Move over Starbucks! You can make your own pumpkin spice latte mix right at home with this recipe and it's so much easier than you think! This recipe is perfect for the holidays, and it'll save you money, too. Give this easy DIY a try today!
I recently read somewhere that pumpkin spice is on the way out. You know what? I think that as long as pumpkin pie is a thing, pumpkin spice will be a thing!
I’ve been a fan of pumpkin spice since before it ‘became a thing’. I mean I’m the kind of pumpkin spice fan who likes it used in baking, in drinks or coffee. I’m not the kind of person who likes it in some sort of weird concoction – but hey, I’ll give anything a try at least once!
This post is for a recipe I’ve been working on for quite a while now so I could get it just right, and my goodness, I think I’ve gotten it almost spot on.
I present to you my homemade instant pumpkin spice latte mix recipe!
When I say I’ve been working on this recipe for a while, I really mean it. I wanted to make sure I got my homemade version of pumpkin spice latte mix exactly the way I wanted before posting it.
I started working on this pumpkin spice latte recipe during the summer when I was visiting my family in New Brunswick so they could be my taste testers. Also, partly because my sister Jill is a big fan of pumpkin spice and I didn’t want her to miss out. The recipe has changed a little bit from when I was testing during my visit and I am extremely pleased with the results.
One of the reasons why this recipe took so long to develop was because I wanted to get the ratios of ingredients just right so I could make a pumpkin spice that tastes just like it does at the coffee shops. This is as close to the Starbucks version as you can get, but made at home!
I wanted this to produce a beautiful velvety and creamy drink that packs a good punch of caffeine along with its warming pumpkin spice flavors – and I think I did just that! It's truly a wonderful recipe!
I’m a big fan of coffee and pretty much any caffeinated drink so the espresso powder that I used in this recipe was of course caffeinated. You can use a decaf version of instant espresso powder if you’d like to. I do recall seeing a decaf version of espresso powder on the shelf when I was shopping so it is possible to make a decaf version if you prefer.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️
*This post has been updated from an earlier version to include more photos and more information to help make the recipe even more scrumptious! The original recipe as posted remains the same.*
What is pumpkin spice mix made of?
This pumpkin spice latte mix recipe calls for a combination of instant espresso powder, some powdered coffee creamer, French vanilla powdered drink mix, sugar and of course some pumpkin spice and a little bit of cinnamon.
Is there pumpkin in Pumpkin Spice Latte mix?
As it turns out, there is actually no pumpkin in pumpkin spice lattes!
The store bought pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks contain a combination of espresso, steamed milk, and “pumpkin sauce”; which is actually a combination of simple syrup combined with pumpkin pie spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves.
The focus should be on the word “spice”, rather than pumpkin!
For this instant pumpkin spice latte mix, we're using the same spice mix that you put in pumpkin pie filling to flavor pumpkin pie, but no actual pumpkin puree.
For this recipe I used a store bought blend of pumpkin pie spice, but you can use your own blend if you like too!
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
How to make Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix – Overview
Making your own homemade pumpkin spice latte is easy peasy!
Creating this mix is super easy since all you have to do is combine the ingredients in a food processor until it’s mixed very finely. Then store in an airtight container for when you have a pumpkin spice craving. 🙂
I should note that this recipe creates a large batch of mix – about 7 ½ cups – so feel free to half the recipe if it suits you better.
How to use Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix
Once your pumpkin spice latte craving hits, all you have to do is:
In a large mug add 2 heaping tbsps of the mix to a little over 1 cup of hot water (with a little milk or cream if you like) and stir.
Serve immediately, top with whipped cream if desired. If you want a stronger pumpkin flavor, add more mix to your latte. You can also experiment with using different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, to create a delicious dairy free latte. Enjoy!
How can I make my Pumpkin Spice Latte taste better?
There are a few things you can do to get the best pumpkin spice latte flavor possible but keep in mind that upping the flavor tends to make it a more indulgent drink.
Once you've got your pumpkin spiced latte in your cup, if you want it to be more rich, adding some whole milk, almond milk, coconut milk or cream to boost the flavors is an option.
Adding a little freshly grated nutmeg to your cup will make a big impact in the flavor of your latte without increasing the calorie count.
