As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, my thoughts inevitably drift to cozy autumn beverages. There’s something inherently uplifting about the first sip of a drink that captures the essence of the season. That’s precisely what you’ll find in my homemade Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte — a delightful Starbucks copycat that’s not only vegan but brimming with flavor.
One afternoon, after a bustling day, I craved the warm spices and creamy textures that accompany fall. With a few simple ingredients—pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and spiced chai—I embarked on a culinary adventure, transforming my kitchen into a comforting cafe. What I discovered was a luscious drink that perfectly balances the rich notes of pumpkin with the invigorating spice of chai, allowing me to savor the season in every sip.
Best of all? This recipe brings café quality to your home, making it an easy yet impressive treat that won’t break the bank. Get ready to experience your new favorite fall beverage!
Why will you love this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte?
Deliciously Satisfying: This creamy, spiced delight offers a cozy embrace in every sip, perfect for those crisp fall days.
Vegan-Friendly: Enjoy all the richness without any dairy, making it a guilt-free treat everyone can enjoy.
Quick & Easy Recipe: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a café-style drink in minutes.
Customizable Flavor: Use your favorite non-dairy milk or adjust the sweetness to fit your taste buds, ensuring it’s just right for you.
Save Money: Skip the line at Starbucks and create this budget-friendly, homemade version to indulge at home.
Endless Pairing Options: It complements autumn snacks beautifully, from pumpkin muffins to spiced cookies, for a sweet seasonal experience!
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Sweet Cream
• Full-fat Coconut Milk – Provides a rich, creamy texture; substitute with any non-dairy heavy cream for a similar consistency.
• Maple Syrup or Vanilla Syrup – Adds sweetness; adjust quantity to taste and consider agave syrup as an alternative for a different flavor profile.
• Pumpkin Puree – Key flavor component; ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling— this is crucial for your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – Enhances that delightful autumn flavor; feel free to use store-bought or whip up your own blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
• Vanilla Extract (optional) – Adds depth of flavor; it’s optional but definitely worth considering for a little extra richness.
For the Latte
• Oat Milk – Used to thin out the pumpkin cream; can be swapped for almond milk or any non-dairy milk you prefer.
• Chai Tea Concentrate – The spice base of the latte; double-check labels for vegan compliance since some contain honey.
• Ice – Necessary for serving; use as desired to chill your delicious drink.
How to Make Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte
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Prepare the Pumpkin Sweet Cream: In a medium jar, whisk together full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix until well combined and slightly frothy.
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Froth the Mixture: Use a handheld frother or a blender to froth the pumpkin sweet cream until it achieves a smooth, velvety consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of oat milk to thin it out to your liking.
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Assemble the Latte: Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour chai tea concentrate over the ice, then gently add oat milk to fill the glass. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the flavors harmoniously.
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Top and Serve: Spoon the prepared pumpkin sweet cream over the chai mixture, allowing it to float beautifully atop. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice on top as a garnish.
Optional: Drizzle with vegan caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Lattes are a fantastic candidate for meal prep! You can prepare the pumpkin sweet cream mixture up to 3 days in advance; simply combine the full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a jar and refrigerate it (this will help maintain the fresh flavors). When you’re ready to serve, just froth the sweet cream, assemble your latte, and top it off with the pumpkin cream. For the chai, you can brew it ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge for an up to 24 hours. This way, you can enjoy your cozy beverage anytime with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte
Fridge: Store any leftover pumpkin sweet cream in an airtight container for up to one week. This keeps it fresh and ready for your next cozy drink.
Freezer: You can freeze the pumpkin sweet cream for up to three months. Use an ice cube tray for easy portioning; simply thaw as needed.
Reheating: If the pumpkin cream separates after chilling, simply give it a quick stir or froth before serving to regain that velvety texture.
Chai Concentrate: For the best flavor, enjoy the chai concentrate fresh; it’s best consumed within a few days of preparation.
What to Serve with Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte?
Cozy up to a full fall feast that complements your creamy chai delight. These pairing ideas will elevate your autumn experience!
- Pumpkin Muffins: These soft, spiced delights echo the flavors of the latte, making for a sweet, satisfying snack.
- Spiced Cookies: The warmth of ginger and cinnamon in these treats perfectly balances the chai’s flavor profile, adding a cozy touch.
- Apple Crisp: The tartness of apples in a crunchy topping contrasts beautifully with the creamy latte, creating a delightful sweet-and-sour experience.
- Butternut Squash Soup: This velvety soup with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon adds warmth to your meal, harmonizing with the chai’s spice notes.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle vegan caramel sauce over your latte or snacks for an indulgent touch that marries sweet and spiced flavors beautifully.
