Are you a latte lover? This Real Pumpkin Latte Made Our Way uses REAL pumpkin (not artificial syrup), and homemade pumpkin spice.
Calling all latte lovers. Do you know how easy these are to make at home? Don’t get me wrong, I am a Starbucks fan. Since I love lattes so much, I had to figure out how not to BREAK THE BANK. This way I can SAVE MONEY and enjoy delicious lattes anytime I want! The perfect pairing with a pumpkin donut!
WHAT DID YOU SAY?
Can you remember a time when Starbucks wasn’t in Canada? YES, it did exist. I know this REALLY dates me, but there was a time I had no idea what all these fancy coffee drinks were.
We were having dinner one night (long ago) in Toronto with a fellow from the USA. At the end of dinner, he ordered coffee (at least that is what I thought he was ordering). When the waitress appeared, he said something like “I will have a 1/2 caff, triple shot, no foam, extra hot, please”. I sat there for a moment, wondering what the heck he was talking about. My order was something like “coffee with cream, please”. I still remember turning to my husband and saying “Does she even understand that order?”.
OMG, how complicated can ordering coffee be? All of a sudden the simple cup of coffee just got a lot more interesting, and confusing at the same time. I was right, the waitress didn’t know what he was ordering. The manager finally figured out what he was talking about, and gave him his drink for free.
My quest to figure out this new world of “scientific sounding” drinks began. It has been a fun and delicious ride ever since.
HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR LATTE?
If you are a latte lover, how do enjoy yours made? I always order NO whip, and hubby seems to like triple shot. How about flavours?
Pumpkin season is my favourite time of year. This Real Pumpkin Latte is so easy to make, and the flavour is so much better than the artificial stuff they use in the coffee shops. Once you give this a try, you will be making it all the time.
Over the years of latte testing, we have come up with a few winners for sure. Christmas is another season of deliciousness, and Rum & Eggnog Latte is a family favourite around here.
Nothing better on a cold winter night, curled up in front of the fire watching a movie.
If you love the outdoor winter activities, coming in from the cold to a nice Chocolate Milk Latte is the perfect way to warm you up.
NO FANCY EQUIPMENT NECESSARY
I don’t have a fancy espresso machine, do you? I would LOVE one, but unfortunately, in order for that to happen, it has to come with a LARGER kitchen! So at this point, a new house is not in the budget. But don’t let that stop you from making lattes. It’s easier than you think.
All you need is strong coffee, hot milk and a hand held frother (check my link below). I have been doing it this way for years. It works great. To heat the milk you can use a pot on the stove, or even microwave it if you prefer. The frother does an EXCELLENT job in creating lots of thick foam for topping your drinks.
When it comes to pumpkin, artificial flavours will not cut it for me. This recipe uses canned pumpkin and homemade pumpkin spice. I use the recipe mix from Food Network, my favourite magazine of all!!
Make some strong coffee, or if you have espresso use that. I have even used instant espresso and it works great. I know, you may think instant coffee sucks, but the espresso does a great job here. Feel free to use any type of milk you wish, I used 1/2 fat (1%). Non-dairy options work too.
Mix some canned pumpkin with the spice mix. I used some agave to sweeten, but go ahead and use honey or sugar if you like. Mix the pumpkin into the hot coffee (no it won’t be lumpy), add the hot milk, top with foam, sprinkle on some cinnamon sugar for topping, and there you have it. See, told you it was easy. Now if I could only figure out latte art.
You are probably wondering what you do with ALL the canned pumpkin that is left? Freeze it! Put enough in little freezer bags for a few lattes. Pull it out whenever you want to make a drink. Thaw under hot water, or pop it into the microwave for a few seconds (after you put it in a glass bowl, not the plastic bag).
Go ahead, have fun in the kitchen and make some awesome lattes at home. You can make them your way. Experiment with the coffee to milk ratio that works best for you. This Real Pumpkin Latte Made Our Way means 1/2 fat, no whip and SAVES MONEY!
What is your favourite latte? Be sure to follow me on social media so you don’t miss out on more great recipes!
Real Pumpkin Latte Made Our Way (1/2 fat, no whip, SAVE MONEY)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp canned pumpkin
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 1/2 tbsp agave nectar
- 2 cups strong coffee
- 1 cup milk ( I used 1%) (your choice, dairy or non-dairy, non fat to full fat)
- cinnamon sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Place pumpkin in a small glass bowl.
- Add the pumpkin spice mix and agave. Mix well.
- Warm slightly in microwave to remove the chill (this way it won't cool your coffee down too much).
- Make your strong coffee. This is where you can experiment with your coffee to milk ratio. We prefer 2:1 (2 parts coffee 1 part milk)
- Heat the milk (either on the stove in a pot, or in the microwave).
- Using a hand frother, froth the milk.
- Put the coffee in a mug and add the pumpkin mixture. Stir well.
- Add the heated milk and stir.
- Top with the foam.
- Add the cinnamon sugar topping.
- ENJOY!!
Nutrition Information
Notes
Katherine D'Costa
This looks so delicious and I can bet the flavor of real pumpkin puts the big brands to shame.
Homemade & Yummy
YES…so much better when you use the real thing.
Amanda Mason
This sounds so good and I have to admit…I’ve never thought about making my own latte because I thought you DID have to have a fancy machine!! My husband loves lattes so I’m going to have to make this for him!! Looks so delish!
Homemade & Yummy
NO fancy machine required!! Enjoy!!
Monica | Nourish & Fete
This looks delightful, and it just so happens I have a small amount of leftover pumpkin puree sitting in the fridge right now! I know what my afternoon pick-me-up is going to be!
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you enjoy it…they are sooo good.
Tatiana
Funny story! I used to be a barista in my university years and also was getting confused with that long specific orders… Great idea of using real pumpkin in your lattes, that’s they way to go!
Homemade & Yummy
See…you get it right??