Homemade Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe (Iced or Warm)
I don’t drink coffee. Every time I say that, people give me the funniest looks, like how is that even possible? But the truth is, I just really love tea. Any kind of tea. It’s my go-to. And if there’s pumpkin involved? Game over. I’m all in. That’s exactly why I created this recipe for anyone who loves chai, loves pumpkin, and loves fall as much as I do.
I also wanted to make something a little lighter. Most chai concentrates (and those Starbucks chai drinks we all know and love) are packed with sugar, and honestly, it’s kind of scary. This homemade version has all the cozy fall flavor without the sugar overload, so instead of crashing mid-morning, you actually feel fueled for the day.
As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing better than wrapping your hands around a warm mug of pumpkin spice chai latte. This recipe blends real pumpkin purée, chai spices, and creamy oat milk for a cozy drink that feels like fall in a cup. It’s simple to make, uses ingredients you can grab at any grocery store, and tastes just as good (if not better) than your favorite coffee shop version.
The best part is that it’s dairy-free, made with real ingredients, and has no artificial flavors or syrups. Just pure, spiced pumpkin goodness that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
You might also like: Matcha Latte with Collagen and my Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam
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What Makes This Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte So Special?
When it comes to pumpkin chai lattes, there's something uniquely satisfying about making your own at home. This homemade version stands out because it's made with real, high-quality ingredients like pure pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Unlike the pumpkin spice lattes you might find at your local coffee shop, this recipe is completely dairy-free and free from added sugars and artificial flavors.
Recommended Products
To make this delicious homemade pumpkin spice chai latte, here are some products that I recommend:
Ingredients You'll Need
Latte Base
1 cup milk of choice
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons pumpkin purée (100% pumpkin, not pie filling)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup, coconut sugar, or monk fruit)
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 chai tea bags (or 1–1.5 tsp loose leaf chai)
Optional Foam Topping
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin purée for topping
Homemade Chai Spice Blend (optional)
4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground cardamom
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
1. Blend the Base: Combine the milk, water, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla in a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Heat and Steep the Tea: Pour the blended mixture into a stockpot over medium-low heat. Add the chai tea bags and let steep for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the tea bags.
3. Prepare the Foam (Optional): In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup milk and maple syrup over low heat (do not boil). Froth with a milk frother, whisk, or shake in a mason jar until foamy. Stir in pumpkin pie spice or purée if desired.
4. Serve Hot: Pour the chai pumpkin mixture into a mug, leaving room for the foam. Spoon the frothed milk on top and optionally sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
5. Serve Iced: Allow the latte base to cool to room temperature (or chill in the fridge). Fill a tall glass with ice, pour the chilled latte over, and top with foam. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
Pro tip: get a milk frother!
You can make this with a blender, immersion blender, or even a whisk, but a frother makes it effortless and saves you from extra dishes. It’s compact, easy to store, and you can grab one for around $20.
Make It with Instant Chai (5-Minute Version)
Use instant chai powder or a pre-made chai concentrate. Stir it directly into the milk and pumpkin mixture while heating, then froth or blend as usual.
This blend will keep in an airtight jar for up to 6 months, so you can use it in baked goods, smoothies, overnight oats, or even coffee.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
Milk: Any milk works! Dairy, oat, almond, coconut, soy, or goat milk.
Sweetener: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup, coconut sugar, honey, or monk fruit. Adjust to taste.
Pumpkin Purée: Use canned or fresh pumpkin purée, make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: Use a homemade blend or substitute with cinnamon plus a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Tea: Use 2 chai tea bags or 1–1½ tsp loose leaf chai. Instant chai powder works too—just skip the steeping step.
Frothing: No frother? Use a blender, whisk, or a mason jar with a tight lid (shake until foamy).
Why I Love This Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe
Real Ingredients, Better Flavor
I love this homemade pumpkin spice chai latte because it uses real, simple ingredients. The pumpkin puree gives it a rich, authentic pumpkin flavor without any of the artificial taste that can come from syrups. Plus, pumpkin is packed with fiber and nutrients, making this a healthier option compared to store-bought versions.
Dairy-Free and Plant-Based
This recipe is completely dairy-free, thanks to the use of oat milk. It's perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based milks. You can also experiment with other plant-based options like almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk for different flavor profiles.