- Chai-Spiced Granola: Crunchy, spiced granola sprinkled on top of your pumpkin latte adds texture and breakfast vibes to your cozy drink.
- Crispy Roasted Chickpeas: For a savory snack, these crunchy bites bring the perfect contrast to the sweet and creamy latte.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A handful of almonds, pecans, and pumpkin seeds provides satisfying crunch and earthy flavors, enhancing your latte experience.
- Vanilla Oat Milk: Offering more creamy goodness, this drink is smooth and pairs perfectly, complementing the pumpkin chai beautifully.
- Dark Chocolate: A piece of dark chocolate alongside your beverage creates a luxurious treat, enriching the overall cozy experience.
Tips for the Best Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte
Creamy Base: Use chilled full-fat coconut milk for a richer texture; warmer milk can make the latte less creamy.
Pumpkin Precautions: Always check that your pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin, not pie filling, to maintain flavor integrity in your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte.
Sweetness Adjustment: Taste and adjust the sweetness based on your chai tea concentrate, as it can vary greatly.
Frothing Technique: Don’t skip the frothing step; a frother or blender creates that desirable velvety texture in the pumpkin cream.
Ice Level: Fill your glass with enough ice to keep your latte chilled but avoid overcrowding, which can dilute the flavors.
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful drink and make it your own. The warm flavors and creamy textures can be easily customized!
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Dairy-Free: Swap full-fat coconut milk for any non-dairy heavy cream, like cashew or soy, for a smooth alternative.
This allows everyone to enjoy this cozy latte without the dairy while maintaining a rich texture. -
Sweetener Options: Use maple syrup, agave syrup, or even stevia to cater to your desired sweetness level.
Each sweetener brings a unique flavor, allowing you to perfectly align the drink with your taste preferences. -
Flavor Boost: Incorporate a dash of chai spice to elevate the spices and make it even more aromatic and flavorful.
Just a pinch can turn the drink into an extraordinary autumn experience with every sip. -
Nutty Undertones: Try almond, hazelnut, or macadamia milk instead of oat milk for an exciting twist.
Each nut milk brings its own flavor profile, and this change can add a delightful complexity to the drink. -
Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add a spoonful of pumpkin spice to the latte mixture for an extra kick of fall flavors.
This can heighten the pumpkin experience, giving you that ultimate autumnal coziness. -
Iced or Hot: Enjoy it as a hot beverage instead; simply heat the chai concentrate and top it with warm pumpkin sweet cream.
This variation can turn a chilled drink into a comforting warm hug on colder days. -
Higher Spice Level: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or ginger for a spicy kick that warms you up from the inside out.
If you’re looking for a little heat in your cozy sips, this will wake up your taste buds beautifully! -
Whipped Topping: Finish off with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an indulgent, creamy garnish on top.
It adds a luxurious touch while enhancing the rich, spiced flavors of the latte.
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte Recipe FAQs
What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree for your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that could alter the flavor profile you’re aiming for. Canned pumpkin works wonderfully, or you can steam and puree fresh pumpkin if you prefer a homemade version.
How should I store leftover pumpkin sweet cream?
Store any leftover pumpkin sweet cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This way, you can easily enjoy your delicious creation whenever a craving strikes!
Can I freeze the pumpkin sweet cream?
Absolutely! You can freeze the pumpkin sweet cream for up to three months. Simply pour it into an ice cube tray for easy portioning. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw the desired number of cubes in the refrigerator overnight and give it a quick stir or froth for that creamy texture.
What if my pumpkin sweet cream is too thick?
If your pumpkin sweet cream ends up too thick, no worries! Just add a splash of oat milk while frothing to achieve your desired consistency. If you’ve already assembled the latte, gently stir in a little oat milk until it reaches a smooth texture.
Is this recipe suitable for those with allergies?
This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte is vegan-friendly, making it a great option for those avoiding dairy. However, if you have nut allergies, be cautious with the oat milk and ensure you use a certified gluten-free brand. Always double-check labels for any hidden allergens, especially in packaged ingredients like chai concentrates.
How long will the chai concentrate stay fresh?
For the best flavor, enjoy your chai concentrate within three days of preparation if refrigerated. Chai can lose its robust flavor over time, so I recommend brewing a fresh batch to fully enjoy your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte experience!
Creamy Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium jar, whisk together full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Use a handheld frother or a blender to froth the pumpkin sweet cream until smooth and velvety. If too thick, add a splash of oat milk.
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour chai tea concentrate over the ice, then gently add oat milk. Stir gently to combine.
- Spoon the prepared pumpkin sweet cream over the chai mixture and sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice on top. Optionally drizzle with vegan caramel sauce.