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Easy Cozy Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe

cozy homemade pumpkin chai latte with real pumpkin - featured image

A warm, comforting pumpkin chai latte made with real pumpkin puree, chai tea, and cozy spices. Ready in under 10 minutes, this homemade version is healthier, faster, and more flavorful than coffee shop versions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk)
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (canned, not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 chai tea bag (or 1 tablespoon loose leaf chai)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey, brown sugar, or preferred sweetener)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, pinch of cloves)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
  • Extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (for dusting, optional)
  • 1 shot espresso or 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee (optional, for a caffeine kick)

Instructions

  1. Steep the chai tea: In a small saucepan, warm 1/4 cup of water over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat, add chai tea bag, and steep for 3-5 minutes.
  2. While the tea steeps, prep the pumpkin mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
  3. Heat the milk: Remove the chai tea bag from the saucepan (squeeze gently). Add the remaining milk and warm over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling (about 150°F or until tiny bubbles form around the edges).
  4. Combine everything: Whisk in the pumpkin mixture, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk for about 30 seconds until smooth and well combined.
  5. Froth if desired: Use a milk frother to froth the mixture, or pour into a mug and whisk vigorously for 10-15 seconds until slightly foamy.
  6. Pour and garnish: Pour the latte into a mug. Top with whipped cream and dust with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon if desired.
  7. Serve immediately: Enjoy fresh and hot. If adding espresso or coffee, stir it in after step 4 before pouring into the mug.

Notes

Don’t skip the salt—it balances the sweetness. Always mix pumpkin puree with a small amount of liquid first to prevent clumps. For dairy-free, use oat milk (barista blend for best frothing). Canned pumpkin puree is preferred over fresh for a richer texture. The recipe doubles and triples easily for batch preparation.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin chai latte, homemade pumpkin latte, fall drink, pumpkin spice, chai tea latte, real pumpkin, cozy drink, easy latte recipe