There’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a warm mug of pumpkin chai latte. This spiced drink captures the best of fall flavors, earthy pumpkin, warming chai spices, and creamy milk all blended into one cozy sip. I still remember the first time I swapped my usual coffee for this latte. It felt like I had bottled up the essence of autumn.
This recipe is perfect for chilly mornings, slow weekends, or anytime you want a coffeehouse-worthy treat without leaving home. It’s quick to make, customizable to your diet, and a healthier option than most store-bought versions. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep pumpkin puree stocked in your pantry year-round.
Table of contents
Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe Card
Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe
2
servings5
minutes10
minutes180
kcalThis pumpkin chai latte is creamy, spiced, and cozy, the perfect fall drink you can make at home in minutes.
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Ingredients
1 cup brewed chai tea (strong)
1.5 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
3 tbsp pumpkin puree
2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
1 tsp chai spice mix (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Start by brewing your chai tea. I like mine strong, so I steep 2 tea bags in 1 cup of hot water for about 5 minutes.
- While the tea steeps, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and chai spice mix in a saucepan. This helps dissolve the pumpkin and prevents clumps.
- Heat the mixture gently over medium heat. Don’t let it boil—just warm it through until it’s steaming.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Strain the chai tea if needed and pour it into mugs.
- Add the pumpkin-milk mixture over the tea, stirring gently.
- For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use unsweetened pumpkin puree for best control over sweetness.
- Frothing the milk mixture before combining with tea makes the drink feel more like a café latte.
- For stronger spice flavor, double the chai spice mix.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 5g
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What Makes This Latte Recipe Stand Out
The secret to a great pumpkin chai latte lies in balance. Many versions you’ll find at cafes or online are either too sweet or lack the depth of spice. My recipe uses real pumpkin puree for richness, honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness, and a homemade chai blend that truly shines. The warm spices, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves, add layers of flavor that pair perfectly with pumpkin.
Another reason this recipe works is its flexibility. You can use dairy or non-dairy milk depending on your preference. Almond milk gives a light finish, oat milk makes it creamy, and coconut milk brings a hint of tropical sweetness. You can also adjust the sweetness, use decaf tea for evenings, or even add an espresso shot for a pumpkin chai latte with extra kick.
Prep Now, Sip Later
To make your latte experience seamless, here are a few things to prep ahead:
- Pumpkin puree: Use canned or homemade pumpkin puree. If homemade, roast and puree the pumpkin a day before.
- Chai spice mix: Combine cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves in a small jar so it’s ready to go.
- Brewed chai tea: Steep the tea in advance and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Sweetener: Have honey, maple syrup, or sugar measured out to save time.
With these ready, you can whip up a steaming cup in under 10 minutes.
Barista Secrets for Pumpkin Chai Latte
Here are my best tips to help you make the perfect pumpkin chai latte every single time:
- Use fresh spices whenever possible. They release more aroma and flavor.
- Whisk the pumpkin puree with the milk before heating to avoid clumps.
- Don’t skip straining if your chai tea leaves are loose, nobody wants grit in their latte.
- Froth the milk using a whisk, frother, or blender for a coffeehouse-style finish.
- For a stronger tea base, steep your chai longer (but not too long, or it will taste bitter).
- Top with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for presentation and aroma.
Cozy Variations to Try
One of the things I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. With just a few tweaks, you can make it suit your mood, dietary needs, or even the time of day. Here are some tasty variations:
Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte
For warmer days, turn this into a refreshing iced drink. Brew the chai tea in advance and chill it. Mix it with pumpkin puree, milk, and spices, then pour over ice. A drizzle of maple syrup makes it taste like a fall dessert in a glass.
Pumpkin Chai Latte with Espresso (Dirty Chai)
Need an energy boost? Add a shot of espresso to your latte. The bold coffee flavor balances beautifully with the sweet pumpkin and spicy chai, giving you the best of both worlds.
Vegan Pumpkin Chai Latte
Swap dairy milk for oat, almond, or coconut milk, and use maple syrup or agave for sweetness. This version is naturally dairy-free yet still indulgent and creamy.
Pumpkin Chai Protein Latte
If you want to make this drink more filling, stir in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder while whisking. It turns your cozy latte into a nourishing post-workout treat.
Pumpkin Spice Chai Smoothie
For a cold and thick spin, blend chai tea, pumpkin puree, frozen banana, and milk of choice into a smoothie. Sprinkle with chai spices on top for the same cozy flavor, minus the heat.
FAQs or Troubleshooting
Yes. You can simmer loose-leaf chai or even use chai concentrate from stores. Just strain well before mixing.
Absolutely. Prepare the pumpkin-milk mixture and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat and mix with freshly brewed chai when ready.
Yes. Simply chill the brewed tea and milk mixture, then pour over ice. It’s refreshing and still packed with flavor.
If your latte feels watery, steep your tea longer or use less milk. You can also whisk in an extra spoon of pumpkin puree for creaminess.
I don’t recommend it. Pumpkin pie filling already has sugar and spices, which may throw off the balance. Stick with plain puree.
It can be. Pumpkin is rich in fiber and vitamin A, and chai spices have anti-inflammatory benefits. Use less sweetener and non-dairy milk for a lighter option.
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Fall Ritual
A homemade pumpkin chai latte is more than just a drink, it’s a hug in a mug. With its velvety texture, earthy pumpkin flavor, and warm spices, it’s the perfect pick-me-up for fall and beyond. Plus, making it at home lets you control sweetness, milk type, and spice strength, giving you a custom cup every time.
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