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    Home » Recipe Index » Drinks

    Homemade Chai Latte with Pumpkin Spice

    October 29, 2023 By Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD Drinks, Fall Recipes, Holiday Recipe

    Jump to Recipe
    pumpkin drink in clear mug, with text overlay

    Make your own chai latte with pumpkin spice at home with this simple DIY recipe. It's ready in about 10 minutes, and has a nice spiced pumpkin flavor. You'll use chai tea, milk, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and sweetener.

    chai latte with pumpkin pie spice in mug, with ingredients in back

    Table of contents

    • Brief History of Chai
    • Ingredients
    • Choose your Tea or Chai
    • Choose your Sweetener
    • Instructions
    • Storage/Reheating Tips
    • Substitutions/Tips
    • FAQ
    • Other good drink recipes
    • What to do with leftover ingredients

    Add some fall flavors to delicious chai. This simple chai latte with pumpkin spice is packed with warm spices and nice pumpkin flavor. It's a great drink to enjoy as the weather cools down in the fall.

    I add some nice fall pumpkin spice flavors to chai in the easiest way possible. You just need 7 ingredients and 10 minutes for this flavorful chai latte with pumpkin spice.

    I personally like pumpkin pie flavors added to chai more than coffee, and this pumpkin chai drink is more pumpkin-y and tastier than the Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. Plus you can have it hot or cold.

    A quick whirl in the blender turns slightly textured pumpkin chai into an extra smooth, spiced drink. Don't strain it or you'll lose pumpkin flavor, which you need in the best pumpkin recipes!

    Brief History of Chai

    This recipe is an Americanized, fall-pumpkin spiced version of masala chai, an Indian spiced tea. Masala chai came about in the 1900s when street vendors in India started adding spices and milk to tea during British colonization.

    Read more about the origins of masala chai from Shweta of Masala and Chai blog. Try her masala chia recipe too. It's all there. Chai = tea, but I may refer to it as chai tea as it's more common in America.

    Ingredients

    Scroll down to the chai latte with pumpkin spice recipe card for the amounts of each ingredient, but here's a quick visual + description of what's in this recipe.

    chai latte with pumpkin pie spice ingredients on pan
    • Water: I liked this tea better when steeped in water instead of just milk.
    • Real Pumpkin Puree: Look for plain puree, if using pumpkin pie filling, you'll need to reduce the sweetener and pumpkin pie spice added.
    • Sweetener: I preferred brown sugar or maple syrup. Both are good, I can't choose between the two in this chai latte with pumpkin spice.
    • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice you add based on your flavor preference. I quickly made my own with Pioneer Woman's Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe.
    • Vanilla Extract: I find that a dash of vanilla brings the pumpkin chai latte flavors together.
    • Chai: make your own Masala Chai, use chai tea bags, or premade chai concentrate, see section below for options to buy at the grocery store. Premade chai tea might be easier than making your own tea with chai spices.
    • Milk: whole milk will make the creamiest chai latte with pumpkin spice, but use what you have. You can also use plant-based milk, like soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, just don't bring it to a boil as it may curdle when cooking.

    Choose your Tea or Chai

    There are two steps to making good chai tea (well really masala chai) for your chai latte with pumpkin spice. Because there's the black tea and also spices you add to the tea. Make it with loose tea and spices or use a premade tea.

    I don't know enough, or have enough experience trying these different teas, so I'll refer you to Masala and Chai's recommendations to start your homemade pumpkin spice chai latte.

    Black tea recommendations (listed under black tea ingredient)

    Chai Concentrate recommendations to buy. In this case, you wouldn't add a tea bag or water to this chai latte with pumpkin spice recipe, replace the tea bag and water with the concentrate, it will already have all the chai spices in it.

    I've found that my favorite local coffee shops tend to use chai concentrate in their chai tea drinks, so that's an easy place to start!

    Choose your Sweetener

    If you're using plain pumpkin puree, as I recommend, you can add as much sweetener, and whichever sweetener you like. It's nice to adapt it to the the most delicious for you.

    Although there are lots of different sweeteners you can add, I mostly just tested this chai latte with pumpkin spice recipe with maple syrup and brown sugar. Both are great, use what you like.

    Personally, I actually liked the brown sugar just a bit better than maple syrup. Adding maple syrup was just a bit, with the chai spices and pumpkin pie spice already in the latte. That's my preference, you can try both ways.

    You could use cane sugar, honey, or whatever sweetener you like. Just know that honey and maple syrup, for example add more flavor than cane sugar and brown sugar.

    Instructions

    Scroll down to the chai latte with pumpkin spice recipe card for more detailed instructions. Here's a quick overview + photos to see how to make this recipe in general.

    brown drink in saucepan

    1.Whisk together pumpkin puree, sweetener, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and water to small-medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

    brown drink with teabag in saucepan

    2. Reduce heat to low, add chai teabag. Simmer about 2-3 minutes.

    milky pumpkin drink with teabag in saucepan

    3. Add milk, bring to a boil, over medium-high heat.

    4. Reduce heat again, to simmer. Cook 5-7 minutes. Remove teabag.

    orange drink in blender jar

    5. For an extra smooth drink, blend.

    pumpkin drink with whipped cream on top

    6. Enjoy your chai latte with pumpkin spice hot (or add ice for an iced version). Top with cream and sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice over chai latte with pumpkin spice.

