Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
If you’re craving that cozy, autumnal café vibe at home, this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, warmly spiced, and perfectly sweetened without any dairy or fuss—just pure comfort in a mug. Whether you’re a total pumpkin spice fanatic or just curious to try a plant-based spin on the classic, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. I’ve made it countless times, tweaking it until it hits the perfect note every single time, and I can’t wait to share all my favorite tips so you’ll nail it too!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find pantry staples plus everyday plant milk to keep things accessible.
- Customizable Sweetness: Maple syrup lets you adjust the sweetness perfectly to your taste buds.
- Creamy Texture: Choosing oat or coconut milk creates that luscious latte mouthfeel without dairy.
- Quick & Foolproof: Takes under 5 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy mornings or relaxing afternoons.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient brings something special to this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe. From the silky oat milk to the warmly spiced pumpkin puree, these elements create an irresistible blend. Don’t worry about fancy stuff—you can find everything easily, and I’ll share some shopping tips to get the most flavor out of each.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for consistency and that authentic pumpkin flavor—it’s your base for rich warmth.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle depth that sugar can’t quite match; plus, it’s vegan!
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves is what brings the cozy fall feeling to life. If you don’t have a mix, you can DIY with those spices.
- Barista Oat Milk: Creamier than regular oat milk, it froths beautifully and makes the latte super smooth, but feel free to swap with soy or coconut for richness.
- Espresso or Strong Coffee: The caffeine kick that balances the sweet and spices perfectly—if you want a kid-friendly version, just skip the coffee.
- Dairy-Free Whipped Cream: Optional, but trust me, it transforms the latte into a café-worthy treat with a lovely creamy top.
Tweak to Your Taste
This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but everyone likes their pumpkin spice latte a little different. I love mine extra creamy and ever so slightly sweeter, but you may prefer a lighter spice or bold coffee flavor. Don’t be shy about adjusting—it’s your cozy moment to own!
- Add a Dash of Vanilla: I sometimes stir in a little vanilla extract for a sweeter aroma that softens the spices beautifully.
- Spice it Up: If you like it spicier, add an extra pinch of cinnamon or ginger—this makes the latte feel extra cozy in chilly weather.
- Dairy-Free Milk Variations: Coconut milk makes a richer latte that’s almost like a dessert, while soy milk balances creaminess with a more neutral taste.
- Sweetener Swap: If maple syrup isn’t your favorite, organic cane sugar or agave syrup work great too—just dissolve sugar well in the warm milk mixture.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Step 1: Brew Your Coffee or Pull Espresso Shots
Start by making the coffee—the foundation of any good latte. I love using fresh espresso shots for that rich, intense flavor, but strong brewed coffee works just as well, especially if you want to keep it caffeine-free by skipping this step. Have it ready near your stove so you can add it just as soon as your pumpkin milk mixture is warm and flavorful.
Step 2: Warm the Pumpkin Milk Mixture
In a small pot over medium heat, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and oat milk. Keep whisking as it warms but be careful not to let it boil—that can make the flavors taste a little off and might curdle your milk. When it’s warm and fragrant, turn off the heat. This step fills your kitchen with that iconic autumnal aroma and ensures the spices bloom perfectly.
Step 3: Combine With Coffee and Taste
Add your espresso or brewed coffee to the warm pumpkin milk mixture and stir. Now’s the moment to taste—if you want it a bit sweeter, sprinkle in a little more maple syrup. This is a moment I always savor, making sure it’s just right before moving on.
Step 4: Blend for Frothy Perfection (Optional but Worth It!)
If you have an immersion blender, use it to blend your latte right in the pot or transfer to a blender. Blend for about 30 seconds until the latte is frothy and light. This small step makes a huge difference, turning an everyday drink into something that feels like it came straight from your favorite café. It’s a step I never skip now!
Step 5: Pour, Top, and Enjoy
Pour your pumpkin spice latte into your favorite mug. Top it with dairy-free whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent, then sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin pie spice on top for that classic finish. Take a moment to admire—it tastes as good as it looks, my friend. Now dive in and enjoy every cozy sip!
