FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Here’s Why My Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe Is Better Than A Cafe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make A Pumpkin Spice Latte
• My Recipe Tips & Shortcuts
• Pumpkin Spice Latte (Extra Creamy) Recipe card
• More Cozy Pumpkin Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

Here’s Why My Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe Is Better Than A Cafe

As much as I love a Starbucks trip now and then, I much prefer to put my fancy coffee maker to work at home. It’s cheaper, and with the right coffee beans, I think it’s tastier. Especially in the fall when I start craving a pumpkin spice latte . Here’s why my homemade version is better (and you don’t need a fancy coffee machine to make it):

• Made with real pumpkin – Some coffee shops don’t even use real pumpkin, and the ones that do have more sugar than anything else. My pumpkin spice latte recipe uses actual pumpkin puree together with pumpkin pie spice , and it’s all the better for it.
• Extra creamy texture – In my mind, a PSL is a comforting kind of drink that’s a little fancy, so I want it super creamy, even if I’m not going to the coffee shop! So, I’ve come up with two easy tricks to make it creamer than others I’ve tried.
• Clean ingredients – And no refined sugar. Unlike going out, I love that I know exactly what’s in it.
• Easy to whip up at home – With just a few ingredients, you’ll have all the cozy coffee shop vibes in your own kitchen in 5 minutes.

This pumpkin spice latte is perfect on chilly mornings with a slice of my almond flour pumpkin bread . Make it with me, and let’s make the most of pumpkin season!

“This was SOOOO delicious!! Thanks for posting such a simple, tasty recipe to scratch that fall PSL itch.” –Julie

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my pumpkin spice latte recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Pumpkin Puree – You can’t have a homemade pumpkin spice latte without real pumpkin! Just be sure to grab plain canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling (that one’s loaded with sugar and spices already). If you have leftover roasted pumpkin, you can certainly puree and use that, too. I’ve even used leftover roasted butternut squash or acorn squash — just puree them!
• Brewed Coffee – Traditionally, a latte is made with espresso, but strong coffee totally works if you don’t have an espresso machine. I do about 1/2 cup strong black coffee or 1/4 cup espresso.
• Milk Of Your Choice – I originally made this pumpkin spice latte with unsweetened almond milk , but these days I prefer and use whole milk more often. Any other milk you love will work.
• Cream – Heavy cream is optional, but it’s my first easy trick to make this homemade PSL extra creamy! If you’re dairy-free, canned coconut cream is a good stand-in.
• Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – My go-to sweetener here, because it dissolves almost instantly, without any gritty texture, aftertaste, or refined sugar. Unless you’re fine with sugar, most other sweeteners sink to the bottom and don’t dissolve (this includes other brands of monk fruit, stevia, etc.) You can use a liquid sweetener, like my liquid allulose .
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – Mine is a cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Feel free to use store-bought if you like.
• Vanilla Extract – Just a splash, because to me every latte needs it!
• Toppings – I love a swirl of whipped cream , a sprinkle of extra pumpkin spice, and a cinnamon stick to make the drink feel coffee-shop fancy.

How To Make A Pumpkin Spice Latte

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Warm up the base. Mix the milk, cream, pumpkin, Besti, and spices. Heat gently in the microwave or on the stove. I usually warm mine on the stove, then pour it into a mug.
2. Add vanilla. Stir in a splash of vanilla for that cozy note.

1. Froth the base. Use a milk frother (or even a blender) to make the pumpkin milk mixture light and frothy. This is my second easy trick to make my pumpkin spice latte extra creamy!
2. Pour in the hot coffee or espresso. Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of spice if you want, and your homemade PSL is ready to sip!

