Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
There’s something truly magical about the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe that just screams cozy vibes and autumn mornings—even if you’re making it in the middle of summer. This drink blends rich pumpkin cream foam with spicy chai tea, creating a creamy, iced delight that feels indulgent without needing a trip to the coffee shop. Whenever I whip this up at home, it instantly feels like fall tucked inside a glass, and it’s surprisingly simple to make!
What I love most about this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together, yet it tastes just like the real café version. Whether you’re craving that seasonal pumpkin spice fix or just want a refreshing yet cozy beverage, this is your go-to recipe. Plus, making it yourself means you control the sweetness and creaminess exactly how you like it—a total game changer.
Why This Recipe Works
- Authentic Flavor: The pumpkin foam is lightly sweetened and spiced, capturing that classic pumpkin pie essence perfectly.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and chai concentrate to make this a breeze.
- Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, this latte can be ready in under 5 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the milk type, syrup sweetness, or spice levels to suit your preference.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe plays a crucial role in building that smooth, balanced, and flavor-packed drink that you’ll love. Here’s a bit about why I chose these ingredients and a few tips for getting the best results when you shop.
- Heavy whipping cream: Provides the creamy, rich body to the pumpkin foam and whips up nicely to create that velvety texture.
- Whole milk: Helps lighten the foam slightly while adding a bit of natural sweetness and smoothness.
- Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that gives this latte its warm pumpkin flavor without overpowering the chai.
- Maple syrup (or vanilla syrup): I prefer maple syrup for its earthy sweetness, but vanilla syrup works great if you want it a bit brighter.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Adds essential warmth and complexity with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—don’t skip it!
- Milk of choice (2% recommended): This is the base of the latte; 2% milk strikes a nice balance between richness and lightness, but almond or oat milk make tasty alternatives.
- Chai tea concentrate: The flavor backbone of this drink—choose a concentrate with robust spices for the best chai kick.
Tweak to Your Taste
I’m all about making this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe your own. Once you nail the basics, feel free to play around with the sweetness, milk choices, or spice levels based on what you love most. It’s such a flexible recipe that really rewards a little experimentation.
- Less Sweet: I sometimes reduce the maple syrup or swap it out for a sugar-free syrup when I want a lighter drink that lets the chai spices shine.
- Dairy-Free: Oat or almond milk both froth beautifully and pair well with the pumpkin flavor, making it perfect if you avoid dairy.
- Extra Spice: If you like things spicy, sprinkle a pinch more pumpkin pie spice into the foam or even add a dash of cayenne for a little kick.
- Make it Hot: Though it’s iced by nature, this foam is great over hot chai for a cozy twist as the cooler months roll in.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up That Pumpkin Cold Foam
Start by adding the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, canned pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice into a mason jar or a tall glass. Using a handheld milk frother, blend everything for about 10-20 seconds until it’s fluffy and well combined. The foam should be light and airy—you’re aiming for something that holds shape but is still silky. This foam is the delicious finishing touch that makes the latte feel special!
Step 2: Build Your Iced Chai Base
Fill your favorite glass with ice—this is going to keep your latte refreshingly cold. Pour in ½ cup of your milk of choice, then add ½ cup of chai tea concentrate. I recommend using a chai concentrate with strong, bold spices because it really brings out that classic chai flavor when iced. Stir gently to combine so the chai and milk are perfectly blended.
Step 3: Crown Your Latte with Pumpkin Foam
Spoon your frothy pumpkin cold foam right on top of the iced chai mixture. You’ll see it floating like a creamy cloud, and that’s exactly what you want. It looks gorgeous and tastes amazing as you sip—you’ll get that lush pumpkin flavor mixed with spicy chai in every mouthful. Trust me: it’s as delicious as it sounds.
Pro Tips for Making Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
- Froth It Right: Use a handheld frother for best texture—whipping the foam in a jar seals in air and creates that signature fluffy cream.
- Pumpkin Purity: Make sure to use actual pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling; it keeps the flavor pure without extra sweetness or spices.
- Chill Your Glass: For an extra refreshing drink, pop your glass in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before assembling.
