As the days grow cooler and pumpkin spice returns to coffee shop menus, there’s one drink that stands out as the ultimate fall comfort: the Pumpkin Chai Latte. Combining the warm spices of chai tea with creamy pumpkin and a hint of sweetness, this drink is the perfect cozy beverage to sip on crisp mornings or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Instead of heading out to a café and paying for an overpriced cup, you can easily make this homemade pumpkin chai latte at home in less than 10 minutes. It’s rich, spiced, and balanced giving you that festive fall flavor without being overly sweet.
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Pumpkin Chai Latte
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Steep the chai tea bag in ½ cup of hot water for 3–5 minutes. Remove the tea bag.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, sweetener, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla. Heat gently until warm but not boiling.
- Froth the mixture using a milk frother, blender, or whisk until foamy.
- Pour brewed chai into a mug. Add the pumpkin milk mixture and stir to combine.
- Optional: top with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, or a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Chai Latte
- Perfect Balance of Flavors The blend of black tea, chai spices, and pumpkin puree creates a drink that’s bold, warming, and comforting.
- Healthier Than Store-Bought You can control the sweetness and type of milk used, making it lighter and cleaner than coffee shop versions.
- Quick & Easy Ready in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Versatile Make it dairy-free, extra spicy, or even iced for warmer fall days.
Ingredients You’ll Need for fall latte
To create the perfect cup, gather these simple ingredients:
- Chai tea bag (or loose-leaf chai tea) Provides the spiced black tea base.
- Pumpkin puree Adds creaminess and natural sweetness.
- Milk of choice Whole, oat, almond, or soy milk all work beautifully.
- Pumpkin pie spice Enhances the flavor with cozy fall notes.
- Ground cinnamon Extra warmth and depth.
- Vanilla extract Adds smooth sweetness.
- Sweetener of choice Maple syrup, honey, or a sugar-free option.
Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon stick, or a sprinkle of nutmeg for presentation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brew the Chai Steep a chai tea bag in ½ cup of hot water for 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea base. Remove the tea bag.
- Warm the Pumpkin & Milk In a small saucepan, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, sweetener, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Heat gently until warm but not boiling.
- Blend for Froth For a café-style frothy latte, use a milk frother, blender, or whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Combine & Serve Pour the brewed chai into a mug, top with the pumpkin milk mixture, and stir to combine.
- Optional Toppings Add whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for the full coffee shop feel.
Nutrition Benefits (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal | Lighter than most café versions |
| Protein | 3–4 g | From milk or dairy-free alternatives |
| Carbohydrates | 18–20 g | Natural sweetness from pumpkin & maple syrup |
| Fiber | 2 g | Pumpkin adds extra fiber |
| Vitamin A | 100% DV | Supports eye health and immunity |
Variations For pumpkin spice chai
- Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte Pour over ice for a refreshing version.
- Extra Spicy Add fresh ginger or extra cloves for more kick.
- Dairy-Free Use almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Protein Boost Stir in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder.
- Mocha Twist Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a pumpkin-chocolate latte.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fall baked goods like pumpkin oatmeal cookies or apple cinnamon muffins.
- Serve as a brunch drink with breakfast bowls or pancakes.
- Enjoy in the evening with a cozy blanket and a good book.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Pumpkin Mixture: You can make the pumpkin milk mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and combine with fresh brewed chai when ready.
- Freezer Option: Freeze leftover pumpkin puree in ice cube trays and pop one cube into your latte base whenever you want to whip one up quickly.
FAQs About Pumpkin Chai Latte
Can I use chai concentrate instead of tea bags?
Yes! Just adjust the sweetness since many concentrates are pre-sweetened.
Can I make it without pumpkin puree?
t won’t have the same creamy flavor, but you can skip it and still have a delicious chai latte.
Is this healthier than Starbucks’ Pumpkin Chai Latte?
Yes, because you control the sweetener and avoid artificial syrups.
Can I make it caffeine-free?
Yes, use a decaf chai tea bag or rooibos chai blend.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just scale the ingredients and store the pumpkin milk mixture in the fridge.
Conclusion
The Pumpkin Chai Latte is more than just a seasonal drink it’s a hug in a mug. With its cozy blend of spices, creamy pumpkin, and warm chai base, it’s the perfect way to welcome fall.
Whether you make it hot, iced, dairy-free, or extra spicy, this homemade version beats anything from the coffee shop. Bring the flavors of autumn into your own kitchen and make every sip a little more special.
For more cozy fall recipes, check out our Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies or Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins.
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