Name: Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy); ½ cup water; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 black tea bag; 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée; 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ginger; ⅛ teaspoon cloves

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If you’re dreaming of a cozy, flavorful drink that wraps you in the warm embrace of fall spices and pumpkin goodness, you’ve got to try this Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe. It blends the rich depth of black tea with velvety pumpkin purée and a medley of chai spices to create a comforting latte that feels like a hug in a mug. Perfect for crisp mornings or chilly evenings, it’s a simple yet luxurious treat that brings all the festive vibes right to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with five small glass bowls arranged loosely across it. The largest bowl on the left is filled with a smooth, white liquid. To its right, slightly below, is a smaller bowl holding a thick, white creamy substance. Above these two, there are three small bowls containing different pastes and powders. The bowl on the top left has a brown powder, the middle one below it holds a dark reddish-brown liquid, and the one on the right contains an orange paste with a slightly chunky texture. The lighting is soft and natural, making the colors clear. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor and warmth. These essentials beautifully balance creaminess, spice, and sweetness, making every sip utterly satisfying.

1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy): Provides a creamy base that lets the spices and pumpkin shine.
½ cup water: Used for steeping the tea and unlocking its bold flavors.
1 black tea bag: Offers a robust, earthy foundation that’s key to this latte’s character.
2 tablespoons pumpkin purée: Adds natural sweetness and that classic fall color and texture.
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey: Sweetens gently while complementing the spices perfectly.
¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warmth and a little spicy spark.
¼ teaspoon ginger: Gives a subtle zing that livens up the latte.
⅛ teaspoon cloves: Adds depth and that iconic chai aroma.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Smooths and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe

Step 1: Steep the Tea

Start by bringing ½ cup of water to a gentle simmer in a small pot. Place the black tea bag into the hot water and let it steep for about 5 minutes. This allows the tea to develop a rich, bold flavor that will form the heart of your latte.

Step 2: Add Pumpkin and Spices

Remove the tea bag, and then whisk in the milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Whisking them together at this stage lets all those lovely spices and the pumpkin meld beautifully with the tea, creating that signature fall flavor.

Step 3: Heat Without Boiling

Warm the mixture gently over low heat until it’s pleasantly warm but not boiling. This step intensifies the flavors without curdling the milk or burning the spices, which is crucial for smoothness and taste.

Step 4: Froth and Serve

Use a whisk or a frother to add a bit of gorgeous froth on top. Pour your latte into a cozy mug, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top, and enjoy that inviting aroma as you take your first sip. This finishes the latte off with a light airy texture that just makes it feel special.

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe

The image shows a clear glass mug filled with a creamy light beige drink. The surface of the drink is topped with a layer of white whipped cream sprinkled with fine brown powder, likely cinnamon or nutmeg. The mug has a thick handle on the left side and sits on a white marbled surface. In the background, a small orange pumpkin and another glass with a similar drink are softly visible. A bundle of cinnamon sticks tied with coarse string lies near the mug. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While a simple cinnamon sprinkle is classic, get creative with whipped cream dusted with nutmeg or crushed ginger snaps on the side. A cinnamon stick stirred through your latte can also double as a natural stirrer and an aromatic garnish that elevates the experience.

Side Dishes

This chai latte pairs wonderfully with baked treats like spice muffins, gingerbread cookies, or even a slice of pumpkin bread. The complementary flavors and textures create a mini fall feast perfect for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra touch, serve your Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe in clear glass mugs to showcase the inviting amber color. Layering the latte with a dollop of whipped cream then drizzling a bit of maple syrup on top will turn it into a stunning centerpiece for any cozy gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover latte (though that rarely happens), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Give it a good stir before reheating to recombine any settled pumpkin or spices.

Freezing

This latte is best fresh, but you can freeze it in ice cube trays to make flavored milk cubes for iced drinks later. Keep in mind, freezing might slightly change the texture of the pumpkin and milk, so it’s not ideal for reheating as a hot latte.

Reheating

Gently reheat your latte on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Stir often to prevent scorching and ensure the spices and pumpkin remain well blended for that ultimate warming comfort.

FAQs

Can I use chai tea instead of black tea in this recipe?

Absolutely! Substituting chai tea for black tea will amp up the spice notes naturally and make your latte even more aromatic and flavorful.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Just swap regular milk for any plant-based alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk. The flavors will still shine beautifully.

Can I add espresso to make a pumpkin chai latte with caffeine kick?

Yes, adding a shot of espresso is a fantastic way to boost the latte and make it a perfect morning pick-me-up while keeping all the fall flavors intact.

How spicy is this Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe? Can I adjust it?

The spice level is gentle but warming. If you’d like it spicier, go ahead and increase the ginger or cloves slightly, or add a pinch of black pepper for an exotic twist.

What’s the best pumpkin purée to use?

Use plain canned pumpkin purée (not pie filling) or homemade pumpkin purée for the freshest and richest taste. Avoid pumpkin pie filling since it’s already sweetened and spiced, which can throw off the flavor balance.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe is such a joyful way to bring the spirit of fall into your home. It’s simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious—perfect for taking a moment to unwind with a warm, spiced hug. Trust me, once you try it, this latte will quickly become your favorite seasonal ritual to savor time and again.