- Balance Your Sweetness: Taste as you go, especially with the syrup. Everyone’s sweet tooth is different, so adjust the maple syrup quantity to your liking.
How to Serve Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with a light dusting of extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top of the foam—just enough to give it a little visual pop and hint at what’s inside. A cinnamon stick stirred in makes for a fun garnish and also infuses the drink as you sip. If I’m feeling fancy, a few flakes of nutmeg or a drizzle of maple syrup around the rim can make it look café-perfect.
Side Dishes
Pair this latte with warm buttery scones or pumpkin muffins to keep that fall vibe going. For a lighter option, a slice of banana bread or a handful of spiced nuts are wonderful companions. I often enjoy it alongside a simple oatmeal cookie for a comforting afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, I’ve served this latte layered in clear glasses so the pumpkin foam float looks like a creamy cloud on top of the chai base. For parties, try mini versions in espresso cups or even pumpkin-shaped mugs to wow your guests. Adding edible gold shimmer dust on top can add just the right festive flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pumpkin foam, you can store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick stir or gentle re-froth before using again, but I recommend making fresh foam if you want that perfect airy texture. The chai mixture can also be made ahead and kept chilled for a couple of days.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing the pumpkin cream foam since it breaks down on thawing, losing that fluffy texture. However, you can freeze the chai concentrate separately if homemade, then thaw and combine with milk and fresh foam when ready to serve.
Reheating
If you’d rather enjoy this latte warm, gently heat the chai and milk mixture on the stove or microwave before topping with freshly whipped pumpkin foam. Avoid reheating the foam itself to keep its luxurious texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I make the pumpkin cold foam without a milk frother?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a milk frother, try shaking the foam ingredients vigorously in a tightly sealed jar until frothy, or use a handheld whisk to whip it quickly. It might not be quite as airy, but it will still add that delicious pumpkin creaminess.
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What chai tea concentrate do you recommend?
I usually go for brands with strong cardamom and cinnamon notes, like Tazo or Silk, but if you’re adventurous, you can make your own concentrate at home by brewing strong chai and reducing it slightly. Just make sure it’s well-spiced to balance the pumpkin cream.
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Fresh pumpkin needs to be cooked and pureed properly before using, which takes extra steps. For ease and consistency, canned pumpkin puree is best since it’s smooth and ready to go. If you use fresh pumpkin, make sure it’s pureed very finely and strained to avoid a grainy texture.
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Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! Simply swap the heavy cream and milk for your favorite plant-based alternatives like oat or soy milk and use a dairy-free whipped topping or whipped coconut cream to make the foam. Use maple syrup for sweetness to keep everything vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely think the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe is one of those little joys to make yourself when you want that café feel without leaving your kitchen. It’s just such a cozy, flavorful treat that feels like a hug in a glass. I hope you give this a try and find as much comfort and happiness sipping it as I always do on crisp mornings or when I need a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, once you master this, it might just become your favorite seasonal go-to!
Print
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a delightful Starbucks copycat Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte featuring a creamy pumpkin cold foam atop a spiced chai tea latte, perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy, refreshing drink.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Cold Foam
- 2 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Chai Tea Latte
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 cup chai tea concentrate
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Cold Foam: Add the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, canned pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice to a mason jar or glass. Use a milk frother to froth the mixture until it is whipped and well combined, about 20 seconds. Set this pumpkin foam aside.
- Assemble the Iced Chai Tea Latte: Fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour in 1/2 cup of 2% milk followed by 1/2 cup of chai tea concentrate.
- Top and Serve: Spoon the prepared pumpkin cold foam over the iced chai tea latte. Enjoy your refreshing, seasonal drink immediately.
Notes
- Use a milk frother for best results; a handheld frother or electric frother works well.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with vanilla syrup or simple syrup depending on sweetness preference.
- Adjust pumpkin pie spice quantity to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder spice flavor.
- Use any milk of choice for a dairy-free or vegan option, just note foam texture may vary.
- Chai tea concentrate can be store-bought or homemade for a more customized flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