My Recipe Tips & Shortcuts

• I like warming mine on the stove, because it gives the spices a chance to bloom. But the microwave is quicker if you’re in a rush.
• For a stronger pumpkin flavor, double the pumpkin puree and/or pumpkin spice. I actually increased it from my original recipe years ago and like it as written now, but some of my friends that tried this preferred it with even more pumpkin flavor. Just keep in mind that if you increase the pumpkin puree, decrease the amount of milk by the same amount, so that it all fits in your mug.
• Add the vanilla after removing from heat. I’ve tried mixing it in while heating, but the flavor kind of disappears. Adding it at the end keeps that sweet, fragrant vanilla note that makes the latte taste so much better.
• Do you have to use a milk frother? No, but I highly recommend it! I have and love this milk frother . I’ve also tested this pumpkin spice latte recipe in a blender and that also works well. The PSL turns out more airy, so a slightly different texture. One last option is to shake everything in a jar, using the same method in my protein coffee recipe . I wasn’t a fan of just stirring.
• Can you skip the cream? Yes! I’ve made this pumpkin spice latte with milk alone and it’s still delicious. I just love the splash of cream for extra richness. I do find it too thin using almond milk alone, though.
• Lower or caffeine free options: I’ve gotten this question a lot, so I had to test and find out. YES, this recipe works just as well with decaf coffee or brewed tea! Feel free to use one of those if you prefer.
• How to make an iced pumpkin spice latte: Just let the pumpkin mixture cool, pour it over ice, and then add the coffee. I like to use cold brew for an extra smooth flavor. Plus, the ice doesn’t melt as fast as pouring hot coffee over it.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 2/3 cup Milk of choice (I use either whole milk, or almond milk for less sugar) ▢
• 2 tbsp Heavy cream (optional, or more milk) ▢
• 2 tbsp Pumpkin puree ▢
• 1 tbsp Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (to taste) ▢
• 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice (plus more for sprinkling) ▢
• 1/4 tsp Vanilla extract ▢
• 1/2 cup Brewed strong coffee (or 1/4 cup espresso) ▢
• Sugar-free whipped cream (optional, for serving) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Microwave method: Stir together the milk, cream, pumpkin puree, Besti, and pumpkin pie spice in 12-ounce mug. Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds , until hot. Stove-top method: Stir together the milk, cream, pumpkin puree, Besti, and pumpkin pie spice in a small saucepan over low heat, until hot. Pour into a mug.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Use a milk frother to blend the mixture until frothy. (Alternatively, you can blend in a blender.)
4. Stir in the brewed coffee. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice (optional).

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 pumpkin spice latte

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best flavor, and alternatives without a milk frother, without caffeine, or the iced version.
• Make ahead: I always brew my coffee fresh, but sometimes I mix up the base in advance to save time. You can easily blend or froth it right before serving. If you want to scale up multiple servings, it’s about a scant cup (between 3/4 and 1 cup) of the pumpkin milk mixture base, before adding the coffee.
• Note on nutrition info: I calculated the nutrition info here using almond milk and including the optional heavy cream, but without the whipped cream on top. The numbers will be different if you use dairy milk (or another type of milk), omit the cream, or add the whipped cream on top.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

More Cozy Pumpkin Recipes

If you can’t get enough pumpkin this time of year, here are more cozy pumpkin recipes I make on repeat:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Pumpkin Spice Latte (Extra Creamy)

My extra creamy, homemade pumpkin spice latte is the perfect cozy fall drink! Make it with real pumpkin, warm spices, and no refined sugar.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/pumpkin-spice-latte/

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup Milk of choice (I use either whole milk, or almond milk for less sugar)
• 2 tbsp Heavy cream (optional, or more milk)
• 2 tbsp Pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (to taste)
• 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice (plus more for sprinkling)
• 1/4 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Brewed strong coffee (or 1/4 cup espresso)
• Sugar-free whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Microwave method: Stir together the milk, cream, pumpkin puree, Besti, and pumpkin pie spice in 12-ounce mug. Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds , until hot. Stove-top method: Stir together the milk, cream, pumpkin puree, Besti, and pumpkin pie spice in a small saucepan over low heat, until hot. Pour into a mug.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Use a milk frother to blend the mixture until frothy. (Alternatively, you can blend in a blender.)
4. Stir in the brewed coffee. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice (optional).

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 pumpkin spice latte

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best flavor, and alternatives without a milk frother, without caffeine, or the iced version.
• Make ahead: I always brew my coffee fresh, but sometimes I mix up the base in advance to save time. You can easily blend or froth it right before serving. If you want to scale up multiple servings, it’s about a scant cup (between 3/4 and 1 cup) of the pumpkin milk mixture base, before adding the coffee.
• Note on nutrition info: I calculated the nutrition info here using almond milk and including the optional heavy cream, but without the whipped cream on top. The numbers will be different if you use dairy milk (or another type of milk), omit the cream, or add the whipped cream on top.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)