Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe That’s Better Than Starbucks

Last Updated on November 6, 2025 by Souhail

I’ll be honest with you—this pumpkin chai latte recipe is the reason I look forward to sweater weather. There’s just something magical about sipping on a warm mug of spicy chai kissed with creamy pumpkin and cozy fall spices. It’s like a hug in a cup, and once you’ve made it at home, you’ll never want the drive-thru version again.

I first started making this drink during a crisp October weekend in upstate New York. The leaves were blazing orange, the air smelled like woodsmoke, and I was craving something warm and spiced—but with a little more oomph than my usual chai. A leftover can of pumpkin purée sitting in the pantry sparked an idea, and just like that, this pumpkin chai latte was born.

It’s perfect for slow mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or serving at a fall brunch. The flavor is a dreamy blend of black tea, warming spices, creamy milk, and real pumpkin. Add a swirl of maple syrup or honey, and you’ve got a café-quality latte without the price tag.

Why This Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe is a Total Fall Vibe

Let’s face it—there are a million fall drinks out there, but not all of them hit that perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and pumpkiny without being cloyingly sweet. This one does, and here’s why it works so beautifully:

• Real Pumpkin Flavor: We’re using actual pumpkin purée (not just pumpkin spice) which adds body, richness, and earthy sweetness.
• Bold Chai Base: Black tea brewed strong, infused with cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. You can use bags or loose leaf, and I’ll show you how to make it sing.
• Warm, Sweet Spice: Instead of relying on pumpkin pie spice alone, we layer spices for a more dimensional flavor—think nutmeg, cinnamon, a touch of allspice.
• Naturally Sweetened Options: Maple syrup or honey gives a deep, mellow sweetness that doesn’t overpower the spices.
• Creamy, Frothy Milk: Whether you go dairy or plant-based, frothed milk makes the latte feel luxurious and café-level.
• Ready in 10 Minutes: No espresso machine, no steep learning curve—just cozy comfort in a mug, fast.

How To Make It

Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Difficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

160

kcal

This pumpkin chai latte is made with real pumpkin, warm spices, creamy milk, and brewed chai tea for the ultimate cozy fall drink.

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Ingredients

• 0.5 cup water

• 2 tsp loose-leaf chai or black chai tea bags

• 1.5 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

• 3 tbsp pumpkin purée

• 3 tbsp maple syrup or honey (to taste)

• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon

• 0.25 tsp ground ginger

• 0.125 tsp ground nutmeg

• Pinch ground cloves or allspice (optional)

• Whipped cream and cinnamon for topping (optional)

Directions

• Bring ½ cup water to a gentle boil and steep 2 chai tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf chai) for 5 minutes.
• In a small saucepan, whisk together milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, vanilla, and spices.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until hot but not boiling.
• Strain the steeped tea if needed and stir into the pumpkin milk mixture.
• Taste and adjust sweetness or spice levels to your liking.
• Froth the mixture using a milk frother, immersion blender, or whisk until foamy.
• Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Notes

• For an iced version, cool the latte and serve over ice.
• You can use a chai concentrate if you’re in a hurry—just skip the tea bags and adjust sweetness.
• Make it vegan with oat milk or almond milk and maple syrup.
• A pinch of black pepper adds a bold, spicy twist if you like extra warmth.
• Make a batch and store in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat and froth when ready!

Nutrition Facts

• Total number of serves: 2
• Calories: 160kcal
• Fat: 3.5g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 2g

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Easy Swaps for Every Diet

• Vegan: Use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk and sweeten with maple syrup or agave.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Caffeine-Free: Use a rooibos chai or decaf chai blend to make it nighttime-friendly.
• No Added Sugar: Leave out the sweetener altogether or use a few drops of stevia or monk fruit.

This latte is super flexible and can be dressed up or down to suit your preferences, which makes it perfect for everyday sipping.

My Favorite Tips for a Cozy, Café-Style Latte at Home

This isn’t just throwing tea and milk in a pot—here are my favorite little tricks that make your pumpkin chai latte taste legit.

• Steep the Chai Strong: Don’t rush it. Let your tea bags or loose-leaf chai steep for a full 5 minutes (or more) for a bold base.
• Whisk the Pumpkin Smooth: Stir the pumpkin purée into the milk over low heat until it’s fully blended before adding the tea. This prevents any grainy texture.
• Use a Milk Frother or Whisk Vigorously: Frothy milk = barista vibes. No frother? Just whisk like crazy or shake hot milk in a sealed jar (carefully!) and pour.
• Warm Your Mug: Pour a little hot water into your mug while the latte is heating. It keeps your drink warm longer.
• Spice to Taste: Everyone has a different spice tolerance. Start with my base blend, then tweak it to your liking—more cinnamon, less clove, etc.

Variations to Keep It Fresh All Fall (and Winter) Long

Once you master the basic pumpkin chai latte recipe, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few creative ways to switch it up:

Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte

Cool down your chai and pumpkin-milk mixture, then pour over ice. Use a splash of cream or cold foam on top for that coffee-shop finish.

Dirty Pumpkin Chai Latte

Need more of a caffeine boost? Add a shot (or two) of espresso to your latte. It adds depth and that addictive bitterness coffee lovers crave.

Pumpkin Chai with Coconut Milk

Coconut milk adds a lovely tropical sweetness and creamy body that pairs surprisingly well with chai spices and pumpkin.

Pumpkin White Chai

Stir in a square of white chocolate or white chocolate syrup for a dessert-like twist that tastes like a fall hug in a cup.

Sugar-Free Pumpkin Chai

Use unsweetened milk, skip the syrup, and let the natural sweetness of pumpkin and spices shine. Add vanilla extract for depth.

How to Serve Your Pumpkin Chai Latte Like a Pro

Honestly, this latte is gorgeous on its own, but a few little extras can take it from “yum” to “Instagram-worthy”:

• Top with Whipped Cream: Classic or coconut-based, a little swirl makes it extra indulgent.
• Sprinkle with Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Just a light dusting on top gives it that coffee-shop look and aroma.
• Drizzle with Maple or Caramel: A little drizzle goes a long way—just a touch enhances the sweetness and gives it a gorgeous finish.
• Serve with a Biscotti or Pumpkin Muffin: You know I love a good dunking snack. Try it with pumpkin scones or cinnamon cookies.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This pumpkin chai latte is best fresh, but here’s how to store and enjoy it later:

• Fridge: Store any extra latte (before frothing) in a sealed mason jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Froth again before serving for best texture.
• Make a Concentrate: Brew a stronger chai and mix with pumpkin and spices—store the base in the fridge and just add milk and heat when ready.

Fun Ways to Use Pumpkin Chai in Other Recipes

You’ve got the flavor, now let’s get creative:

• Pumpkin Chai Overnight Oats: Use the latte as your liquid for oats with a dash of chia seeds and maple syrup.
• Pumpkin Chai French Toast: Soak slices of bread in a mixture of eggs and leftover latte—then cook like classic French toast.
• Pumpkin Chai Smoothie: Blend cooled latte with banana, ice, and a spoonful of yogurt for a fall-inspired smoothie.
• Pumpkin Chai Popsicles: Pour into molds, freeze, and enjoy creamy, spiced frozen treats!

Frequently Asked Questions

Tried this pumpkin chai latte? I’d love to hear how you customized it! Drop a comment below with your favorite twist or tag me on Instagram. I always love seeing your mugs full of cozy vibes!