As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves paint the landscape in warm hues, nothing quite captures the cozy spirit of the season like a Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte from Starbucks. This luxurious beverage blends the comforting spices of chai tea with the rich sweetness of pumpkin and velvety cream, creating a perfect treat for chilly mornings or relaxing afternoons.
Whether you’re a pumpkin spice enthusiast or a chai lover looking to try something new, this homemade version will bring the café experience right into your kitchen. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your sweetness and spice preferences!
Making this delightful drink at home means you control the ingredients, so you can enjoy it guilt-free or tweak the flavors to your liking. In this detailed recipe, I’ll guide you through every step, from brewing the perfect chai to whipping up that iconic pumpkin cream topping.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this seasonal favorite, all while saving money and avoiding artificial additives.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte recipe is a game changer for several reasons. First, it combines the spicy warmth of chai with the rich, smooth pumpkin cream foam, delivering layers of flavor in every sip.
Second, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can make it dairy-free, adjust the sweetness, or even use your preferred chai blend or concentrate.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring the festive Starbucks experience home without the long lines and high prices. Whether you want a morning pick-me-up or a cozy afternoon indulgence, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed chai tea (use loose leaf or chai tea bags)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk recommended, but use any milk you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for garnish
Equipment
- Tea kettle or pot to brew chai tea
- Blender or handheld frother
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl or large cup
- Mug or heatproof glass
- Spoon for stirring
Instructions
- Brew the chai tea: Start by brewing 1 cup of strong chai tea. Use two chai tea bags or about 2 teaspoons of loose leaf chai in hot water. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes to extract the full flavor.
- Prepare the pumpkin cream: In a blender or mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, heavy cream, vanilla syrup, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Blend or whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes frothy and thick, resembling a creamy foam. This usually takes about 30 seconds in a blender.
- Heat the milk: Warm the milk gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot but not boiling. You can froth the milk using a frother if you like it extra creamy.
- Combine tea and milk: Pour the brewed chai tea into your mug, then add the warm milk. Stir well to combine.
- Top with pumpkin cream: Spoon the pumpkin cream mixture over the top of the chai latte, creating a thick and luscious foam layer.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, add a swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top for extra flair. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Tip: For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk or almond milk and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream. The flavor will be just as rich and delicious!
Variation: If you prefer a sweeter latte, increase the vanilla syrup or add a drizzle of maple syrup. For spice lovers, add an extra pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon.
Pro tip: Use freshly ground pumpkin pie spice for the best flavor. You can make your own blend by mixing equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Caffeine | 50-70 mg (varies by tea strength) |
Serving Suggestions
This Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte is perfect served alongside a warm cinnamon roll, pumpkin muffin, or your favorite autumn cookie. It also pairs wonderfully with a good book or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up during chilly days.
For a festive touch, serve in a clear glass mug so the layers of chai and pumpkin cream are visible. Add a cinnamon stick or a star anise pod on the side for an elegant presentation.
This drink can also be enjoyed iced by chilling the brewed tea and milk before assembling.
Conclusion
Recreating Starbucks’ Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte at home is a rewarding experience that brings seasonal joy to your kitchen. This recipe balances the spicy warmth of chai with the smooth sweetness of pumpkin cream, creating a beverage that’s both comforting and indulgent.
It’s simple enough for weekday mornings yet special enough to serve when entertaining guests.
With a few pantry staples and a little time, you can enjoy this festive latte without the café lines and extra cost. Customize it to your dietary needs or personal taste, and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall all season long.
Give this recipe a try and make your autumn mornings brighter and tastier!
Looking for more delicious seasonal drinks? Check out our Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte, Classic Chai Tea Latte, and Vanilla Bean Matcha Latte recipes for more cozy beverage ideas!
📖 Recipe Card: Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte Starbucks Recipe
Description: A cozy and creamy pumpkin chai latte inspired by Starbucks, perfect for fall. Combines chai tea, pumpkin spice, and a rich pumpkin cream topping.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT5M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed chai tea
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon powder for garnish
Instructions
- Brew 1 cup of strong chai tea and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, warm the milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla syrup over medium heat.
- Whisk the mixture until smooth and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour the pumpkin milk mixture into the brewed chai tea and stir well.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Top the latte with the pumpkin cream and sprinkle cinnamon powder on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 15g
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