1-First Step: Gather and Measure Ingredients Start by pulling together all your ingredients to make the process smooth, which takes about 2-5 minutes. Measure out 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1 tablespoon of sugar or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 2 cups of milk, and 1/2 cup of strong hot coffee or 2 shots of espresso. For dietary needs, swap in vegan milk if you’re avoiding dairy, and consider decaf coffee for a caffeine-free option. This preparation sets the stage for a great pumpkin spice latte.

2-Second Step: Heat the Base Mixture In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of milk, 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, and 1 tablespoon of sugar or maple syrup, then heat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it’s hot and aromatic but not boiling. Keep an eye on the temperature to avoid any separation aim for a gentle simmer. If you’re making a low-calorie version, use a sugar substitute here to keep things light while building that rich pumpkin flavor.

3-Third Step: Add Flavors and Coffee Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 cup of strong hot coffee or 2 shots of espresso, which takes about 1 minute. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or spices as needed for your preference. For vegan adaptations, ensure your milk is plant-based, and if you’re going low-calorie, opt for a natural sweetener to complement the pumpkin spice latte’s cozy vibe.

4-Fourth Step: Froth the Mixture Once combined, froth the milk mixture using a milk frother, steam wand, or by whisking vigorously for 1-2 minutes until you get your desired foam. Heat it gently to around 150-160°F (65-71°C) or until steaming, about 3-5 minutes total. For vegan or low-calorie milks, note that they might froth differently, so whisk a bit longer for extra creaminess in your pumpkin spice latte.

5-Fifth Step: Brew Your Coffee Brew your 1/2 cup of strong coffee or pull 2 shots of espresso, which takes 20-30 seconds for espresso or 4-5 minutes for a strong brew. Use freshly ground beans for the best flavor, and if you’re caffeine-sensitive, go with decaf to keep things adaptable. This step ensures a solid base for your pumpkin spice latte, balancing the spices perfectly.

6-Sixth Step: Combine and Adjust Pour the espresso into a mug, then add the pumpkin-milk mixture and stir to incorporate, taking about 1 minute. Taste and tweak the sweetness or spice levels as desired. Adapt for dietary needs by using low-calorie sweeteners or gluten-free spices, making sure your pumpkin spice latte fits your routine seamlessly.

7-Seventh Step: Top and Serve Top your drink with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, adding a final touch in under a minute. For low-calorie or vegan options, use coconut whip instead. The total active time is around 10 minutes, with prep at 5 minutes and cooking at 5 minutes, yielding two drinks ready to enjoy at about 140-150°F (60-65°C).