Customizable Sweetness
The brown sugar in this recipe can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more sugar. If you're watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the amount or substitute it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave.
Chai Spices and Warm Fall Vibes
The combination of chai spices, including cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, brings warm fall vibes to every sip. It's a comforting drink that's perfect for cozying up with a good book or enjoying while watching the leaves fall.
Comparing to the Starbucks Version
Ingredients Breakdown
The Starbucks version of the pumpkin spice chai latte includes a chai tea concentrate, pumpkin spice sauce, and a pumpkin spice topping. Their chai concentrate contains a blend of black tea, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, along with sugar and honey. The pumpkin spice sauce includes sugar, condensed skim milk, pumpkin puree, and natural flavors. Finally, the pumpkin spice topping is a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Why My Version is Better
Real Ingredients:
My homemade version uses real pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, without any artificial flavors or preservatives.Dairy-Free:
This recipe is completely dairy-free, using plant-based oat milk instead of condensed milk.Lower Sugar:
With adjustable sweetness, you can control the amount of sugar in your latte.Cost-Effective:
Making this latte at home costs a fraction of what you would pay at Starbucks, and you can make multiple servings with the same ingredients.
Tips for the Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
Use a Good Quality Blender
To ensure your pumpkin puree is fully incorporated and your latte is smooth, use a good quality blender. This will help blend the pumpkin and spices evenly with the milk and water.
Experiment with Milk Frothers
For a frothy top, use a milk frother to blend your latte before serving. This adds a luxurious, café-quality finish to your drink.
Add a Shot of Espresso
If you like your drinks with a caffeine kick, consider adding a shot of espresso to your latte. This "dirty chai" version is perfect for coffee drinkers who love the flavors of chai.
Garnish for Extra Flavor
For an extra touch, sprinkle some cinnamon sticks or a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top of your latte. This not only adds flavor but also makes your drink look beautiful.
Try It Iced
For those warmer fall days, try serving your latte over ice. The chilled version is refreshing and still packed with all the wonderful fall flavors.
FAQ
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Yes! You can prepare the pumpkin chai base in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently for a hot latte, or pour over ice for a quick iced version.
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Absolutely! This recipe works with dairy milk, oat, almond, coconut, soy, or even goat milk. Each milk gives a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment.
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You control the sweetness. Use more or less brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute like monk fruit to suit your taste.
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Yes! Instant chai powder or a pre-made chai concentrate works perfectly if you’re short on time. Just mix it into your milk and pumpkin mixture while heating.
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Let the latte base cool completely in the fridge before pouring over ice. For extra flavor, you can also make ice cubes out of the latte base.
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Definitely. Using plant-based milk like oat, almond, or coconut makes this recipe completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
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Yes! For a “dirty chai,” add a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee to the hot or iced latte. It’s a delicious twist for coffee lovers.
This homemade pumpkin spice chai latte recipe is a great way to enjoy the best fall flavors in a healthy, cost-effective, and customizable way. With detailed instructions and simple ingredients, it's easy to make at home. Whether you're a chai lover or just looking for a delicious, warm drink to enjoy this pumpkin season, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Enjoy the warm spices, the creamy oat milk, and the rich pumpkin flavor with every sip.
Enjoy your homemade pumpkin spice latte!
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe (Iced or Warm)
Sip the flavors of fall with this cozy pumpkin spice chai latte! Made with real pumpkin, warm chai spices, and creamy oat milk, it’s dairy-free, lightly sweetened, and perfect hot or iced.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin purée (100% pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup, coconut sugar, or monk fruit)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 chai tea bags (or 1–1.5 tsp loose leaf chai)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin purée for topping
Instructions
- Blend the Base: Combine the milk, water, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Heat and Steep the Tea: Pour the blended mixture into a stockpot over medium-low heat. Add the chai tea bags and let steep for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the tea bags.
- Prepare the Foam (Optional): In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup milk and maple syrup over low heat (do not boil). Froth with a milk frother, whisk, or shake in a mason jar until foamy. Stir in pumpkin pie spice or purée if desired.
- Serve Hot: Pour the chai pumpkin mixture into a mug, leaving room for the foam. Spoon the frothed milk on top and optionally sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
- Serve Iced: Allow the latte base to cool to room temperature (or chill in the fridge). Fill a tall glass with ice, pour the chilled latte over, and top with foam.
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
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