If you’re craving a cozy, heartwarming drink that captures the essence of fall with a spicy twist, the Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe is your new best friend. This luscious blend of creamy cashew milk, fragrant chai spices, and rich pumpkin puree creates a creamy beverage bursting with seasonal flavors that feels like a warm hug in a mug. It’s perfect for chilly mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or anytime you want to indulge in a comforting treat that’s both dairy-free and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in making the drink smooth, flavorful, and beautifully spiced. Every item brings its own magic, enhancing the texture, sweetness, and aroma to create the perfect fall-inspired latte.
- Unsweetened cashew milk: Offers a creamy, nutty base that’s dairy-free and velvety smooth.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Adds natural sweetness, vibrant color, and that iconic pumpkin flavor.
- Chai tea bag: Infuses the latte with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves for an irresistible aroma.
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that enriches the latte with subtle caramel notes.
- Cornstarch (or arrowroot/tapioca): Thickens the latte slightly, giving it the perfect luscious texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a hint of floral sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon: Elevates the warming spice profile and complements the pumpkin beautifully.
How to Make Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Cashew Milk
Start by pouring 1 cup of unsweetened cashew milk into a small pot and gently warm it over medium-high heat until it reaches just below a simmer. This gentle warming ensures the milk stays creamy and doesn’t scorch while setting the perfect temperature for steeping the chai tea bag.
Step 2: Steep the Chai Tea
Next, add the chai tea bag to the pot, using a spoon to keep it submerged so it can infuse all those fragrant spices fully into the milk. Let it steep for 5 minutes to create a rich, aromatic base for your latte.
Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture
While the chai is steeping, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth. This blend is what will give the latte its signature creamy, spiced pumpkin flavor and silky texture.
Step 4: Remove Tea Bag and Combine
After steeping, press the tea bag against the pot’s side with a spoon to squeeze out every bit of flavor, then carefully discard it. Stir the pumpkin mixture into the spiced chai milk until fully combined, making sure the latte is creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Reheat if Needed
If the temperature has dropped, gently reheat the latte on low heat, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t boil. This keeps the texture perfect without compromising the delicate spices or creamy consistency.
Step 6: Froth the Latte
For a luscious, frothy finish, whisk the latte vigorously or use a milk frother. This step adds a light, airy texture that makes each sip feel extra special and café-quality at home.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, pour your pumpkin chai latte into a favorite mug and top with frothed cashew milk or whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top is the perfect finishing touch to this dreamy autumnal drink.
How to Serve Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the cozy vibes of your Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe by adding a touch of whipped cream or creamy frothed cashew milk on top. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg not only looks appealing but also deepens the warm spice flavors that make this drink so irresistible.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs fabulously with baked goods like pumpkin muffins, spiced cookies, or a warm cinnamon scone. The sweet and spiced notes in these treats harmonize beautifully with the earthy pumpkin and chai spices, creating a delightful fall snack experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe in a clear glass mug so the rich orange color shines through. Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer or top with a sprinkle of crushed candied ginger for a surprising zing. These little details make it feel like a special treat perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Pumpkin Chai Latte, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to recombine any ingredients that may have settled.
Freezing
Freezing this latte isn’t recommended as the texture of the pumpkin and milk may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the latte slowly on the stovetop over low heat and whisk occasionally to maintain its creamy texture and prevent scorching. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to keep the flavors balanced and the texture smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different milk instead of cashew milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or even regular dairy milk will work well in this Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe. Just be aware that each milk will slightly alter the flavor and creaminess.
Is there a way to make this drink vegan and paleo?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan with plant-based milk and maple syrup. For paleo, use arrowroot or tapioca instead of cornstarch as your thickener, and ensure your maple syrup is pure and unprocessed.
How spicy is the pumpkin chai latte?
The spice level is moderate and welcoming, thanks to the chai tea and pumpkin pie spice blend. If you prefer a spicier latte, feel free to add extra cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger.
Can I prepare this recipe without a tea bag?
You can use loose-leaf chai tea steeped in a tea infuser or even brewed chai concentrate. Just ensure the spices infuse well into the milk to get that classic chai flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields one generous serving, perfect for savoring as a personal treat or doubling up to share with a friend.
Final Thoughts
With its comforting blend of pumpkin and chai spices, this Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves seasonal drinks packed with flavor and creaminess. It’s easy to make, utterly delicious, and perfect for enjoying that cozy fall feeling any time of year. So grab your favorite mug and indulge in this charming homemade latte—you deserve it!
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Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy a cozy and flavorful Pumpkin Chai Latte made with creamy unsweetened cashew milk, fragrant chai spices, smooth pumpkin puree, and natural maple syrup. This comforting drink blends autumn pumpkin pie spice with the warm, spicy notes of chai tea, perfect for chilly days and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Chai Latte Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened cashew milk
- 2 1/2 tablespoons (38 grams) canned pumpkin puree
- 1 chai tea bag
- 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (or arrowroot/tapioca for paleo)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of unsweetened cashew milk into a small pot. Warm the milk over medium-high heat until it reaches an almost simmer at about 203 °F (95 °C), taking care not to let it boil. Remove the pot from heat immediately once the temperature is reached.
- Steep the Chai Tea: Add 1 chai tea bag to the warm milk, using a spoon or similar tool to keep it submerged so it doesn’t float. Let the tea steep for 5 minutes to infuse the milk with chai spices fully.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture: While the tea steeps, combine 2 1/2 tablespoons (38 grams) canned pumpkin puree, 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
- Remove Tea Bag: After 5 minutes, press the tea bag against the pot’s side with a spoon to extract maximum flavor. Carefully remove and discard the tea bag, avoiding splashes.
- Combine Pumpkin Mixture with Milk: Whisk the pumpkin mixture into the infused milk until fully blended and creamy. If the latte has cooled, gently reheat over medium heat on the stovetop without boiling to maintain texture.
- Froth the Latte: For a frothy finish, whisk vigorously by hand or use a milk frother on the warm latte to create a light, airy texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the pumpkin chai latte into your favorite mug. Optionally, top with frothed cashew milk or whipped cream and add a light sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish.
Notes
- Do not let the cashew milk boil as it can alter the texture and flavor.
- Use arrowroot or tapioca starch as a paleo-friendly substitute for cornstarch if desired.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to taste.
- To make vegan whipped cream topping, use coconut-based or other plant-based whipped creams.
- This latte is best enjoyed immediately but can be gently reheated if needed.
