Homemade pumpkin spice latte: The ultimate autumn treat

When the trees' colors start to change and the sidewalks begin to cover with leaves, it's a sign that it's time for a pumpkin spice latte. This iconic coffee drink has enamored autumn lovers around the world. But instead of rushing to a café and standing in line, prepare it at home.

All autumn enthusiasts run for this drink, and the aroma of spicy spices wafts through popular bakeries. Coffee aficionados often turn up their noses at it because there's not much actual coffee, and spices take center stage. Interestingly, the chain-store version of pumpkin spice latte only has pumpkin in the name, as you won’t find pumpkin purée in it. Homemade pumpkin spice latte, however, is a completely different and even tastier experience.

They say to become a millionaire, you need to give up city coffee. But after trying homemade pumpkin spice latte, you can quickly forget about the chain-store drink. You’ll prepare it with ingredients you know and whose quality you control, and the taste? We guarantee it will surprise you with its depth and aroma.

We decided to create our own version of the aromatic drink. Baked and blended pumpkin, warming spices, milk, and espresso immediately put you in an autumn mood. And when topped with whipped cream, this drink can surely be considered a delicious dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée,
• 1 1/4 cups milk, 
• 1 1/3 ounces espresso, 
• 1.5 tablespoons maple syrup, 
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 
• 1/4 teaspoon gingerbread spice, 
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 
• whipped cream for decoration 
• dark chocolate for decoration

Instructions:

Step 1. Start with the pumpkin purée. Place sliced, seedless pumpkin pieces in an ovenproof dish lined with baking paper and drizzle with oil. Bake for 35 minutes until the pumpkin is soft. Separate the flesh from the skin and blend.

Don’t have time to bake? Grab a jar of puréed pumpkin. You can find a small portion in the ready baby food section.

Step 2. Transfer two tablespoons of the purée to a tall container and pour in warm milk. Add all the spices and mix thoroughly.

You can prepare a larger batch of the spice mix and use it whenever you crave homemade pumpkin spice latte.

Step 3. Pour the espresso into a tall glass, and then add the pumpkin and milk mixture with spices. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, go for more espresso.

Step 4. Decorate the whole thing with whipped cream and sprinkle with grated dark chocolate. The pumpkin spice latte is ready to drink, and we guarantee it will attract not only autumn enthusiasts. Enjoy!