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Use Barista-Style Plant Milk: These versions are creamier and froth more easily, boosting latte authenticity.
- Don’t Boil the Mixture: Overheating can cause the milk to separate; warm gently for smooth texture.
- Blend It Up: Blending creates a silky foam that elevates your latte experience with minimal effort.
- Adjust Sweetness Gradually: Add maple syrup little by little to avoid overpowering the spices or coffee.
How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for a generous swirl of dairy-free whipped cream on top, sprinkled with a bit of extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Sometimes, I even dust a tiny bit of cocoa powder to add a subtle chocolatey twist. These little extras make the experience feel special and café-worthy, even if it’s just Sunday morning me-time.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs wonderfully with spiced muffins, vegan scones, or a simple peanut butter toast for breakfast. Whenever I sit down with my latte, a lightly toasted cinnamon raisin bagel or a slice of pumpkin bread amps up the autumnal vibes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I like to serve this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe in clear glass mugs to show off its creamy color, garnished with a cinnamon stick or star anise for a little drama. You could also layer the whipped cream beautifully for Instagram-worthy pics that taste even better than they look!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though I rarely do!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir before reheating to reunite the spices and pumpkin with the milk.
Freezing
I don’t typically freeze this latte since I prefer it fresh and frothy, but if you want to freeze the pumpkin spice mix with milk (without coffee), freeze in ice cube trays. Pop cubes into warm milk later for a quick flavor boost.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave at medium power to avoid curdling. A little whisking after warming helps bring back the smoothness before adding coffee or topping it off.
FAQs
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Can I make this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe without espresso?
Absolutely! If you don’t have espresso, strong brewed coffee works great. You can also skip the coffee entirely and simply warm more oat milk with the spices and pumpkin for a caffeine-free version that kids and non-coffee drinkers will love.
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What’s the best plant milk for a creamy latte?
Barista-style oat milk is my favorite—it’s naturally sweet, creamy, and froths well. Coconut milk (especially canned) will make your latte richer and dessert-like. Soy milk is a solid middle ground. Feel free to experiment to find your personal favorite.
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Can I substitute pumpkin pie spice with individual spices?
Yes! If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, mix 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon with a small pinch of nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. You can even just use cinnamon if that’s all you have—your latte will still taste delicious.
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How do I make my vegan pumpkin spice latte sweeter?
I recommend adding more pure maple syrup a little at a time after combining all ingredients, tasting as you go. You can also try a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of coconut sugar for different sweet profiles.
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Is blending really necessary?
Blending isn’t required, but it creates a frothy, airy texture that feels special and café-like. If you don’t have a blender, whisk vigorously or use a hand frother to add some lightness.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe has been my go-to comfort drink through many chilly mornings and weekend breaks. It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim but special enough to feel like a treat. I hope it brings you as much cozy joy as it has me—grab your mug, get cozy, and enjoy that perfect sip of autumn right at home. You deserve it!
Print
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A cozy and delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte made with creamy plant milk, pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a touch of maple syrup. Perfect for fall or anytime you crave a comforting, dairy-free coffee treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 3/4 cup Barista oat milk or other creamy plant milk
- 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
- dairy-free whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Coffee: Pull your espresso shots or brew your coffee and set it nearby ready for use.
- Warm Pumpkin Mixture: In a small pot over medium heat, combine pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and oat milk. Whisk frequently as it warms to combine flavors but avoid boiling.
- Add Coffee: Once the mixture is warm, turn off the heat and stir in the espresso or brewed coffee. Adjust sweetness with additional maple syrup if desired.
- Blend for Froth: (Optional but recommended) Transfer the warm mixture to an immersion blender cup or regular blender and blend for about 30 seconds until frothy.
- Serve: Pour the latte into a mug, top with dairy-free whipped cream, and sprinkle a little more pumpkin pie spice on top if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier latte, canned coconut milk works wonderfully instead of oat milk.
- To make it caffeine free for kids, substitute the coffee with additional plant milk.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with organic granulated sugar if preferred.
- Scale up the recipe as needed to serve multiple guests by doubling or more.
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, use 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon plus small pinches of ginger, cloves, and nutmeg or just cinnamon alone.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
