The Ultimate Healthy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte: Dairy-Free & Refined Sugar-Free PSL Recipe

Say goodbye to sugary, artificial coffee shop drinks and hello to the BEST healthy pumpkin spice latte you’ll ever make at home! This homemade PSL is crafted with wholesome, natural ingredients, real pumpkin puree, and is completely dairy-free and refined sugar-free. Forget the long lines and hidden additives – this copycat pumpkin spice latte is incredibly quick and easy to whip up, needing just a few minutes of your time. I’m confident you’ll find it even more delicious and satisfying than anything you’d get at Starbucks!

There’s something truly magical about the crisp air of autumn and the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice. For many, including myself, the arrival of September heralds the start of pumpkin spice latte season. I fondly remember my days working as a barista—a job I absolutely adored. I poured countless cups of coffee at various cafes, from cozy family-owned shops to bustling ski resorts. While I cherished the daily chats with new faces and building rapport with regulars, my greatest joy came from the creative freedom of crafting unique beverages and experimenting with diverse flavors. It was in those moments that I truly fell in love with the art of coffee making.

The anticipation for fall coffees, like Starbucks’ iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte, is palpable each year. Call me “basic,” but I’m wholeheartedly ready for everything fall has to offer, from pumpkin patches to cozy sweaters and, of course, delicious seasonal drinks. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this recipe today, offering a healthy and delightful twist on the beloved classic. Instead of relying on sugar-laden, preservative-filled syrups, we’re going to elevate this experience with a double dose of pumpkin goodness: a homemade pumpkin spice milk AND a pumpkin spiced whipped coffee. Double the pumpkin, double the joy, and double the flavor!

This may sound elaborate, but I promise the process is simple and the result is an extraordinarily delicious and deeply satisfying coffee that will become your go-to fall indulgence. This recipe isn’t just about recreating a favorite drink; it’s about enjoying a more mindful, wholesome version without sacrificing any of the comforting flavors you crave.

Crafting the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Milk

Instead of merely adding a generic pumpkin spice syrup to your milk and espresso, we’re taking things up a notch by creating our very own homemade pumpkin spice milk! This milk is so incredibly flavorful and rich, you’ll find yourself sipping it on its own or warming it up for a soothing pumpkin spice steamer. But beyond that, it forms the most creamy, luscious base for any iced or hot latte you desire.

Making this special milk is a breeze, requiring just a few simple ingredients blended together. The result is a perfectly spiced, subtly sweet, plant-based milk that’s free from dairy and refined sugars. We achieve this natural sweetness and rich texture through ingredients like real pumpkin puree and your choice of natural sweeteners. For an added nutritional boost, you can even blend in a scoop of protein powder to enhance the protein content, creaminess, and flavor, making your latte not just a treat, but a satisfying boost to your day.

By making your own pumpkin spice milk, you gain complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a pure, authentic flavor profile without any artificial additives or excessive sugar. This foundational element is what truly sets our healthy pumpkin spice latte apart, delivering an unparalleled taste experience that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Homemade PSL

This isn’t just another pumpkin spice latte recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves the classic fall drink but wants a healthier, homemade alternative. Here’s why this particular PSL will quickly become your new favorite:

• Effortless to Make: You don’t need a professional espresso machine or any complex, fancy equipment. Our secret weapon is instant espresso, which makes achieving a gourmet-style latte incredibly simple and accessible. With just a few basic kitchen tools, you can whip up this delightful drink in minutes, perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon treat.
• Customizable to Your Liking: One of the greatest advantages of making your PSL at home is the ability to tailor it precisely to your taste. Whether you prefer it extra sweet, with a bold kick of spice, or somewhere in between, you have full control. Adjust the amount of sweetener, pumpkin pie spice, and even the type of milk to create your ideal autumnal beverage. This means a perfect latte, every single time.
• Dietary Friendly & Inclusive: This recipe is thoughtfully crafted to be naturally inclusive, catering to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor. It’s inherently dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or a vegan lifestyle. Furthermore, it’s gluten-free and can easily be made refined sugar-free by choosing natural sweeteners like dates, maple syrup, or monk fruit. Enjoy an indulgent drink that aligns with your health goals and dietary preferences.

Watch Me Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Key Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Healthier PSL

This isn’t just any basic PSL. Our healthy homemade pumpkin spice latte stands out by combining TWO distinct sources of pumpkin spice flavor, ensuring the ultimate taste sensation without needing tons of artificial flavors, sugars, or preservatives. It’s genuinely quick and easy to prepare, requiring only a handful of carefully selected ingredients:

• Instant Espresso: This is a crucial ingredient, especially for our luscious whipped coffee. Be sure to use instant espresso powder, not regular ground espresso beans. Instant espresso dissolves easily and whips beautifully, creating that signature frothy texture. Brands like Medaglia d’Oro or Cafe Bustelo are excellent choices.
• Pumpkin Spice: The heart of our fall flavor! You can use a high-quality store-bought pumpkin pie spice blend (Trader Joe’s is a personal favorite for its rich aroma) or even make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired level of spice.
• Milk, of Choice: For the creamiest, most satisfying base, I highly recommend a plant-based milk. Cashew milk offers a velvety texture, while almond milk provides a lighter option. For an exceptionally rich and decadent latte, consider using full-fat canned coconut milk, which will add a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Sweetener: We offer flexibility here to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
  • For the pumpkin spice milk: Natural liquid sweeteners like dates (pitted and soaked, then blended), maple syrup, or honey work wonderfully. For a sugar-free alternative, I often use liquid monk fruit drops, which provide sweetness without added calories or sugar.
  • For the whipped coffee: A granulated sweetener is essential for proper whipping. Options include coconut sugar, white sugar, powdered monk fruit sweetener, or granulated monk fruit. These provide the necessary structure for the whipped topping.
• Protein Powder/Collagen (Optional): I often incorporate both into my recipe, but feel free to omit them if you prefer.
  • Protein powder: Blended into the pumpkin spice milk, a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder (like Macro Mike Cinnamon Churro protein powder, which I find INCREDIBLE!) adds a significant protein boost, enhances creaminess, and contributes to both flavor and sweetness. You can use my code “amb-dani“ for a discount.
  • Collagen: Added to the whipped coffee, collagen is entirely optional. It provides a protein boost and can contribute to a slightly firmer whipped texture, but the whipped coffee turns out just as great without it. Please note: do not substitute collagen with other protein powders in the whipped coffee, as they may not whip correctly.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract rounds out the flavors beautifully, adding warmth and depth to both the pumpkin spice milk and the overall latte experience.
• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show! Make sure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. Real pumpkin provides natural sweetness, a lovely color, and that authentic fall taste.
• Pinch of Sea Salt: A tiny pinch of sea salt in the pumpkin spice milk enhances all the other flavors, bringing out the sweetness and spice notes for a perfectly balanced taste.

