Fresh Autumn Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

I'd like to call this a health drink, because minus the sugar, it pretty much is! ;) In contrast with the coffee-shop versions, this PSL actually contains pumpkin, which is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, beta caratene and fibre!

Granted, it is still a sweet treat, so I must concede that making a health drink claim might be a stretch, but I certainly feel a lot better about drinking it!

Another perk: this drink can actually be truly dairy-free. As much as I love Starbucks's pumpkin spice lattes, the second ingredient in their syrup is condensed milk. :(

The other ingredients aren't fabulous, as you can see:

Source: Starbucks Store Website

This hasn't deterred me from having a few, as I REALLY, REALLY, LIKE THEM. But it did inspire me to attempt to create a healthier, homemade version (which I am now sharing with you!). Not only that, but pumpkins are so available and affordable this time of year!

The biggest challenge in created a homemade pumpkin spice latte is that you need a really good blender. Whisking or hand beating just ain't gonna cut it. Unless you like to drink gritty spices and chunky squash.

I would try this with most blenders; I don't see why they wouldn't work. I am aware that a high speed blender such as our Vitamix does make a difference the smoothness that can be reached, but I think that any affordable blender should still have a good result.

I used unsweetend almond milk in this recipe, so depending on the type of milk you use, you may need to increase or decrease the amount of sugar. I prefer to add my own sugar if I can, so I like using as natural brand as I can.

I had just cooked a pumpkin a couple days before, because the little guy decided to go and start turning on me! I salvaged enough of him for quite a few drinks, so having to sacrifice our centerpiece wasn't as disappointing. (I think our local grocer decided to try and pull one over on us by selling last seasons harvest. There is no way a pumpkin should go bad within a week of bringing it home!)

Use fresh(not canned) pumpkin if at all possible. I promise you, it's worth it!

The spices really make this drink, therefore the reason we call it a pumpkin SPICE latte! Also between that and the sugar, they are the only thing that has the ability to turn a pumpkin from a gourd into a pie.

Be careful with the cloves and the nutmeg though, they can be quite sharp and overpowering!

I am not pouring vodka into this, but rather some incredible homemade vanilla I made! If you haven't made your own vanilla before, I highly recommend it. It's so simple, and so worth it! I used this recipe.

Again, I'm using instant coffee in this to simplify things, but you don't have to jump on the bandwagon with me. Simply sub strongly brewed coffee for a quarter of the liquid.

I discovered this brilliant coconut-based whipped cream this thanksgiving, which allowed those of us who are lactose intolerant in the family to enjoy whipped cream like everyone else! I personally think it perfects this drink, but if you can't find it, there are plenty of alternative whipping cream recipes on the internet. I hope to try my hand at it myself in the future, but for now you could check out this recipe here.

And yes, I tend to eat the things I like in excess.

After having thoroughly blended all the ingredients into the blender, pour into a sauce pan and heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Watch that it doesn't boil over!

Once hot, pour into your favorite mug, top with whipped cream(if using) and a sprinkle of cinnamon!

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons, but it's also the shortest, so go make that pumpkin spice latte, curl up with a cozy blanket and enjoy watching the crisp leaves swirl outside the window!

Fresh Autumn Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or the milk of your preference)

1 heaping tablespoon cooked pumpkin

2 tbsp packed brown sugar

1 heaping tsp instant coffee OR 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee and reduced milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp allspice

1/4 tsp cloves

Dash of nutmeg

1/4 tsp sea salt

1. Add all ingredients into blender. Increase speed to high and blend for one minute.

2. Pour into a saucepan or small pot and heat on medium temperature, stirring frequently. Avoid allowing it to boil.

Pour into your favorite mug, top with dairy-free whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon. Enjoy this popular seasonal classic authentically, affordably and guilt-free!

#latte #homemade #pal #pumpkin #thanksgiving #starbucks #vegan #natural #healthy #dairyfree