optional
- extra caramel drizzle and cinnamon for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and all spices. Whisk together and warm over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes. This heating process helps bloom the spices and caramelize the natural sugars in the pumpkin. For a smoother texture, blend this mixture for 30 seconds after heating.
- Pour your milk into a separate saucepan and heat until steaming but not boiling (about 180°F). Use a handheld frother or whisk vigorously while heating for perfect microfoam texture. If you don't have a frother, transfer warm milk to a jar with a tight lid, shake vigorously for 30 seconds, then microwave for another 30 seconds to stabilize the foam.
- Brew your espresso shots or strong coffee directly into your favorite mug. The coffee should be fresh and hot to maintain optimal temperature in the final drink.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce around the inside of your mug before adding coffee. This creates beautiful caramel streaks as you drink. Reserve some caramel for the final garnish.
- Add the warm pumpkin spice base to your coffee and stir well. Gently pour in the frothed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon. Once the milk is added, spoon the reserved foam on top.
- Finish with a light drizzle of remaining caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For special occasions, add a dollop of whipped cream between the latte and final caramel drizzle. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.
Notes
Substitution ideas:
- No pumpkin puree? Use 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice plus 1 tablespoon pumpkin butter
- Dairy-free? Any plant-based milk creates a lovely texture, with oat milk offering the creamiest result
- Watching sugar? Try monk fruit syrup or stevia in the base and sugar-free caramel sauce Storage tips:
- Make a larger batch of pumpkin spice base and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freeze the pumpkin spice base in ice cube trays for single-serving convenience
- Store homemade caramel in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks Common mistakes to avoid:
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree
- Overheating milk beyond 180°F
- Adding spices directly to milk (which causes clumping)
- Skipping the pumpkin heating step
- No pumpkin puree? Use 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice plus 1 tablespoon pumpkin butter
- Dairy-free? Any plant-based milk creates a lovely texture, with oat milk offering the creamiest result
- Watching sugar? Try monk fruit syrup or stevia in the base and sugar-free caramel sauce Storage tips:
- Make a larger batch of pumpkin spice base and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freeze the pumpkin spice base in ice cube trays for single-serving convenience
- Store homemade caramel in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks Common mistakes to avoid:
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree
- Overheating milk beyond 180°F
- Adding spices directly to milk (which causes clumping)
- Skipping the pumpkin heating step
Nutrition
Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 8gFat: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 70IUCalcium: 28mg
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