Add whipped cream and cinnamon on top for the ultimate indulgence. It's like putting the cherry on top, except way better! Aaaaaaaand in addition to cinnamon I like to top my whipped cream by using crunchy toffee bits.
I like to use Skor pieces, which are found in the baking aisle near the chocolate chips. Adding brown sugar on top of the whipped cream is also quite nice and preferable to regular sugar.
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix Recipe Variations
Variations on the Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix
After much testing of the ratios for this pumpkin spice latte mix, I recommend staying as close to the the ratios/measurements for this recipe as possible; otherwise, you may end up with a latte that tastes too watered down or not strong enough.
Decaf espresso: For this recipe I used full strength instant espresso powder, however, you can also use decaf espresso powder if you prefer.
Variations for Individual Servings.
When changing up or adding flavors, I recommend doing so to an individually prepared cup of pumpkin spice latte rather than to the mix as a whole (to maintain proper ratios in the mix).
Spices: You can add a little more pumpkin pie spice or other warm spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon.
Add more fresh Cream: The recipe for this mix includes powdered coffee creamer however if you'd like a richer taste, you can add a little fresh cream to your cup along with the hot water when you mix in your instant pumpkin spice latte mix.
Add more coffee/espresso: The recipe for this mix includes espresso powder, however, if you'd like a stronger drink, you can add a little fresh brewed coffee or espresso to your cup along with the hot water when you mix in your instant pumpkin spice latte mix. Try adding half hot coffee and half hot water in your mug and combine with the powdered mix! Yum!
Add pumpkin: A typical pumpkin spice latte does not use any actual pumpkin in it, but that doesn't mean you can't make it extra special by using some actual pumpkin in the form of pumpkin puree. You can boost and compliment the existing flavor by adding a little bit of pumpkin purée to your latte.
Toppings: If you’re looking to make the drink something really special, you can top it with some whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a little more pumpkin spice and some toffee bits (like I did with my drink in the photos). You can also add chocolate curls on top just like they do at Starbucks!
You could even drizzle some maple syrup over top of your whipped cream for added sweetness!
How to Store Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix and how long is it good for?
Once you've made your pumpkin spice latte mix, it's important to store it properly so that it stays fresh and delicious. Here are a few tips:
-Store the mix in an airtight container. A Mason jar or other glass jar with a tight-fitting lid works well.
-Keep the mix in a cool, dark place. A pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight is ideal.
-The mix will stay fresh for up to six months.
Now that you know how to make and store pumpkin spice latte mix, you can enjoy this delicious fall treat any time of year!
What to Serve with a Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkin spice lattes are a perfect fall treat by themselves but this seasonal latte calls for pairing with a variety of Fall desert foods including:
- Peach coffee cake or coffee cake in general
- Pecan pie
- Pumpkin bread
- Muffins
- Scones
- Croissants
- Cinnamon rolls
- Cookies
- Brownies
- Cake
- Cheesecake
- Ice cream
- Oatmeal
Other Recipes You'll enjoy
- Chocolate Cappuccino Cheesecake Brownies
- Spiced Zucchini Bundt Cake
- Peach Coffee Cake
- The Ultimate Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Muffins
Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix
- Yield: Creates about 7 1/2 cups of powdered mix 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups French Vanilla Powdered drink mix
(I used Maxwell House International Cafe French Vanilla Mix) - 1 ½ cups instant espresso powder
- 4 ¼ cups powdered coffee creamer
- 3 Tbsps + ¼ tsp Pumpkin Spice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
Optional Topping Ingredients:
- Whipped Cream
- Sprinkle of cinnamon or additional pumpkin spice
- Toffee bits (I used Skor pieces)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large processor until fine. You may need to stop the processor every so often and push down the powder down from the sides so that everything mixes well.
- Transfer contents of the processor into an air tight container and store in a cool dry place.
How to use the Pumpkin Spice Latte Drink Mix:
- Combine 2 heaping tablespoons of the pumpkin spice latte mix with about 1 ¼ cups of hot water in a mug. You can also add a little milk or cream to your cup along with the hot water and pumpkin spice latte mix for a richer creamier taste.
- Stir it up so everything is well combined.
Optional: Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon and some toffee bits.
Notes
Tip: For an even richer drink, try adding half hot coffee and half hot water in your mug and combine with the powdered mix!
- Category: Beverage