    Storage/Reheating Tips

    If you have any leftover chai latte with pumpkin spice, cover with a lid or top. Store in fridge for about a week. Microwave until desired temperature, or enjoy iced, with added ice cubes.

    Substitutions/Tips

    • Make your own chai, this is a great Masala Chai recipe.
    • If using non-dairy milk, gently simmer after adding it, don't bring it to a rolling boil, like in instructions. The milk may curdle if it's heated too high.
    • Keep an eye on your boiling milk mixture, it can overflow easily. 
    • If you have the time, I recommend blending your chai latte with pumpkin spice for the smoothest drink. Use a blender (it'll give you the smoothest consistency), immersion blender, or milk frother.
    • Other great add-ins: coconut milk/cream, whipped cream, ice cubes for an iced chai latte with pumpkin spice.

    FAQ

    Is pumpkin spice good in chai?

    It's very good. Starbucks now has a chai latte with pumpkin cold foam, and this chai latte with pumpkin spice is delicious. Pumpkin pie spices and masala chai spices go well together.

    mug of chai latte with pumpkin with ingredients around it

    Other good drink recipes

    • Peach Water
    • Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
    • Mimosa Mocktail
    • Pomegranate Mocktail with Lime
    • Smashed Cranberry Mocktail

    What to do with leftover ingredients

    When you're cooking for one, you often have leftover produce, cans of whatever ingredient, etc. Here are a couple ideas on how to use up the leftover ingredients. It'll help you save money by wasting fewer ingredients.

    • Chai Ingredients: Homemade Chai Concentrate from Masala and Chai, enjoy as a spiced black tea too. Or make a Starbucks copycat Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, from We Are Not Martha.
    • Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin Curry Soup, Turkey Pumpkin Chili
    • Pumpkin Pie Spice: (+ pumpkin puree) No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, Pumpkin Cake.

    Did you make this chai latte with pumpkin spice? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!

    close up of pumpkin drink with whipped cream

    Chai Latte with Pumpkin Spice

    Make your own chai latte with pumpkin spice at home with this simple DIY recipe. It's ready in about 10 minutes, and has a nice spiced pumpkin flavor. You'll use chai tea, milk, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and sweetener.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American, Indian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 person
    Author: Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN

    Equipment

    • Small Saucepan
    • small whisk
    • blender or immersion blender optional

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup water
    • 3 Tablespoons pumpkin puree
    • 2 teaspoons sweetener brown sugar or maple syrup preferred
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    • ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 Chai teabag or 1-2 Tablespoons loose leaf tea
    • ½ cup milk

    Instructions

    • To a small/medium saucepan, over high heat, add ¾ cup water, 3 Tablespoons pumpkin puree, 2 teaspoons sweetener, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, ⅛ teaspoon vanilla. Whisk together. Bring to boil.
    • Add teabag. Reduce heat to medium-low, let simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
    • Whisk in ½ cup milk, increase heat to medium-high. Bring to rolling boil. Turn heat down to low, simmer 5-7 minutes.
    • Press tea bag with spoon to release water and flavor into the liquid. Remove tea bag.
    • For a smoother drink, blend tea.
    • Pour into mug. Top with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy hot.

    Notes

    • Make your own chai, this is a great Masala Chai recipe.
    • If using non-dairy milk, don't bring to a rolling boil, just gently simmer after adding it.
    • Top with fresh whipped cream if desired.
    • Keep an eye on your boiling milk mixture, it can overflow easily. 
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @NourishNutriCo or tag #NourishNutriCo!

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    About Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD

    Welcome! I’m Rebecca, a food loving dietitian who has been cooking for one for over 10 years. On Nourish Nutrition, you’ll find real, quick, and nourishing recipes for one that'll get you to want to cook for yourself, because you deserve it.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sara Welch says

      October 30, 2023 at 1:45 pm

      5 stars
      Enjoyed this for breakfast this morning and started my day off right! Quick, easy and refreshing with the perfect touch of pumpkin; definitely, a new favorite drink for fall!

      Reply
      • Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD says

        November 03, 2023 at 2:35 pm

        great to hear! it's a fabulous way to start the day

        Reply
    2. Michelle says

      October 30, 2023 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      Love that this has real pumpkin! So much better homemade!

      Reply
    3. Elisa says

      October 30, 2023 at 12:38 pm

      5 stars
      Love this Homemade Chai Latte with Pumpkin Spice recipe, my daughter is obsessed right now with this recipe. Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD says

        November 03, 2023 at 2:35 pm

        great to hear! it's so good

        Reply
    4. Lana says

      October 30, 2023 at 12:23 pm

      5 stars
      Exact what I was craving and your recipe was perfect! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD says

        October 31, 2023 at 3:59 pm

        great to hear!

        Reply
      • Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD says

        November 03, 2023 at 2:35 pm

        yay!

        Reply
    5. TAYLER ROSS says

      October 30, 2023 at 11:40 am

      5 stars
      The best chai I've ever had! Made one this morning and it was so much better than Starbucks!

      Reply
      • Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD says

        November 03, 2023 at 2:35 pm

        it's different than the Starbucks one, but I like it better this way too

        Reply
    5 from 5 votes

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