Creamy and fragrant Pumpkin Spice Sauce with a cozy, spiced kick. This Starbucks copycat sauce tastes rich, warm, and velvety, perfect for all things pumpkin spice latte and seasonal drinks!
Table of contents
Nothing says fall quite like pumpkin spice! With Starbucks officially opening up the fall season, I'm ready to take on all things pumpkin spice! Why stop at pumpkin pie when there's so much more to these amazing natural flavors.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes are probably the most famous of all pumpkin drinks, and the secret to its unique flavor is Starbucks pumpkin sauce. Made with real pumpkin puree and cozy pumpkin pie spice, this syrup is really versatile and can be used for all types of lattes, cold foam, dessert toppings and more. This recipe is perfect for this time of year, boasting rich, cozy and spiced hints of roasted pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
Making your own homemade Pumpkin Spice Sauce is really easy and quick, as well as much cheaper than buying it. So why spend $6 on a Starbucks latte when you can make your own for a fraction of that?!
If you love all things pumpkin spice as much as I do, you need to try out my delicious Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte, Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Cold Foam or this insanely fragrant Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Seasonal Flavors: If pumpkin spice season is your all-time favorite time of the year, you're in for a treat! This homemade pumpkin syrup has rich and natural pumpkin flavor, with roasted hints of pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
- Entirely natural: This Starbucks copycat recipe perfectly captures the flavor of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes, without compromising on quality. This recipe is entirely natural, using simple ingredients to make it taste like real pumpkin pie filling.
- Much cheaper than Starbucks: Make your own homemade pumpkin spice latte at home using this pumpkin syrup for a fraction of the cost! A regular Starbucks pumpkin latte costs at least $6, but this sauce costs only a few cents per drink.
- Simple Yet Versatile: Not only is this homemade pumpkin spice syrup recipe super easy to whip up, but it's very versatile. From homemade pumpkin spice latte recipes, to cold foam, chai lattes and pancake or ice cream topping, the possibilities are endless!
Ingredient round-up
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – used to sweeten and add creaminess to the sauce.
- Pumpkin Purée – you can use either store-bought or homemade pumpkin puree for the most authentic pumpkin flavor. Make sure you use pumpkin puree, and not pumpkin pie filling.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – used to add flavor and rich, roasted hints of fall spices. You can also make your own blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and ginger.
Substitutions & Variations
This Pumpkin Spice Sauce is easily customisable to your personal taste. Here are some ingredients you can substitute:
- Evaporated milk - can be used instead of sweetened condensed milk if you want a less sweet sauce.
- Sugar - add extra sweetness if needed with cane sugar, brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- Maple Syrup – adds a more rich and roasted flavor profile.
- Vanilla Extract – A splash can add a hint of comforting aroma and subtle sweetness.
- Plant Milk – for dairy-free alternative, use coconut milk or oat milk instead of condensed milk. Don't forget to add your favorite sweetener.
How to make Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Syrup at home
In a medium bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice, then mix well until smooth.
Add directly into your favorite drink or transfer the mixture to an airtight container or jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Making it without pumpkin puree
If you don't have pumpkin purée on hand, don't worry! There are other options to making this recipe. Here are some of my favorite ways:
- Freeze-Dried Pumpkin Powder: Replace the pumpkin puree with 2 tablespoons of pumpkin powder. If the mixture becomes too thick, thin it out with a little water.
- Real Pumpkin: Using real pumpkin gives an even better flavor, but it's more time consuming. You will need to roast the pumpkin in the oven until soft, then blend into a homemade puree.
How to use it
- Pumpkin Spice Lattes: Make your own Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Latte with this easy to make sauce.
- Cold Brew: Add 1-2 teaspoons of this pumpkin spice sauce into your favorite cold brew coffee for extra fall flavor.
- Regular Coffee Upgrade: A spoonful of this syrup will make your regular coffee into a decadent treat!
- Pumpkin chai lattes: Add 1-2 teaspoons into your favourite chai latte for the ultimate fall drink.
- Pumpkin spice matcha: Take any matcha latte to the next level with a drizzle of pumpkin spice syrup.
- Ice Cream Topping: Turn any ice cream into a seasonal treat by drizzling some pumpkin spice syrup over the top.
- French Toast & Pumpkin Pancakes: Up your breakfast game by adding some syrup to your French toast batter or drizzling it over pumpkin pancakes.
Success Tips & Tricks
- Pumpkin Puree, Not Pie Filling: Make sure you use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which already contains sugars and spices. This way you can control the sweetness and spices for a more decadent syrup.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: After cooking, use a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps. This makes the sauce extra creamy and smooth.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always start with room temperature ingredients, as they combine much easier.
- Don't Over-Spice: A little spice goes a long way. Too much can overpower the delicate pumpkin flavors.
Frequently asked questions
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this decadent syrup will last up to two weeks. It's the perfect way to extend the joys of pumpkin spice season!
Once combined, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
For that heavenly balance between creamy and spicy, aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of syrup per 8-ounce latte. Adjust to your taste preference!
Absolutely! Swap out the sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free option like coconut milk or oat milk, and you're all set!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you will love these too:
Looking for more recipes you can make with this sauce? Check out this creamy Pumpkin Spice Whipped Coffee!
If you’ve tried this recipe out, please don’t forget to rate and comment on this post. I love hearing from you, so feel free to reach out to me on social media as well and tag me in your posts!
Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Sauce for Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (400 grams)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree*
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons water*
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine condensed milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, water and a pinch of salt.
- Combine well using a small whisk, then transfer to a clean jar or bottle.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Nutritional value is estimative and is calculated per serving, without any optional ingredients. This recipe makes around 10 servings.
- Pumpkin puree: ensure you use plain pumpkin puree, and not pumpkin pie filling.
- Water: added to adjust consistency of sauce. It can be left out for a thicker sauce.
Nutrition
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Hailey says
Just what I was looking for thanks for the recipe!
Tressa says
I found this recipe through your pumpkin spice latte, and both of them are absolutely delicious.