Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe

Introduction

Warm up your chilly days with this comforting Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte. Combining rich pumpkin flavors and classic chai spices, this cozy drink is perfect for anyone craving a flavorful twist on a traditional latte. It’s easy to make and wonderfully aromatic.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup pumpkin puree (pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 whole star anise (optional)
• 1½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose chai tea

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cardamom, ginger, black pepper, and star anise (if using) to a cold saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to bloom the spices and deepen the flavors.
2. Step 2: Pour in the milk and whisk well. Warm the mixture to a gentle simmer, making sure it doesn’t boil to prevent curdling, especially with plant-based milks.
3. Step 3: Add the tea bags or loose tea leaves directly to the simmering milk mixture. Cover and let steep off the heat for 3 to 5 minutes to develop a bold chai flavor.
4. Step 4: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or large measuring cup to remove tea leaves, star anise, and spice bits for a smooth latte base.
5. Step 5: Whisk the strained latte by hand or froth it briefly to create foam. Pour into mugs, dust with extra pumpkin pie spice, and serve warm immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use oat or almond milk for a dairy-free option; just be careful not to overheat to avoid curdling.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter latte.
• For extra spice, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.
• Try adding a shot of espresso for a pumpkin spice chai latte macchiato twist.

Storage

Store any leftover latte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid boiling when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin yourself until smooth. Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and provides consistent flavor and texture.

What type of tea works best for this latte?

Strong black chai tea is ideal because it holds up well against the milk and spices. Avoid delicate teas like green or white since their flavors can get lost in this mix.

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe

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4.8 from 143 reviews

A cozy and aromatic Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin puree, chai spices, and black tea with creamy milk to create the perfect autumn-inspired beverage. This recipe simmers the spices and tea gently on the stovetop for a rich, deeply flavored latte that can be enjoyed dairy or plant-based.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 3 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Pumpkin Spice Mixture

• ¼ cup pumpkin puree (pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 whole star anise (optional)

Tea and Milk

• 1½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based such as oat or almond)
• 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose chai tea

Instructions

1. Bloom the Spices: Add pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cardamom, ginger, black pepper, and optional star anise into a cold saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and slightly darker. This step wakes up the spices to release their full flavor.
2. Add and Heat Milk: Stir in the milk thoroughly and warm the mixture to a gentle simmer without boiling, especially if using plant-based milk to prevent curdling.
3. Steep the Tea: Add the tea bags or loose chai tea to the milk mixture. Cover the saucepan and remove from heat. Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on your desired chai strength.
4. Strain the Latte: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large measuring cup or pitcher to remove tea leaves, star anise, and any spice residue, yielding a smooth latte base.
5. Froth and Serve: Whisk the strained latte by hand or use a milk frother until foamy. Pour into mugs, sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice on top, and serve warm immediately.

Notes

• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best authentic pumpkin flavor.
• Adjust steeping time to control the strength of the chai flavor.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based milk such as oat, almond, or soy milk.
• The pinch of black pepper intensifies the spices, enhancing the chai aroma.
• Optional star anise adds a subtle licorice note but can be omitted if unavailable.

Keywords: Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte, Pumpkin Latte, Chai Tea, Autumn Drinks, Fall Beverage, Spiced Latte, Homemade Pumpkin Latte