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HOMEMADE PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
Cozy up with this easy homemade pumpkin spice latte! Made with real pumpkin, almond milk, and warm spices, it’s low sugar so no blood sugar spikes here.
Pumpkin spice season hits, and suddenly it feels like every café drink is loaded with the ever-tempting pumpkin spice latte. But here’s the deal—you can make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte at home that’s just as cozy, way cheaper, and with a few tweaks, you can actually make it gut-friendly.
This version is smooth, creamy, and full of real pumpkin and spices—none of that “pumpkin-flavored syrup” nonsense. Bonus: you’ll skip the sugar crash.
Table of Contents
Why This PSL Is Gut-Friendly
- Pumpkin purée: adds fiber and antioxidants to support digestion.
- Unsweetened almond milk: lighter and easier on the gut than heavy cream or dairy-based mixes.
- Real spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger): naturally warming and anti-inflammatory.
- Protein boost option: add collagen peptides or a scoop of protein powder for balance and satiety.
Tips for Making A Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
If you’re like me, you’ve tried making a healthier version of a PSL at home and probably on more than one occasion. Because, let’s be honest, the coffeehouse versions are not only loaded with sugar, but are sold at premium prices ($8+ where I live).
The issue I always run into with the healthier versions I’ve tried in the past is that they are gritty and thicker than coffee ever should be – more like punishment in a mug, thank you very much. If I wanted to chew on some pumpkin, I’d eat a slice of pie.
Here are my best tried-and-true tips for making an Easy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte that doesn’t suck:
- Blend, don’t just stir. Skip the gritty texture by tossing your pumpkin mixture into a blender (or use a milk frother). It smooths everything out and makes it café-level creamy.
- Warm, don’t boil. Heat your almond milk and pumpkin gently. If you boil it, you’ll end up with scorched milk vibes—and nobody’s asking for that.
- Strain if you’re picky. If even a little pumpkin texture bugs you (no judgment, I hate it too), pour the milk mixture through a fine mesh strainer before adding it to your coffee. Smooth like a barista made it.
- Go easy on the pumpkin. More pumpkin ≠ better latte. Stick with 2 tablespoons max, or you’re back in pumpkin pudding territory.
- Protein it up. Want staying power? Use protein milk or add collagen or a scoop of unflavored protein powder. Just blend it in so you don’t end up with chalky clumps.
- Top it like you mean it. Cinnamon sprinkle, coconut whip, or a dusting of cocoa powder—it’s the little things that make it feel extra.
The Brands I Used For This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Kirkland Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
Not all almond milks are the same. In fact, some are plain gross and have added ingredients, such as seed oils, that you should avoid since they are inflammatory. The Kirkland brand, sold at Costco, comes in a 6-pack for way less money than you’d spend at the grocery store. I’m also linking to Amazon just in case you don’t have a Costco membership.
Obs, if you can tolerate dairy, first off, I hate you, and secondly, use a high-protein whole milk like Fairlife for a little protein boost.
Libby’s Pumpkin Puree
I actually don’t think canned pumpkin is much different from brand to brand. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Seasoning
I love the seasoning at Trader Joe’s. They are high quality and super affordable. Unfortunately, you can’t buy this from Trader Joe’s online. I linked it on Amazon if you don’t live near a Trader Joe’s.
Kirkland Madagascar Vanilla Extract
I always buy vanilla extract at Costco because the quality is good and the price is unmatched. Again, here it is on Amazon, just in case.
This pure maple syrup only has one ingredient: maple syrup. And you can get an 8 oz. bottle for under $6.
Nespresso Sweet Vanilla (Vertuo pod 7.75 oz)
I love my Nespresso Vertuo machine, and it’s basically the only hot coffee. If you’re making this drink hot, use a strong coffee, espresso, or Nespresso. If you prefer it over ice, the Stok Cold Brew is so smooth and delicious for sure; however, you can’t buy it online. A close second for me is the Wandering Bear Cold Brew, which you can buy here.
If you’re like me and are always trying to find ways to add protein to your daily intake, try adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder to your latte. I am dairy-free for the most part, and my favorite protein powder is Orgain Perfect Blend Vanilla Protein Powder.
Easy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte (Low Sugar, Gut-Friendly)
Course: Drinks1
servings5
minutesA PSL that won’t spike your blood sugar or wreck your gut.
Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened milk of choice (almond milk is tasty in this recipe)
2 tbsp pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tsp pure maple syrup or monk fruit extract
1-2 shots of espresso or 1/2 strong brewed coffee
Optional protein boost: add 1 scoop of collagen or protein powder
Instructions
- Heat almond milk and pumpkin puree in a small saucepan over low heat. Bring to a simmer; do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat. Using a fine mesh sieve or strainer, pour the pumpkin milk mixture through to remove any grit.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- If adding collagen or protein powder, first dissolve in 1 tbsp hot water; mix until combined. Then add the mixture to the saucepan and stir gently until combined.
- Using a frother or whisk, mix until smooth, creamy, and lightly foamy.
- Pour espresso into a 12 oz or larger mug. Gently top with pumpkin milk mixture.
If you love all things pumpkin spice, check out this Pumpkin Chia Pudding recipe.
And for more healthy options, check out our recipe section.
