The Ultimate Homemade Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte: Your Cozy Fall Favorite

Embrace the quintessential flavors of autumn with this incredibly creamy and utterly delicious **vegan pumpkin spice latte recipe**. This plant-based twist on the classic fall drink delivers all the comforting warmth and spice you crave, proving that you don’t need dairy to enjoy a rich and satisfying latte. Forget expensive coffee shop visits; learn how to craft this addicting seasonal beverage right in your own kitchen, entirely plant-based and customized to perfection.

There’s something truly magical about fall. The crisp air, the vibrant colors of changing leaves, the joy of apple picking, and the anticipation of pumpkin patch adventures all contribute to making it my absolute favorite season. And yes, I’m perfectly happy to admit that when it comes to fall, I embrace all the “basic” joys, especially when they involve warm, comforting beverages.

It’s hard to imagine anyone *not* falling in love with autumn. The season simply exudes coziness and a sense of renewal. And when we talk about iconic fall treats, the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte instantly comes to mind. While I appreciate a good PSL, the cost can quickly add up, and for those of us avoiding dairy, even ordering it with a milk alternative doesn’t make it truly dairy-free due to the ingredients in their pumpkin spice sauce.

My quest for an authentic dairy-free and affordable pumpkin spice latte began years ago. While some local coffee shops offer truly vegan versions, the price tag still makes it a treat rather than an everyday indulgence. That’s why I started experimenting with my own homemade vegan pumpkin spice latte recipe, and I can confidently say that this version rivals, if not surpasses, the original. Especially when crowned with a generous dollop of homemade vegan whipped cream, it’s an absolute dream. So, grab your coziest blanket, find a warm spot by the fire, and prepare to savor the incredible flavors of autumn with this easy, delicious, and budget-friendly recipe.

Why Make Your Own Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Ditching the drive-thru for a homemade version offers a multitude of benefits, especially when it comes to your favorite fall beverage:

• Cost-Effective Indulgence: A single latte from a coffee shop can cost as much as a week’s worth of ingredients for homemade lattes. Making your own means you can enjoy this treat far more often without breaking the bank.
• Full Control Over Ingredients: You decide exactly what goes into your cup. Choose your favorite plant-based milk, adjust the sweetness level, and ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs and preferences. This is crucial for avoiding hidden dairy or artificial flavors often found in commercial versions.
• Dietary Customization: Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply choosing to eat more plant-based, this recipe is naturally dairy-free. You can also tailor it for gluten-free, refined sugar-free, or lower-calorie options.
• Enhanced Flavor & Freshness: Freshly brewed coffee and carefully warmed spices create a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. The aroma filling your kitchen will be an added bonus!
• Comfort & Experience: There’s a unique satisfaction in crafting your own warm drink on a chilly fall day. It transforms a simple beverage into a comforting ritual.

Tips For Crafting The Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte:

To ensure your homemade vegan pumpkin spice latte is nothing short of spectacular, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• **Batch Cooking the Creamer:** This recipe is designed to make two lattes. If you’re only making one, simply use half of the pumpkin spice creamer mixture for your immediate latte. Store the remaining creamer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s perfect for a quick fix the next morning!
• **Customize Your Spice Level:** The amount of pumpkin spice is entirely up to your preference. I personally love a bold pumpkin spice flavor, so I use a full teaspoon. If you prefer a more subtle hint of spice, start with half a teaspoon and adjust to taste. Feel free to add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
• **Choose Your Milk Wisely:** While any plant-based milk works, some create a creamier and frothier latte than others. Full-fat coconut milk (from a can, not a carton) or homemade cashew milk offer the richest texture. Oat milk is also an excellent choice for its natural creaminess and ability to foam well. Experiment to find your favorite!
• **Don’t Skip the Whipped Cream:** While optional, adding a dollop of vegan whipped cream elevates this latte to an entirely new level. It provides that luxurious, frothy top and an extra layer of creamy indulgence that truly makes it feel like a special treat. A sprinkle of extra pumpkin spice on top of the whipped cream adds a beautiful finish and aromatic boost.
• **Keep it Hot (or Make it Iced!):** For the best experience, serve your latte immediately after assembling. If you prefer an iced version, simply let the pumpkin spice creamer cool, then combine with chilled strong coffee or espresso over ice.

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Essential Tools for Your Homemade Latte:

Gathering the right tools will make your vegan pumpkin spice latte preparation a breeze:

• French press: Ideal for brewing strong coffee quickly and easily, similar to the one I use.
• Small Saucepan: Essential for gently heating and whisking your pumpkin spice creamer to perfection.
• Whisk: To ensure all ingredients in your creamer are smoothly combined and to prevent any lumps.
• Measuring spoons: Precise measurements are key for consistent flavor. These copped ones are quite charming!
• Liquid measuring cup: For accurately measuring your milk alternative and coffee.
• Mugs: Your favorite cozy mugs will make the experience even better.

