Why You’ll Love this Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix
This homemade pumpkin spice latte mix is about to become your fall morning hero. It combines the perfect balance of creaminess from powdered milk with warm pumpkin spices and that essential coffee kick we all need to get going.
I love how it saves me from those $6 coffee shop visits while still delivering that cozy autumn flavor I crave. The best part? You control the sweetness and can customize with vanilla powder or a pinch of salt for depth.
Ready in seconds, works hot or iced, and makes a thoughtful gift in a cute jar. Who needs baristas when you’ve got this in your pantry?
What Ingredients are in Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix?
Making your own pumpkin spice latte mix at home requires just a handful of pantry staples that work together to create that signature fall flavor we all crave when the leaves start changing.
The beauty of this mix is how simple yet transformative these ingredients are when combined. No fancy equipment needed, no specialty store runs required—just wholesome ingredients that deliver coffee shop vibes without the hefty price tag.
- ½ cup powdered milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp pumpkin spice
- 2 Tbsp instant espresso (or strong instant coffee)
- Optional: Pinch of salt to balance sweetness
- Optional: ¼ tsp vanilla powder for extra bakery vibes
The quality of your ingredients does make a difference here, especially with the pumpkin spice. You can use store-bought or mix your own with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for more control over the flavor profile.
And don’t underestimate those optional add-ins—a tiny pinch of salt works wonders for enhancing the sweetness without adding more sugar, while vanilla powder brings a subtle depth that makes people wonder why your homemade version tastes better than the coffee shop’s.
Could you use regular sugar instead of powdered? Sure, but it mightn’t dissolve as smoothly in your final drink.
How to Make this Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix
Making your own pumpkin spice latte mix couldn’t be simpler, and the process takes just minutes from start to finish. Begin by gathering all your ingredients: ½ cup powdered milk, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice, and 2 tablespoons instant espresso (or strong instant coffee).
Don’t forget those optional add-ins if you’re feeling fancy—a pinch of salt and ¼ teaspoon vanilla powder can really elevate the final product. The key to success here is thorough mixing, so grab a whisk and combine everything in a medium bowl until perfectly blended with no clumps or streaks remaining.
Want an extra-fine texture that dissolves like a dream? Pop everything in a food processor and pulse a few times until the mixture looks uniform and silky smooth.
Once your mix is perfectly combined, transfer it to an airtight container—those cute little Mason jars work wonderfully here and make adorable gifts too. Be certain to label your container with serving instructions so you (or your lucky gift recipient) won’t have to hunt down the recipe later.
For each cup of pumpkin spice latte, you’ll need about 3 tablespoons of your homemade mix stirred into 1 cup of hot water. Craving something richer? Use hot milk instead of water, or go half-and-half for the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor.
The mix keeps beautifully in your pantry for up to three months, meaning you can have a cozy PSL moment any day of the week.
Feeling the summer heat but still want your pumpkin spice fix? This mix works brilliantly for iced PSLs too. Simply dissolve about 3 tablespoons of your mix in a small amount (2-3 tablespoons) of hot water, then add cold milk and pour the mixture over ice.
The hot water ensures everything dissolves properly before chilling it down. And if you’re really looking to recreate that coffee shop experience at home, top your creation with a dollop of cinnamon maple whipped cream. Talk about having your cake (or rather, latte) and eating it too!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix Substitutions and Variations
While the basic pumpkin spice latte mix recipe creates a delicious seasonal treat, you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
I often swap the powdered milk for coconut milk powder when serving dairy-free friends, and it’s surprisingly creamy.
Not sweet enough? Add another tablespoon of sugar.
Too sweet? Cut it back. Monk fruit or stevia work well for sugar-free versions, though I’d start with half the amount.
For a chocolate twist, stir in two tablespoons of cocoa powder.
And don’t sleep on that optional vanilla powder—it transforms the drink from good to “where has this been all my life?”
What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix
Now that your homemade pumpkin spice latte mix is ready, let’s talk about perfect pairings. This cozy fall drink practically begs for something sweet alongside it. I’m partial to butter cookies or shortbread, whose subtle sweetness won’t compete with your PSL.
Pumpkin bread or muffins? A match made in autumn heaven, trust me.
For a more substantial pairing, try cinnamon toast or a slice of apple crisp, still warm from the oven. The contrast between your creamy, spiced drink and these crisp treats creates that perfect coffee shop experience, minus the $7 price tag.
Final Thoughts
This homemade pumpkin spice latte mix has honestly changed my fall morning routine forever.
Instead of standing in long coffee shop lines or spending a small fortune on daily PSLs, I’m now enjoying my cozy cup in pajamas while watching the leaves change outside my window.
What I love most? The customization.
Too sweet? Reduce the sugar. Want more kick? Add extra espresso powder. I’ve even gifted jars to friends, who text me their creative variations—oat milk, cardamom addition, even stirred into oatmeal.
Trust me, you’ll never go back to store-bought after this.
