- Share + savor
I have a cookbook! - Buy Now
Real PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe)
jump toRECIPE
Making homemade pumpkin spice syrup is an easy way to upgrade your morning coffee or lattes with cozy fall flavors. Instead of relying on store-bought versions, this recipe combines warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and clove, along with brown sugar and pumpkin puree for a rich molasses depth. Unlike Starbucks, which uses granulated sugar in their pumpkin spice lattes, this version has a more balanced sweetness and robust flavor, making it the perfect addition to everything from homemade lattes to iced coffee. I consider it “real” since it actually includes pumpkin purée! Pair with pumpkin spice oatmeal or pumpkin waffles with cream cheese filling for a complete and seasonal breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better than store-bought. Made with real pumpkin, spices and brown sugar for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Budget-friendly. Skip the coffee shop and make your own pumpkin spice drinks at home for a fraction of the cost.
- Versatile. Use it in lattes, iced coffee, cold brew, tea, or even fall cocktails.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Brown sugar – Using dark brown sugar for the simple syrup gives it a deeper molasses flavor that complements the warming spices and pumpkin.
- Pumpkin puree – Real pumpkin puree, also known as canned pumpkin, is made from roasted pumpkin blended to a smooth consistency. It is made with no additional ingredients apart from pumpkin, so it is also easy to create your own from roasted pumpkin quickly blended in a blender or food processor. This is key to making sure the simple syrup tastes natural and not artificial.
- Spices – Pumpkin pie seasoning, also known as pumpkin pie spice, is a fragrant combination made with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. While you can use a bit of each, I find it easiest to just use the pre-blended spice mix in this recipe.
- Espresso – This latte is made with two shots of espresso. Espresso is a more highly concentrated coffee giving it a more intense flavor. The beans are typically roasted longer, with a finer grind. I have a Nespresso machine that I use to create the espresso shots.
- Milk – I opt to make my lattes with whole milk but you can easily swap it with another dairy or non-dairy option like oat milk. Froth the milk using a steamer or a simple hand milk frother like this one. When steaming the milk it, should be heated between 139ºF – 149ºF (59ºC – 65ºC).
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Swaps and substitutions
- For a special touch, finish the latte off with whipped cream (bonus points if it’s homemade).
- Use the syrup to liven up a simple brew coffee or cold brew coffee.
- If needed, swap the whole milk for a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk, soy milk or oat milk.
- I like to garnish the latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Seasoning
Combine the following ingredients in a small bowl and use 2 teaspoons to make the pumpkin spice syrup.
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL)
Add the brown sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, salt and 1 cup of water to a small saucepan.
Bring to a simmer and stir or whisk until the sugar has dissolved, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. The syrup can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in advance.
Add 2 tablespoons (40g) of the pumpkin spice syrup to a mug and add steamed milk over the top, followed by espresso shots. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon (optional). Serve immediately.
How to Make this Latte Iced
To serve this latte iced, I recommend filling a cup with ice, adding the syrup, followed by the milk and finishing by pouring the espresso over the top. Stir to combine and then serve. I also recommend serving with metal straws.
How to Store Simple Syrup
Easily make the syrup ahead of time to cut down on prep time. Store it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks in advance.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last about 2 weeks.
Yes! You can substitute granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup, though the flavor will change slightly. Brown sugar gives the syrup its signature rich taste.
Yes! Try drizzling it over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or stirring it into hot chocolate or a seasonal cocktail.
Yes! To serve this latte iced, I recommend filling a cup with ice, adding the syrup, followed by the milk and finishing by pouring the espresso over the top. Stir to combine and then serve. I also recommend serving with metal straws.
Other Recipes to Try
If you enjoy this homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe, give these a try:
Real PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe)
Rate this Recipe
Ingredients:
For the pumpkin spice syrup:
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch kosher salt
For the latte:
- 1 cup milk steamed or frothed
- 2 shots espresso
- Cinnamon, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
For the pumpkin spice syrup:
- Add the brown sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, salt and 1 cup of water to a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar has dissolved, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. The syrup can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in advance.
For the latte:
- Shake the syrup before using. Add 2 tablespoons (40g) of the pumpkin spice syrup to a mug and add steamed milk over the top, followed by espresso shots. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon (optional). Serve immediately.
Nutrition:
TAG ME ON INSTAGRAM TO BE FEATURED ON MY STORIES! @cookingwithcocktailrings
This page may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support so I can continue to share recipes with you!
)
)
)
Love this homemade latte!
Awesome reipce!
Thank you so much for sharing! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed it!!