Easy Steps to Create Your Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte

Making this incredible healthy pumpkin spice latte is a straightforward process, broken down into three simple stages. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a barista-quality drink right in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the Luscious Pumpkin Spice Milk

This foundational component is what truly elevates our latte. Simply gather all the ingredients for the pumpkin spice milk (your chosen plant-based milk, pumpkin puree, sweetener, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt, plus optional protein powder) and add them to a high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps of pumpkin or dates if using. Give it a taste and adjust the sweetness or spice levels to your preference. If you want a richer, more intense pumpkin flavor, add a little more puree. For extra spice, a dash more pumpkin pie spice will do the trick. This milk can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Step 2: Whip Your Coffee to Frothy Perfection

This step creates the dreamy, cloud-like topping that makes this latte truly special. If you have an espresso machine, you can certainly use fresh espresso shots as your coffee base, but the whipped instant espresso provides a unique texture and flavor that’s hard to beat! For the whipped coffee, combine instant espresso, your chosen granulated sweetener, boiling water, pumpkin pie spice, and optional collagen in the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, or use a hand mixer. Whip at high speed for 4-6 minutes. You’re looking for a mixture that transforms into a thick, frothy, and light-colored cream, similar to stiff peaks. The consistency should be fluffy and hold its shape. This whipped coffee component is what gives our PSL that extra layer of indulgence and sets it apart from typical lattes.

Step 3: Assemble Your Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte

Now for the best part – bringing it all together! Whether you prefer your latte hot or iced, the assembly is quick and easy:

For an Iced Latte: Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour your homemade pumpkin spice milk over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters of the way up. Then, generously dollop the whipped pumpkin spiced coffee on top. Give it a gentle stir to combine the creamy milk with the frothy coffee, or enjoy it in layers for a beautiful presentation. You can garnish with an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or a cinnamon stick for an added touch.

For a Hot Latte: Gently warm your pumpkin spice milk in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until it’s steamy but not boiling. Pour the warm pumpkin spice milk into your favorite mug, filling it about three-quarters full. Spoon the whipped pumpkin spiced coffee on top. Stir to integrate the whipped coffee into the warm milk, or simply let it melt into a delightful foam. Enjoy immediately, perhaps with a dash of extra spice or a swirl of dairy-free whipped cream.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Pumpkin Spice Latte

Here are some common questions to help you perfect your homemade pumpkin spice latte experience:

Can I use decaf coffee? Absolutely! If you’re looking to enjoy this delicious latte without the caffeine, simply be sure to use instant decaf coffee for the whipped coffee component. The whipping process requires instant granules.

Aren’t lattes traditionally made with espresso? Can I use espresso shots instead of whipped coffee? Yes, you are correct! Most traditional lattes are made with espresso. However, not everyone owns an espresso machine, and I wanted to provide an option for those who still desire a fancy, cafe-quality coffee without the expense of specialized equipment. If you do have an espresso machine, you can certainly substitute the whipped coffee with 2-3 shots of freshly brewed espresso. Just be aware that you won’t achieve the same frothy, cloud-like texture and unique aesthetic that the whipped coffee provides.

Can I make this pumpkin spice latte hot, rather than iced? Definitely! This recipe is wonderfully versatile for both hot and cold preparations. To make a hot latte, simply warm up your homemade pumpkin spice milk (or your milk of choice) in a saucepan or microwave until it’s hot but not boiling. Pour it into your mug, then top with the pumpkin spiced whipped coffee, stir, and savor!

How long can I store the pumpkin spice milk? Your homemade pumpkin spice milk can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Give it a good shake or stir before each use, as some settling of the pumpkin puree is natural.

Can I prepare the whipped coffee ahead of time? While the whipped coffee is best when made fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It might lose a little bit of its fluffiness, but it will still be delicious! Just give it a quick whisk before adding to your latte.

Is this recipe truly vegan? Yes! By using plant-based milk and opting for sweeteners like maple syrup, coconut sugar, or dates (instead of honey), this recipe is completely vegan-friendly. The collagen is also optional, ensuring a fully plant-based drink.

Want More Healthy & Delicious Drinks to Try?

If you loved this healthy pumpkin spice latte, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic drink recipes:

• Mocha Dalgona Coffee
• Whipped Honey Coffee
• Homemade Ginger Wellness Shots
• Peanut Butter Espresso Protein Shake
• Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Protein Shake
• Cinnamon Roll Protein Shake
• Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer (Vegan!)
• Matcha Affogato

If you give this healthy pumpkin spice latte recipe a try and fall in love with it, it would mean the world to me if you left a star rating & review below! Don’t forget to tag me in your beautiful creations on Instagram @danishealthyeats!