Make It Yours Pumpkin Spice Latte

By
Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD
Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD
Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD
Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD is a registered dietitian with a master's in clinical nutrition. She focuses her efforts on digital health communication.
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Medically reviewed by
Meredith Shur, MD
Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD
on April 20, 2020

Meredith Shur, MD, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as a certified medical examiner.

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on April 20, 2020
Pumpkin spice latte

Getty Images
Total Time: 5 min
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Servings: 2 (1 cup each)

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

124 calories
4g fat
18g carbs
4g protein
Show Nutrition Label Hide Nutrition Label
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 (1 cup each)
Amount per serving  
Calories 124
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 5%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 12mg 4%
Sodium 104mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 16g  
Includes 8g Added Sugars 16%
Protein 4g  
Vitamin D 2mcg 10%
Calcium 155mg 12%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 295mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

There are plenty of reasons to love a pumpkin spice latte: it's warm, creamy, and flavorful and it's a classic staple of fall. If you enjoy one made with real pumpkin, you get a few added nutrients (like vitamin A), too.

What's not to love? The cost and calorie count too often attached to this special treat. Sidestep past the high numbers and try your hand at a DIY pumpkin spice latte recipe. This one has a fraction of the calories and sugar of a typical pumpkin spice latte, which means you can fit it into most diets.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) coffee
  • 4 tablespoons whipped cream for topping (optional)

Preparation

  1. Stir together the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice mix, honey, and vanilla extract in a small pot.

  2. Add the milk, stir together, and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the pot so that the milk doesn't boil over!

  3. Split the coffee into two mugs. When simmered, pour half of the pumpkin spice mixture over each. Add whipped cream if you'd like.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

Consider this recipe a starting point—it's highly customizable to your taste buds and nutritional preferences.

  • Honey swaps: You can use agave, maple syrup, plain sugar, or a sugar substitute of your choice.
  • Coffee options: Brew your favorite cup of joe. Instant, strong brewed, weak brewed, decaf—any type will work for this recipe. You can also add a shot of espresso.
  • Milk swaps: Whole milk adds creaminess, but it is higher in calories and fat than other options. You have options. To reduce fat and calories, use skim milk. To make the recipe dairy-free, use almond or soy milk. If you're using vanilla almond or soy milk, you can omit the vanilla extract, and if you're using sweetened milk, you can omit the honey.

Cooking and Serving Tips

If you have the individual spices available at home, crafting your own batch of pumpkin pie spice is just as easy as buying a little jar of it. The recipe is standard across most brands. For one batch combine:

  • 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 1½ teaspoons ground allspice
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cloves

Remember, for this latte you only need half a teaspoon of the mixture per cup. Half or even quarter the batch if you won't be using it often.

Always read the ingredients label when buying canned pumpkin. It should list only one ingredient: pumpkin. Some brands may have added sugar—you don't want any of that.

Since you're only using a few tablespoons from the can, transfer the rest to an airtight container and keep in your fridge for up to seven days. You can make more lattes with it, or try:

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