Name: Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-496357H39M47S
Total time: PT-496357H39M47S
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: Chai tea bags or loose-leaf chai; Water; Pumpkin puree; Milk; Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar; Vanilla extract; Ground cinnamon; Ground ginger; Ground nutmeg; Ground cloves; Ground cardamom, optional; Pinch of salt; Whipped cream, optional; Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for serving, optional

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte because it combines two of my favorite fall flavors in one comforting drink. Chai provides a fragrant, warming base, while real pumpkin adds body and subtle sweetness.

I also like how customizable this latte is. I can adjust the sweetness and spices, choose my favorite milk, make it caffeine-free with herbal chai, or serve it over ice when I want something cold.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chai tea bags or loose-leaf chai
Water
Pumpkin puree
Milk
Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Ground nutmeg
Ground cloves
Ground cardamom, optional
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream, optional
Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for serving, optional

Directions

1. Brew the Chai

I bring the water to a boil and pour it over the chai tea. I let the tea steep according to the package directions, usually for about 5 minutes.

I prefer making the chai fairly strong because I will be adding milk and pumpkin, which can soften the tea’s flavor.

2. Heat the Pumpkin and Spices

I add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and a small pinch of salt to a saucepan.

I cook the mixture over medium-low heat for about 1 minute while stirring. This helps me bring out the aroma of the spices and deepen the pumpkin flavor.

3. Add the Milk

I gradually whisk the milk into the pumpkin mixture. I heat it until steaming and hot without bringing it to a vigorous boil.

I stir in the vanilla extract after removing the saucepan from the heat.

4. Add the Chai

I remove the tea bags or strain the loose tea and pour the strong chai into the pumpkin milk mixture.

I whisk everything together and taste the latte. I add a little more maple syrup or another preferred sweetener if I want it sweeter.

5. Froth the Latte

I use a handheld milk frother to make the latte creamy and foamy. If I don’t have a frother, I whisk the mixture vigorously until I create some foam.

6. Serve

I divide the Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte between mugs and serve it immediately.

For an extra-special finish, I add whipped cream and sprinkle a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice over the top.

Servings and Timing

I usually get about 2 servings from this Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte recipe.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5–7 minutes
Total time: about 10–12 minutes
Servings: 2

I can easily halve the ingredients when I want a single mug or double the recipe when I am serving several people.

Variations

Iced Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

I prepare the chai and pumpkin mixture as usual, then let everything cool completely. I pour it over plenty of ice and add a splash of cold milk for a refreshing version.

Dirty Pumpkin Chai Latte

I add a shot of espresso to each serving when I want the flavors of chai, pumpkin, and coffee in the same drink. I especially like this version when I want a stronger, more robust latte.

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Chai Latte

I replace dairy milk with oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk. I particularly like oat milk because its creamy consistency works well with pumpkin.

Maple Pumpkin Chai Latte

I use pure maple syrup as my sweetener. I find its rich, caramel-like flavor pairs naturally with pumpkin and warming chai spices.

Caffeine-Free Pumpkin Chai Latte

I use a caffeine-free herbal chai blend instead of traditional black-tea chai. I prepare it the same way and adjust the steeping time according to the tea package.

Storage/Reheating

I prefer my Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte freshly prepared because the texture is best immediately after frothing. However, I can store leftover latte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The pumpkin and spices may settle during storage, so I stir or shake the mixture thoroughly before reheating.

I reheat the latte gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring regularly until steaming. I can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each one.

After reheating, I froth the latte again before serving to restore some of its creamy, foamy texture.

FAQs

Does a Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte contain coffee?

Not necessarily. I make a traditional Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte with chai tea rather than coffee. If I want coffee as well, I add espresso to make a dirty pumpkin chai latte.

Can I use real pumpkin in a chai latte?

Yes. I use plain pumpkin puree because it adds genuine pumpkin flavor and makes the drink slightly richer. I only add a modest amount so the latte stays smooth and drinkable.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

I prefer plain pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling already contains sweeteners and spices. Using plain puree gives me better control over the sweetness and spice level of my latte.

What milk works best for a Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte?

I can use whole milk, reduced-fat milk, oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. I like whole milk for richness and oat milk when I want a creamy dairy-free version.

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte ahead of time?

Yes. I can prepare the chai and pumpkin milk mixture ahead and refrigerate it in a covered container for up to 3 days. When I am ready to drink it, I stir it well, gently reheat it, and froth it before serving.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte is a cozy homemade drink I love making when I want the warming flavors of chai and pumpkin in the same cup. The combination of strong tea, real pumpkin, creamy milk, vanilla, and fragrant spices gives me a comforting drink without requiring complicated preparation.

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

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A warm and creamy chai latte made with real pumpkin, milk, vanilla, and fragrant fall spices. Strong chai balances the earthy pumpkin and sweet spices for a cozy homemade drink.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Bring the water to a boil and pour it over the chai tea. Steep according to the package directions, usually about 5 minutes. Brew the chai fairly strong so its flavor remains prominent after adding the milk and pumpkin.
Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, optional cardamom, and a pinch of salt to a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for about 1 minute while stirring.
Gradually whisk the milk into the pumpkin mixture. Heat until hot and steaming without bringing it to a vigorous boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Remove the chai tea bags or strain the loose-leaf tea. Pour the brewed chai into the pumpkin milk mixture and whisk until thoroughly combined. Taste and add more sweetener if desired.
Froth the latte with a handheld milk frother until creamy and foamy. Alternatively, whisk vigorously to create foam.
Divide between two mugs and serve immediately. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice if desired.

Notes

Use plain pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling for better control over sweetness and spices.
For an iced latte, cool the prepared chai and pumpkin mixture completely, pour over ice, and add a splash of cold milk.
For a dirty pumpkin chai latte, add a shot of espresso to each serving.
For a dairy-free version, use oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk. Oat milk provides an especially creamy texture.
For a caffeine-free version, use an herbal chai blend and follow its recommended steeping time.
Store leftover latte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir or shake thoroughly before reheating.
Reheat gently until steaming without boiling, then froth again before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 latte
Calories: 175 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 105 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 18 mg