Easy Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe
This Easy Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Latte is a warm and cozy fall drink made with real pumpkin puree and bold chai spices. It comes together in under 10 minutes and tastes just like the Starbucks original, but without the artificial syrups or the drive-thru wait.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup milk (240 ml; whole milk for creamiest, or oat/almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup chai tea concentrate or strong brewed chai (120 ml; or steep 2 chai tea bags in 1/2 cup hot water for 5 minutes)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetener (maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brew your chai: If using tea bags, steep 2 chai tea bags in 1/2 cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Remove the bags and set aside. If using concentrate, measure out 1/2 cup and skip this step.
- Combine the milk and pumpkin puree: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add 1 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree. Whisk continuously until the pumpkin is fully incorporated and no lumps remain, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the spices and sweetener: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener). Whisk until everything is dissolved and the mixture is steaming but not boiling (small bubbles around the edges). Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level.
- Combine with chai: Pour the brewed chai into your mug. Then pour the warm pumpkin milk mixture over it. Stir gently to combine.
- Froth the milk (optional): If desired, use a milk frother to create foam from a small amount of extra warm milk. Spoon the foam over the top of the latte.
- Garnish and serve: Top with whipped cream if desired, then sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Use room temperature milk for even heating. Whisk pumpkin puree with a splash of milk first to avoid lumps. Don’t let the milk mixture boil to prevent scorching. For an iced version, let the chai and milk mixture cool, then pour over ice. Leftover pumpkin milk mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte (12 ounces)
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: pumpkin chai latte, copycat Starbucks, fall drink, pumpkin spice, chai latte, easy recipe, homemade latte