Description

This Pumpkin Vanilla Latte recipe offers a cozy, autumn-inspired coffee treat featuring a homemade pumpkin spice syrup combined with rich espresso and frothy milk. Perfect for fall mornings or whenever you crave a warm seasonal drink, this latte blends the sweetness of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and creamy milk with the robust flavor of espresso, topped with whipped cream and aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg.

Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Syrup

1 cup (240 mL) pumpkin puree, 100% pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup (100 g) cane sugar
½ cup (120 mL) water
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon ground ginger (optional but recommended)

Latte

½ cup (120 mL) espresso or very strong brewed coffee
½ cup (120 mL) milk (1% or 2%)
Whipped topping
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg

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Instructions

Brew the Espresso: Brew ½ cup (120 mL) of espresso according to your espresso machine or coffee maker instructions. Use a rich and strong coffee base for a balanced latte flavor.
Make Pumpkin Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, cane sugar, water, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and ground ginger. Simmer gently over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time to achieve syrup consistency.
Prepare Mug: Place 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of the pumpkin syrup into your favorite serving mug. Pour the freshly brewed espresso over the syrup, adjusting syrup quantity to taste for sweetness.
Froth the Milk: Pour cold milk into a microwavable jar with a tight lid, shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until frothy and doubled in size.
Heat Milk: Remove the lid carefully to avoid steam, then microwave the milk (without the lid) for 30 seconds to warm and set the froth. Watch for potential overflow.
Assemble Latte: Gently pour the frothed milk into the mug with the espresso and pumpkin syrup, swirling lightly to combine layers and flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Top the latte with whipped topping, then sprinkle ground nutmeg and/or ground cinnamon as desired for extra aroma and texture.

Notes

Use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars and spices.
Adjust pumpkin syrup amount based on your preference for sweetness and pumpkin flavor intensity.
Ground ginger is optional but enhances the spice profile.
Shaking and microwaving the milk creates a creamy, frothy texture perfect for lattes without specialized equipment.
For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or another plant-based milk.