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients

Crafting this delightful vegan pumpkin spice latte requires a few simple yet powerful ingredients:

• Strongly Brewed Coffee or Espresso: The foundation of any great latte. The stronger, the better, as it won’t get diluted by the creamy pumpkin base.
• Plant-Based Milk of Choice: This is where the magic of “vegan” comes in! I highly recommend a high-fat milk like full-fat canned coconut milk (not the kind in a carton, which is thinner) for ultimate creaminess. Adding a scoop of coconut cream from the top of the can will make it exceptionally rich. Other great options include oat milk (for a naturally sweet and creamy texture), cashew milk, or almond milk.
• Canned Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. This provides the authentic pumpkin flavor and a lovely orange hue.
• Pumpkin Spice Blend: The star of the show! A good quality pumpkin pie spice blend typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the fall flavors perfectly. It also offers a subtle caramel note. You can adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference or substitute with agave nectar.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall warmth and depth of flavor in the latte.
• Vegan Coconut Whipped Cream: (Optional, but highly recommended!) This adds an extra layer of decadence and creaminess, making your homemade latte feel truly gourmet. You can buy pre-made vegan whipped cream or easily make your own from chilled full-fat coconut milk.

How To Make Your Homemade Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte

Creating this cozy fall drink is a straightforward process, broken down into three easy steps:

Step 1: Brew Your Strong Coffee or Espresso:

The strength of your coffee dictates the intensity of your latte. For a robust flavor that stands up to the rich pumpkin creamer, aim for a strong brew. I prefer using my French press: I add 8-9 scoops of good quality ground coffee to the French press, then pour in 24 ounces of hot water. Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Once steeped, slowly press the strainer down. If you’re using an espresso machine, pull two shots of espresso per latte. For drip coffee, simply brew it a bit stronger than usual.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Pumpkin Spice Base

This is where the magic pumpkin flavor comes to life! In a small saucepan, combine your chosen plant-based milk (I find a mix of mostly coconut milk with a spoonful of rich coconut cream works wonders for a decadent texture), canned pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Using a whisk, gently stir the mixture continuously or occasionally to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and to prevent any burning or sticking to the bottom. Continue heating until the mixture begins to lightly simmer and tiny bubbles form around the edges. Do not let it come to a rolling boil. Once simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 3: Assemble and Indulge in Your Latte

1. There are two convenient ways to assemble your delicious latte. Since this recipe yields enough creamer for two servings, you can either prepare them individually or together.
   • **For a single latte:** Pour about 1/2 cup of your freshly brewed strong coffee into a mug. Then, add half of the warm pumpkin spice creamer mixture to the coffee. Store the remaining creamer in an airtight container in the fridge for a quick latte tomorrow.
   • **For two lattes:** Brew a full cup of strong coffee. Divide the brewed coffee evenly between two mugs. Then, equally distribute the entire pumpkin spice creamer mixture between the two mugs, stirring gently to combine the coffee and creamer.

   

2. Now for the crowning glory! Top your warm latte with a generous dollop of vegan whipped cream. This step is entirely optional, but seriously, it transforms the latte from good to absolutely phenomenal, adding a luxurious creaminess and visual appeal.

   

3. Finally, sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice on top of the whipped cream (or directly on the latte if you skip the cream) for an added aromatic kick and beautiful presentation. Take a deep breath, inhale the wonderful scents of fall, and enjoy every comforting sip of your homemade vegan pumpkin spice latte.

   

Are Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes Truly Vegan?

Unfortunately, no, not in the United States. While you can request a non-dairy milk alternative at Starbucks, the core pumpkin spice sauce they use contains condensed skim milk. This means that even with almond, soy, or oat milk, the traditional Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is not truly vegan or dairy-free.

If you’re at Starbucks and craving a similar flavor profile while adhering to a vegan diet, you could try ordering a plain or vanilla latte made with your preferred non-dairy milk. Then, ask the barista to add some actual pumpkin spice (the dry spice blend, not the sauce) to it. It won’t be exactly the same creamy, sweet experience as their standard PSL, but it’s a closer, truly vegan alternative that might help satisfy your craving for those fall flavors.

The Growing Appeal of Vegan and Dairy-Free Options

You’ll find a variety of recipes on my site, some of which are not strictly vegan. However, my family primarily opts for dairy-free choices due to various allergies and health concerns. This personal need has driven me to adapt many of our beloved classic recipes into delicious vegan versions, effectively eliminating cow’s milk from our diet without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. Choosing vegan and dairy-free options often comes with a host of benefits:

• **Health Considerations:** Many people experience sensitivities or allergies to dairy, leading to digestive issues, skin problems, or inflammation. Opting for plant-based alternatives can alleviate these symptoms and contribute to a healthier gut.
• **Ethical & Environmental Impact:** A vegan lifestyle often aligns with ethical concerns for animal welfare and a desire to reduce environmental footprint. Dairy production has significant impacts on land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.
• **Wider Culinary Exploration:** Embracing plant-based ingredients opens up a world of new flavors, textures, and creative cooking opportunities, allowing for delicious innovation in the kitchen.

More Delicious Plant-Based Drinks to Try:

If you enjoyed this vegan pumpkin spice latte, you might love exploring some of my other favorite plant-based (or easily adaptable) drink recipes:

• Chocolate Cauliflower Smoothie Recipe: A surprisingly delicious way to sneak in veggies!
• Berry Beet Smoothie Recipe With Hidden Veggies: Nutrient-packed and bursting with berry flavor.
• Honey Butter Latte: Not originally vegan, but easily made so with simple plant-based swaps like vegan butter and maple syrup instead of honey.
• Pumpkin Apple Pie Smoothie: Another fantastic fall-inspired beverage, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
• Berry Peach Smoothie Recipe: A refreshing and vibrant blend for any time of year.

Easy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe Card

If you give this delightful vegan pumpkin spice latte recipe a try and fall in love with it as much as I have, please consider leaving a comment and rating it 5 stars below. Your feedback means the world to me!

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This post was thoughtfully updated in October 2019 to provide the most current and comprehensive information.